A Scenic Bus Journey From Phnom Penh To Sihanoukville

If you're looking to travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by bus, there are a number of operators serving this route with prices ranging from $4 to $15. The journey takes between 3 to 7 hours, depending on the operator and traffic conditions.

The bus route between the two cities has seen significant improvements, with both economy and VIP options available. Reputable companies like Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Cambodia Post VIP and Bayon VIP provide comfortable and swift journeys.

Economy buses, which seat about 50 people, are priced between $4-$6. VIP buses, on the other hand, offer a more exclusive experience with around 15 passengers and cost between $8-$15, often completing the journey quicker. It's recommended to book your bus ticket online in advance to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip.

The journey takes between 4 and 7 hours

The journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by bus takes between 4 and 7 hours. The duration of the trip depends on the time of day and the type of bus. The later in the day you leave, the longer the trip will be due to traffic. Around dusk, it can take an hour or two just to get out of Phnom Penh.

The fastest option is a shared taxi, which takes between 3 and 3.5 hours. However, these are often cramped, with 7 passengers squeezed into a 5-seater Camry.

The bus journey takes between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the type of bus and the traffic. The fastest bus service is offered by Rith Mony Transport, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The average journey time is 5 hours.

There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Virak Buntham Express, Larryta, Sovan Rithy Express, Chan Moly Night Bus Transportation, VET Air Bus Express, Rith Mony Transport, Giant Ibis Transport, Olongpich Transport, Sima Express, and Vibol Express.

The cheapest bus tickets start at $4 for an economy bus and go up to $15 for a VIP bus. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which allows passengers to reserve their seats.

The Giant Ibis Transport company is recommended for its safety record and insurance coverage for passengers. Their buses have air-conditioning, electrical sockets, and Wi-Fi. They also serve snacks and water during the trip, and make a stop halfway for refreshments and a toilet break. However, their buses are not very spacious, especially for Western travellers. It is recommended to choose your seat in advance and avoid the front row if possible.

The bus route from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is about 240 km, and the road is in good condition.

The bus costs between $4 and $15

In addition to the economy and VIP options, there are various bus companies to choose from, each offering its own unique features and amenities. For example, the Giant Ibis Transport company prioritises safety and contributes to the preservation of the ibis, Cambodia's national bird. They also offer electrical outlets, on-board Wi-Fi, and insurance coverage for every passenger. Their buses depart three times a day—at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 12:30 pm—and tickets can be purchased online in advance, allowing passengers to select their preferred seat.

Another option is the Cambodia Post VIP Van, operated by the Cambodia postal service. Tickets for this service cost $8 and can be purchased online. While these vans provide a pleasant journey with courteous and safe drivers, it's important to note that the front middle seat (A1) is reportedly cramped.

Alternatively, the Mekong Express "VIP Vans" offer a two-tiered pricing policy, with tickets costing $10 for Khmer passengers and $12 for foreigners. They have a good safety record and are known for driving at reasonable speeds. Tickets for the Mekong Express can also be booked online, allowing passengers to reserve their preferred seat.

There are 3 buses a day

There are three buses a day from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh with Giant Ibis. The buses depart at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, and 1.30 pm, and tickets cost $12. It is recommended that you arrive at the bus station half an hour before departure.

In Phnom Penh, the Giant Ibis buses leave from the company's office on 106 Street, close to the night market and riverfront. If you are travelling to the airport, you can ask the driver to drop you off there.

The Giant Ibis buses are smaller Universe County buses, which are not too spacious, so it is worth choosing your seat in advance. The front row and jump seats should be avoided if possible. The buses offer excellent value, with air conditioning, electrical sockets, and complimentary snacks or water. They also have WiFi, which is a rare feature on Cambodian buses. There are no onboard toilets, but there is a 10-minute stop halfway through the journey for refreshments, souvenirs, and toilet use.

Giant Ibis has the best safety record of all the bus operators in Cambodia, and all passengers are covered by insurance. This makes the company a good choice, despite its tickets being more expensive than some other operators.

The bus has WiFi, electrical sockets, and air-conditioning

The bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is a comfortable and swift journey, with modern improvements making it a convenient option for travellers. One of the standout features of this bus service is the availability of WiFi, electrical sockets, and air-conditioning on board, ensuring that passengers remain connected, charged, and cool throughout the trip.

The Giant Ibis Transport buses, known for their excellent safety record, offer these amenities to enhance your journey. Their buses are equipped with WiFi, allowing you to stay connected and access the internet during the ride. Additionally, electrical sockets are provided, enabling you to charge your electronic devices conveniently. This is especially useful for long journeys or if you need to stay productive while on the move. The buses also feature air-conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature, ensuring that you arrive at your destination refreshed.

The presence of WiFi and electrical sockets on the Giant Ibis Transport buses is a welcome surprise for many passengers, elevating the overall travel experience. It is worth noting that the WiFi connection may vary in speed, and there might be occasional disruptions. Nevertheless, the availability of these modern conveniences makes the journey more enjoyable and productive for those who wish to stay connected and charged during their trip from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.

In addition to these amenities, the Giant Ibis Transport buses also offer small snacks or bottled water to their passengers. They make a stop halfway through the journey to allow passengers to stretch their legs and use the restroom facilities. The journey by bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville typically takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the time of departure.

The bus makes a stop halfway for refreshments and to use the toilet

The bus makes a stop halfway through the journey from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, allowing passengers to stretch their legs, use the toilet, and purchase refreshments and souvenirs. This brief respite offers a chance to relax and recharge before completing the second half of the trip. The stop is typically made at a restaurant along the route, providing a convenient opportunity for passengers to take care of their essential needs and enjoy a quick break in their journey.

The Giant Ibis Transport company, known for its excellent safety record, includes this stop as part of their service. Their buses depart three times a day from both cities, with tickets priced at USD12 for the four to four-and-a-half-hour journey. While their buses may be a little cramped, they make up for it with excellent service, including air-conditioning, small snacks or bottled water, and functional Wi-Fi.

Other companies also provide bus services between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, with prices ranging from USD8 to USD18 and journey times as short as three hours. These companies include Virak Buntham Express, Sovan Rithy Express, and Cambodia Post VIP Van, each offering its own unique features and amenities.

So, whether you're looking for a quick trip or a more leisurely journey, there are plenty of options to choose from when travelling by bus between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. The halfway stop is a standard feature, ensuring that passengers can travel in comfort and take a brief break from the road.

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