You can get to Kampot via Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.
Phnom Penh to Kampot
From Phnom Penh, there are buses that go to Kampot twice daily, at 7 a.m. and at noon. There are three bus companies serving the route—Phnom Penh Sorya, Capitol, and Hua Lin. All are near the markets and may include free pick-up from the hotel with their one-way rate of US$6. When you make your reservations, make it clear that you would like to be picked up and at what time. Travel from Phnom Penh to Kampot takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Depending on where you’re staying, your hotel may also offer to bring you to Kampot directly at a slightly higher rate than the bus. Make sure to ask if they do. A couple of dollars’ difference is not a big deal compared to the convenience of the arrangement.
Sihanoukville to Kampot
If you are already in Sihanoukville, you can get to Kampot via a taxi, a minibus that can be arranged by your hotel, a Phnom Penh Sorya bus, or a rented motorcycle. The taxi is usually shared with other passengers, and the pick-up point is near the market. Rates range from $3-5 each.
For more convenience, though, it may be better to rent the whole taxi just for yourself for around $25. There have been some stories of “overstuffing,” where comfort is sacrificed for profits. It’s also possible to drive to Kampot from Sihanoukville on a rented 100cc Honda motorcycle, but if the road conditions are bad, travel time may take 3.5 hours or more.
The trip from Sihanoukville to Kampot, which passes by great scenery, usually just takes 2 hours.
