Transportation of Sihanoukville
 Get in
 By plane
The small airport a few miles out of town was recently upgraded to international status, but as yet there are no regular passenger flights (domestic or international). This may change as soon as 2007, when the runway extension is completed.
By bus
From Phnom Penh: National route 4 from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville is one of Cambodia's best roads. There are regular bus services with Sorya and GST from Phnom Penh (Central Market) which takes about 4 hours at a cost of 15000 Riel, or $4 through a guesthouse. The first bus leaves at 7:15 AM, the last one at 2:30 PM, and the Snooky terminals for both companies are a few metres apart on Ekareach St. It's worth reserving the day before or at least a few hours in advance to be sure of a seat. Mekong Express also runs two buses a day for $6, as does Capitol Guesthouse.
From Koh Kong / Hat Lek (border crossing with Thailand): for the most part this road is unsealed and the condition depends on the weather and frequency/scale of maintenance. "Local" and "Tourist" minibuses service this route; they are always jam-packed, and the trip can be uncomfortable. "Local" service price depends on how much space you want (a whole seat, half a seat, or a space on the roof); foreigners can expect to pay around US$6-8. The journey involves four ferry crossings; the scenery is mixed, but does offer some moderately spectacular views at the Koh Kong end.
By taxi
A chartered taxi from Phnom Penh's Central Market can do the trip in less than three hours and will cost anywhere from $25-40, depending on the gas price of the day and how beat up the vehicle is. You can reduce the price by sharing seats, but be warned that Khmers will squeeze in as many six people into the car, so most people will need to buy two seats for comfort.
By boat
From Koh Kong / Hat Lek (border crossing with Thailand): weather permitting, a daily fast ferry departs from Koh Kong for Sihanoukville at 08:00 and from Sihanoukville for Koh Kong at noon. The journey usually takes about 4-4.5 hours and stops once to pick up/drop off supplies at an outlying island; tickets for foreigners cost US$12 (or 500 baht). Minibuses and moto-taxis shuttle passengers from the ferry to the border crossing; a moto-taxi should cost 50 baht. On the Thai side, minibuses run to Trat (110 baht), direct to Laem Ngop (for ferries to Ko Chang), and direct to Bangkok. If taking the minibus to Trat, note that you will arrive at 18:00-19:00 by which time the only long haul bus services are to Bangkok. In some circumstances it's worth spending a night in Koh Kong or Trat.
By train
There are no longer any passenger services on the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville railway line. It may be possible to hitch a ride with the freight train security guards - enquire locally for further information.
Get around
Distances between the beaches are a little too long to walk comfortably, but getting around is easy, as the roads are wide and bike taxis (motodop) are everywhere. The standard price is US$1 per trip, although expect to haggle at night or if the distance is long. They'll gladly pile on two people and their luggage too. For larger groups, car taxis can be called up by phone (flat US$5 to most places around town) and there are a few tuk-tuks lurking about too.
Motorcycle Taxi (motodup, moto)
drivers expect foreigners to pay 1000-2000R in town, and 2000R - 4000R from town to the beaches. Locals pay less but getting the local price is nearly impossible. Prices go up for multiple passengers and at night. Sihanouk Ville motodups are some of the most assertive touts in Cambodia. Settle on a price and destination before taking the ride and insist on being taken directly to your requested destination.
Moto-romauk (‘tuk-tuk,’ moto-trailer)
Long popular in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, ‘tuk-tuks’ have just begun to operate in Sihanouk Ville. At time of printing there were less than 10 in town but more are said to be on the way. ‘Tuk-tuks’ - more properly referred to by the Khmer ‘moto-romauk’ - are two and four passenger motorcycle trailers. Unlike motodups, the covered and semi-enclosed trailer offers some protection from sun and rain, though tuk-tuks are a bit slower climbing Sihanouk Ville’s hills than motodups. Currently, the price for tuk-tuks seem to be in flux, but are still fairly pricely, charging near the same prices as a car taxi.
Motorcycle Rental
It seems that most all of the tourist-oriented businesses in town are renting motorcycles these days, including most guesthouses and hotels, the bus companies, travel/tour companies and even restaurants. 100cc bikes cost between $3-$5/day. Fewer places rent 250cc bikes but they are still readily available at about $7-$8/day. 100cc is more than sufficient for travel in town and to the beaches. Most places require your passport as security. Always lock your motorcycle or leave it in guarded parking. Motorcycle theft is common.
Car Rental
Car rental can be arranged through your hotel or travel agent. Taxis at the downtown bus and taxi station are also available for private hire. Cars cost around $20/day with or without driver. They can also be hired for short jaunts in town ($4-$6) and specific trips such as sunset mountain ($10) the waterfalls ($15) or Ream ($17).
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