Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh: Private Transfer with Expressway

Summary

Private expressway transfer Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh with pickup

You’ll travel from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh in a private car or minivan with AC, picked up right at your hotel or port by a local driver who knows these roads well. There’s time for toilet stops along the way and help if you need it—even if English isn’t perfect. It’s not flashy, but it’s comfortable, easygoing, and gives you space to just watch Cambodia roll by.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect the drive from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh to feel like its own little journey. We’d just come off the boat, still smelling faintly of salt and sunscreen, when our driver waved us over by the port. He smiled a lot—didn’t speak much English, but honestly, sometimes that’s less awkward than you’d think. The car was spotless and cool inside (thank god for AC; it was one of those sticky mornings), and he handed us bottled water without saying much. I remember the faint scent of eucalyptus from something hanging on his rearview mirror. Little things stick with you.

The first half hour rolled by in silence except for Khmer pop radio humming quietly up front. Outside, the road got busier as we hit the expressway—trucks loaded high with crates, scooters weaving around us like fish. Our driver kept checking in with a quick glance through the mirror; at one point he called someone from his office so we could ask about a toilet stop (he understood enough but wanted to be sure). It felt oddly reassuring knowing there was always someone on the other end if we needed help. The whole “private transfer Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh” thing sounded fancy online but really just meant no stress about schedules or sharing space with strangers.

We stopped once at a roadside place—not fancy, but clean—and I tried some local iced coffee that tasted like sweet condensed milk and earth. The air outside was thick and warm; I watched a couple of kids playing marbles in the dust while our driver stretched his legs and checked his phone. The rest of the ride blurred into green fields and low hills, broken up by little towns flashing past. Sometimes I still think about how quiet it felt inside that van compared to all that movement outside—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh

• Driver picks you up in Sihanoukville
• Travel via expressway to Phnom Penh
• Arrive in Phnom Penh

Top questions

How long does it take from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by private car?

The drive usually takes around three hours via expressway, but can be longer during national holidays.

Is pickup included for hotels or boat pier in Sihanoukville?

Yes, pickup is included from any hotel in Sihanoukville City or directly at the boat pier/port upon arrival.

What type of vehicles are used for this private transfer?

You can choose between SUV cars, minivans, or buses depending on your group size—all have air conditioning.

Is the driver able to speak English?

The driver understands some English; if more is needed he’ll call an office staff member who speaks fluent English.

Are toilet stops included during the trip?

Yes, there is time for toilet stops along the way as needed.

Is this transfer wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this private transfer is wheelchair accessible.

Are toll fees on the expressway included in the price?

All toll fees on the speed highway are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Sihanoukville at your chosen time, all toll fees for the expressway route to Phnom Penh, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle suited to your group size—with toilet stops along the way—and a professional local driver who’ll make sure you get there safely and comfortably.