How to get from Penang to Cameron Highlands
Malaysia · Mountains & Hiking Regions · Nature & Outdoors · Cameron Highlands · George Town · Penang · Tanah Rata
Heading from Penang up into the cool tea country of Cameron Highlands? This guide walks you through all the realistic ways to get there—buses, private transfers, self-drive routes, and more—so you can choose the option that best fits your time, comfort level, and budget.
At A Glance (Penang to Cameron Highlands)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Bus (Penang → Tanah Rata) | ~3.5–5h, depending on traffic and mountain roads | Most travelers, budget-friendly & simple |
| 🏷️ Cost: About RM 40–60 one-way with operators like Unititi Express (Penang→Cameron Highlands). Compare departure times and companies on » check buses or regional bus platforms. | ||
| 🚐 Shared / Private Transfer | ~3.5–4.5h door-to-door | Door-to-door comfort, small groups, lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: From around RM 300–800 per vehicle depending on size and season. See dedicated transfer services like the Penang–Cameron shared bus on Klook shared transfers or private car options on Klook private transfers and GetTransfer. | ||
| 🚗 Self-Drive / Rental Car | ~3–4h drive via Simpang Pulai or Tapah (without long stops) | Road-trip lovers, flexible itineraries |
| 🏷️ Cost: Roughly RM 150–250 per day for a standard rental car plus fuel and tolls. Compare car hire in Penang or Ipoh on » Booking.com Car Rental. | ||
| 🚆 Train + Bus via Ipoh | ~4.5–6.5h total (Penang → Butterworth → Ipoh → Tanah Rata) | Train fans, breaking the journey, flexible schedules |
| 🏷️ Cost: ETS train Butterworth→Ipoh from about RM 30–50 + Ipoh→Cameron bus around RM 35–50. Check KTM ETS timetables on Malaysia’s official rail channels and compare Ipoh–Cameron buses on sites like 12Go Asia. | ||
| 🌄 Guided Day Tour / Transfer Tour | ~10–12h (often including sightseeing stops) | Those wanting transport + sightseeing in one package |
| 🏷️ Cost: From roughly RM 300–800 per person or per car depending on group size and inclusions. Look at curated Penang–Cameron day trips on GetYourGuide or Cameron Highlands activity listings on Trip.com. | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most convenient: Most travelers choose the direct bus from Penang to Tanah Rata or a shared/private transfer. Both are straightforward and avoid backtracking via Kuala Lumpur.
- Cheapest / most economical: The direct intercity bus is usually the lowest cost, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. You pay per seat, and you don’t have to worry about tolls or parking.
- Most scenic & flexible: If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car and driving up via Simpang Pulai or Tapah gives you control over photo stops, food breaks, and detours to places like Ipoh or lake viewpoints along the way.
- Train lovers & mixed-mode fans: Combine a KTM ETS train and a bus using the train + bus via Ipoh option. It’s not the simplest, but it’s enjoyable if you like trains and want a stopover in Ipoh.
- Door-to-door & sightseeing in one: For those who prefer a curated experience, a guided day tour or transfer tour from Penang includes transport plus key Cameron Highlands sights like tea plantations and strawberry farms.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book buses in advance on weekends and holidays: Long weekends and school holidays in Malaysia can fill buses. Compare Penang→Cameron departures and operators on 12Go Asia or through local booking sites, and choose a departure that fits your schedule (morning departures are popular).
- Shared bus & transfer portals: If you prefer a point‑to‑point option with clearer pick‑up points in George Town, look at the dedicated Unititi Express transfer listing on Klook, which clearly shows Penang pick-up points and Tanah Rata drop-off.
- Use ride‑hailing apps locally: Within Penang and Cameron Highlands, Grab is the go‑to ride‑hailing app to reach bus terminals or hotels. For longer private car journeys, compare with long‑distance options on GetTransfer or taxi listings on 12Go Asia taxis.
- Secure luggage storage in Penang: If you’re checking out of your hotel hours before your bus or transfer, consider leaving bags at partner shops around George Town with Radical Storage in Penang so you can wander around light.
- Accommodation on the hill: Most visitors stay around Tanah Rata or Brinchang. You can filter by guest ratings, parking, and family rooms on Booking.com Cameron Highlands stays. Tanah Rata is handiest for bus arrivals (Terminal Freesia).
- Weather & clothing: Cameron Highlands is cool and often misty, especially at night. Pack a light jacket or hoodie and be prepared for rain showers even if Penang is hot and humid when you leave.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Point-to-point Comfortable coaches
- Overview: Direct buses connect Penang (George Town / Sungai Nibong / Penang Sentral in Butterworth) with Tanah Rata (Terminal Freesia) in Cameron Highlands. Journey time is typically 3.5–5 hours depending on departure point and traffic on the winding mountain roads.
- How to book (with price): Expect fares from roughly RM 40–60 per person, with operators such as Unititi Express and CS Travel. You can browse operators and departure times for Penang → Cameron Highlands on 12Go’s bus page, or via regional platforms like Easybook/BusOnlineTicket.
- Pros: Cheapest overall; no need to change vehicles; air‑conditioned coaches with reclining seats; luggage stored underneath. Cons: Fixed schedule; limited legroom for taller travelers; winding roads can feel bumpy—bring motion‑sickness tablets if you’re sensitive.
Step-by-step: Direct Bus Penang → Cameron Highlands
- Choose your Penang departure point: Common pick‑up points include George Town (often around Komtar), Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, and Penang Sentral (Butterworth). Check your ticket carefully—some tickets list multiple pick‑up points with times.
- Compare departure times & operators: Use 12Go Asia or Klook’s Unititi listing to see morning and midday departures, seat layout (2+1 vs 2+2), and passenger reviews. Morning departures arrive in Cameron Highlands by early afternoon, giving you time to settle in and explore.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure: Bus terminals can be busy, and you may need to exchange a booking voucher for a physical boarding pass at the counter—this is clearly mentioned in listings like Unititi Express on Klook.
- Board and stow luggage: Large bags go under the bus; keep valuables and essentials (jacket, snacks, water) in a small daypack with you on board.
- Enjoy the ride & rest stops: The driver will usually stop at rest areas or petrol stations along the way for toilets and snacks. Use these breaks to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
- Arrive at Tanah Rata (Terminal Freesia): You’ll be dropped at the main Cameron Highlands bus terminal in Tanah Rata, a short walk or quick Grab ride from many guesthouses and hotels.
Getting to the main embarking points (Penang & Tanah Rata Terminals)
- Komtar / George Town: Many travelers stay in George Town; you can walk or take a short Grab ride to the Komtar area if your bus picks up there. Allow extra time for traffic around peak hours.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal: Located on Penang Island’s southeast, reachable by Rapid Penang buses or Grab. If you stay in Batu Ferringhi or Tanjung Bungah, a ride-hailing car is usually easiest with luggage.
- Penang Sentral (Butterworth): Connected to George Town via the ferry or bridge and linked to KTM’s Butterworth railway station. This is handy if you’re coming from the mainland or planning a train connection before or after Cameron Highlands.
- Tanah Rata terminal to your stay: From Terminal Freesia, most accommodation in Tanah Rata is walkable; for Brinchang or out‑of‑town resorts, arrange a hotel pickup or use a local taxi/Grab.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #2 — Shared / Private Transfer (Door-to-Door)
Hassle-free Great with luggage Ideal for groups
- Overview: Shared and private transfers connect popular Penang pick-up points (George Town hotels, Komtar, Batu Ferringhi) directly with Tanah Rata hotels or the bus terminal. You’re picked up at (or near) your accommodation, ride in an air‑conditioned van or car, and get dropped close to your hotel in Cameron Highlands.
- How to book (with price): Shared bus‑style transfers like Unititi Express Penang↔Cameron can be booked on Klook. For door‑to‑door private cars, check dedicated Penang–Cameron transfers on Klook private transfer or long‑distance options listed on GetTransfer and 12Go taxis. Expect from roughly RM 300–800 per vehicle depending on size and date.
- Pros: Door‑to‑door; more legroom than a bus; flexible departure times for private bookings; great if you have bulky luggage or are traveling with kids or elderly relatives. Cons: Higher cost than regular buses, especially for solo travelers; must be booked in advance.
Step-by-step: Shared / Private Transfer Penang → Cameron Highlands
- Decide between shared or private: If you’re happy with fixed pick‑up points and times, a shared service like Unititi on Klook is cost‑effective. For hotel‑to‑hotel convenience or unusual timings, go with a private car/van on Klook or GetTransfer.
- Choose pick‑up time & place: When booking, you’ll pick a time and confirm the exact meeting point in George Town or other Penang areas. Some services offer hotel pick‑up; others ask you to meet at Komtar or a bus terminal.
- Confirm passenger and luggage details: For private transfers, specify number of passengers, luggage size, and any child seats. This ensures the provider allocates a suitably sized vehicle.
- Ride to Cameron Highlands: The driver will take the main highway and then the hill road via Simpang Pulai or Tapah. Roads are winding—keep motion‑sickness medication handy if needed.
- Drop‑off in Tanah Rata / Brinchang: You’re usually dropped at your hotel or at a central point in Tanah Rata. Confirm your drop‑off preference in the booking form or via the app.
Getting to the main embarking points (Penang Pick‑up Zones)
- George Town hotels: Many transfers offer pick‑up from George Town accommodations. If your hotel is in a lane unsuitable for vans, the provider might set a nearby landmark as the meeting point.
- Komtar & central Penang: If you’re asked to meet at Komtar, it’s easily reached on foot from much of central George Town or via Grab from elsewhere on the island.
- Batu Ferringhi: Some private transfers include pick‑up from Batu Ferringhi resorts; otherwise, ride‑hailing to a central pick‑up point is simple.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #3 — Self-Drive / Rental Car (Scenic & Flexible)
Maximum flexibility Great for side trips Requires confident driving
- Overview: Driving from Penang to Cameron Highlands takes around 3–4 hours depending on your route and stops. You’ll cross from Penang Island to the mainland, follow the North–South Expressway, then climb via the Simpang Pulai or Tapah roads into the highlands.
- How to book (with price): Daily car rentals in Penang generally start around RM 150–250 per day for a small automatic, rising for larger vehicles or peak dates. Compare options and pick‑up spots around George Town or Penang Airport on Booking.com Car Rental; if you’re flying into Penang first, you can also line up flights on Booking.com Flights.
- Pros: Stop when you want; easier to carry gear; combine with visits to Ipoh, Kellie’s Castle, or lake viewpoints en route. Cons: Mountain roads can be narrow and winding; parking is tighter in Tanah Rata/Brinchang on weekends; tolls and fuel add to the cost.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive Penang → Cameron Highlands
- Pick your route: Most drivers use the Simpang Pulai route (generally wider and more modern) rather than the older Tapah road (steeper and narrower but more direct). Check road conditions and weather before you go, especially in heavy rain.
- Collect the car: Pick up your rental at Penang Airport, in George Town, or at another agreed location. Inspect the car, take photos, and clarify how tolls (Touch ‘n Go cards or built-in tags) are charged.
- Cross to the mainland: Use the Penang Bridge (or ferry if operating) to reach Butterworth/Mainland Penang, then join the North–South Expressway toward Ipoh/Kuala Lumpur.
- Exit for Simpang Pulai or Tapah: Follow signposts for Simpang Pulai (recommended for first‑timers) or Tapah if you prefer the slightly shorter but curvier route.
- Climb into Cameron Highlands: Take it slow on the hill roads, especially in rain or fog. There are viewpoints, fruit stalls, and small villages where you can stop for breaks.
- Arrive and park: Many hotels and apartments in Tanah Rata or Brinchang offer on‑site or nearby parking—check when booking accommodation on Booking.com.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Pick‑up & Drop‑off)
- Penang car pick‑up: Choose a pick‑up near your accommodation (George Town) or at Penang Airport to avoid tricky inner‑city driving. Use Grab to get to the rental office if needed.
- Cameron Highlands parking: In Tanah Rata, many guesthouses have small parking lots. In Brinchang and Kea Farm, street parking can be tight on weekends; arrive earlier in the day when possible.
- Return route: When leaving Cameron Highlands, consider descending via the same route you used to ascend, as you’ll already be familiar with the curves and rest stops.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #4 — Train + Bus via Ipoh (For Train Fans)
Comfortable train leg Ipoh stopover More steps
- Overview: There’s no railway up to Cameron Highlands itself, but you can combine a KTM ETS train with a bus. First travel from Penang (Butterworth) to Ipoh by train, then connect to a bus from Ipoh Amanjaya/Town to Tanah Rata.
- How to book (with price): ETS fares Butterworth→Ipoh typically fall around RM 30–50 depending on timing and class. From Ipoh to Cameron Highlands, expect a bus fare in the RM 35–50 range. Check train times and fares on KTM’s official website and then compare Ipoh→Cameron buses on 12Go Asia or local bus-booking platforms.
- Pros: Comfortable, fast train leg; chance to enjoy Ipoh’s food and heritage if you plan a stopover; breaks the journey into smaller chunks. Cons: More logistics; can be slower and slightly pricier than a direct bus; you’ll handle your bags across transfers.
Step-by-step: Train + Bus via Ipoh
- Penang → Butterworth: From George Town, take the ferry (when available) or bus/Grab across the bridge to Penang Sentral in Butterworth, which adjoins the KTM station.
- Butterworth → Ipoh by ETS: Board your ETS train to Ipoh as per your booking. Seats are reserved, air‑conditioned, and comfortable, with onboard snacks on many services.
- Ipoh train station → bus departure point: Depending on your bus operator, you may depart from Ipoh Amanjaya bus terminal or a stop closer to the city. Grab is the easiest way to move between station and terminal.
- Bus Ipoh → Tanah Rata: Ride the hill road from Ipoh up to Cameron Highlands, usually via Simpang Pulai. Expect ~2.5–3.5 hours with at least one short stop.
- Arrive at Tanah Rata: Disembark at Terminal Freesia and continue to your accommodation on foot, by hotel shuttle, or by Grab/taxi.
Getting to the main embarking points (Butterworth & Ipoh)
- Penang Sentral / Butterworth station: Penang Sentral integrates bus, ferry, and rail. It’s straightforward to follow signs between the ferry terminal, bus area, and KTM platforms.
- Ipoh station: The colonial‑era station is central; from here, use Grab or a local taxi to reach Amanjaya or any other designated bus departure point.
- Tanah Rata bus terminal: This is the main arrival point for intercity buses; nearby streets host many budget hotels, cafés, and tour agencies offering Cameron Highlands excursions.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🌄 Option #5 — Guided Day Tour / Transfer Tour (Sightseeing + Transport)
Guided experience Great for first-timers Less independent
- Overview: Some tours run from Penang to Cameron Highlands as full‑day private trips, including stops at tea plantations, farms, and viewpoints. In some cases, you can arrange to be dropped off in Cameron Highlands at the end instead of returning to Penang—essentially combining a tour with a transfer.
- How to book (with price): Explore options like the Cameron Highlands refreshing private day tour from Penang on GetYourGuide, or browse Cameron Highlands‑focused day tours and car charters on Klook’s Cameron Highlands transport section. Prices depend on group size and itinerary but often start in the mid‑hundreds of RM for private tours.
- Pros: Driver‑guide handles navigation; sightseeing stops built‑in; efficient if you have very limited time and want both the journey and highlights in a single day. Cons: Less time to linger where you want; higher cost per person than simple bus tickets; schedules fixed by the tour provider.
Step-by-step: Guided Tour / Transfer from Penang
- Pick your tour style: Decide whether you want a private tour (more flexible, higher price) or a small group tour (cheaper, more structured). Check itineraries carefully to see if drop‑off in Cameron Highlands is possible instead of a round‑trip back to Penang.
- Review what’s included: Many tours include hotel pick‑up in Penang, transport, and guiding; some also include lunch and entrance fees. Read the inclusions and reviews on GetYourGuide or Trip.com before booking.
- Confirm luggage policy: If you plan to stay overnight in Cameron Highlands, ensure the operator allows luggage on board and knows your intended drop‑off point.
- Enjoy the guided ride: Take advantage of commentary about Cameron Highlands’ history, tea culture, and nature while you travel. Tours often visit tea estates, strawberry farms, and viewpoints.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Pick‑ups in Penang)
- Hotel lobby pick‑ups: Most tours pick up from central George Town or selected beach hotels (Batu Ferringhi). Be ready in the lobby 10–15 minutes before the stated time.
- Alternative meeting points: If your accommodation is outside the normal pick‑up zone, the operator may designate a central meeting point that’s easy to reach by Grab or on foot.
- Return vs one‑way: Clarify if your booking is a pure day tour returning to Penang or if you can arrange a one‑way drop‑off in Cameron Highlands (sometimes possible on private tours).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Penang to Cameron Highlands)
How long is the journey from Penang to Cameron Highlands?
Most direct buses and shared transfers take about 3.5–5 hours depending on traffic and weather. Self‑driving usually falls within a similar range if you factor in short rest stops. Train + bus combos via Ipoh can stretch to 4.5–6.5 hours once transfers are included.
Is it better to take the bus or drive?
If you prefer not to deal with winding mountain roads and parking, the direct bus is often the easiest and cheapest option. If you’re comfortable driving and want the flexibility to stop in Ipoh or at viewpoints, renting a car offers more freedom but requires more attention and adds fuel/toll costs.
Do I need to book my Penang–Cameron Highlands bus in advance?
On weekdays outside school and public holidays, you can sometimes get tickets on the day. However, advance booking is recommended for weekends, Malaysian school holidays, and public holidays when buses can fill up. Using platforms like 12Go Asia or Klook to secure a seat ahead of time saves stress.
Is there a train directly to Cameron Highlands?
No—Cameron Highlands has no railway station. The closest rail hub is Ipoh. You can travel Penang→Butterworth→Ipoh by ETS and then continue by bus or private car to Tanah Rata.
What’s the best area to stay in Cameron Highlands after arriving from Penang?
Tanah Rata is usually the most convenient for bus arrivals and first‑timers, with easy access to eateries, tour agencies, and the main bus terminal. Brinchang is busier and closer to some attractions. You can compare hotels and guesthouses in each township on Booking.com and choose based on parking, family rooms, and reviews.
Will I get motion sick on the way up?
The final stretch into Cameron Highlands involves winding mountain roads. If you’re prone to motion sickness, choose a seat near the middle of the bus, avoid reading during the bends, and consider taking motion‑sickness medication before departure. For the most control over stops and speed, a private transfer or self‑drive can also help.