EXACTLY How To Go From Ipoh To Cameron Highlands [2024]

Ready for some cool air and fabulous highlands scenery and want to know how to take transport from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands?

Well, if you do, you’ve come to the right place.

Both are fantastic places to visit when you’re in Malaysia, and getting from one place to another is relatively easy. Cameron Highlands is filled with gorgeous tea plantations, strawberry farms and so many stunning locations, making it an excellent contrast to Ipoh’s busy, vibrant streets.

Before you go, you can book your Ipoh and Cameron Highlands tour bus or private taxi using the details below.

We describe how you can get from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands (and vice versa!) whether you plan to travel via bus, taxi or private car. Similarly, we’ll also mention how you can get from Ipoh airport to Cameron Highlands.

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Map: Cameron Highlands from Ipoh

The following map shows you how to go to Cameron Highlands to Ipoh. Note that Cameron Highlands is in another state- in Pahang. Ipoh, on the other hand, is located in Perak. It’s easy to get from Cameron Highlands to Ipoh. Usually, it will take you about 2 hours.

The road from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands distance is approximately 89 km depending on exactly where you want to go in Cameron Highlands.

Now, if you’re planning to take the old route (via Tapah) landslides are quite common here especially during the rainy season. Bigger vehicles that use this road need to be on a constant lookout for traffic, especially on sharp bends.

BEST OPTION: How To Go From Ipoh To Cameron Highlands

Here’s a summary of your options:

Mode of transport	Duration	Best For?	Book
Bus	3.5 hours	People who want the cheapest option	Book here
Car	2 hours	People who have easy access to a car or who like to stop along the way	Book here
Taxi	2 hours	Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get between Ipoh and Cameron Highlands	Book here

Option 1: Ipoh to Cameron Highlands Bus

Travelling by bus is the cheapest option to get to Cameron Highlands. More so, catching a bus from Ipoh going to Cameron Highlands is quick and painless. This usually takes about 2.5 hours of travel time and will cost you about RM25 per person.

You can book a bus ticket from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands here.

The Ipoh to Cameron Highlands bus schedule currently starts at 11:30am with the last trip at 4:30pm. It used to be much more frequent before the pandemic so hopefully when you check out the latest schedules here, there will be more services again.

Pick up point is at the Terminal Meru Raya which is about a 20-minute drive from Ipoh Town. You can take a taxi, city bus or Grab taxi from the town center going to the terminal and vice versa.

Now, if you want to catch a bus from Ipoh airport to Cameron Highlands, this is about 25 minutes’ drive to get to the bus terminal. Take note that there’s no Ipoh airport to Cameron Highlands bus that goes directly to Cameron Highlands.

If you decide to travel by public bus to the bus terminal, expect delays. Take a Grab taxi going to the terminal instead for a more hassle-free transfer.

Bus services from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands ply daily. There are several bus operators, like the Unititi Express Ipoh Cameron Highlands, that travel between Ipoh and Cameron Highlands.

Another thing that you have to keep in mind- be cautious when you take a bus to Cameron Highland from Ipoh is that the road can be narrow and winding- going up and down and around the hills. It’s handy if you bring motion sickness pills with you if you have any problems with motion sickness.

Also, if you can, book as far ahead as possible using the link below so you can select a seat in the front row for a more comfortable journey.

A major drawback of this option is that you’ll be dropped in only one drop-off point, and that is the Tanah Rata bus terminal. You’ll need to take a Grab taxi from here to your hotel.

Click here to see the latest prices and schedules

Option 2: Ipoh to Cameron Highlands Taxi

If you don’t want to take public transportation, alternatively, you can take a taxi if you’re travelling for Ipoh or Cameron Highlands district. This usually takes about 2 hours’ travel time, and will, of course, cost you a more, around RM550.

Once you arrive in Cameron Highlands, it’s also unlikely that you’ll hail a cab on the street. The best way to secure a taxi is to book in advance.

You can do that here.

A major advantage of taking the taxi is that you don’t have to worry about getting to bus terminals. You can be picked up at your hotel or the airport and dropped off straight at your next hotel. This is also ideal if you’re carrying a lot of luggage with you as you don’t have to lug it around in the sweaty heat.

However, if you’re a solo traveler, this can be an expensive option. For families and groups, it’s even more perfect.

You can find out prices and book a reliable taxi here.

Option 3: Ipoh to Cameron Highlands By Car

As we previously mentioned, the most convenient way to go from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands is to self-drive. At the moment, there are two driving routes – the newer route which is via Simpang Pulai is less windy, the travel time is slightly shorter. Driving time is more or less two hours, and the distance from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands is 89km.

The second route, on the other hand, is via North-South Express Toll Road and Tapah, Perak. Driving time is two hours and 40 minutes with a distance of 114km. Although this might take longer, you can make a stopover at one of the popular local hotspots in the area, the magical Lata Iskandar waterfall if you take the old Kampar road or Route 2.

The advantage of driving a car is that you’ll have a more flexible itinerary. You can even customise your very own Cameron Highlands itinerary if you prefer to. This is also a relatively cheaper (and family-friendly!) option if you’re traveling as a large group. You’ll be comfortable with having your own private vehicle, and there’s no need to share the ride with strangers.

Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia or here to look at car hire.

Cameron Highlands To Ipoh

When you do the journey in reverse coming from Cameron Highlands to Ipoh, the ways we’ve mentioned above are still valid. You can take the same transportation options for the reverse journey.

Also, note that if you’re taking public transportation such as a bus from Cameron Highlands to Ipoh the pickup point is from Tanah Rata Bus Terminal. The Cameron Highlands to Ipoh bus starts as early as 8:30am and the final departure time is at 2:30pm.

Click here to find bus timetables.

You can also book a super easy private transfer by taxi here.

Final Words

Cameron Highlands is a beautiful place to visit and getting to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh (and vice-versa!) is a straightforward process. Ideally, we recommend going there by car or private vehicle (if you’re touring around Malaysia). For a cheaper, budget-friendly option, take the bus.

So there you have it. We hope that you found this guide helpful. Whether you want to self-drive, take a taxi, or bus, you can check out the following options that we’ve noted on this post. So, start planning, and place these destinations on your Malaysian travel bucket list now!

Click here to read our full guide on the best things to do in Cameron Highlands. You can also find our full Cameron Highlands travel guide here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!