Visitors on a Penang to Cameron Highlands tour come for the cooler climate, as well as the uncanny resemblance to the English countryside. With green rolling hills and stunning tea plantations, Cameron Highlands is bustling with travellers who are craving for a relaxing tea among the highlands, and perhaps a nice hike!
If you’re wondering how to go to Cameron Highlands from Penang, the process isn’t as straightforward. Cameron Highlands is approximately a four-hour drive from Penang.
Below, I describe exactly how to get to Cameron Highlands from Penang whether you are looking for a bus from Penang to Cameron Highlands, wondering whether to take a Penang to Cameron Highlands train, hire a taxi, or have a drive from Penang to Cameron Highlands by car.
I also describe the reverse journey from Cameron Highlands to Penang.
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Contents
Map: From Penang To Cameron Highlands
The following map will show you the route that you need to take from Penang to Cameron Highlands.
Usually, it would take you around 3.75 to 5 hours drive depending on your speed and traffic as well as exactly where you are leaving and departing from in Penang and Cameron Highlands. The road from Penang to Cameron Highlands distance is approximately 251km.
Keep in mind that the road is not a straight line. Once you reach the highlands, roads tend to be winding, which may add to the overall time to the journey.
BEST OPTION: How To Get From Penang To Cameron Highlands
A private taxi is the fastest and easiest way to travel between Penang and Cameron Highlands.
However, if you’re travelling alone, this can be expensive. As an alternative, taking the bus is a more budget-friendly (but slower) option.
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Bus | 5.5 hours | People who want the cheapest option (that’s still relatively easy) | Check here |
| Train | 5 hours+ | Train enthusiasts only who don’t have much luggage | Check here |
| Car | 4 hours | People who have easy access to a car or who like to stop along the way | Check here |
| Taxi | 4 hours | Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get to Cameron Highlands | Book here |
Option 1: Penang To Cameron Highlands Bus
It’s possible to take a bus to Cameron Highlands from Penang. There are a few departures a day at present. If you want to travel Penang to Cameron Highlands by bus, there are a few bus lines that ply this route daily, like GJG Express and Unititi Express.
The bus fare is around RM35-40 and arrives at the Tanah Rata terminal in Tanah Rata, the biggest town in Cameron Highlands. Buses run either in the early morning or around lunch time with the latest departure at 1:30pm at the time of publishing this.
They depart from several points in Penang so check which is closest to your accommodation before booking. There are also express buses that leave from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal or Komtar and will have a stopover at Ipoh taking on passengers before continuing the journey to Cameron Highlands.
Because trips going to Penang and Cameron Highlands are limited, you should purchase your bus tickets in advance to secure your seat.
Once you arrive, you can easily get a taxi that would take you to your pre-booked resort or accommodation.
The advantage of buses is that they’re a more affordable option. Add to the fact that riding a bus takes you directly to Cameron Highlands, and this is convenient for a lot of budget-travellers. A potential drawback, however, is that delays could happen, and taking the bus is usually longer ‒ about 5 hours of travel time.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Option 2: Penang To Cameron Highlands By Car
If you have your own car or you’re planning to rent a private vehicle here, you can easily make the trip fin about four hours via the Simpang Pulai exit. At Simpang Pulai, take the 185 up to the mountains, then the 59 to Tanah Rata. The distance from Penang to Cameron Highlands is 251 km.
The advantage of having your own private vehicle is that there are a lot of places to stop along the route. I suggest you visit or make a short side trip to other breathtaking places like Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, and Taiping. It’s also easier to explore Cameron Highlands once you get there in your own vehicle.
If you’re travelling as a group, this usually is an ideal option. You’ll have a more flexible itinerary, and you can customize it if you want to. However, if you’re a solo traveller, this is, of course, more expensive.
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia.
Option 3: Penang To Cameron Highlands Train
Not in a hurry? Take the car ferry from George Town to Butterworth then the train and a bus or a taxi! This is a great option if you want to take your time travelling and love travelling by train.
Ride the ferry from the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town that goes directly to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth. This will take about 20 minutes and costs RM1.2. Hourly trips are available.
Once you arrive, the train station is already quite close to where the ferry drops in Butterworth. Take the train from Butterworth to Kampar. The train leaves a few times a day, and it is a two-hour long journey. The cost is around RM47.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
From Kampar, take a taxi going to Cameron Highlands District. Travel time is approximately two hours and will cost RM300.
Alternatively, you can take the train to Ipoh and then a bus to Cameron Highlands.
The drawback of these options is that there could be delays in your overall travel time, the taxi is expensive and this isn’t advisable if you’re sticking with a more rigid itinerary or have much luggage. It’s really only for train lovers as you are far better off with any of the other options in this article.
Option 4: Penang To Cameron Highlands By Taxi
The absolutely easiest and best way to get between Penang and Cameron Highlands is by private taxi. The distance is about 251km, and it takes about four hours travel time. However, it will cost you a bit more.
Taking a taxi has many advantages especially if you have a lot of luggage with you, and you don’t want to drive on unfamiliar terrain or find parking once you get there. Your journey will also be more comfortable as you don’t have to share the ride with strangers as you would on a bus or train or find bus stations and hotels.
You also don’t have to lug around your luggage in the heat, navigate foreign bus terminals and work out how to get a taxi at each end of your journey.
You’ll arrive refreshed and ready to go instead of hot and sweaty.
A taxi starts at RM650 and we can book reliable and safe taxis that hold up to seven people for you.
Click here to see prices and more information about how to book a long distance taxi.
Cameron Highlands to Penang
If you’re wondering how to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang, take the same transportation we’ve listed for your reverse journey. When taking a trip from Cameron Highlands to Penang, all you need to do is to do the tips we’ve listed above in reverse. The distance from Cameron Highlands to Penang is 251km.
To take the bus from Cameron Highlands to Penang, head to Tana Rata Terminal. This will take you directly to your destination. The journey will take around 4.5 hours depending on stops and traffic along the way.
Click here to see bus timetables and prices.
You can also travel Cameron Highlands to Penang via train, drive a car or book a taxi for a hassle-free Cameron Highlands Penang transport.
Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel between Penang and Cameron Highlands?
We can book a taxi for you from anywhere in Penang directly to your hotel in Cameron Highlands for a great price.
You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.
Final Words
Penang is considered one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations offering a blend of history, culture, and amazing food with breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches. For a change of scenery and cooler weather, a popular stop among travellers is Cameron Highlands.
When touring Penang or Cameron Highlands (or vice-versa,) the quickest way to arrive at your destination is if you take a private taxi. You can book this here.
To cut costs, you can take the bus. But whatever transportation you choose, whether it’s driving a car, taking the bus or a taxi, or catching a train, I hope that you have found this guide helpful in your upcoming trips and future travels!
Click here to read our full guide to things to do in Cameron Highlands. You can also find our full Cameron Highlands travel guide here. You can also find out guide for how to get from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands here. Alternatively, find our guide to Penang 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!
