Overview Compare Bus via Ipoh via Tapah Road Taxi
How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is a picturesque hill-station in Pahang that has a cooler climate than most states in Malaysia. As the temperature almost never surpasses 30 degrees, it’s a favourite weekend and summer destination of locals.
Lush tea plantations cover its landscape, providing a refreshing escape from city life. Its temperate climate also makes for beautiful flora and continental fruits and vegetables. (Tip: Try out their strawberries!) It can be very touristy on weekends, so go on a weekday if you can.
4 ways to get from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
If you’re planning on travelling the 200 km distance from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands, you have 3 options: you can take the bus for 4.5 hours, the train for 5.5 hours, or the taxi for 4 hours. Fares range from 47 MYR ($10.00) to 600 MYR ($125.00).
The cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands is by bus. This bus journey takes about 4.5 hours and a ticket costs 47 MYR ($10.00).
There is no direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. You can only take the train up to Ipoh or Tapah Road. From there, you will need to transfer to a bus which will take you the rest of the way. Combined train and bus fares start from 96 MYR ($20.50) and travel time is about 5.5 hours. Unless you particularly prefer to take the train, or are planning on making a stop at Ipoh or Tapah, we think it is a lot more convenient to just take the bus instead of the train.
The taxi is the most expensive option, with rates from 600 MYR ($125.00). However, if you’re travelling in a small group it may be more beneficial to split the cost of a taxi instead of taking a bus. In return, you will get more convenience and reach your endpoint earlier. Travel time is about 4 hours.
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands by Bus
There are several bus companies operating from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. These buses depart from Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (TBS) almost every hour from 08:30 to 17:30. The travel time is between 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
You can buy your ticket at the bus terminal, but be aware that they can sell out fast on weekends and holidays.
Another option is to book online via BookAway or 12go.Asia. However, only 2 options are available for online booking the last time we checked (July 2020). You can see their schedules and corresponding links in the table below:
Bus Schedule from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
A bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands costs 47 MYR ($10.00) when you book online. We recommend booking with BookAway if you don’t want to pay an extra booking fee.
The buses arrive at Tanah Rata Bus Terminal in the Cameron Highlands town centre.
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands by Train
You have two options when travelling by train from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands: via Ipoh or Tapah Road. The train is a good option if you plan on checking out any of these 2 locations, but if not, you may be better off taking the bus.
Ipoh is a vibrant town with many interesting attractions. Known as the gateway to Cameron Highlands, we think it’s best to make a stopover here if you’re really keen on taking the train.
The train route via Tapah Road is cheaper, but you really won’t have much to do in this quiet town. But if your goal is just to take the train and not make any other side trips, this might be the better option for you.
Not sure which train route to take? Read on for a more detailed guide.
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands by Train via Ipoh
Buddhist temples, limestone caves, castle ruins – these are just some of the places you can explore if you make a stopover in Ipoh, which is located 90 km west of Cameron Highlands. We think it’s only worth taking the train if you plan on visiting any of these age-old attractions.
Step 1: Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by Train
There are 15 trains that operate from KL Sentral to Ipoh daily. These depart once or twice an hour from 07:11 to 20:06. The cost of a standard train ticket starts at 36 MYR ($7.50) and travel time is between 2.5 to 3 hours.
Step 2: Ipoh to Cameron Highlands by Bus
From Ipoh Train Station, you’ll need to head to Amanjaya Terminal. To get there, you can take a 15-minute taxi or a 50-minute bus ride. Fares start from 30 MYR ($6.00) and 4 MYR ($0.90), respectively.
Buses bound for the Cameron Highlands depart from Amanjaya from 08:00-18:30 daily. Perak Transit, CS Travel, and Unititi Express are the bus companies you can choose from. Ticket prices start from 22 MYR ($4.70) if you choose to buy them at the terminal.
If you prefer to book them beforehand online, Perak Transit and Unititi are also available on BookAway for 30 MYR ($6.00). A couple of dollars more expensive, but it can be really helpful if your travelling on a busy day.
Check Bus Tickets with BookAway
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands by Train via Tapah Road
Tapah is a laidback town located 70 km south of Cameron Highlands. There’s not much to do in the town itself. There are a couple of waterfalls on its outskirts, but they’re still at least an hour away.
The one advantage of making a stopover in Tapah Road though is that combined fares are cheaper.
Step 1: Kuala Lumpur to Tapah Road by Train
At least 13 trains operate from KL Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur to Tapah Road daily. They depart almost every hour from 07:05 to 22:45. Travel time is more or less 2 hours and ticket costs start from 29 MYR ($6.00).
For the latest schedules, we recommend checking the KTM website beforehand. You can also buy your train tickets from there.
Step 2: Tapah Road to Cameron Highlands by Bus
From Tapah Road Station, you’ll first need to take a taxi to Tapah Bus Terminal. Rates start from 29 MYR ($6.00) for the 20-minute ride.
Bus Schedule Tapah Road to Cameron Highlands
From Tapah Bus Terminal, only Regal Bus operates trips to Cameron Highlands daily. A ticket costs around 15 MYR ($3.20) and you can buy them at the bus station.
The buses park at Tanah Rata Bus Terminal in Cameron Highlands city centre.
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands by Taxi
If you’re travelling with a small group, there is also the option to take a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands. You can get a car or a minivan that can fit up to 7 people for rates between 600 MYR ($125.00) to 643 MYR ($135.00).
You can ask your hotel for help with booking one, but we highly recommend just booking online via BookAway. It’s more convenient, you’ll be assured of a spacious car, and BookAway also provides good customer service. Just click the link below.
Routes from Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur
Most popular routes in Malaysia
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
Very information and well written. Like your website.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Peter. Much appricated! Enjoy your trip to Malaysia!