%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(101.378413%2C4.4703885)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(100.34370466666667%2C5.3776971)%2F100.86105883333333%2C4.9240428000000005%2C7%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Penang is an island off Malaysia's northwest coast, 161 kilometres (100 miles) from the tea country. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO-listed maze of shophouses, street art and hawker stalls. The cheapest way to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang is the bus at $8.60 (35 MYR). The train costs more and takes 4h 45m - 4h 55m. A taxi is the quickest way, and it costs far more again.
Distance from Cameron Highlands to Penang
Cameron Highlands and Penang are about 161 km (100 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 230 km by road. The quickest way to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang is by taking the taxi, which takes around 3.5 hours.
3 ways to travel from Cameron Highlands to Penang
There are three ways to travel from Cameron Highlands to Penang. You can choose between the bus, train, and private transport. The journey takes 3h 30m–4h 55m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $8.60 (35 MYR).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Cameron Highlands to Penang by an Indirect Bus5h
- Butterworth→Penang30m
3 legs — see itinerary
- Cameron Highlands→Ipoh2h 35m
- Ipoh→Butterworth1h 40m
- Butterworth→Penang30m
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Cameron Highlands to Penang.
Cameron Highlands to Penang by Bus
When travelling by bus from Cameron Highlands to Penang, you can take either a direct or indirect route.
The direct bus goes straight to Penang Island but parks at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal. Note that this is 10 km away from the city centre in George Town, so you’ll have to take an additional bus or taxi ride.
The indirect bus only takes you as far as Butterworth, a town directly opposite Penang Island but on the mainland. From here, you’ll take a ferry to Weld Quay on Penang Island. The advantage, though, is that this port is only 3 km from the city centre.
C.S. Travel & Tours and Unititi Express are the companies operating direct buses from Cameron Highlands to Penang Island.
Bus fares start from $8.60 (35 MYR) and travel time is around 4h 35m - 5h 15m. You can book your tickets beforehand via BookAway and BusOnlineTicket.
Cameron Highlands to Penang by a Direct Bus
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and BusOnlineTicket.
Booking Tip
All buses depart from Tanah Rata Bus Station in Cameron Highlands city centre.
They arrive at Sungai Nibong Terminal. From here, you can take either a bus or a taxi to get to George Town. The bus ride (Line 102) takes 50 minutes and costs $1.20 (5 MYR). The taxi ride takes 20 minutes, with fares starting from $9.30 (38 MYR).
Step 1: Cameron Highlands to Butterworth by Bus
First, you will take a bus from Cameron Highlands to Butterworth, the main gateway to Penang from the mainland.
You can choose from two companies: C.S. Travel & Tours and Unititi Express. Fares start from $8.60 (35 MYR).
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and BusOnlineTicket.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Butterworth to Penang by Ferry
At the Butterworth side, you will find the ferries at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. These depart every 20 to 30 minutes from 05:20 to 22:00 and every 40 minutes until 00:10. A ferry ticket costs $0.70 (3 MYR).
The ferries dock at Weld Quay, some 3 km from the city centre. From here, you can take a 5-minute taxi to George Town for around $3.20 (13 MYR). If you’re not in a hurry, the bus (Line 101) only costs $1.20 (5 MYR). Note that buses take a different route so they need 20 minutes to reach George Town.
Cameron Highlands to Penang by Train
Step 1: Cameron Highlands to Ipoh by Bus
From Cameron Highlands, you will take a bus to Ipoh, a city some 90 km away. Buses depart from Tanah Rata Terminal and arrive at Amanjaya Terminal in Ipoh after around 2h 35m - 2h 40m.
Tickets are easily available at Tanah Rata Terminal in Cameron Highlands, but you might want to book online beforehand because tickets sell out fast during weekends and the peak season. Prices start from $6.10 (25 MYR).
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and BusOnlineTicket.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Ipoh to Butterworth by Train
From Ipoh to Butterworth, there are six trains available every day.
Fares differ daily, but they’re normally around $7.80 (32 MYR). Train tickets are available online on Baolau.
Train tickets are available on Baolau.
Booking Tip
Trains arrive at Butterworth Station, which is connected to the ferry terminal by a walkway. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal — maybe even longer if you’re struggling with your luggage.
We advise against taking the last train because it arrives in Butterworth just a few minutes before the last ferry departure. If the train is delayed in any way, you will have to wait a few hours to board the ferry to Penang.
Step 3: Butterworth to Penang by Ferry
Ferries depart from Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal every 20 to 30 minutes from 05:20 to 22:00. They continue to operate until 00:40, but every 40 minutes. You can buy a ferry ticket at the port for $0.70 (3 MYR).
The ferries dock at Weld Quay. To reach George Town (3 km away), you can hop on a 5-minute taxi for around $3.20 (13 MYR) or a 20-minute bus (Line 101) for $1.20 (5 MYR).
Cameron Highlands to Penang by Taxi
A private taxi ride from Cameron Highlands to Penang can be quite expensive. Rates range from $145 (600 MYR) to $170 (685 MYR). If you’re looking for speed though, a taxi journey only takes around 3.5 hours.
Since this is a long-distance trip, we suggest that you ask your hotel for taxi recommendations. They might be able to help you haggle for lower rates too!
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Penang?
Penang is a cultural melting pot on the northwest coast of Malaysia. For such a small island, it has so much to offer — vibrant culture, colourful heritage, amazing food, urban wonders, and untouched rainforest.
At its heart is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city rich in history. Famous for its street art, you can easily spend hours exploring its alleys. Sure, the island can be touristy. Yet somehow, it is able to maintain a laidback vibe and a charm that you can only find in Penang.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cameron Highlands to Penang, roughly 161 kilometres (100 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $8.60 (35 MYR). The quickest trip takes 3h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang?
The fastest way to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang is by private transport and takes 3.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang?
The cheapest way to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang is by bus with ticket costs starting from 35 MYR.
What is the distance from Cameron Highlands to Penang?
How long does it take to travel from Cameron Highlands to Penang?
How much does it cost to get from Cameron Highlands to Penang?
What can I expect from Penang?
Penang is one of Malaysia's more popular tourist destinations, thanks to its rich culture, stunning architecture, natural beauty, and food. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll find here vibrant colonial houses and iconic street art.
Beyond the city, Penang is abundant in natural wonders. On top of the list is Penang National Park, but you will also enjoy its beaches like Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Monkey Beach.
Penang is also known as the Food Capital of Malaysia. As a former trading port, you can expect a food fusion of many different cultures — Malay, Indian, Thai, Chinese, and more.
How to get around in Penang?
The best way to get around Penang is by bus. The island has a very extensive public bus system, connecting George Town with Penang's other main attractions. When travelling in a group, the taxi is a convenient alternative.
You can also get around by trishaw, which is popular among tourists. It cannot take you long distances, though, just around touristy areas like George Town and Batu Ferringhi.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
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.
Travel Writer & Digital Nomad
Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn't intend to stop anytime soon.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
