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What is the best way to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands? If you are planning to travel from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands in 2025 this is the guide for you.
As a world travel family we love to explore the Cameron Highlands with our kids. This is a beautiful high altitude location in Malaysia with a wide range of attractions. The Cameron Highlands is well known for its tea plantations, strawberry farms and the beautiful high-altitude Mossy Forest.
The Cameron Highlands is only a short journey from KL making it an excellent location to visit in Malaysia. The area is very scenic and the air is much cooler at this altitude. In this article we will compare and contrast the best ways to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands to help you plan your trip.
LOOKING FOR A MORE SIMPLE OPTION? – Just book a Cameron Highlands tour from Kuala Lumpur
SUMMARY: KL to Cameron Highlands
The journey from KL to Cameron Highlands is 207km and will take approximately 3 – 4 hours by road. You can travel from KL to Cameron Highlands by BUS, CAR RENTAL, TAXI. It is not advisable to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands by train. There are no options to fly from KL to Cameron Highlands.
| Transport | Summary | Journey time | Price |
| Bus | Cheap but less convenient. Need to get to TBS bus station (south of KL). Slow option. Need to organize transport to get around Cameron Highlands. | 4 hours | RM30 – RM40 (£6 – £8 or $8 – $12) |
| Car rental | Can be expensive in Malaysia. Great option if you can get cheap rental and are able to drive in Malaysia. | 3.5 hours | RM80 – RM180 (£16 – £36 or $20 – $45) |
| Taxi | Most expensive option but very convenient and low stress. | 3.5 hours | RM300 – RM500 (£60 – £100 or $80 – $130) |
There are no direct trains from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron highlands. You could take a train from KL to Ipoh and then take a bus to the Cameron highlands. In our opinion this is not a very good option. The bus from Ipoh to the Cameron Highlands takes 1.5 hours or more. So adding a train journey and change over time is not efficient. Why not just take the direct bus which takes around 4 hours.
WARNING: Journey times very much depend on traffic. During Malaysian public holidays there can be LOADS of traffic jams around the Cameron Highlands.
Option 1 Take a bus from KL to Cameron Highlands
Bus route TBS bus terminal (KL) – Tanah Rata bus station (Cameron Highlands)
Buses cost RM30 – RM40 (£6 – £8 or $8 – $12)
Bus duration Approximately 4 hours
How do you travel from KL to the Cameron Highlands by bus?
The cheapest way to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands is to take a bus. A massive advantage of taking a bus from KL to the camera in the Highlands is that you can just sit back and relax taking in the beautiful scenery. However a disadvantage of taking a bus from KL to the Cameron Highlands is that you will not have your own transport when you arrive. If you plan to travel to the Cameron Highlands by bus we recommend making sure you book some accommodation in the main town which is called Tanah Rata.
Long-distance bus journeys in Malaysia are surprisingly cheap. If you are planning to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands by birth you need to take a bus from the TBS bus station in Kuala Lumpur. The BEST way to get to the TBS bus station from KL Sentral:
- Take the KMT Seremban line at KL Sentral
- Get off at Bandar Tesik Selantan station
- Cross the pedestrian bridge to the TBS bus terminal (there are signs to help)
- At the TBS bus terminal you can purchase bus tickets to the Cameron Highlands – it is not normally essential to book your tickets in advance BUT this can give you additional peace of mind.
Alternatively you can take the KLIA Transit line (NOT the KLIA express line) from KL Sentral. This is a little more expensive. The train is faster – but less frequent. Get off at Bandar Tesik Selantan station and walk to the TBS station.
What is the best way to get bus tickets for KL to the Cameron highlands?
There are two ways to get your bus tickets for KL to Tanah Rata (Cameron Highlands): Book in advance online using a company like Red Bus. Their website is super simple and easy to use and you can make bookings from outside of Malaysia.
Alternatively, you can go old school and just show up! You can book your bus tickets on the day at the BTS bus station in KL. Find the Kiosks and then look for the Cameron (Tanah Rata) desk. This is such a popular route, there are normally many buses so just pay and wait a little while.
Typical facilities on a bus to the Cameron Highlands
Here is a quick summary of the facilities on a KL – Cameron bus to help you plan your exciting journey:
- Long distance buses in Malaysia have capacity to store large bags under the bus. This is not super secure so don’t leave any valuables in your large bag. In Malaysia they don’t tag bags under the bus. You’re responsible for putting it in and finding it when you arrive! It generally works out fine so don’t worry about this.
- Long distance buses in Malaysia often have a little space for storing valuables bags on the bus.
- The bus seats on the long distance buses normally recline a little – although they are not generally as comfortable as the luxurious Thai sleeper buses!
- Many long distance buses in Malaysia do not have on board toilets. However they generally stop every at least once for a toilet and refreshment break at the services.
- Almost all long distance buses in Malaysia have air conditioning – and this includes the KL to Cameron highlands route. In fact, it can actually get quite cold on the buses so bring a warm top!
- Some long distances buses in Malaysia may have a TV and show movies on the journey. We weren’t very impressed with their movie choices, which often include horror movies!
- Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey.
How do you get around in the Cameron highlands?
If you do not have your own transport to get around the Cameron Highlands we recommend booking a tour through a local travel agent that includes all of the attractions that you hope to see. There are many tour operators located in Tanah Rata who can arrange day trips around the Cameron Highlands including attractions such as the Mossy Forest, the Boh tea plantation, the strawberry farms and much more.
Tours typically range in price between RM50 – RM150 (£10 – £30 or $13 – $40) depending what is included. Tours may not include entrance fees – check when you book. Alternatively, you can also use taxis to travel around the Cameron Highlands. The Grab Taxi app works in the Cameron Highlands, expect to pay between 30 and 60 ringgits per journey.
TOP TIP: If you are taking a bus from KL to the Cameron Highlands, the final 1 – 2 hours of the journey is on mountain roads. If you suffer motion sickness make sure you take a pill in advance. Sit towards the front of the bus.
Option 2 Drive from KL to Cameron Highlands
Suggested route KL – Tapah – Tanah Rata
Cost RM80 – RM180 including petrol (this is roughly £16 – £36 or $20 – $45)
Duration Approximately 3.5 hours
The most convenient way to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands is to drive. Unless you live in Malaysia and have your own vehicle you are unlikely to have access to a car. So if you plan to drive from KL to Cameron Highlands you will need to consider a car rental.
Car rental in Malaysia normally costs between 50 and 150 ringgits per day (this is roughly £10 – £30 or $13 – $40). You will also need to budget for petrol in Malaysia. The good news is that this is SUPER CHEAP – expect to pay around (RM2 -RM3 per liter – this is roughly £0.40 – £0.60 or $0.50 – $0.80). You are likely to spend around RM30 on petrol for the KL to Cameron Highlands drive.
We recommend making sure that you have an international driver’s license to drive in Malaysia. Also be aware that you may need to pay a cash deposit to rent a car in Malaysia. Some companies only accept a credit card to pick up a rented car (debit cards not allowed)
Most of the journey runs along the route E1 northbound. This is a large interstate Highway and this is a relatively fast section of the journey. The final 60 km of the journey from Tapah to the Cameron Highlands is slower because you need to ascend a smaller Mountain Road with lots of bends.
Be aware that many of the Malaysian interstate highways have toll gates. To get through the gate you will need to use a Touch n Go card. These are pre-paid cards. It is worth having around RM50 credit on your Touch n Go card.
A massive advantage of driving from KL to Cameron Highlands is that you will have your own transport to get around the Cameron Highlands. Many of the attractions in the Cameron Highlands are a significant distance apart. Therefore having your own car is a lot more convenient.
Option 3 Take a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands
Suggested route KL – Tapah – Tanah Rata
Cost RM300 – RM500 (£60 – £100 or $80 – $130)
Duration Approximately 3.5 hours
The most expensive way to travel from KL to Cameron Highlands is to take a private taxi. In Malaysia it is possible to organize taxis using the grab Taxi app. Expect to pay around RM300 – RM500 for a private taxi from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands. This is approximately £60 – £100 or $80 – $130.
Can you take a train from KL to the Cameron Highlands?
No, it is not possible to take a train from KL to the camera in the Highlands. If you wish to travel by train you can take a train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh. However from Ipoh you will then need to either take a bus to Tanah rata or take a taxi to Tanah rata. We do not recommend traveling from KL to Cameron Highlands by train because this is not a very fast, cost effective or efficient route.
Is it possible to take a flight from KL to Cameron Highlands?
No, it is not possible to take a flight from KL to the Cameron Highlands. There are no airports located at the Cameron Highlands. Also this is quite a short journey so it would not be cost effective to take a flight.
What are the BEST things to do in the Cameron Highlands?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to the best things to do in the Cameron Highlands. Here is a quick summary to inspire you…
- Visit the Boh Tea plantations and cafe
- Visit the Mossy forest
- Find Rafflesia
- Visit a strawberry plantation
- Trek in the hills and plantations
- Explore Tanah Rata
- Visit the Cameron Highlands Lavender Farm
- Check out the Time Tunnel Museum
What are the best places to stay in the Cameron Highlands?
If you’re planning a KL to Cameron Highlands trip don’t forget to BOOK an amazing place to stay in the Cameron Highlands. Here are a few of our TOP PICK hotels and resorts in the Cameron Highlands…
1 Cameron Highlands Resort
The Cameron Highlands Resort is a lush, regal and decadent 5 STAR resort located 3km north of Tanah Rata. This is one of the most classic and iconic luxury hotels in the Cameron Highlands.
We love the spacious rooms with classical light and beautiful interior designs. Don’t miss the delicious high tea at the Cameron Highlands Resort.
2 The Smoke House Hotel
We absolutely love the charm, character and charisma of the colonial Smoke House hotel. The luxurious cozy country house offers the perfect sanctuary to retreat from the high pace of life, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Cameron Highlands.
The Smoke House hotel also boasts an exquisite restaurant serving hearty traditional English cuisine prepared using fresh quality ingredients and time honored recipes.
We also love the fact that the Smoke House hotel has a family suite that can accommodate up to 4 people. The Smoke House is a slightly cheaper alternative to the Lake House.
3 The Lake House Hotel
This is possibly one of the most beautiful buildings in the Cameron Highlands – and that is an impressive claim to fame in such a beautiful area. The Lake House is a colonial country house with a rich history and beautiful tudor-style architecture and interiors.
The Lake House genuinely achieves the warm ambiance of a traditional English country pub, with the decadent luxury of a 5 star hotel. This really is a special place. The Lake House also offers a family suite with adjoining rooms. And we love the classic 4 poster beds too. SOME of the rooms even have a cozy open fire.
Don’t miss the AMAZING fresh food served at the restaurant. It is more expensive than the Smoke House and offers a larger range of rooms and suites.
4 The Highlanders Garden Guest House
If you’re looking for somewhere LOVELY but not too expensive – then check out the Highlanders Garden Guest house. The Higlanders Garden Guest house has a beautiful garden and is surrounded by hills and flowers. Everything is clean and well maintained.
This lovely little guest house has an excellent location in Tanah Rata (the main town in the Cameron Highlands). It is only a short walk to shops, restaurants, convenience stores and the main bus station. The Highlanders is roughly in the budget range of £30 – £70 per night.
So it is not luxury hotel prices. But this budget does get you something very agreeable. They even have a deluxe family room with a capacity of up to 4 people.
5 Bricks Backpackers Hostel
Also at the LOW end of the budget range check out the Bricks Backpackers Hostel. Prices range from £15 – £35. This place has lots of backpacker vibes – with bunk beds and areas to socialize and relax. It is also located in Tanah Rata – the main town in the Cameron Highlands.
This would be a good option for a solo traveler or couple – unfortunately children are not allowed to stay at this property.
