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Leaving George Town's colonial streets and street food for the cool air of Genting Highlands, you swap sea-level humidity for the Titiwangsa Mountains and a mountain resort of theme parks and casinos. The road leads from the straits deep into the interior and climbs through winding bends above the rainforest. You can take an express bus or a private transfer.
George Town to Genting Highlands by Bus
The bus is the most popular way to make this trip. Buses from Penang take from about 4 hours 30 minutes and up to about 6 hours 30 minutes, and on booking platforms tickets cost about $14 to $16 (October 2026). From Sungai Nibong the trip takes about 5 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 40 minutes, with tickets at about $13 to $14. Express coaches leave in the morning from 08:00 and in the evening from 20:00 until 23:30.[1]
The final stretch is the most scenic, as the road snakes up through dense greenery. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a seat near the front. Express coaches to Resorts World Genting stop at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets terminal.[2] Bring a light jacket for the cold bus air conditioning.
George Town to Genting Highlands by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in George Town or at the Butterworth ferry terminal and drives you to your resort. It takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $185 (October 2026) and cost more for larger vehicles, from minivans to vans for 14 passengers and luxury cars.[1] A private car lets you ask for bathroom breaks and photo stops, and the driver takes the mountain bends.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Express Bus | $14 to $16[1] | 4h 29m to 6h 30m[1] |
| Private Transfer | From about $185[1] | 4h 13m to 4h 20m[1] |
Tips for Traveling from George Town to Genting Highlands
- Book in Advance: Genting is a popular weekend trip for locals, and coaches and transfers sell out on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Book a few days ahead.
- Pack a Jacket: The highlands are noticeably cooler than George Town, and the bus air conditioning is cold too.
- Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, a private minivan is more practical than a coach.
- Motion Sickness: The climb to the resorts has many sharp turns. Sit near the front and avoid reading during the ascent.
- Arrival Point: Express coaches arrive at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets terminal.[2] For a private transfer, ask for a drop-off at your hotel lobby.
Timetable
| Bus Penang - Genting Highlands $ 13.36–14.88 4h 29m – 5h 51m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Genting Highlands $ 182.71–525.10 4h – 6h | |
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| Taxi George Town - Genting Highlands $ 196.64–343.42 4h 19m | |
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| Taxi Butterworth - Genting Highlands $ 191.40–332.93 4h 13m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from George Town to Genting Highlands, including current prices and schedules.
The express bus is the cheapest option. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $13 to $16 per person.
A private transfer is the fastest, taking about 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes. It runs door to door.
A private transfer takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes. Buses take from about 4 hours 30 minutes and up to about 6 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
Yes. Express coaches leave in the evening from 20:00, with the last departure around 23:30, and arrive in the highlands the next morning.
Both work. A private transfer from Butterworth takes about 4 hours 13 minutes, a few minutes less than from George Town, because it is on the mainland.
Yes. Private vans for up to 14 passengers are available, and on booking platforms private transfers start at about $185 depending on the vehicle.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go Timetable Penang - Genting Highlands. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] Resorts World Genting: Express Bus | Resorts World Genting. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.