How to Get from Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands
Contents
Leaving the border city of Johor Bahru for the hill resort of Genting Highlands is a trip from the tropical south of the Malay Peninsula up into the Titiwangsa Mountains. Genting Highlands is known for its theme parks, casinos and the Awana SkyWay cable car, and most travelers choose this route for a weekend escape or a family holiday.
The journey follows the North-South Expressway before the final winding ascent. You can choose between a bus and a private minivan, and you can compare schedules and book on GoAsia.cc.
Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands by Bus
Booking platforms list buses to Genting Highlands from Johor Bahru and other points in Johor, in Executive and Express classes.[1] Fares are about $17 to $19 and the listed travel time is 5 hours 33 minutes to 6 hours 6 minutes (October 2026).[1] Evening departures are listed as well as morning ones, so you can travel overnight and arrive in the early morning.
Where the Bus Stops
Resorts World Genting's own express buses stop at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Terminal.[2] Check where your bus operator sets you down, because the stop determines how you continue to your hotel. The Awana SkyWay cable car runs from Sky Sentral Station at mid-hill to Genting Highlands Station at the peak, takes about 10 minutes and costs RM 11 one way for a standard gondola.[3] A free shuttle runs from Resorts World Awana or the Gohtong Jaya Bus Terminal to the SkyWay.[3]
Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands by Private Transfer
A private transfer is the choice for groups, travelers with heavy luggage or anyone who wants a direct journey from Johor Bahru or the Senai area to the hotel in Genting Highlands.
Minivan Options
Booking platforms list 4-passenger and 7-passenger minivans.[1] The price is about $360 per vehicle from Johor Bahru and about $345 from the Senai area (October 2026), and the listed travel time is 4 hours 29 minutes and 4 hours 16 minutes.[1] The cost is far higher than a bus ticket, but when split among a group of seven it becomes a viable option for those who prioritize time and privacy. You can ask for rest stops along the highway.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Executive/Express) | about $17 - $19[1] | 5h 33m - 6h 6m[1] | Medium |
| Private transfer (minivan) | about $345 - $360 per vehicle[1] | 4h 16m - 4h 29m[1] | High |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands
- Book in Advance: Genting Highlands is a popular weekend destination, so book your seat a few days early, especially for Friday evening and Saturday morning.
- Prepare for the Ascent: The road up to Genting Highlands is steep and winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before the final hour of the trip.
- Pack a Sweater: The resort is in the mountains and is noticeably cooler than Johor Bahru, and long-distance buses are often strongly air-conditioned, so keep a light layer in your hand luggage.
- Luggage Considerations: If you plan to take the cable car with large suitcases, check the luggage rules with the resort in advance. A private transfer can usually take you straight to your hotel.
Timetable
| Bus Johor Bahru - Genting Highlands $ 17.35 5h 43m – 6h | |
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| Taxi Johor Bahru - Genting Highlands $ 357.92 4h 29m | |
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| Bus Johor - Genting Highlands $ 17.35–18.59 5h 33m – 6h 6m | |
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| Taxi Senai - Genting Highlands $ 343.23 4h 16m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option. Booking platforms list fares of about $17 to $19 for Executive and Express classes (October 2026).
A private minivan transfer is the fastest option, with a listed travel time of 4 hours 16 minutes to 4 hours 29 minutes depending on your starting point.
A bus takes about 5.5 to 6 hours according to booking platforms. A private minivan transfer takes about 4.5 hours.
Booking platforms list evening departures as well as morning ones. Night buses arrive in the early morning, which suits travelers who want to use the whole day at the resort.
Booking platforms list both classes at similar fares. Check the seating layout and the drop-off point on the booking page before you choose.
Yes, booking platforms list private minivan transfers from the Senai area to Genting Highlands with a travel time of about 4 hours 16 minutes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Resorts World Genting: Express Bus. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Resorts World Genting: Awana SkyWay. Retrieved October 15, 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.