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Brinchang is a town in the Cameron Highlands, and no coach goes to it directly: buses from Penang stop at the Tanah Rata bus terminal, so you either finish the last stretch locally or book a private transfer to your hotel.
Penang to Brinchang by bus
Unititi Express runs from Komtar, Terminal Sungai Nibong and Penang Sentral to the Tanah Rata bus terminal (Terminal Freesia). Fares start at RM40.00, and departures run from around 08:00 to 13:15.[1] The journey usually takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, and longer at weekends, on public holidays or in bad weather. Passengers are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.[1] Tanah Rata and Brinchang are separate towns, so allow for a short taxi or local transfer to reach a hotel in Brinchang.
Penang to Brinchang by private transfer
Booking platforms list private transfers from Penang to Brinchang for 3, 4 or 7 passengers. They cost about $153 to $256 per vehicle depending on size (October 2026), and the drive takes from about 3.5 hours, longer with traffic or rain.[2] A transfer picks you up in Penang and drops you at your hotel, which saves the change in Tanah Rata and suits groups with luggage.
| Mode | Route | Price | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Komtar, Sungai Nibong or Penang Sentral to Tanah Rata | From RM40.00 | Around 4.5 to 5 hours[1] |
| Private transfer | Penang to Brinchang, 3, 4 or 7 seats | About $153 to $256 per vehicle (October 2026) | From about 3.5 hours[2] |
Tips
- Pick the Penang departure point that is closest to your hotel: Komtar is in George Town, Sungai Nibong on the island, Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland.
- The highlands are cooler than the coast, so keep a light jacket within reach.
- The road climbs in many bends, so keep motion sickness tablets handy if you need them.
Timetable
| Bus Penang - Tanah Rata $ 9.52–10.12 4h 30m – 4h 34m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Tanah Rata $ 154.75–257.53 3h 36m | |
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| Bus Sungai Nibong - Tanah Rata $ 10.00–11.78 4h 30m – 4h 37m | |
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| Taxi George Town - Tanah Rata $ 154.75–257.53 3h 36m | |
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| Taxi George Town - Brinchang $ 151.67–253.42 3h 28m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Brinchang $ 151.67–253.42 3h 28m | |
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| Taxi Penang - Cameron Highlands $ 179.13–314.82 4h – 5h | |
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| Taxi Butterworth - Tanah Rata $ 154.75–257.53 3h 36m | |
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| Taxi Butterworth - Brinchang $ 151.67–253.42 3h 28m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Penang to Brinchang, including current prices and schedules.
The bus to Tanah Rata usually takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, longer at weekends and in bad weather. A private transfer takes from about 3.5 hours.
Unititi Express fares to Tanah Rata start at RM40.00.
Buses from Penang stop at the Tanah Rata bus terminal. Brinchang is a separate town, so you need a short taxi or local transfer, or a private transfer to your hotel.
On booking platforms private transfers cost about $153 to $256 per vehicle in October 2026, depending on vehicle size.
Unititi Express departs from Komtar, Terminal Sungai Nibong and Penang Sentral.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Unititi Express: Penang to Cameron Highlands Bus Ticket. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Penang - Brinchang timetable. Retrieved October 17, 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.