Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highlands: Distance And Travel Plan

Genting Highlands is one of the most popular getaway destinations in Malaysia. It is tucked high up in the Titiwangsa Mountains at an elevation of over 6,000 feet and has a plethora of entertainment destinations, resorts, and theme parks. Some of the best features about this place are its cool mountain weather, world-class indoor and outdoor theme parks such as Genting SkyWorlds, luxury shopping outlets, and casinos. Owing to these factors, this destination ends up attracting millions of international travelers every year. If you’re planning to visit this place, save this unstumbled guide to make navigating travel easier for yourself.

How Far Is Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highlands

If you take the North-South Expressway and then the E8 on the Karak Expressway, the distance between the two is around 115 km or around 75 miles. By road, it will take you around one hour and 45 minutes to two hours and 15 minutes, depending on the mountain weather and traffic.

This particular route is the best one to take as it takes you from the lowlands of Sepang (KLIA) and past the outer ring of Kuala Lumpur. You then get to go through the steep and lush rainforest curves of the Karak Expressway (E8) up to the Genting foothill hub at Awana.

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Transport Options: How To Travel From KLIA To Genting Highlands

Even if, for whatever reason, the above route does not work for you, there are a plethora of other options that you can consider, depending on the time you have in Malaysia, your budget, and your comfort level.

Option 1: Direct Express Bus (Aerobus/Bus Services)

This is the most affordable choice for solo travelers and couples carrying standard luggage. There are many direct buses, such as Aerobus, that operate daily schedules that ply straight from KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 bus hubs to the Awana Bus Terminal, which is the Genting Transport Hub.

Duration: 2.5 to three hours

Approximate Cost: Around RM 35 to RM 45 (INR 800 to INR 1,000) per person

Option 2: Direct Airport Taxi or Private Car Transfer

You can take direct airport taxis that are available at the airport arrival halls. These prepaid coupons or meter taxis will take you straight up the mountain to the hotel doors. They will also bypass the cable car transfer completely, which is challenging to navigate if you’re carrying heavy luggage. However, this is also the most expensive travel option of all.

Duration: 1.5 hours to two hours

Approximate Cost: Around RM 180 to RM 300 (INR 4,000 to INR 9,000) per vehicle

Option 3: E-Hailing Cabs (Grab/AirAsia Ride)

Once you clear customs, these cabs are bookable directly via smartphone apps. A number of e-hailing cars pick you up directly from designated ground transport bays at KLIA T1 and T2. However, make sure you select a larger vehicle tier such as GrabCar Premium or GrabCar 6-Seater if you're traveling with multiple large suitcases.

Duration: 1.5 hours to two hours

Approximate Cost: Around RM 110 to RM 180 (INR 2,500 to INR 4,000) per ride

Option 4: KLIA Ekspres Train, Then Transit Bus, Then Awana SkyWay Cable Car

You can take the KLIA Ekspres train to KL Sentral, which takes around 28 minutes to reach. From KL Sentral, you can board the frequent Genting Express shuttle bus to Awana Station. Then, you can ride the Awana SkyWay cable car up to the resort peak.

Duration: Two to 2.5 hours

Approximate Cost: Around RM 65 to RM 80 (INR 1,500 to INR 1,800) total

Riding The Awana SkyWay Cable Car

For those traveling via the cable car, here are some helpful details to aid you in navigating the journey. There are two types of gondolas you can take:

Standard Gondola: These cost around RM 10 (INR 230) per person, one way.

Glass-Floor Gondola: These cost around RM 21 (INR 487) per person, one way.

Luggage Allowance on Cable Car: Passengers are allowed one cabin-size aircraft bag of dimensions 56x36x23 per person. For large, oversized suitcases, there is a surcharge, or they can be safely stored at the Awana Station Left Luggage Service. This will cost you around RM 5 to RM 15 (INR 100 to INR 300) per bag per day.

Also Read: Singapore Vs Malaysia For Indian Travelers: Which Is Better For A Holiday?

Summing Up

Perched at an elevation of around 1,800 meters or 6,000 feet, Genting Highlands is arguably the most popular mountain resort destination in Malaysia. It is easily accessible; however, if you do travel by bus, make sure you book tickets well in advance. Also, keep in mind that during the weekend, it sees significantly high foot traffic, so if you’re traveling by road, you will have to suffer through some traffic congestion.