Genting Highlands sits atop a mountain roughly 50km from Kuala Lumpur, and for most visitors without a car, getting there means a short bus ride followed by a cable car climb rather than a single direct journey. Here’s how the standard route works, plus the alternatives if you’re driving yourself or already partway there.
The Standard Route: Bus + Awana Skyway Cable Car
Go Genting bus counters inside KL Sentral — one on Level 2 (7am-5pm daily) and one in the basement (extended hours on weekends) — sell combined bus-and-cable-car tickets. The bus takes about an hour to reach Awana Station at the base, where you transfer to the Awana Skyway for a roughly 10-minute cable car ride covering 2.8km and climbing 620 meters to the resort at the top. A combined one-way ticket runs RM 11.90 for adults, RM 10.70 for children and seniors, and RM 7.20 for travelers with disabilities. On the way up, the Skyway makes a free stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple — you can get off, visit, and continue on the same ticket.
Skyway Tickets If You’re Already at Awana
If you’re driving yourself to Awana Station and just need the cable car for the final climb, standalone Skyway tickets are available: standard gondola from RM 11 one-way / RM 19 return, express boarding from RM 17 / RM 32, glass-floor gondola from RM 29 / RM 48 return, and a chartered private gondola from RM 324 / RM 594 for those wanting the cabin to themselves. The Skyway runs daily from 7am to 11pm.
Driving Yourself
Self-driving is straightforward via the Karak Highway, with a dedicated Genting Highlands exit leading directly up to the resort’s own parking — no cable car required at all. Expect roughly 1-1.5 hours from central KL depending on traffic, though weekend and public holiday traffic near the resort can be heavy given how popular the casino, theme park, and cooler mountain climate are with day-trippers from KL.
Quick Comparison
| Mode | Duration | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus + Awana Skyway | ~1h10m total | RM 11.90 one-way | No car, want the cable car experience |
| Self-drive | ~1-1.5 hours | Fuel + tolls | Flexibility, own schedule |
| Standalone Skyway (own transport to Awana) | ~10 minutes (cable car only) | RM 11-48 | Already driving to Awana Station |
Booking Tips
- Buy bus tickets a day ahead for weekends and holidays — the KL Sentral counters can sell out of morning departures.
- Arrive early to avoid Skyway queues, especially on weekends when day-trippers from KL fill the cable car line by mid-morning.
- Try the glass-floor gondola if it’s not your first trip up — it’s a genuinely different view of the descent through the rainforest canopy.
- Pack a light jacket, even for a day trip — the summit sits noticeably cooler than KL year-round.
Getting to Genting Highlands: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the cable car to reach Genting Highlands?
No. You can drive yourself directly to the resort’s parking via the Karak Highway, but the bus-and-cable-car combination is the standard route for visitors without a car.
How long does the Awana Skyway cable car take?
About 10 minutes for the 2.8km ride, climbing 620 meters to the summit.
Can I stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple on the way up?
Yes. The Awana Skyway includes a free stop there, and your ticket remains valid to continue the journey afterward.
How much does the bus and cable car combo cost from KL Sentral?
RM 11.90 per adult, one-way, covering both the bus to Awana Station and the Skyway cable car to the summit.
Where do I catch the bus in KL?
At the Go Genting counters inside KL Sentral — one on Level 2, one in the basement, both selling combined bus-and-cable-car tickets.
Bottom Line
The bus-and-Skyway combo from KL Sentral is the easiest way up for most visitors — cheap, frequent, and the cable car ride is part of the experience rather than a chore. Drive yourself if you’d rather skip the cable car entirely, but either way, budget extra time on weekends when the whole resort gets busy with day-trippers escaping KL’s heat. If you’re deciding between Malaysia’s two hill stations, see our Cameron Highlands vs. Genting Highlands comparison, and if you’re traveling with kids, our best family resorts near Genting Highlands covers where to stay.
This guide is also available in Bahasa Melayu, 中文 (简体), and Deutsch.
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