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How to Travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
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How to Travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

By Coco YangUpdated Dec. 20, 2022

The travel distance from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is only about 350 km (220 miles). There are many ways to travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, including plane, intercity bus, train, and private transfer. The most-chosen way (for international travelers) to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore is by plane and the cheapest way is by bus.

1. Travel by Plane — the Most-Chosen Way

travel by flight travel by flight

Flying seems to be the fastest way to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore, though if you're staying close to the Malaysia border in Singapore, a car journey may actually be faster. Once getting to/from the airport, check-in, immigration, baggage claim, and waiting time are considered, the total journey may be anything from 4½ to 6½ hours, depending on your start and finish points.

There are plenty of flights each day with a duration of about 1 hour. Flights depart from Singapore Changi Airport and arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. There are many airlines operating them, including JetStar Asia, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, Scoot, Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air, and Firefly. You may get a cheap flight ticket for as little as USD$40.

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2.Travel by Bus — the Cheapest Way

Intercity bus Intercity bus

Travel by bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is a possibly-more-convenient and inexpensive alternative to a flight. It takes about 5–6 hours by bus and it is the most recommended way to travel for the following reasons:

  • Best price: one way costs about USD$11–35 per ticket.
  • Kuala Lumpur city center arrival (instead of 40 km away at the airport)
  • Good travel experience: Buses are equipped with air-conditioning and comfortable adjustable seats, which are wide and comfortable. Some companies also offer TVs in the compartments and wireless Internet access. Luxury bus companies even provide snacks, meals, and drinks on the bus.
  • Many choices: There are many bus companies operating a variety of schedules, such as StarMart Express, Transfer Travel, Seasons Express, Sri Maju Group, The One Travel, and Grassland Express.

Price tips:

  • There is a price difference depending on the bus's facilities and comfort level.
  • Some cheap bus companies will not choose the most efficient route (to pick up more passengers) and will take about one hour more for the trip.

Although each long-distance company has different departure and arrival points, but most of the buses depart from Golden Mile Complex in Singapore and terminate at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in central Kuala Lumpur.

Procedure for Crossing the Singapore-Malaysia Border

Compared with air travel, the procedure for crossing the border overland is a little different and more complicated. Generally, buses from Singapore to Malaysia go to Singapore's Tuas Checkpoint for exit inspection, and then go to the Malaysian checkpoint in Gelang Patah for entry inspection. When arriving at the border:

  • Get off the bus with the necessary documents (passport, visa), but you can leave luggage in the bus.
  • Process through Singapore's Tuas Checkpoint for the exit stamp in your passport.
  • Get onto the bus again, cross the bridge over the Johor Strait, and after 10–15 minutes you'll reach the Malaysia border control area.
  • Get off the bus with all your belongings this time, pass through Malaysian customs and get your entry stamp for Malaysia. You will be screened before entering.

Tips:

  • For a quick crossing, please prepare your exit card in advance.
  • Please prepare your entry card and complete it in advance before going through Malaysian Immigration.
  • Declare whatever you bring that might cause some problems such as alcohol and cigarettes.
  • Please note that it may take about 1 hour for you to cross the border if it is not crowded, but the whole procedure might be delayed and you may have to wait for hours in line if it is crowded.

3. Travel by Train — the Train Travel Lovers Option

Shuttle train Shuttle train

Going to Kualu Lumpur by train is another option for train travel lovers, but unfortunately, there is no direct train available between Singapore and KL. If you want to go by train, you have to change train twice! The total cost of the train tickets is from USD$16 for a one-way trip, and it takes about 8–9 hours including the waiting and train changes time.

  • Firstly, you can take a train from Singapore Woodlands Train Station to JB Sentral (Johor Bahru Central) in Malaysia, which takes about 5 minutes, USD$4 per ticket
  • Then, take train from JB Sentral to Gemas Station, which takes about 4½ hours and is USD$5 per ticket.
  • Lastly, take a train from Gemas Station to KL Sentral (Kuala Lumpur Central) which takes about 2½ hours and USD$7 per ticket

Procedure for Crossing the Singapore-Malaysia Border

  • Scan your passport at the gate checkpoint to enter Woodlands Train Station.
  • Clear Singapore Immigration.
  • Go through Malaysian Customs and Immigration.
  • Board the train.

Tips:

  • Please arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure for checking in and passing immigration.
  • The platform gate will close 10 minutes before departure.
  • There are more than 30 trains per day between Woodlands and Johor Bahru Sentral, but train ticket booking is always tight. Tickets can be booked from about 30 days before departure.
  • You can buy tickets at Woodlands CIQ ticket window or book a ticket online at https://www.ktmb.com.my/. Trains are operated by Malaysia's KTMB train company.
  • If you book a ticket online, you have to get a paper ticket printed out at Woodlands CIQ ticket window (using your booking details).
  • Trains from Woodlands to Johor Bahru are shuttle trains. Trains from JB to Gemas are normal trains and most of them offer only First Class seats. Trains from Gemas to Kuala Lumpur are high-speed trains with only First Class seats.

4. Travel by Private Car — the Most Convenient Way

Private car Private car

Compared with public transportation, and even flights, with the stress of carrying your luggage on and off, waiting for entry/exit checks, etc., a 4-hour private transfer from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is the most comfortable and convenient way to get there.

It is a door-to-door service, and your private driver will meet you at your hotel lobby or any place in Singapore. It is flexible and you can leave at any time. What is more, it is absolutely hassle-free! When you cross the border, you do not need to get out of the car to clear immigration. Your experienced driver will help you to process through immigration smoothly.

The price of the transfer is from USD$250 per person based on two passengers. Contact us for our hassle-free private transfer service.

5. Travel by Taxi — Vehicle Change Needed

Taxi travel Taxi travel

You cannot take a taxi from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, but it is easy for you to take one to Johor Bahru, the nearest Malaysian city to Singapore. There are three kinds taxies: fixed-point taxis, Johor Bahru non-fixed-point taxis, and Singapore non-fixed-point taxis

  • Fixed-point taxis can only carry passengers between Singapore Wanshan Street Taxi Terminal (next to Queen Street Bus Terminal, a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station) and Johor Bahru Larkin Station.
  • Johor Bahru non-fixed-point taxis can carry passengers from any place in JB to Singapore Wanshan Street Taxi Terminal.
  • Singapore non-fixed-point taxis can carry passengers from anywhere in Singapore to Johor Bahru Larkin Station.

The price is about USD$36 per taxi.

You can clear customs quickly as you do not need to get out of the taxi for immigration clearance.

From Johor Bahru Larkin Station, you could continue your journey to Kuala Lumpur in another taxi or take a bus/train. A taxi would take another 4 hours or so and costs around US$150–200, depending on traffic.

6. Travel by Ferry — the Desaru Beach Option

Ferry trip Ferry trip

A ferry service is also available between Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia, which is from Changi Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Belungkor at JB.

People who want to go to the Desaru beach area in Malaysia always choose the ferry trip. However, it is an out-of-the-way option if you want to travel on to KL. A Desaru–KL taxi takes from 4 hours 15 minutes and costs around US$160–220 depending on traffic. You might choose to stay at Desaru before continuing your journey.

After arriving in Tanjung Belungkor, you can take a bus to Desaru. There is only one ferry trip in the morning (10:30) and one in the evening (18:30) during work days, and there are more ferries scheduled for weekends and public holidays. The ferry can carry about 12 passengers a time. It is about a 45-minute ferry trip and the price of a crossing is about USD$20 per person. The ferry is operated by Desaru Fruit Farm Tour and Travel company.

Please prepare your valid passport, visa, and ferry ticket to pass immigration at the ports.

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