Kuala Lumpur: 5 Ways to Get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
Traveling from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is a straightforward and popular route, with various options depending on your preferences for comfort, speed, and budget. Below, I’ve outlined the main ways to travel between the two cities.
1. By Flight (Fastest Option)
The quickest way to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is by plane. The two cities are only about 350 kilometers apart, and flights take about 1 hour.
- Airlines: Numerous airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Scoot, offer daily flights.
- Airport in Singapore: Changi Airport (SIN), which is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world.
- Airport in Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or KLIA2 (for low-cost carriers).
Pros:
- Very quick: Only 1 hour of flight time.
- Multiple flights throughout the day.
Cons:
- Additional time needed for check-in, security, and travel to/from the airports.
- Might be more expensive compared to other options if you’re booking last-minute.
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2. By Bus (Affordable Option)
Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option and very popular among travelers. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.
- Major Operators: Some of the well-known bus operators include Aeroline, Starmart Express, Five Stars, and Luxury Coach.
- Departure: Buses depart from Queen Street Terminal or Golden Mile Complex in Singapore.
- Arrival: You’ll arrive at major terminals in Kuala Lumpur, such as Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or KL Sentral.
Pros:
- Affordable (prices typically range from SGD 20 to SGD 40).
- Direct route without the need for transfers.
Cons:
- The journey can be long and affected by traffic, especially at the border.
- Border crossings at Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore) and Larkin Terminal (Malaysia) may cause delays.
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3. By Train (Comfortable and Scenic)
Traveling by train is another comfortable option, with the KTM Intercity service connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The trip usually takes around 7 hours.
- Departure: Trains depart from Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Singapore) and head to KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked through the official KTM website or at the train station.
Pros:
- Comfortable ride with more space to move around.
- Scenic views during the journey.
Cons:
- The journey is slower compared to other options.
- Limited departures each day, so it requires more planning.
---
4. By Car (Private or Rental)
If you prefer flexibility and privacy, driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by car is a great option. The drive typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.
- Route: The most common route is to drive along the North-South Expressway (E2), which is a well-maintained highway.
- Border Crossing: You’ll need to clear immigration at Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore and Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru (Malaysia).
- Car Rental: You can rent a car in Singapore, but be aware that you will need to ensure the car is eligible for international travel (crossing borders).
Pros:
- Flexibility to stop at rest areas or explore towns along the way.
- Comfortable for groups or families, especially if you’re carrying luggage.
Cons:
- Potential for traffic delays, particularly at the border.
- Parking in Kuala Lumpur can be tricky in some areas.
---
5. Private Transfer (Luxury and Convenience)
For a more comfortable and hassle-free experience, you can opt for a private transfer service, such as SGMY MPV Transport. This service offers a private, door-to-door transfer, ensuring you travel in comfort without having to navigate public transportation.
- Pick-up/Drop-off: The vehicle will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Singapore and drop you off at your destination in Kuala Lumpur.
- Journey Duration: The trip takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.
- Comfort: You’ll travel in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle with ample legroom.
Pros:
- Maximum comfort and privacy.
- Door-to-door service, making it more convenient than buses or trains.
- Flexible scheduling to suit your travel time.
Cons:
- This is a more expensive option compared to buses or trains.
- Still subject to traffic delays, especially at the border.
---
6. By Ride-Hailing Services (New Option)
In some cases, ride-hailing services like Grab may be available for cross-border trips from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. However, this option is generally less common and can be more expensive than taking a bus or private transfer service.
Pros:
- Convenient if you already use ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Cons:
- May be expensive, especially for long distances.
- Not as comfortable as a private transfer.
---
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Documents: Ensure you have your passport (and visa, if required) for crossing the border into Malaysia.
- Border Crossing Time: Always factor in time for immigration and customs checks at both the Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore) and Larkin Terminal (Malaysia). During peak hours, wait times can be longer.
- Currency: Make sure to carry Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for your expenses in Kuala Lumpur, although credit cards are widely accepted.
- Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers any unforeseen circumstances during your journey.
---
Conclusion
The journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur can be completed in various ways, depending on your preferences and budget. If you’re looking for speed, flying is the best option. For a more scenic and comfortable journey, taking the train or an MPV private transfer can provide a great experience. Meanwhile, buses and cars offer affordability and flexibility.
Choose the option that best suits your travel style and enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur!
1. By Flight (Fastest Option)
The quickest way to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is by plane. The two cities are only about 350 kilometers apart, and flights take about 1 hour.
- Airlines: Numerous airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Scoot, offer daily flights.
- Airport in Singapore: Changi Airport (SIN), which is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world.
- Airport in Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or KLIA2 (for low-cost carriers).
Pros:
- Very quick: Only 1 hour of flight time.
- Multiple flights throughout the day.
Cons:
- Additional time needed for check-in, security, and travel to/from the airports.
- Might be more expensive compared to other options if you’re booking last-minute.
---
2. By Bus (Affordable Option)
Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option and very popular among travelers. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.
- Major Operators: Some of the well-known bus operators include Aeroline, Starmart Express, Five Stars, and Luxury Coach.
- Departure: Buses depart from Queen Street Terminal or Golden Mile Complex in Singapore.
- Arrival: You’ll arrive at major terminals in Kuala Lumpur, such as Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or KL Sentral.
Pros:
- Affordable (prices typically range from SGD 20 to SGD 40).
- Direct route without the need for transfers.
Cons:
- The journey can be long and affected by traffic, especially at the border.
- Border crossings at Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore) and Larkin Terminal (Malaysia) may cause delays.
---
3. By Train (Comfortable and Scenic)
Traveling by train is another comfortable option, with the KTM Intercity service connecting Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The trip usually takes around 7 hours.
- Departure: Trains depart from Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Singapore) and head to KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked through the official KTM website or at the train station.
Pros:
- Comfortable ride with more space to move around.
- Scenic views during the journey.
Cons:
- The journey is slower compared to other options.
- Limited departures each day, so it requires more planning.
---
4. By Car (Private or Rental)
If you prefer flexibility and privacy, driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by car is a great option. The drive typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.
- Route: The most common route is to drive along the North-South Expressway (E2), which is a well-maintained highway.
- Border Crossing: You’ll need to clear immigration at Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore and Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru (Malaysia).
- Car Rental: You can rent a car in Singapore, but be aware that you will need to ensure the car is eligible for international travel (crossing borders).
Pros:
- Flexibility to stop at rest areas or explore towns along the way.
- Comfortable for groups or families, especially if you’re carrying luggage.
Cons:
- Potential for traffic delays, particularly at the border.
- Parking in Kuala Lumpur can be tricky in some areas.
---
5. Private Transfer (Luxury and Convenience)
For a more comfortable and hassle-free experience, you can opt for a private transfer service, such as SGMY MPV Transport. This service offers a private, door-to-door transfer, ensuring you travel in comfort without having to navigate public transportation.
- Pick-up/Drop-off: The vehicle will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Singapore and drop you off at your destination in Kuala Lumpur.
- Journey Duration: The trip takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing time.
- Comfort: You’ll travel in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle with ample legroom.
Pros:
- Maximum comfort and privacy.
- Door-to-door service, making it more convenient than buses or trains.
- Flexible scheduling to suit your travel time.
Cons:
- This is a more expensive option compared to buses or trains.
- Still subject to traffic delays, especially at the border.
---
6. By Ride-Hailing Services (New Option)
In some cases, ride-hailing services like Grab may be available for cross-border trips from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. However, this option is generally less common and can be more expensive than taking a bus or private transfer service.
Pros:
- Convenient if you already use ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Cons:
- May be expensive, especially for long distances.
- Not as comfortable as a private transfer.
---
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Documents: Ensure you have your passport (and visa, if required) for crossing the border into Malaysia.
- Border Crossing Time: Always factor in time for immigration and customs checks at both the Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore) and Larkin Terminal (Malaysia). During peak hours, wait times can be longer.
- Currency: Make sure to carry Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for your expenses in Kuala Lumpur, although credit cards are widely accepted.
- Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers any unforeseen circumstances during your journey.
---
Conclusion
The journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur can be completed in various ways, depending on your preferences and budget. If you’re looking for speed, flying is the best option. For a more scenic and comfortable journey, taking the train or an MPV private transfer can provide a great experience. Meanwhile, buses and cars offer affordability and flexibility.
Choose the option that best suits your travel style and enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur!
04 Jan 2025
