How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (2023 Guide)
Modern Singapore
Malaysia’s bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating melting pot of Tamil, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous cultures. Only 350 kilometers away is the island, city, and country of Singapore, which is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Because of their vibrant cultures and proximity, many travellers make sure to visit both during their time in Southeast Asia.
You have the possibility to take a bus, train, plane, or car between these two Southeast Asian capitals, so there is no shortage of options for transportation from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. Just remember - Singapore is its own country, so no matter which transport option you choose, you need to go through immigration.
Blog post content
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Bus
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Train
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Plane
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Bus
Most travellers on a budget opt to take the bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. With service to and from the city center, good roads, and plenty of operators, taking the bus isn’t half bad. Even the border crossing is relatively painless! The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus fare is between RM70-RM100 depending on the company you use. The different carriers also have different arrival points in Singapore, so many travellers choose their bus company based on this. For example, some of the best-known bus operators are Nice, Konsortium Express, Starmart Express, Sri Maju, WTS Travel & Tours, City Express, and Transnasional (and there are many more), with drop-off points including The Plaza at Beach Rd, Singapore Woodlands, the Golden Mile Complex, Kovan Hub, and the Singapore Flyer.
Tips for taking the bus
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus fare varies greatly by operator and can be anywhere from 35MYR to 135MYR
The different bus operators also have different pickup/dropoff points in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
You must go through customs at the border crossing
The bus ride usually takes about 6 hours
Crossing the Malaysia-Singapore Border
The Malaysia-Singapore border crossing is pretty quick and simple, though rush hour can cause some delays. First, you exit the bus to officially leave Malaysia. You should bring your carry-on bag and personal items with you, but leave your large luggage on the bus. Afterwards, you get back on the bus to cross the Causeway Bridge, before exiting again to go through Singapore customs. This takes a little longer, and you usually have to bring your large luggage with you to be screened. Singapore has some very strict rules, so be sure to follow them to keep out of trouble! Your bus will wait for you on the other side of the immigration office to bring you into the city (and don’t worry - it will wait if anyone is delayed).
Tips for the Border Crossing
Have all of your documents filled out and ready, ideally marking the most recently stamped page in your passport.
Singapore has very strict customs laws, especially for alcohol and cigarettes. Declare whatever you have with you, or risk a large fine.
Take off your hat and sunglasses, and be extra courteous to the customs agent. And definitely do not use your phone while you’re in the immigration area!
Bring your travel bag and any valuables with you.
While the bus isn’t bad, it does have some drawbacks, such as being stuck on a public bus for 6 hours! Yes, you can sit back and watch the palm trees go by, but you’re out of luck if you want to stop somewhere. The other downside to the bus is that you still are responsible for getting yourself and your luggage to and from the bus station.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Train
As of early 2018, the direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore was suspended, and one of the easiest and most comfortable options for traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore turned into one of the slowest and most complicated.
Tips for taking the train
There are no direct trains from KL to Singapore - you need to transfer twice and buy tickets for each leg individually
The KL to Singapore train fare is 57MYR (31+21+5 )
The train ride can take 9 hours
With no direct trains from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station to Singapore, you need to transfer to Gemas and Johor Bahru. Because of this, the train is the slowest option, taking up to 9 hours, and quite impractical. But if you really love trains, it is a memorable experience, and it might be worth considering if you want to spend time in Johor Bahru.
Purchase a train ticket from KL Sentral to Gemas station. This is the last stop on the line, and you will need to transfer to another train here.
In Gemas, you need to purchase a ticket to JB Sentral - the last stop on the line. The ride is about 4 hours.
Once at Johor Bahru Sentral (JB Sentral), you need to purchase tickets for the shuttle to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. The trip on the SGD5 shuttle train only takes about 5 minutes.
At Woodlands Train Checkpoint you’ll need to go through customs and immigration.
The train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is operated by KTM, the main train company in Malaysia. You will actually need to buy a separate ticket for each leg of the journey (KL to Gemas, Gemas to Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru to Woodlands). Fortunately, you can do this online.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Plane
The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight time is only about an hour, so even with the time spent getting to and from the airport and waiting for the flight, it can be a bit faster than taking a car or bus. And since you can fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Kuala Lumpur Sultan Abdul Azziz Shah Airport, you can get a flight with Air Asia, scoot, Jet Asia, Malindo Air, Firefly, Silkair, or one of the other airlines offering this route.
Tips for flying
The Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight time is 1 hour (3+ including transport to/from the airport and waiting time)
There's at least one flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore an hour from 6:05 AM to 11:50 PM
Tickets can cost as little as 84MYR, though they can be well over 300, and you'll also need to pay for transportation to the airport
The main downside of flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, along with being more expensive, is that you miss out on seeing the beautiful Malaysian countryside. Not to mention there’s all those annoying luggage limits and regulations.
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Private Car
If you’re looking for the most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, a car transfer is the way to go. The most obvious benefit of taking a taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is the door-to-door service - no lugging you bags around! The border crossing usually takes about 45 minutes, but it can take longer - if it does, you’ll be glad for the comfort of a private car:
The car ride from KL to Singapore is about 4 hours 45 minutes
Customs and immigration usually takes about 45 minutes
Door-to-door service and sightseeing stops make the extra cost worth it!
Along with being able to enjoy views of the Malaysian countryside, if you decide to travel with Daytrip, you can stop along the way for sightseeing, or to grab a snack!
Book your convenient private car from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore
