The holidays are coming up, and perhaps you’re planning a relaxing trip with your children to Kuala Lumpur (KL) for a short getaway before school starts again. Singapore and KL are 316 km apart, and we’ve compiled a list of the best ways for you to travel the distance that’ll have you excited to be travelling in style!
1. Take a flight from Singapore to KL
This may possibly be the most convenient way of travelling – after all, the duration of the entire flight is only about an hour from Singapore Changi Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. However, it unfortunately also makes this the most expensive option.
Prices for flight tickets for a short-haul location (from Singapore to KL!) can range between SGD72 to SGD190, and these are only one-way prices! Last-minute ticket purchases, travelling during festive seasons and optional add-ons like seat reservations or extra baggage could mean an even higher price. Plus, since flight tickets are fast-selling during peak periods, this means impromptu getaway trips might not exactly be as feasible!
2. Take a bus from Singapore to KL
This is one of the more common options that most travellers take when travelling from Singapore since it only takes about 5 to 6 hours. A bus from Singapore to KL is also an easier method to travel with, since there are at least 16 different coach companies you can use, like Odyssey Prestige or Aeroline.
While the options may seem overwhelming at first, the services they provide are relatively similar. The main differences in price depends mainly on the amenities onboard and how roomy and comfortable you’d like your seat to be on the bus.
For example, more expensive coaches provide food and water onboard, and have a massage chair alongside many other features. Of course, all these come with a markup in price. The cost of a seat on a coach from Singapore to KL thus depends entirely on how much you are willing to pay. There is a wide price range between roughly SGD30 to SGD60 per seat, depending on the coach and the type of seat you decide to go with.
3. Take a train from Singapore to KL
This one’s for the adventurous and for those who like to go off the beaten path! If you’re looking to enjoy Malaysia’s genuine, rustic views beyond the hustle and bustle of cityscapes before reaching KL, this is a travel method you’d enjoy!
Here’s what you would need to do to travel from Singapore to KL by train:
- From Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint, take the train to Johor Bahru Central (JB Sentral) in Malaysia. This will be about 5 minutes.
- After reaching JB Sentral, you then have to board another train to Gemsas Station, which will be about 4.5 hours.
- From Gemsas Station, you will have to get on KTM’s Electric Train Service to reach Kuala Lumpur Central (KL Sentral), which is a rough 2.5 hours ride away.
In total, the whole journey should span between a rough 7 to 8 hours. However, this does not factor in any waiting time for trains (since they don’t run every hour of the day), or any jams at the immigration checkpoints between Singapore to JB Sentral. If you’re lucky, this can easily add an hour or two to your total travel time. If you’re unlucky, this can cause your entire journey by train to easily span a full day or more.
You also have to ensure that you do not miss your connecting train as well since this can leave you stranded in an unfamiliar location and cause unwanted issues to arise. If you’re travelling with young children, this travel method might not be as family-friendly due to any sudden emergencies that could occur.
While a path less travelled, it doesn’t make it any less exciting for adventurous travellers who want to see a glimpse of what Malaysia has to offer beyond the city. Train carriages are pretty comfortable, and you also get to see the different landscapes and views passing by the window in the safety of your seat. This is a relatively affordable option at tickets totalling up to slightly below SGD30, which is a steal considering how you also get to explore different parts of Malaysia at the same time.
4. Drive down from Singapore to KL
The famous Malaysia-Singapore road trips aren’t famous for nothing! Between flexibility of itinerary and privacy, driving down to KL is definitely one of the more enticing options listed here. You get to decide your own pace, take your time, and decide what you want to do in a leisurely manner– something a flight or coach ride might not be able to provide.
Furthermore, if you’re travelling with friends, road trips are also a great way to have fun even before you reach your destination! Having a private space to yourself means being able to watch a favourite movie, karaoke, or even just talk to one another as a great way to pass the time and start the trip..
However, driving down to KL hinges on two important factors: a driving licence and a car. Your designated driver will have to be willing to traverse the Malaysian roads from Singapore. For a new driver, this would sound daunting and could be a challenge they might not be up to just yet. Being comfortable with driving in a foreign country and through unfamiliar traffic and roads is something best left up to seasoned drivers.
Not to mention, you must also own a Vehicle Entry Permit-registered car (or be willing to rent one) to drive and reach KL. Otherwise, vehicles caught without this permit would be fined a penalty of RM150 (approximately SGD50). Improper planning can also result in hidden costs when forgetting to take into account highway charges (and how to pay them!), toll charges, or even road charges for entry from Singapore to Malaysia.
5. Hire a private car and limousine
While driving down from Singapore to KL would be a great option, not everyone can drive, or are comfortable driving in another country. Hiring a limousine however, is the best of both worlds: it combines convenience and comfort, while still offering you privacy and flexibility on your travels.
From a 7-seater Toyota Vellfire MPV to the 4-seater Mercedes S-class Sedan, limousine service companies like Hesed Limousine offer a full range of options. Their private hires all come fully insured and stocked with snacks and drinks, as well as onboard wifi and iPhone chargers. Talk about convenience and comfort! Be it with children or with your elderly parents, there is something for everyone – with limousines, comfort is prioritised! Prices range from SGD55 to SGD100 per hour, depending on the type of vehicle chosen.
So while other travel methods may be slightly more affordable than hiring a private car and limousine to travel from Singapore to KL, the benefits and convenience of a private mode of transport are much more appealing. Forget about navigating unfamiliar roads on your own, hidden costs, or squeezing into buses with other commuters/travellers!
Imagine having your own private space to yourself and relax in a roomy limousine instead of squeezing with people onboard the bus or plane. You can lie back and relax in style, even if you get stuck in one of those notorious highway jams. Travelling in comfort is an experience a majority of us would greatly appreciate and it’s no wonder why those who desire a convenient and cosy experience would pick this way of travelling.
There are ups and downs for each option of travelling from Singapore to KL. Each travelling situation – with your friends, children, or with an adventurous companion – might be suited more for one way than the other. Ultimately, of course, it is up to you to decide which method would work best for your travel plans!
About Hesed Limousine
Starting off in 2005 with just one limousine, Hesed Limousine has since grown, expanding from Singapore to Malaysia. Now, with over 10 limousines under our wing and a strong network of limousine drivers, we focus on providing you with comfort, safety and other excellent transport services. Book your vehicle of choice now with Hesed Limousine.
Heading from Singapore to Malaysia? Check out or guides to travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru or Singapore to Genting Highlands!