Are you planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from Singapore? Why not take the train? Train travel is a great way to see the sights and enjoy the journey. Not only is it affordable, but it's also a scenic journey that takes you through some of Malaysia's most beautiful landscapes.
In this article, we'll break down the journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and give you all the information you need to plan your trip.
Recommended for Trip to Malaysia
-
Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour
Must go attraction!
-
Buy Cheap eSIM for Malaysia
From S$0.81 per day only! Choose the amount of data you want.
Train to KL from Singapore overview
The train journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur involves a three-part journey, with the first leg from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB), the second leg from Johor Bahru to Gemas and the final leg is from Gemas to Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Here we are going to go into more details on the 3 separate parts.
Train to KL from Singapore part 1: Singapore to Johor Bahru
The first part of the journey takes you from Singapore to Johor Bahru. You can take a taxi or MRT service to get to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore.
From there, you'll clear Singapore Immigration and Malaysian Customs and Immigration before boarding the shuttle train via KTM that goes from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral.
This ride will only take 5 minutes.
Train to KL from Singapore part 2: Johor Bahru To Gemas
Source: Wikipedia - Gemas train station ticket counters
The second part of the journey takes you from Johor Bahru to Gemas.
Once you arrive at JB Sentral, you'll be required to get on the KTM Berhad train to Gemas in the Tampin District of Negeri Sembilan. Travel time will take approximately 4 hours for this ride.
Train to KL from Singapore part 3: Gemas To Kuala Lumpur
The final part of the journey takes you from Gemas to Kuala Lumpur.
Once you arrive at Gemas, you’ll need to change trains at Gemas to KL Sentral. The travel time from Gemas to KL Sentral will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Train to JB from KL schedule
The first train departs from JB Sentral at 8:30 AM and arrives at Gemas at 13:14 PM. The last train departs from JB Sentral at 18:05 PM and arrives at Gemasl at 22:47 PM.
Souce: ktmb.com.my
There are only 2 trains from the point of writing this article from Gemas to KL Sentral.
- The first train departs from Gemas at 8:05 AM and arrives at KL Sentral at 10:45AM.
- The second (and last) train departs from Gemas at 15:20 PM and arrives at KL Sentral at 18:00 PM.
Souce: ktmb.com.my
If you want to arrive at KL on the same day, the only option is to take the 1st train from JB to Gemas and have about a 2-hour transit before taking the second train from Gemas to KL Sentral.
Buying train ticket to KL from Singapore
There are 2 ways you can buy train tickets: either online via the KTMB app, or over the counter at the respective train stations. We definitely recommend buying return tickets on the KTMB app as early as you can, as tickets sell out ridiculously fast!
To book a train ticket online, follow these steps:
- Download the KTMB app.
- Create an account or log in to your existing account.
- Select your departure and arrival stations and the date of travel.
- Choose your preferred train and seat.
- Pay for your ticket using your preferred payment method.
- Download and print your ticket or save it on your mobile device.
Immigration and customs clearance
As the train from Singapore to JB crosses the border between Singapore and Malaysia, passengers need to go through immigration and customs clearance. Here's what you need to know:
Singapore immigration and customs clearance
Direction to Woodlands Train Checkpoint
At the Woodlands Train Checkpoint station, passengers need to clear Singapore immigration by presenting their passport and disembarking the train. After clearance, passengers can board the train again and continue their journey.
Malaysia immigration and customs clearance
At the Johor Bahru Sentral Station, passengers need to clear Malaysia immigration and customs. Passengers need to disembark the train, go through immigration clearance, collect their luggage, and clear customs. After clearance, passengers can board the train again and continue their journey.
Make sure to carry all the necessary documents, such as passport, visa, and travel itinerary, to avoid any hassle during immigration and customs clearance.
Tips for taking train to KL from Singapore
Book your tickets in advance
To avoid disappointment, it's best to book your KTM train tickets in advance. Same-day tickets are almost always sold out, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Check the train schedule
Make sure you check the train schedule before heading to the train station. This is especially important as there is no direct train to KL from Singapore. You are required to do 2 transits.
Bring your passport
Your passport is required for clearance at both Malaysian and Singaporean immigration. Make sure you bring it with you when taking the KTM train to JB from Singapore.
Be early
Arrive at the train station at least 40 minutes before your train departs to give yourself enough time to clear immigration and board the train.
Train to KL from Singapore conclusion
Embarking on a journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by train offers not only an affordable and convenient travel option but also a captivating experience through Malaysia's picturesque landscapes.
The three-part voyage takes you from the bustling cityscape of Singapore to the charming allure of Johor Bahru, from there to the heart of Gemas, and finally, to the vibrant Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond the travel logistics, this train journey serves as a bridge between cultures and nations, with customs clearances adding a touch of adventure. As you explore the scenic route, remember to keep an eye out for the ever-changing travel landscape, as regulations and experiences evolve over time.