Alor Setar: General Information
Alor Setar is a city located in the northern region of Malaysia, in the state of Kedah. It is known for its abundance of paddy fields that produce high-quality rice, earning it the nickname “Rice Bowl of Malaysia.” The city is also a cultural and historical center, with numerous landmarks and museums that reflect its rich past. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the Zahir Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, and the Alor Setar Tower, a towering structure that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. In addition,
Alor Setar is a convenient gateway to the popular Langkawi Island, a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and exciting activities. The Kuala Kedah Jetty, the main departure point to Langkawi Island, is just 13 kilometers from the train station in Alor Setar.
Information about the Route (Alor Setar – KL Sentral)
or those traveling from Alor Setar to KL Sentral, the journey is served by the Southbound Train line with Gold and Platinum class services. The fastest travel time if you’re taking the Gold class is 5 hours and 5 minutes, while for Platinum class travelers, it’s slightly quicker at 4 hours and 55 minutes.
Starting prices for tickets (harga tiket Alor Setar ke KL) in the Gold class are RM64.00, and for the Platinum class, prices start at RM85.00. Passengers can purchase tickets either through the website or at the ticket counter available at the station.
You can also travel by plane or bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.
Schedule of ETS Trains: Alor Setar to KL Sentral
(Jadual ETS Alor Setar ke KL Sentral)
There are five trains each day that go from Alor Setar to KL Sentral. The first train of the day leaves at 08:09 in the morning, and the last train departs at 17:24 in the afternoon.
Download the current ETS schedule.
DownloadDeparture Point – Alor Setar Railway Station
The Alor Setar railway station is an important transportation hub in the state of Kedah, Malaysia, serving both the KTM ETS and KTM Komuter Northern Sector services. The station is located just a 15-minute walk from the city center and 10-15-minute walk from the bus stop.
The station offers a range of basic amenities for the comfort and convenience of its passengers, including a digital information display board to keep travelers informed, a prayer room, an elevator for easy access, a ticket counter, sheltered waiting areas, and toilet facilities.
See also: How to Get from KL to Langkawi by Train and Ferry
Alor Setar Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Alor Setar, Jalan Kolam Air,
Alor Malai, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah
Alor Setar Station Contact Number: 04-7314045
How to get from Langkawi to Alor Setar Railway Station?
If you plan to travel from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur, you’ll need to take a ferry from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah on the mainland first. The ferry service runs five times a day from 7:00 to 19:00 and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the ferry company’s website for 34.50 MYR per adult.
Once you arrive at the ferry terminal in Kuala Kedah, you can take a taxi to the Alor Setar city center, which is around 13 km away. The taxi fare should be approximately 20 MYR. For budget-conscious travelers, a cheaper option is taking a bus from the Kuala Kedah bus stop, located just 550m (7 minutes walk) from the ferry terminal to the Alor Setar city center. The bus stop in Alor Setar is just a 10-15 minute walk from the Alor Setar railway station.
Ticket Counter:
Langkawi Ferry Contact Number: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126
Kuala Kedah : 604-762 6295 / 604-762 6296
Arrival Point: KL
If you’re planning to travel from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur by train, you have two main arrival point options available to you.
KL Sentral Station
KL Sentral Station is the main arrival point and is situated in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur City, in the Brickfields district. As a modern transportation hub, KL Sentral provides easy access to various parts of the city, intercity and international destinations, and major modes of transportation like buses, taxis, and LRT. The ETS, or Electric Train Service, departs from Level Two of the Transit Concourse at KL Sentral Station. Here, you can find the ETS Ticket Counter, waiting area, and amenities like retail outlets, a food court, and a parking lot.
See also: Trains from Ipoh to Alor Setar
KL Sentral Station Address:
Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral Station Contact number: 03-22798741
Kuala Lumpur Station
On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur Station is located at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin in the city center, near Merdeka Square. It boasts stunning colonial-style architecture dating back to the early 1900s. This station also serves KTM Intercity trains, which offer a more affordable travel option compared to the ETS trains. Kuala Lumpur Station also provides amenities like food outlets, a parking lot, and a convenience store.
Alternative – Buses from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur
To travel from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur, you have two additional transportation options at your disposal:
Buses from Alor Setar to TBS Kuala Lumpur or KL Sentral
For individuals planning a bus trip from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur, it’s worth noting that buses typically head to KL Sentral or TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in Kuala Lumpur, with the journey usually taking around 6 hours. However, this timeframe can vary depending on traffic.
Travelers should be aware that Malaysian buses are not equipped with onboard toilets, in compliance with local regulations. To ensure passenger comfort, there is a scheduled stop at a gas station along the route for restroom use. This thoughtful provision helps ensure a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for all passengers.
Check the current bus schedule.
Check on 12go.comFlights from AOR Alor Setar Airport to KUL Kuala Lumpur Airport
Travelers looking to journey from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur have the option of flying directly from Alor Setar Airport (AOR) to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL). These flights are serviced by airlines such as Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines, offering direct connections between the two cities. The duration of a direct flight can range from approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Check the current flight schedule.
Check on 12go.comAbout ETS
The Electric Train Service (ETS) in Malaysia is renowned for being the fastest meter gauge train service in the country, capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h (80 mph). Operating on the electrified and double-tracked West Coast Line between Gemas and Padang Besar, which serves as the border between Malaysia and Thailand, the ETS provides passengers with a comfortable and efficient journey.
Train Classes
The Electric Train Service (ETS) offers three classes of service: Platinum, Gold, and Silver, to cater to the diverse needs and budgets of its passengers. Platinum trains are the fastest and most direct, making minimal stops at major stations, while Gold trains make more stops. ETS Silver is the most affordable option, with stops at almost all stations, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers.
Ticket prices for ETS vary depending on the class, distance, and time of day. Platinum tickets are the most expensive, followed by Gold and then Silver. Passengers can purchase tickets online, at ETS stations, or through travel agents. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
Regardless of the service class, all passengers can expect comfortable seats with headrests, food trays, air conditioning, luggage space, and power outlets for their convenience during the journey.
Train Facilities
ETS provides a range of amenities on board to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Passengers who require a prayer room can utilize the musolla located in coach C. The F&B Bistro, also located in coach C, offers a range of food and drink options. Luggage racks are available in coaches A and F, providing a safe place for passengers to store their belongings. Special seats are located in coach D for elderly and disabled passengers, close to the unisex OKU-friendly washroom. LCD screens are located at the end of each coach and in the passenger hallway to keep passengers informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Alor Setar to KL?
The cheapest way to travel from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur is by taking a bus. There are several bus operators that offer daily trips between the two cities, with fares starting at around 40 MYR. The journey takes approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and buses usually depart from the Alor Setar Bus Terminal and arrive at various locations in Kuala Lumpur, such as the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan or TBS.
What is the fastest way to get from Alor Setar to KL?
The fastest way to get from Alor Setar to KL is by taking a direct flight from Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The flight duration is around 1 hour, and there are several airlines that operate this route, including AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air. Alternatively, you can take the ETS train from Alor Setar to KL Sentral, which takes around 5 hours.
How far is it from Alor Setar to KL?
The distance between Alor Setar and KL Sentral is approximately 455 kilometers by road or rail.
Sources
https://www.ktmb.com.my/ETS.html