Train routes

How to get from KL Sentral to Singapore by train?

Singapore: General Information about Destination 

Singapore is a destination that seamlessly blends the needs and desires of both tourists and workers. As a global financial and commercial center, Singapore offers excellent employment opportunities for skilled professionals from various industries. Its advanced infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and low tax rates make it an attractive destination for global corporations and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, Singapore is also a top tourist destination with its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning attractions. From the world-famous Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Island to the tranquil Gardens by the Bay and historic Chinatown, there is something for everyone in Singapore. Moreover, Singapore is renowned for its delicious cuisine, ranging from hawker center fare to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Information about the Route (KL Sentral – Gemas – Johor Bahru – Woodlands)

The travel route from KL Sentral to Singapore involves four stages: 

1
Kuala Lumpur to Gemas by ETS (Southbound Line)
2
Gemas to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) by Ekspres Selatan (Southbound Line)
3
Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Woodlands by Shuttle Tebrau
4
Woodlands to Singapore by bus, MRT or taxi

You can also travel by plane or bus. Be sure to check out the alternative options for trains at the end of this article.

KL to Gemas by ETS

To start the journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, passengers must first take the ETS (southbound train) from KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station to Gemas. The distance between the two stations is around 160 km, and the trip takes approximately 2.5 hours. The ticket price for the ETS train from KL to Gemas (harga tiket KL ke Gemas) is approximately MYR 30 and can be purchased at the station’s ticket counter or website. 

Departure: KL Sentral Station or Kuala Lumpur Station

KL Sentral Station Address:

Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral Station Contact Number: 03-22798741

Kuala Lumpur Station Address:

Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Station Contact Number: 03-22671200

Schedule ETS Trains: KL Sentral to Gemas

(Jadual ETS KL Sentral ke Gemas)

Two trains are available per day, with the first train departing around 12:00. and the second one at 22:00. Both trains arrive in Gemas, where passengers can easily transfer to another train bound for Johor Bahru (JB Sentral).

Download the current schedule. 

Download the current schedule. 

Download

Gemas to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) by KTM Komuter

The train journey from Gemas to Johor Bahru covers a distance of 205 km and is served by the Southbound Train line, including the ERT Ekspres Rakyat Timuran and the ES Ekspres Selatan. The travel time starts from 4 hours and 25 minutes.

The cost of a train ticket is approximately MYR 20, and tickets can be purchased both on the website and at the ticket counter at the station.

Schedule KTM Komuter Trains: Gemas to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral)

(Jadual KTM Komuter Gemas ke Johor Bahru)

The Intercity train service from Gemas to Johor Bahru runs four times a day. The earliest train departs at 02:00, and the latest train leaves at 15:20.

For passengers arriving by train from Kuala Lumpur, the afternoon and night trains are ideal transfers. 

Download the current schedule. 

Download the current schedule. 

Download

Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Woodlands by Shuttle Tebrau

The third stage of the journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore involves taking the Shuttle Tebrau train from Johor Bahru Sentral to Woodlands. The trip takes only five minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to cross the border, and at a reasonable price of 5 MYR.

Departure: JB Sentral Station

Stesen Keretapi Jb Sentral, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak,
Bukit Chagar, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
JB Sentral Contact Number: 07-2234727

Schedule Shuttle Tebrau Trains: Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Woodlands

(Jadual Shuttle Tebrau Johor Bahru ke Woodlands)

With 18 trains available daily, passengers have a lot of options to choose from, with the first train departing at 5.00 and the last train departing at 22.45. To ensure a hassle-free experience, passengers are advised to book tickets in advance, especially for morning departures.

Download the current schedule. 

Download the current schedule. 

Download

See also: How to Get from Seremban to Singapore by Train

Customs Clearance and Boarding

Boarding the Shuttle Tebrau train from Johor Bahru to Woodlands is a simple process, as long as passengers arrive on time and follow the necessary procedures. The designated gate for the shuttle trains is Gate A, which opens 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before departure. All short-term visitors are required to submit their SG Arrival Card upon arrival at the gate, and passengers need to scan their passports using the passport scanners located there. 

After passing through immigration and customs, there is a bag scanning checkpoint to cross before proceeding to the waiting area for the train. To ensure a smooth immigration process, passengers are recommended to download the MyICA Mobile App. Once at the waiting area, passengers have access to various shops, ticket counters, and boarding gates.

Singapore Immigration

After arriving at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint (CIQ), passengers are required to go through Singapore immigration. The immigration counter is situated at the rear of the train, and passengers should head there once they disembark. To go through immigration, passengers must have a completed SG Arrival Card. In case they have not filled out the form, they can complete it while waiting in line at immigration, and wifi is available for this purpose.

After clearing immigration, passengers are required to cross customs. It is important to note that there is no Duty-Free Allowance when traveling from Malaysia to Singapore. This implies that passengers cannot bring any liquor products, cigarettes, or tobacco products into Singapore. If any of these items are brought in, they must be declared, and a significant tax charge must be paid. It is advisable to avoid carrying these products to avoid any issues with customs and immigration.

See also: Shuttle Tebrau Woodlands to Johor Bahru

Woodlands Train Checkpoint (CIQ) to Singapore

After arriving at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint, visitors will need to make their way to their desired location on the island. There are several options available, depending on the budget and preference of each individual. For those who want to save on transportation costs, taking an MRT or a combination of bus and MRT is a good option. The nearest MRT station is Marsiling MRT Station (NS8), which is about 1,7 kilometers away on the North-South MRT Line. To get there, passengers can take a bus from just outside Woodlands (bus number: 950). Alternatively, visitors can also hire a taxi to take them directly to their destination, although this will be more expensive than taking public transportation.

Schedule and Ticket Cost

The total cost of tickets from KL to Woodlands in Singapore should not exceed 55 – 60 MYR. The duration of the journey will vary depending on the chosen option, with the afternoon train taking approximately 8 hours and the night train taking approximately 10 hours. Download the current schedule here.

Available options: 

1

1. Kuala Lumpur – Gemas Departure: 12:19, Arrival: 14:52
2. Gemas – Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) Departure: 15:20, Arrival: 19:45   
3. Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) – Woodlands Departure: 20:15, Arrival: 20.20

2

1. Kuala Lumpur – Gemas Departure: 21.40, Arrival: 00:10
2. Gemas – Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) Departure: 2:00, Arrival: 6:20
3. Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) – Woodlands Departure: 7:00, Arrival: 7.05

Alternatives – Buses and Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

To travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, you have two additional transportation options at your disposal:

Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

For those contemplating a bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, options for departure include One Utama, KL Sentral, TBS, or other bus stops in KL with travel times ranging from approximately 4.5 to 9 hours. This can vary, however, due to traffic conditions.

Passengers must remember that Malaysian buses are not equipped with onboard toilets, as per legal guidelines. To mitigate this, there are scheduled stops at a gas station along the way for restroom use, ensuring that the travel experience remains comfortable.

Check the current bus schedule.

Check the current bus schedule.

Check on 12go.com

Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

Travelers looking to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore have the convenience of direct flights serviced by airlines such as Air Asia, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. These direct flights provide a quick travel option, with flight durations ranging from approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Check the current bus schedule.

Check the current bus schedule.

Check on 12go.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get from KL to Singapore?

The cheapest way to get from KL to Singapore is by taking a bus. There are many bus companies offering this route, and the ticket prices vary depending on the type of bus and the amenities provided. However, generally, the cost of a bus ticket ranges from 50 to 180 MYR. The journey time by bus is typically around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing times. 

What is the fastest way to get from KL to Singapore?

The fastest way to travel from KL to Singapore is by taking a flight. The flight time from KL to Singapore is approximately 1 hour, making it the quickest way to get to Singapore. There are several airlines that offer daily flights between the two cities, including low-cost carriers.

How far is it from KL to Singapore?

The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles).

Is there a direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore?

There is no direct train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. Passengers will need to take a combination of trains to reach Singapore from  Kuala Lumpur. The journey involves taking the ETS (Southbound Line) from KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur Station to Gemas, followed by Ekspres Selatan (Southbound Line) from Gemas to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral). Finally, passengers can take the Shuttle Tebrau from JB Sentral to Woodlands to cross the Malaysia-Singapore border.

How long does it take to travel from Malaysia to Singapore by train?

The duration of the journey will vary depending on the chosen option, with the afternoon train taking approximately 8 hours and the night train taking approximately 10 hours. 

What is the best way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore?

The best way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore depends on personal preference, budget, and time constraints.

If you want a comfortable and hassle-free journey and are willing to pay a higher fare, taking a flight is the fastest and most convenient option.

If you prefer a more scenic route and don’t mind spending several hours on a train, taking a train is a good option. There are both day and night train services available, and the journey takes around 8-10 hours.
Another option is to take a bus, which is relatively cheap and takes around 5-6 hours. However, the journey can be tiring and uncomfortable due to the long travel time.

Ultimately, the best way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore depends on your priorities and preferences.

What is the best mode of transportation from Malaysia to Singapore?

The best mode of transportation from Malaysia to Singapore depends on various factors such as budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Trains and buses are the most cost-effective options, but they can take several hours to reach Singapore. On the other hand, flights are more expensive but can get you to Singapore in a relatively short amount of time. 

Is there a rail link between Singapore and Malaysia?

Yes, there is a rail link between Singapore and Malaysia. The rail link connects Singapore’s Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Malaysia’s Johor Bahru Sentral station, and from there, travelers can continue their journey by train to other parts of Malaysia.

Can I travel from Malaysia to Singapore without a visa?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of some countries may enter Singapore for a limited period without a visa, while others require a visa. For example, citizens of Malaysia can enter Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa. However, it’s always recommended to check the current visa requirements and regulations before traveling to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Can we go to Singapore by train?

Yes, you can travel to Singapore by train from Malaysia.  The ETS operates from Kuala Lumpur to Gemas, where you can transfer to the Ekspres Selatan train to Johor Bahru. From there, you can take the Shuttle Tebrau train across the border to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore.

Sources

https://www.ktmb.com.my/ETS.html

https://www.ktmb.com.my/ets-from-kl-to-singapore.html

http://www.klsentral.com.my/conn_main.aspx

https://www.smrt.com.sg/

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