So, you’re planning to visit Malaysia’s capital city from the sunny shores of Singapore... But what is the best way to do it, you ask? Well, it depends on the time and the money you have to spend traveling.
However, if you want to avoid heavy, hectic traffic and driving 4 to 5 hours or more or you can’t just afford to pay more expensive plane tickets, then riding the train would be the best option for you.
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If you want to avoid heavy, hectic traffic, and driving 4 to 5 hours or more or you can’t just afford to pay more expensive plane tickets, on the other hand, then riding the train would be the best option for you.
Kuala Lumpur is a popular weekend get a way of travelers coming from Singapore, and riding the train one of the easiest, most convenient, as well as the most economic ways to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore.
A lot of travelers prefer taking the train because the trip is 6 to7-hour trip costs cheaper and more comfortable compared to other forms of transport you can get, depending on which class you are going to choose. The trip offers a beautiful view of the countryside, tasty meal, and cozy place to sleep if you prefer to have an overnight trip.
To help you with all the important information you need to know for a hassle-free Singapore to Kuala Lumpur train ride, continue reading this comprehensive guide.
What to Ride and How to Ride
Basically, there are three trains coming from Singapore (Woodlands) to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral – Sentral Kuala Lumpur.)Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to build a high-speed rail connection between Singapore by the year 2020.
The high-speed connection will cut the travel time between the set wo points of destinations to only 90 minutes. But right now, only three trains are available for operation.
To get started, the first thing you have to do is to take a 5-minute trip on the Shuttle Train from Woodlands Station in Singapore to JB Sentral Station in Johor Bahru.
From JB Sentral, you’ll then have to ride a shuttle train or the one Intercity Train heading to Gemas.
From Gemas, you arethenable to catch a high-speed Electric Train Service (ETS) going to KL Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur.
Train Classes Available
When booking a train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, you will get to choose from different classes of tickets, from the 2nd class seat to 2nd class sleeper, to 1st class seat and sleeper to deluxe. The deluxe options are truly deluxe as they’re offering high-class services and facilities. Here are the options you will get when booking your ticket:
- Deluxe sleeper: 1 or 2-bed compartments with private bath and toilet, air-conditioned.
- 1st class sleepers: Bed compartments with washbasin, air-conditioned.
- 2nd class sleepers: Upper and lower compartments with curtains for privacy, air-conditioned.
- 1st class seats: very comfortable with wide legroom, reclining, air-conditioned.
- 2nd class seats: Comfortable, air-conditioned.
Timetable
Trains operate every day from Woodlands to KL Sentral.
Train Station & Number | Depart Time | Arrival Time | Class Available |
---|---|---|---|
Ekspres Rakyat Train #2 | 9:12 AM | 2:56 PM | 1st class seat2nd class seats |
Senandung Sutera Train #12 | 2:18 PM | 8:25 PM | 1st class seats2nd class seatsDeluxe class sleepers2nd class sleepers |
Senandung Sutera Train #24 | 11:55 PM | 6:30 AM | 1st class seats2nd class seatsDeluxe class sleepers2nd class sleepers |
To check what other schedules available for a particular date, you can use this website.
Checkpoint Immigration
Singapore and Malaysia both agreed that both countries' Customs, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) facilities will be co-located at three locations – Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Iskandar Puteri.
Every passenger crossing countries will simply have to get through CIQ clearance by both Singapore and Malaysia authorities before departing and exiting the train.
- Singapore Checkpoint (Woodlands)
When you arrive at Woodlands, simply hop on a bus and follow the flow of people walking towards the immigration checkpoint. The process is usually fast and easy. You will get your passport stamped and you are good to go.
- Malaysia Checkpoint (Johor Bhru)
First off, there is no immigration point in Kuala Lumpur itself, so you will get checked at Johor Bahru border. So you just basically have to stay in your seat as the train attendant comes and says "Next stop, JB Sentral." – When you hear this, start preparing for your passport and other needed documents.
The train will then stop and the passengers that are getting down at JB Sentral will get off and when everyone has gotten off, Malaysian Immigration officers will start checking your passport.
There might be a "double checking" performed by a different agent but this is normal. Simply show the page signed the first agent who checked your passport.
Buying Your Tickets
The cheapest and the most convenient way to buy your ticket is to book directly from KTMB website, which is payable by credit card. Don't forget to print out the ticket you bought online as it is being collected at the Malaysian KTM railway station as well as at Woodlands.
If you rather pay in cash, then you can buy your ticket from the station or call the KTM call centre. You can make your reservation as early as 60 days before your planned departure.
You must also make sure that you are choosing Sentral Kuala Lumpur and not Kuala Lumpur because those are two different points of destinations.
Since you are departing from Singapore, the currency you will be paying is going to be in Singapore dollar and it will normally cost you more than twice of what you would pay if you are coming from Malaysia.
Again, there is no direct train from Singapore to KL Sentral. So, book a ticket from Singapore to JB Sentral first, then from JB Sentral to KL Sentral.
Tips Worth Noting
- Tickets on weekends are a lot likely to sell out quickly
There are usually big hordes of passengers during weekends and holidays so it is best to book your ticket as early as you decided on the date you want to travel. You can make an advanced reservation by calling 1-300-88-KTMB(5862) or sending your inquiry via email at [email protected].
- Get to the train station at least 30 minutes before your time of departure
Make sure to give yourself a lot of time to clear immigration and custom. This is extremely advisable as there might be some issues you might face that require some fixing, you wouldn't have to get too frustrated.
The train opens its doors for boarding 30 minutes before the departure time and leave on time! Don't expect to get a refund if you missed your trip.
- You're not allowed to take pictures
For apparent reasons if security, taking photographs is prohibited, no matter how harmless this thing seems like! This is especially within the ticketing premises. If you get caught, the officer will ask you to delete your pictures. But you are allowed to take pictures inside the train if ever you want to take pictures of the sceneries during your trip.
- There is no food on the train so buy food before the trip
You can bring any food and drinks on the train, so make sure to have some snack with you before your departure. There is a 7Eleven at the station as well as other little stores that sell light snacks.
On the whole, choosing to ride the train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is an incredible experience and quite a unique experience. Additionally, choosing this over the other form of transport will save you a lot! What is your favorite part of riding a train? Share them in the comments below!