Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are among Southeast Asia's most-visited cities, separated by around 350 km of Malaysian motorway and jungle. There is no single through train, but a well-trodden combination of rail, shuttle and bus gets you across the border efficiently. Here is how each option works — including the popular train-and-link route, the budget bus, budget flights and driving.

The train route: KTM ETS to JB Sentral, then the shuttle to Singapore

There is no direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore — the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) main-line service was discontinued some years ago. Instead, the recommended rail journey works in two legs:

1. KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) from KL Sentral to JB Sentral in Johor Bahru, the city on the Malaysian side of the Singapore–Malaysia border. This journey takes around four to five hours, depending on the number of stops. The ETS is comfortable, air-conditioned and reasonably priced; different classes of service are available.
2. RTS Link (Rapid Transit System Link) — a new cross-border rail shuttle from JB Sentral to Woodlands North MRT Station in Singapore. From Woodlands North, Singapore's excellent MRT metro connects you to the city centre and Changi Airport. The RTS Link journey itself takes only a few minutes across the Strait of Johor, but you pass through immigration at both ends, which can add 30–60 minutes or more depending on queues.

Combined, this route typically takes around five to seven hours from KL Sentral to Singapore city centre, including the border crossing. The RTS Link is the newer of the two legs; verify current operating status and hours directly with the operators before travel, as services and immigration arrangements can change.

The cheapest and most popular way: the long-distance bus

Buses are by far the most popular choice for travellers making this crossing, and with good reason: they run very frequently, are inexpensive and offer the option of going directly to Singapore city centre without changing modes. Multiple operators run express coach services from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in Kuala Lumpur — the main long-distance bus terminal — to various points in Singapore, including Queen Street Bus Terminal, Golden Mile Complex and other stops.

Journey times are typically around four to six hours in normal traffic, but this can stretch significantly during peak periods when the causeway or Second Link crossing becomes congested — think weekend afternoons, public holidays, and school breaks in either country. The bus crosses at either the Johor-Singapore Causeway (more central) or the Second Link / Tuas (less congested but further west).

Fares are the lowest of any mode. Booking in advance is wise but not always necessary; TBS has buses departing regularly throughout the day and into the night. Overnight buses are also an option if you want to save on accommodation.

The fastest way: budget flights

AirAsia, Scoot and Malindo Air all operate multiple daily flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The flight is around 45–50 minutes, but the full door-to-door calculation is less flattering. KLIA is around 55 km from central KL; Changi Airport, while excellent, is still 20–30 minutes from the city centre. Add check-in and security and the real journey time is rarely under three hours — and often more.

Budget fares can be very cheap if booked far ahead, but baggage fees, airport transfers and the hassle of two airports often make the bus a better deal overall. Flying makes most sense if you catch a promotional fare, are travelling light, or have a specific reason to start from or arrive at an airport.

Driving

The drive from KL to Singapore is around 350 km on the North–South Expressway (Plus Highway) and takes roughly four to five hours in light traffic, though traffic on the causeway approaches can add considerably to this. Singaporean and Malaysian driving is on the left; Malaysian cars are permitted in Singapore but require a valid vehicle entry permit (VEP) — check the latest requirements with Singapore authorities before you go.

Petrol in Singapore is much more expensive than in Malaysia; cars must have at least three-quarters of a tank of petrol when leaving Singapore for Malaysia (a regulation sometimes enforced). Car hire companies have their own cross-border rules, so confirm your rental agreement before driving across.

Border crossing and practical notes

Whether you cross by bus, car or the rail link, you pass through Malaysian immigration on exit and Singapore immigration on entry. All passengers — even on the bus — must disembark with their luggage for immigration checks at the causeway. This process is generally efficient but can be slow during peak periods. Have your passport and any arrival cards ready.

Singaporean law on a range of items (chewing gum, certain medications, amounts of cash) is strict. It is worth a quick check of Singapore customs rules before you travel if you are unsure about anything you are carrying.

Which should you choose?

The bus is the everyday choice for most travellers: cheap, direct and frequent. The KTM ETS + RTS Link combination is the rail enthusiast's option and avoids driving fatigue at the causeway, but requires two separate bookings and a border crossing on foot. Flying only makes sense for very cheap advance fares or if you want the speed of Changi airport's onward connections. Driving is best if you already have a car in Malaysia and understand the cross-border vehicle rules.

For context on other overland crossings in the region, see our guide to Bangkok to Singapore overland.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore?

No direct through train operates currently. The rail route runs in two legs: KTM ETS from KL Sentral to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral), then the RTS Link cross-border shuttle from JB Sentral to Woodlands North MRT in Singapore. Combined, the journey takes around five to seven hours including the border crossing.

How long does the bus take from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore?

In normal traffic, around four to six hours. Peak periods (weekend afternoons, public holidays) can add significantly to this due to border congestion. Buses depart from TBS terminal in KL.

Do I need a visa to enter Singapore from Malaysia?

Singapore is generally visa-free for most nationalities for short stays, but requirements vary. Always check with the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or your own government's travel advice before travelling.

Is the Johor Bahru causeway congested?

Yes, it can be very congested — particularly on Friday evenings when Singaporeans cross into Malaysia for the weekend, and Sunday evenings when they return. Travelling midweek or at off-peak times makes the crossing significantly faster.