How to Get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Bus?
Since Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are so close to each other, it’s common for travellers to add both to their South-East Asia itineraries.
Reaching either by plane is the fastest and most common method of travel, but prices can quickly become high if you wait too long. Luckily, there is a much cheaper alternative!
There is an efficient bus service with multiple operators that connects these two incredible cities, but reliable information can be a little tricky to gather. For this reason, today we’ll share with you all the essentials you’ll need to know in order to have a safe and relaxing trip!
So, let’s get started.
Where can you catch the bus in Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur is a gigantic city, and there are multiple bus stations from where you’ll be able to catch a bus to Singapore.
All of the terminals are very easy to reach via public transport, but which one you’ll depart from depends on the schedule and the operator you chose for your trip:
Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
KL Sentral
Berjaya Times Square
IMBI
Utama Bus Terminal
Where do you arrive in Singapore?
Just like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore has several bus stations that serve as terminals for multiple carriers:
Golden Mile Complex
Kovan Hub
Jurong East IMM
Katong V Mall
Harbour Front Centre
Pro-Tip:
If you plan on staying near the city centre, avoid booking busses that drop you off at Woodlands Checkpoint. This terminal is located right past border control, which means it will still take you at least an hour by train to reach the city centre.
Alternatively you could also book a taxi or grab ride, but it will cost you a lot more and will still take you at least 20 to 30 minutes!
Cost and length of the ride
While it definitely isn’t as fast as taking the plane, travelling to Singapore with the bus is generally the cheaper option. But how much can you expect to spend on a bus fare, and how long will it really take you to reach your destination?
Price of a ticket:
When it comes to the price of a ticket, catching a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is usually pretty affordable. Tickets usually start at around RM50, about $10, but there can be some variations in price depending on the operator and the departure time.
While you can book tickets on the spot (if they are available), it’s always a good idea to take a look around on different websites in advance so you can compare prices and book the best option you can find.
One app that you can download and that we used often while in South East Asia, is 12Go Asia. It’s a great option to use if you want to look for bus schedules and compare the different companies, as well as check reviews from other travelers.
Length of the ride
The ride from any of the stations should take you around 5 to 6 hours, that is if you don’t get completely jammed in traffic.
We recommend you avoid travelling during rush hour and around national holidays, as the roads can get pretty packed around those times. It’s a good thing that you’ll get plenty of chances to step out, grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs along the way!
In addition to the travel time, don’t forget that you’ll also have to clear immigration on both sides of the Singaporean border, which can easily add a couple of hours if you happen to be there at peak travel time.
Pro-Tip:
Because there are so many factors that go into it, the overall time it will take you to reach Singapore from Kuala Lumpur via bus is pretty hard to predict. For this reason, it’s not a bad idea to consider making the crossing at night. That way you won’t waste any valuable time, plus you can find some pretty comfortable busses that are ideal for an overnight trip!
Crossing Immigration
Just as if you were travelling by plane, you’ll need to pass border controls on both the Malaysian and Singaporean side of the border. This means you’ll need to have all your documents in order, or you’re bound to catch some trouble on the way:
Your passport:
If you’re not a Singaporean citizen, your passport needs to have a validity of at least 6 months.
Visa
Unsure whether or not you are required to have a visa to enter Singapore?
You’ll be asked to show it when passing through immigration, so be sure to take care of all of the paperwork in advance.
Your SG Arrival Card
Your SG arrival card is an electronic document that you’ll have to fill in before arriving in Singapore. The easiest way to do it is to simply download the MyICA App on your smartphone and fill it in there!
No restricted items
While you don’t have a limit on how much luggage you carry, you will have the same restrictions on prohibited items that apply to travelling by plane.
Be careful, because Singapore has some unusual things on the list, including but not limited to chewing gum and electronic cigarettes!
Proof of onward travel
Like in many other countries, you’ll have to be able to prove that you have already booked a transport out of Singapore. Be sure to print out a copy of your ticket, just in case something happens to your phone or laptop!
This is just a summary of what you’ll need to enter Singapore, and the terms can change at any moment. Be sure to check out the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website, where you’ll find all the latest up-to-date information!
And there you have it!
Those are the essentials you absolutely must know before you hop on a bus and head to Singapore.
Sure, taking the plane is probably easier, but where’s the adventure in that?
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