We take a close look at all the options for how to get to Malaysia from Singapore, including train, bus, private transfer and even ferry.
A frequently asked question in our Facebook Group is, “How do I get to Malaysia from Singapore?” Well, you ask, we answer! Whether you are looking to do a day trip to Johor Bahru or travel further onwards into Malaysia, we look at all the best options here.
There are several options for travelling from Singapore to Malaysia, including train rides and bus journeys to ferry rides and private car transfers.
Each method provides a unique travel experience catering to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to Malaysia from Singapore and explore destinations like Johor Bahru, Malacca, and Kuala Lumpur.
Insider Tip: Remember, when you travel between Malaysia and Singapore, you will need to fill in departure/arrival cards for each country prior to departure and arrival, even if you are just doing a day trip.
Day Trip to Malaysia from Singapore
If you are planning to do a day trip to Malaysia, the best option is to go to Johor Bahru. Singaporeans like to head here to shop and eat. The top attractions in Johor Bahur include:
- Legoland Malaysia: One of the main reasons families visit Johor is for Legoland Malaysia with its Lego-themed rides, shows, and attractions.
- Johor Bahru City Square: A popular shopping mall with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
- Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque: A beautiful mosque with historical significance.
Another option for a day trip to Malaysia is to take the ferry to Desaru Coast (see below for more information).
Visiting Legoland Malaysia from Singapore
If you are planning a trip to Legoland Malaysia from Singapore, we recommend either booking a private transfer or taking the dedicated shuttle bus.
- Private Transfer to Legoland – this is obviously the quickest and most convenient method. The drive will pick you up at your accommodation and drop you directly to Legoland. The other bonus of a private transfer is that you can complete immigration in your vehicle, saving time.
- Shuttle Bus to Legoland from Singapore: this is another really convenient and cost-effective way to get to Legoland. Buses depart from Suntec City at 9am and Jurong East at 9.30am and leave Legoland at 5.15pm to return to Singapore. A guide will help you through immigration. Check timings and prices here.
Want to extend the fun? You can also stay overnight at the Legoland Malaysia Hotel!
Singapore to Malaysia By Train
If you are travelling to Johor Bahur, then travelling by train is a quick and comfortable option. The primary service is the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, which connects Singapore (Woodlands Train Checkpoint) to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral).
There are many trains per day and the journey is quick, taking about 5 minutes.
To reach the Woodlands Train Checkpoint: take the MRT to Kranji Station and then bus number 170 or 178. The bus stop is right opposite the MRT station. Alternatively, you can obviously just take a taxi to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Immigration for both Singapore and Malaysia is located within Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Insider Tip: If you are planning to take the train to Johor Bahru, do not take the Express Bus to Woodlands as these head straight into the Bus Checkpoint, making it difficult to get to the Train Checkpoint. We recommend taking the MRT and bus, as outlined above.
KTM Shuttle Tebrau:
- Departure: Woodlands Train Checkpoint, Singapore.
- Arrival: JB Sentral, Johor Bahru.
- Duration: Approximately 5 minutes.
- Frequency: Daily services with multiple departures.
For longer journeys, you can take a train from Johor Bahru to various destinations in Malaysia, including Malacca and Kuala Lumpur, with transfers at Gemas or Tampin. However, for longer trips, we recommend taking the bus – see below.
Singapore to Malaysia by Bus
If you are travelling further into Malaysia, for example to Malacca or Kuala Lumpur, then buses are a popular and affordable option, with numerous services operating daily.
Buses depart from various locations around Singapore and will stop for immigration clearance at the borders.
There are several different bus companies and some of them are really quite luxurious so don’t be put off by the idea of a long bus journey.
Companies like Transtar Travel (Solitaire coach) and Aeroline offer comfortable reclining seats, blankets, hot meals and even on-demand entertainment! All this for around $60 each way.
If you’re looking to save your pennies, then some of the cheaper options come in at as little as $23 each way.
Click here to check prices and book bus tickets.
Travel Times
- Bus to Malacca from Singapore: 4-5 hours.
- Bus to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore: 5-6 hours.
- Bus to Cameron Highlands from Singapore: 8-9 hours.
- Bus to Genting Highlands from Singapore: 7-8 hours
Insider Tip: Although flying to Kuala Lumpur sounds like a quicker option, the KL airport is an hour from the city. By the time you have arrived at the airport 2 hours before your flight, flown to KL, retrieved your luggage then transferred into the city, the bus really doesn’t take much longer and can actually be an easier option.
Top Things to Do in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur
Malacca
Malacca is an historic city with a rich and unique culture. It has a vibrant street art scene, beautiful temples and is famous for its Perankan cuisine.
- Jonker Street: Famous for its vibrant night market, offering street food, souvenirs, and local crafts.
- A Famosa: A historical fortress built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
- Stadthuys: A historical structure that now houses the History and Ethnography Museum.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital city has an abundance of attractions, shopping and eating options. It is a great city to base yourself to explore the rest of Malaysia.
- Petronas Twin Towers: Iconic twin skyscrapers with an observation deck and shopping mall.
- Batu Caves: A series of limestone caves and Hindu temples, accessible by climbing a steep flight of steps.
- Bukit Bintang: A bustling shopping and entertainment district with numerous malls, restaurants, and bars.
Singapore to Malaysia by Private Car Transfer
For those seeking comfort and convenience, private car transfers offer a door-to-door service between Singapore and Malaysia.
In addition to the convenience and privacy of a car transfer, another benefit is that immigration can be done in the car, without a need to alight from the car at the border.
- Duration: Varies depending on the destination (eg. 1-2 hours to Johor Bahru, 3-4 hours to Malacca, and 4-5 hours to Kuala Lumpur).
SGMyTaxi is one company offering this service and comes recommended by people who have used it.
Insider Tip: More than 300,000 Malaysians travel across the border from Johor to Singapore for work every day. Immigration queues at the border can get extremely long during peak times.
These tend to be 8-10am on weekdays heading into Singapore and 6-8pm on weekdays heading to Johor. Saturdays are also busy driving into Malaysia with Singaporeans heading over to shop and eat and are best avoided if possible. Also try to avoid the eve of public holidays.
Singapore to Desaru Coast by Ferry
The Desaru Coast is an integrated resort located on the East Coast of Malaysia, and is famous for its 22km stretch of beautiful coastline. People head here for a beach vacation, to play golf at the Els Club and have some family fun at the Adventure Waterpark.
There are also several hotel options here, including the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Desaru Ferries depart Singapore at 8.30am and depart Desaru Coast at 5.30pm, so it is possible to do a day trip also if you don’t want to stay over.
- Departure: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal 8.30am.
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes.
- Return: Departs Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal 5.30pm.
Flying to Malaysia from Singapore
Of course you can also fly to Malaysia from Singapore. There are multiple flights per day to multiple Malaysian airports with several different carriers.
This includes flights to Kuala Lumpur, Georgetown (Penang), Langkawi, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu (Borneo), Ipoh and more.
Got more questions? Head over to our Facebook Group, Singapore Travel Tips and we’ll be happy to help!