How to get from Singapore to Ipoh
Singapore to Ipoh is an easy cross-border journey by direct night/day buses, a quick flight to Kuala Lumpur plus a scenic ETS train, an all-rail combo via Johor Bahru (long but fun), or a private car/charter for door-to-door comfort. Pick your style below, then follow the step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Singapore to Ipoh)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Coach (Singapore → Ipoh) | ~7.5–9.5h incl. border stops | Lowest cost, one-seat ride |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 30–60 one-way » compare buses | Trip.com picks | ||
| ✈️🚆 Flight (SIN→KUL) + ETS Train to Ipoh | ~1h flight + ~2.5–3h train (+ transfers) | Fast + scenic, reliable schedule |
| 🏷️ Cost: Flight ~SGD 60–160 + ETS ~MYR 35–80 » search flights | KUL→Ipoh trains | ||
| 🚆🚌 Rail Combo via Johor Bahru (Shuttle/Intercity + ETS) | ~9–12h total (connections) | Rail fans, flexible travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~MYR 70–140 across legs » plan segments | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Charter / 🚘 Self-Drive | ~6.5–8h (traffic & border) | Door-to-door, families, lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: Private ~SGD 350–650 per vehicle » get quotes | Car hire (JB pickup) ~MYR 120–220/day compare rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Cheapest & simple: Direct coach from Singapore to Ipoh Amanjaya (many daily/overnight departures).
- Fastest with comfort: Fly SIN→KUL then ETS high-speed train to Ipoh—good balance of speed and scenery.
- All-rail adventure: SG→JB rail + ETS (long but enjoyable for train lovers).
- Door-to-door & groups: Private charter or self-drive with stops in Malacca/KL/Cameron Highlands.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Border formalities: You’ll disembark twice on buses (Singapore exit & Malaysia entry). Keep your passport, arrival card (if any), and baggage handy.
- Peak periods: Weekends/holidays see jams at checkpoints—choose early morning/late-night buses or fly + train to bypass traffic.
- Ride-hailing: Singapore uses Grab/Gojek/Ryde; Malaysia widely uses Grab. For fixed long-distance rates, compare GetTransfer.
- Stash bags: Doing city time before/after? Use Radical Storage Singapore or Radical Storage Ipoh.
- Ipoh arrivals: Most coaches stop at Terminal Amanjaya (north of town). Use Grab to old town (~20–30 minutes).
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Coach (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost Frequent Border-dependent
- Overview: Multiple operators run day and overnight buses from city pickups in Singapore to Ipoh Terminal Amanjaya. You’ll alight at both immigration checkpoints, then continue the same bus.
- How to book (with price): ~SGD 30–60 one-way. Compare schedules, seat types, and ratings on 12Go or curated picks on Trip.com. Night buses save a hotel night; daytime buses give border views.
- Pros: One-seat ride; wide seat selection; many departures. Cons: Time varies with traffic; two immigration stops; can be cool (bring a light layer).
Step-by-step: Direct Coach
- Choose a pickup close to you (e.g., Bugis/Golden Mile area replacements, Kovan Hub, Boon Lay, or specific operator lounges) and a suitable arrival (Ipoh Amanjaya).
- Book your preferred departure on 12Go; select seats if available. Keep your passport info ready.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early at the pickup; scan your ticket. Keep valuables with you—big bags go in the hold.
- At Woodlands Checkpoint & JB Immigration, take all belongings off the bus for clearance, then reboard the same coach.
- On arrival at Terminal Amanjaya, order a Grab to Ipoh Old Town or your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Singapore city pickups & Ipoh Amanjaya)
- Singapore pickups: Reach by MRT + short walk or Grab; check the exact operator lounge/location on your e-ticket.
- Ipoh drop-off: Terminal Amanjaya (north). There are local buses/taxis, but Grab is easiest for hotels in Old Town/Mural Lane area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️🚆 Option #2 — Flight to Kuala Lumpur + ETS Train to Ipoh (Fast + Scenic)
Quick Comfortable One transfer
- Overview: Fly Singapore (SIN) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL or SZB), then take the ETS high-speed train from KL Sentral to Ipoh. It’s usually the most time-reliable overall.
- How to book (with price): Flights from ~SGD 60–160 (sales vary) on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. ETS tickets ~MYR 35–80—compare times on 12Go (KL→Ipoh trains). Official: KTM ETS schedules/tickets at ktmb.com.my; KLIA Ekspres for airport–city rail.
- Pros: Avoids border road queues; comfy seats, power, scenery. Cons: Airport–city transfer time; advance purchase recommended for ETS.
Step-by-step: Flight + ETS
- Book SIN→KUL (or SIN→SZB) on Booking.com Flights. Aim to land by late morning for a smooth ETS connection.
- From KUL, take the KLIA Ekspres/Transit to KL Sentral; from SZB (Subang), use Grab to KL Sentral (~25–40 minutes).
- Board ETS at KL Sentral to Ipoh (2.5–3h). Compare departures on 12Go; buy earlier for weekends.
- Arrive Ipoh Railway Station; Grab to Old Town hotels/cafés (5–10 minutes).
Getting to the main embarking points (SIN/KUL/SZB, KL Sentral & Ipoh Station)
- Singapore Changi (SIN): MRT to the airport or Grab. Check terminal/airline in your e-ticket.
- Kuala Lumpur: KLIA Ekspres (airport rail) or Grab to KL Sentral for ETS; Subang’s SZB is closer but fewer flights.
- Ipoh Station: Short walk to Old Town sights; many hotels are a quick Grab away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #3 — Rail Combo via Johor Bahru (For Train Fans)
Scenic Multiple legs Longest time
- Overview: Cross to JB Sentral, ride KTM services toward Gemas, then ETS north via KL Sentral to Ipoh. It’s a satisfying rail day but requires connections.
- How to book (with price): Total ~MYR 70–140 across legs depending on classes. Plan your segments on 12Go. Official: KTM Intercity/ETS bookings at ktmb.com.my.
- Pros: Comfortable seats, café cars on some legs, no road queues. Cons: Limited frequencies south of Gemas; careful timing needed.
Step-by-step: Rail Combo via JB
- From Singapore, bus or taxi to Woodlands Train Checkpoint or directly to JB Sentral via border buses.
- Ride KTM Intercity/Shuttle north to Gemas; connect to ETS bound for KL Sentral and onward to Ipoh.
- Buy each leg in advance (especially weekends) via KTM or check options on 12Go.
- Arrive at Ipoh Railway Station; Grab to your hotel or stroll into Old Town.
Getting to the main embarking points (Woodlands/JB Sentral, Gemas, KL Sentral)
- Crossing: Use frequent border buses (Causeway) or taxi to Woodlands CIQ and continue to JB Sentral.
- Transfers: Build buffer times at Gemas/KL Sentral; grab snacks and water between trains.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door)
Hassle-free Great for groups Border formalities
- Overview: A driver collects you at your Singapore address and delivers you straight to your Ipoh hotel, assisting at checkpoints.
- How to book (with price): From ~SGD 350–650 per vehicle (size/time/season). Get quotes on GetTransfer. For short city rides on both sides, Grab works well.
- Pros: Zero transfers, child seats on request, 24/7. Cons: Costly vs. bus; still subject to checkpoint queues.
Step-by-step: Private Charter
- Request a quote with pickup/drop addresses and passenger/luggage details on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, border waits, night surcharge) and share your building access instructions.
- Meet your driver, cross checkpoints, and ride the North–South Expressway to Ipoh (rest stops every 1.5–2h).
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Singapore pickup: Any hotel/airport/home; drivers time departures to dodge peak border hours when possible.
- Ipoh arrival: Hotels in Old Town/Greentown; drivers can also drop at Terminal Amanjaya or Ipoh Station.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Max Flexibility)
Freedom Scenic stops Tolls & border rules
- Overview: Drive via Woodlands Second Link or Causeway, then the North–South Expressway (E2) to Ipoh. Breaks in Malacca/Kuala Lumpur keep the trip fresh.
- How to book (with price): Cross-border rentals from Singapore are restrictive; many travelers pick up in Johor Bahru. Compare JB rates on Booking.com Car Rental (JB). Scooters are for local use only—browse city rentals on BikesBooking.
- Pros: Door-to-door, detours to caves/food stops. Cons: Tolls (Touch ’n Go), parking, and fatigue—share the driving.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- If renting, collect the car in Johor Bahru (Larkin/JB City) to avoid cross-border restrictions; confirm insurance and Touch ’n Go/top-ups.
- Join the E2 North–South Expressway; plan fuel/meal stops every ~150–200 km.
- Exit for Ipoh (follow signs to Amanjaya/Old Town); park at your hotel or municipal lots near Concubine Lane.
Getting to the main embarking points (JB pickup & Expressway)
- JB access: From Singapore, cross early to avoid jams; pick your rental near CIQ for quick getaways.
- Ipoh parking: Hotels often have limited bays—ask ahead; street parking uses coupons/apps in some zones.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Singapore to Ipoh)
Is the bus or flight+train faster?
Bus is one seat but depends on checkpoint traffic (7.5–9.5h). Flight to KL + ETS often wins on total time and reliability.
Which Ipoh stop should I pick?
Most coaches use Terminal Amanjaya (northern hub). For Old Town hotels, aim for ETS to Ipoh Railway Station or Grab from Amanjaya.
Can I do a same-day return?
It’s a long day by bus. Flight+ETS makes it possible but rushed—an overnight stay is more enjoyable.
Do I need Malaysian Ringgit?
Cards/Grab are common, but carry some MYR for snacks, small shops, and bus terminal purchases.
Are there direct flights SIN→IPH?
Direct services are limited/seasonal; most travelers route via Kuala Lumpur (KUL/SZB) then ETS or bus to Ipoh.
Where to stay in Ipoh?
Old Town/Concubine Lane for heritage and food; Greentown for conveniences. Compare options on Booking.com (Ipoh).