How to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA)

From ultra-fast flights to budget buses and scenic train combos, here’s exactly how to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) without stress.

At A Glance (Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA))

Mode	Duration	Best For
✈️ Direct Flight (Singapore → KLIA)	~1h flight (3–5h door-to-door)	Fastest, tight schedules
🏷️ Cost: ~S$70–200 return (from ~S$40–80 one-way). » search flights | compare SIN→KUL fares
🚌 Express Bus (Singapore → KL / KLIA)	~5–7h to KL, ~6–8h to KLIA	Cheapest, light to moderate luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~S$25–50 one-way. » compare buses | bus/flight options
🚆 Train + KLIA Ekspres/Transit	~7–10h (via Johor Bahru & KL Sentral)	Scenic route, train fans
🏷️ Cost: ~S$35–70 total (mix of shuttle, KTM train, airport rail). » Johor Bahru → KL options | KL Sentral → KLIA train
🚗 Private Transfer / Self-Drive	~4–6h door-to-door (traffic and border-dependent)	Families, groups, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: From ~S$250–400 per car door-to-door, cheaper if splitting costs. » pre-book transfers | compare car rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & least hassle: If time is your priority or you’re catching a tight connection, go for the direct flight from Singapore to KLIA. It’s usually the only way to keep total travel under ~4 hours.
• Cheapest overall: Budget travelers and backpackers usually choose the express bus route (either direct to KLIA or via Kuala Lumpur with a short airport train/bus connection). It’s slower but often half the price of a flight.
• Most comfortable on a budget: Premium coaches with extra legroom and fewer stops on the bus route balance comfort and cost—good if you don’t mind ~6–7 hours on the road.
• Most scenic / rail-focused: If you like trains and don’t mind multiple legs, the train + KLIA Ekspres/Transit combo gives you varied scenery and a more relaxed feel than buses.
• Door-to-door convenience: Families, groups, or travelers with a lot of luggage may prefer a private transfer or self-drive from Singapore directly to KLIA, or to Kuala Lumpur then onward with a short airport train ride.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Compare routes and prices in one place: For buses, flights, and mixed itineraries between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, use platforms like 12Go Asia, Klook, and Trip.com Flights to check times and reviews.
• Flights, hotels & car rental in one go: If you want a flight plus an overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur, or a rental car from the airport, you can bundle them via Booking.com Flights, Kuala Lumpur hotels, and Booking.com car rental.
• Book trusted airport transfers: For late-night arrivals or if you prefer a meet-and-greet driver at KLIA, consider services like Welcome Pickups, KLIA transfers on Klook, or private rides via GetTransfer. As a flexible alternative in Malaysia, ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used around KL and KLIA.
• Don’t forget land-border rules: If you’re going overland (bus, train, or car), you’ll clear immigration twice—Singapore exit and Malaysia entry. Check passport validity, visa requirements, and any travel advisories in advance on official government sites before you go.
• Use luggage storage to explore: If you arrive early in KL and fly later from KLIA, consider storing bags near KL Sentral or central KL via Radical Storage, then heading to the airport in the evening.
• Plan around peak times: Friday evenings, school holidays, and long weekends (especially when Singapore and Malaysia share holidays) mean congested borders and longer queues. Fly or travel early in the day where possible.

✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (Fastest, Easiest)

Very fast High frequency Airport check-in time

• Overview: Fly from Singapore Changi (SIN) directly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL – KLIA Terminal 1 or 2). Flight time is around 1 hour, with 3–5 hours total including airport processes.
• How to book (with price): One-way fares often start around S$40–80 on low-cost carriers, with full-service airlines usually higher. Compare options on Booking.com Flights and route-specific pages like Singapore → Kuala Lumpur flights on Trip.com. For package-style transport (e.g., coach + flight combos), you can also check 12Go Asia.
• Pros: Fastest overall; many daily departures; minimal border waiting since immigration is handled at airports; ideal for tight schedules or if you’re continuing onward from KLIA.
• Cons: Usually more expensive than the bus; stricter baggage rules; you still need transport to Changi in Singapore and from KLIA into the city or elsewhere.

Step-by-step: Direct Flight Singapore → KLIA

1. Get to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): From central Singapore, take the MRT (East West Line to Changi Airport), or use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek. If you want a pre-booked car with meet-and-greet service, you can reserve a Changi Airport transfer via Welcome Pickups.
2. Arrive early: Plan to be at Changi at least 2 hours before a regional flight (3 hours if checking bags or traveling at peak times).
3. Fly SIN → KUL: Choose a flight that arrives at the correct KLIA terminal for your airline (Terminal 1 for many full-service airlines; Terminal 2 for most AirAsia and low-cost carriers).
4. Clear immigration and collect bags: At KLIA, follow signs for immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Keep your arrival card and onward ticket handy.
5. Continue from KLIA: For Kuala Lumpur city, the fastest option is the KLIA Ekspres/Transit train from the airport to KL Sentral; you can buy tickets on-site or in advance from providers like KLIA Ekspres or via resellers such as GetYourGuide and Klook. Taxis, Grab, Welcome Pickups, and GetTransfer are good options for door-to-door transfers.

Getting to the main embarking points (Changi Airport)

• By MRT: Take the East West Line (green) to Changi Airport MRT, which is integrated into Terminals 2 and 3. Transfers from other lines are typically at Tanah Merah or Expo, depending on your route.
• By ride-hailing or taxi: Use apps like Grab or Gojek within Singapore, or pre-book an airport pickup with Welcome Pickups for a fixed-price, English-speaking driver.
• By private transfer from your hotel: Many hotels can book a private car for you; if you’d like to arrange your own driver, check private options on GetTransfer or similar services.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Direct Bus / Bus + KLIA Rail (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Multiple departures Border & traffic-dependent

• Overview: Take an express coach from Singapore to either KLIA / klia2 directly, or to Kuala Lumpur (usually Terminal Bersepadu Selatan – TBS or KL Sentral), then connect by airport train or bus to KLIA.
• How to book (with price): Standard buses start around S$25–40 one-way, while more luxurious coaches can cost S$40–60. Compare companies, departure points, and onboard comfort on 12Go Asia buses Singapore → Kuala Lumpur. You can also find selected cross-border transfers and airport buses on Klook.
• Pros: Great value; frequent departures; relatively comfortable; some services run overnight, saving on a hotel night.
• Cons: Journey time depends heavily on border queues at Woodlands/Tuas and highway traffic; you’ll disembark for immigration checks; sleep quality on overnight buses varies.

Step-by-step: Bus via Kuala Lumpur City → KLIA

1. Choose your departure point in Singapore: Many coaches leave from areas like Golden Mile Tower, Kovan Hub, or Boons Keng/City Plaza. Pick the stop that’s easiest for you to reach from your accommodation.
2. Book tickets online: Use platforms such as 12Go Asia to compare operators, departure times, and reviews. Print or download your e-ticket for boarding.
3. Board in Singapore and clear immigration: The bus will stop at Singapore immigration (Woodlands or Tuas). Bring all luggage off the bus for security and immigration checks, then re-board. Shortly afterward you’ll repeat the process at Malaysian immigration.
4. Arrive at TBS or KL Sentral: Many buses terminate at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), the main long-distance bus hub, or occasionally at KL Sentral. From TBS, it’s a short KTM Komuter or KLIA Transit ride to KL Sentral if needed.
5. Transfer to KLIA: From Kuala Lumpur you can reach KLIA by KLIA Ekspres/Transit train, airport buses, or taxi/Grab. For train schedules and tickets, see KLIA Ekspres; for buses and private cars, check Klook airport transfers or ride-hailing apps like Grab.

Getting to the main embarking points (Golden Mile / City area)

• By MRT: For buses departing from the Beach Road / Golden Mile area, the nearest MRT stations are usually Nicoll Highway (Circle Line) or Lavender (East West Line). Check your ticket for the exact pickup point and plan your MRT route accordingly.
• By ride-hailing: Use Grab or Gojek within Singapore for door-to-door rides to your bus pickup. Enter the exact building name (e.g., “Golden Mile Tower”) provided on your ticket.
• From KL to KLIA: Once in Kuala Lumpur, you can continue by KLIA Ekspres/Transit from KL Sentral, airport buses from TBS or KL Sentral, or a Grab/taxi directly to KLIA.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #3 — Train + KLIA Ekspres/Transit (Scenic, Rail-Focused)

Comfortable Scenic route More connections

• Overview: Combine short hops with trains: travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru (by Shuttle Tebrau train or bus), take a KTM train or bus from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, then continue to KLIA by KLIA Ekspres/Transit.
• How to book (with price): Expect roughly S$35–70 total depending on seat class and connections. For Johor Bahru → Kuala Lumpur, compare routes on 12Go Asia Johor Bahru → Kuala Lumpur. For train timetables and official bookings, use the Malaysian rail operator at KTMB. KL Sentral → KLIA train tickets are available via KLIA Ekspres and also through resellers like GetYourGuide.
• Pros: More legroom and ability to walk around; interesting views of Malaysian countryside; fewer bathroom worries than buses.
• Cons: More steps and transfers; schedules may require careful planning; sometimes slower or similar in time compared to bus but usually more expensive.

Step-by-step: Rail-Focused Route to KLIA

1. Singapore → Johor Bahru: Either take the cross-border Shuttle Tebrau train from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral, or take a local bus across the causeway to Johor Bahru. Train tickets are sold by KTMB and sell out quickly around weekends and holidays.
2. Johor Bahru → Kuala Lumpur: From JB Sentral or Larkin bus terminal, continue by intercity train or coach to KL Sentral or TBS. For mixed options, including buses and flights, check 12Go Asia.
3. Move to KL Sentral (if needed): If you arrive at TBS, use KTM Komuter or LRT to reach KL Sentral, the main rail hub and KLIA Ekspres starting point.
4. KL Sentral → KLIA: Take the KLIA Ekspres (non-stop) or KLIA Transit (stopping service) to KLIA Terminal 1/2. The journey usually takes about 30 minutes from KL Sentral. You can buy tickets at KL Sentral, online from KLIA Ekspres, or via partners such as Klook.
5. Final steps at KLIA: Once you arrive, follow signs to the correct terminal, check in, and proceed through security and immigration as required.

Getting to the main embarking points (Woodlands / JB Sentral)

• Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Singapore): Reach Woodlands Train Checkpoint by bus or taxi/Grab from central Singapore. Allow extra time for border checks and queues.
• JB Sentral (Johor Bahru): JB Sentral is directly connected to the causeway; you can walk from Malaysian immigration to the station or arrive by local buses and taxis from Johor Bahru city.
• KL Sentral / TBS (Kuala Lumpur): Both are major hubs connected by KTM Komuter and LRT. They also have good links to city hotels, shopping areas, and bus terminals.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Private Transfer or Self-Drive (Door-to-Door)

Door-to-door Flexible schedule Higher cost

• Overview: Hire a private car (with driver) or drive yourself from Singapore to KLIA. This is the most flexible option, letting you choose departure time, stops, and whether to go straight to KLIA or via Kuala Lumpur city.
• How to book (with price): Door-to-door private transfers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur/KLIA typically start from around S$250–400 per car, depending on vehicle size and pickup location. Compare offers on services like GetTransfer or via regional private car companies (often bookable through Klook’s Singapore–Malaysia private car listings). If you prefer driving yourself, you can rent a car from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur via Booking.com car rental.
• Pros: Maximum convenience, no bus/train changes; ideal for groups, families, or bulky luggage; you control rest stops and schedule.
• Cons: Higher cost than bus or train; you must handle border formalities for the vehicle; potential tolls and parking fees; fatigue if one person drives the whole way.

Step-by-step: Private Car from Singapore → KLIA

1. Choose a private transfer provider: Use comparison platforms such as GetTransfer (Kuala Lumpur Airport), airport transfer listings on Klook, or Welcome Pickups in Kuala Lumpur if you’re starting from the city.
2. Confirm border and luggage details: Ensure the company is licensed for cross-border Singapore–Malaysia transfers, and confirm how many passengers and pieces of luggage are included in the price.
3. Depart from your Singapore address: Your driver picks you up from your hotel or home at an agreed time. Allow at least 4–6 hours before you want to be at KLIA, more during peak holidays.
4. Clear land-border checks: You’ll stop at Singapore and Malaysian immigration checkpoints. Everyone must exit the vehicle with passports; in some cases, bags are scanned.
5. Drive to KLIA: Continue via the North–South Expressway and follow signs to KLIA/KLIA2. At the airport, the driver will drop you at the right terminal entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door pickup)

• From anywhere in Singapore: Private transfer providers and ride-hailing apps like Grab can pick you up at your hotel, home, or a landmark (e.g., Marina Bay, Orchard Road). Just enter your address accurately when booking.
• From Kuala Lumpur city: If you’re already in KL, you can book door-to-door airport transfers from central districts like Bukit Bintang or KLCC using Grab, Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or KLIA transfer products on GetYourGuide and Klook.
• Exploring by bike or scooter: If you plan to stay in Kuala Lumpur before or after your KLIA flight and explore the region by two wheels, compare motorcycle rentals via BikesBooking in Kuala Lumpur.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA))

What’s the easiest way to get from Singapore to KLIA?
For most travelers, the direct flight from Singapore to KLIA is the easiest and fastest. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a longer journey, an express bus to Kuala Lumpur plus KLIA Ekspres/Transit is a good alternative.

How long does it take by bus vs. flight?
Flights take around 1 hour in the air (3–5 hours total door-to-door). Buses typically take 5–7 hours to Kuala Lumpur plus 30–60 minutes to reach KLIA, depending on your chosen transfer and traffic.

Is there a direct bus from Singapore to KLIA?
Direct coaches from Singapore to KLIA/klia2 come and go depending on operators and demand. Even if you don’t find a direct service, it’s straightforward to ride a bus to TBS or KL Sentral and continue to KLIA via KLIA Ekspres/Transit or airport buses.

Do I need a visa to travel from Singapore to Malaysia?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travelers can enter Malaysia visa-free for short stays, while others must apply in advance. Always check the latest entry rules on official government websites for Singapore (departure) and Malaysia (arrival) before traveling.

What’s the best way to get from KLIA into Kuala Lumpur city?
The fastest option is the KLIA Ekspres non-stop train from KLIA to KL Sentral. Cheaper but slower options include airport buses and Grab/taxi. You can pre-book train tickets and transfers via sites like KLIA Ekspres, Klook, or GetYourGuide.

Can I store my luggage somewhere in Kuala Lumpur before going to KLIA?
Yes. If you have many hours between arriving in Kuala Lumpur and flying out of KLIA, look for luggage storage near KL Sentral and central KL via services such as Radical Storage, then head to the airport later in the day.

Is it safe to travel overnight?
Overnight buses between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are commonly used and generally safe when you choose reputable operators. Still, keep valuables with you, wear your seatbelt, and avoid leaving important documents in the overhead compartment or under the bus.