How to get from Singapore to Malacca

Singapore to Malacca (Melaka) is a classic cross-border hop. Most travelers take a direct coach (easy, cheap), while others book a private car for door-to-door speed, self-drive for flexibility, or mix train/bus via Johor Bahru (JB) on a budget. Below are your options, step-by-steps, and map links.

At A Glance (Singapore to Malacca)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Coach (Singapore → Malacca)	~3.5–5h (border & traffic dependent)	Most travelers, best value
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 20–40 one-way » compare coaches | alt. listings
🚐 Private Car/MPV (Door-to-Door)	~3.5–4.5h	Families, bulky luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 180–350 per vehicle » instant quotes | GYG transfers
🚘 Self-Drive (SG → MY via Causeway/Tuas)	~3.5–5h (stops/tolls)	Flexibility, side trips
🏷️ Cost: Car ~SGD 80–120/day + cross-border fees/tolls/fuel » compare rentals
🚆🚌 Train/Bus via Johor Bahru	~5–7h total (connections)	Cheapest, DIY routes
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 10–25 total (mix of local tickets) » JB→Malacca buses

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & simplest for most: Direct coach—no transfers; many downtown pickups and Malacca drop points.
• Door-to-door with kids/big bags: Private car/MPV—hotel pickup, no luggage hauling at border.
• Flex & stops (e.g., Batu Pahat, Muar): Self-drive—but check cross-border rental rules.
• Lowest cost with time to spare: Train/Bus via JB—interesting, but slower with more steps.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Border formalities: Coaches/private cars stop at Singapore exit and Malaysia entry; keep passport/visa and SG/MY arrival requirements ready.
• When to travel: Avoid Fri evening & holiday peaks; mornings usually smoother at checkpoints.
• Ride-hailing: In Singapore use Grab/Gojek for station pickup; in Malaysia (Malacca) Grab is common. For fixed long-distance, compare GetTransfer.
• Luggage storage: Sightseeing before/after? Use Radical Storage Singapore or Radical Storage Malacca.
• Stay central: Book near Jonker/Old Town or Melaka Sentral for easy transfers—see Malacca hotels.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Coach (Most Popular, Best Value)

Low cost No transfers Border-dependent

• Overview: Frequent coaches run from multiple Singapore pickup points to Malacca (Melaka Sentral, Mahkota/Portuguese Settlement hotel areas). Everyone alights for immigration at Woodlands/Tuas and JB CIQ.
• How to book (with price): ~SGD 20–40 one-way depending on seat type/time. Compare operators and times on 12Go or browse Klook. Many coaches offer hotel-area drop-offs in Malacca.
• Pros: Cheapest & simple; luggage in hold. Cons: Peak-hour queues at checkpoints can add 30–90 minutes.

Step-by-step: Direct Coach

1. Select the pickup closest to you (e.g., Lavender/Bugis, Outram/HarbourFront, or operator-assigned downtown points) and book on 12Go.
2. Arrive 20–30 minutes early; label bags and keep passport/visa handy.
3. Ride to Woodlands/Tuas checkpoint; alight with passport only (carry-ons as instructed). Re-board after SG exit formalities.
4. Repeat at JB CIQ (Malaysia entry); re-board. The coach continues to Melaka Sentral or hotel-area stops (Mahkota, Hatten, etc.).
5. From your drop-off, take Grab or walk to your hotel in Old Town/Jonker area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Singapore pickups → Melaka Sentral/City)

• Singapore pickups: Reach by MRT + short walk/Grab (confirm exact address on your voucher).
• Malacca arrivals: Melaka Sentral for onward local bus/Grab; some services drop at central hotels—check when booking.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #2 — Private Car/MPV (Door-to-Door, Fastest Border Experience)

Hassle-free Flexible timing Higher cost

• Overview: A licensed cross-border driver collects you at your Singapore address/airport and drives straight to your Malacca hotel. You still alight for immigration, but your vehicle waits at each side—no bus queues or seat re-assignment.
• How to book (with price): ~SGD 180–350 per vehicle depending on size/time. Get fixed quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer or browse options on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Door-to-door, child seats on request, minimal waiting. Cons: Costs more than bus; holiday border traffic still applies.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request a quote with pickup/drop addresses and party size on GetTransfer; confirm child seats and luggage capacity.
2. Be ready at pickup; keep passports/visas accessible. Your driver will guide you through SG exit and MY entry stops.
3. Arrive at your Malacca hotel; pay any remaining balance/tips as agreed.

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

• Pickup: Any Singapore hotel/Changi Airport/Changi area residence.
• Drop: Malacca hotels (Old Town/Jonker, Mahkota, Hatten, Portuguese Settlement, etc.).
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive (Most Flexible, Good for Side Trips)

Flexibility Scenic stops Cross-border rules

• Overview: Drive from Singapore via Woodlands Causeway or Tuas Second Link onto Malaysia’s North–South Expressway (E2). Exit at Ayer Keroh for Malacca. Plan for tolls (Touch ’n Go) and fuel stops.
• How to book (with price): Rentals from ~SGD 80–120/day in Singapore. Check if your rental allows cross-border to Malaysia (permit/insurance/fee). Compare vehicles and policies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Depart anytime; visit Johor cafés, Batu Pahat, Muar. Cons: Some agencies forbid cross-border; traffic at SG/MY checkpoints; parking in Old Town is tight on weekends.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Book a car that explicitly permits Malaysia travel (ensure insurance/letter). Collect Touch ’n Go card for Malaysian tolls.
2. Choose crossing: Woodlands (shorter to JB city) or Tuas (often smoother for long-distance). Clear both immigration posts.
3. Follow E2 north and exit Ayer Keroh toward Malacca City; navigate to your hotel (Old Town/Jonker/Portuguese Settlement).

Getting to the main embarking points (Causeway/Tuas → Malacca)

• Singapore side: Use the AYE/PIE/BKE to reach your chosen checkpoint; check traffic before departure.
• Malaysia side: E2 to Ayer Keroh, then federal roads into the city center.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆🚌 Option #4 — Train + Bus via Johor Bahru (Cheapest DIY)

Budget Frequent local links More steps

• Overview: Cross into JB (train shuttle or local bus), then take a JB coach to Malacca. Alternative: KTM train to Pulau Sebang/Tampin + local bus/taxi to Malacca City.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~SGD 10–25 total. For the JB→Malacca leg compare options on 12Go. Local tickets for the SG→JB shuttle or JB local buses are purchased on site/official apps.
• Pros: Very economical; flexible departures. Cons: Transfers add time; luggage handling at multiple points.

Step-by-step: Train + Bus via JB

1. From Singapore, head to the border: either the shuttle to JB Sentral or local bus to JB CIQ.
2. At JB, walk to the intercity coach counters or KTM ticketing. For fastest trip, board a JB→Melaka Sentral coach (bookable via 12Go).
3. Alternatively, take KTM to Pulau Sebang/Tampin, then taxi/local bus (~45–60m) to Malacca City.
4. From Melaka Sentral, take Grab/local bus to Jonker/Old Town.

Getting to the main embarking points (Kranji/JB Sentral → Melaka Sentral)

• Singapore side: MRT to Kranji/Woodlands then bus to checkpoint, or shuttle train when available.
• Johor Bahru: JB Sentral (trains) & Larkin/CIQ areas (buses) have frequent services to Malacca.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Singapore to Malacca)

How long does the bus take?
Typically 3.5–5 hours. Peak-hour queues at checkpoints and weekend traffic can add up to 60–90 minutes.

Which border is better—Woodlands or Tuas?
Tuas can be smoother for long-distance coaches/cars, but your operator chooses the route. If self-driving, check live traffic before departure.

Do I need to get off the bus at the border?
Yes. Everyone alights for Singapore exit and Malaysia entry. Keep passport/visas handy and follow driver instructions to re-board the same bus.

Is there a direct train to Malacca?
No. The nearest KTM station is Pulau Sebang/Tampin (~45–60 minutes by road from Malacca City).

Where should I stay in Malacca?
Old Town/Jonker for heritage vibe; Mahkota/Hatten area for malls/modern hotels. Compare options on Booking.com.

Can I rent a scooter in Malacca?
Yes—use BikesBooking to compare scooters and small motorbikes for exploring the city and coast.