One of the easiest, cheapest, most comfortable way to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is by train. The trip is about 6-7 hours, cost MYR 33 (USD$10) for 2nd class seat , MYR39 (USD$12.50) for 2nd class sleeper, MYR94-135 (USD$30-43) for 1st class deluxe sleeper (private cabin sleeper with private shower /toilet and LCD TV). Note that this is cheaper than the 4-5 hr bus ride which cost about USD$24, and definitely cheaper than the cheapest Air ticket you can find. Plus, train travel usually comes with beautiful scenery of the countryside, munching on train station food, or perhaps a nice/efficient/cheap sleep with an overnight train.
The train is clean, fair condition, good services, and has decent food. It is very safe, and probably is the safest way to get from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.
It is cheaper to buy the ticket in Malaysia or originate your trip out of the nearest town in Malaysia. Originating or purchasing tickets in Singapore will cost you 2.5x. More details on this below under How to Buy tickets.
Currently there are 3 trains from Singapore (Woodlands) to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral – Sentral Kuala Lumpur)
Train #2 EKSPRES RAKYAT: Depart daily from Woodlands at 9:12AM, arrives to KL Sentral at 2:56PM (Class 1, 2)
Train #12 EKSPRES SINARAN SELATAN: Depart daily from Woodlands at 2:18PM, arrives to KL Sentral at 8:25PM (Class 1, 2, L, S)
Train #24 SENANDUNG SUTERA: Depart daily from Woodlands at 11:55PM, arrives to KL Sentral at 6:30AM (Class 1, 2, L, F, S)
Singapore to KL Train 1st Class Deluxe Sleeper Car
Singapore to KL Train 1st Class Deluxe Sleeper
I recommend the overnight sleeper (Train 24) which leaves Singapore Woodlands at 11:30PM and gets into Kuala Lumpur at 6:30am, just in time to day tour the city. This train save you a night of hotel in Singapore and perhaps make your trip a bit more efficient as you are on the move while sleeping.
Key to classes
- L or ADNFD = Deluxe sleeper - 1 or 2-bed compartments with private shower & toilet, air-conditioned.
- F or ADNFB = 1st class sleepers – Bed compartments with washbasin, air-conditioned.
- S or ADNS = 2nd class sleepers – Upper & lower berths with curtains for privacy, air-conditioned.
- 1 or AFC = 1st class seats – Reasonably luxurious, reclining, air-conditioned.
- 2 or ASC = 2nd class seats - Comfortable, air-conditioned.
Singapore to KL Train 2nd Class Sleeper
Prices
Prices as noted at the beginning of the article. The 2nd class sleeper is a great deal.
How to buy tickets
The easiest , cheapest, and best way to buy the ticket is to just book from http://www.ktmb.com.my/ , which you can pay by credit card and print out your own ticket (or collect the tickets at any Malaysian KTM railway station including Singapore Woodlands). You can also buy it from the station or call the KTM (Malaysian Railways) call centre.
The reservation open 60 days before departure and YES you need to have a reservation (one cannot just hop on and off).
When booking the tickets online, make sure to choose Sentral Kuala Lumpur, not Kuala Lumpur, as those are 2 different stations and your train options are different.
Singapore to KL Train 1st Class Seats
Singapore to KL Train 2nd Class Seats
As noted earlier, if you originate your trip from Singapore as the fare will be done in Singapore dollar and will cost you about 2.5x what it would have cost if you originate from Malaysia. Basically, you should originate the trip from JB Sentral in Johor Bahru, thus buying tickets from JB Sentral to KL Sentral. You can then find a way to get from Singapore to JB Sentral. There are many buses to JB Sentral from downtown Singapore. Click here for article on Singapore – Woodland – JB Sentral Buses
A simple method that I recommend is just to buy 2 tickets (1 from Singapore Woodland to JB Sentral and another one from JB Sentral to KL Sentral). This way, you will only be charged more for the short 5 minutes Woodland-JB Sentral section and pay Malaysian cheaper price for the longer JB Sentral-KL Sentral section. For example, you can buy a 2nd class seat from Woodland-JB Sentral, then 1st class sleeper from JB Sentral-KL Sentral. Once the train gets to JB Sentral (5 mins ride), then walk over to your 1st class cabin. Note that as of January 2013, you can no longer buy the short Woodland-JB Sentral portion of your ticket online, but you can still do so in person at Woodland or by phone through the call center and pick up your ticket at Woodland on the day of your travel. You should be able to just walk up on your day of departure and buy this cheapest 2nd class seat Woodland-JB Sentral portion.
Sleepers Cabin at KL Sentral
Woodlands Train Station Markets
Note that many web search will say that there are no food/drinks at Woodland station and they recommend you to be prepare with materials from elsewhere. This is not miss-leading. It is correct that there are absolutely nothing inside the train station or the ticketing area. However, 100 meters across the street from the ticketing area, you will find a large shopping center/food complex, where there are many grocery stores, hawker stalls, and plenty of food and tiger beer to keep you spirit alive.
Share your Singapore-KL Train experiences or leave questions/comments below! Click LIKE if you want to go!
See video of the train cabin and what to expect upon arrival below
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Hi Escapetraveler,
I will be visiting KL and also planning to visit SG from KL. About the first class deluxe night sleeper RM138, is that already good for 2 with shower and toilet? Or do I need to book two tickets worth RM138x2?
The first ticket is RM138 for the lower bed and the other is 90-100 for the upper bed. Lower bed is cheaper. You need to book those 2 tickets to occupy the first class deluxe cabins.
Hi Escape Traveler
Planning to take the overnight train from KL to Singapore in a deluxe sleeper and return from Singapore to KL a few days later on a day train in a first class seat. Just wondering if you can buy a return ticket or do we need to do two seperate transactions – buy a ticket from KL to Singapore and buy a seperate ticket from Singapore to KL?Thanks for all the advice.
if you are going from Malaysia into Singapore, buy the full return ticket from Malaysia. It would be cheaper as you are originating the trip from Malaysia
This might sound like an ignorant question, but, can I walk around in KL wearing shorts or sleeveless tops? I mean, this is a Muslim country, right? I wonder if they are that conservative to not allow tourists to wear outfits like the ones I mentioned above. Thanks!
Yes, no problem. Shorts and tang tops are fine…just don’t bust out showing your belly buttons, etc. However, I would lean on the more conservative side. When you visit mosque, you would need to wear the rope that that give you to cover up.
I plan to go to KL from Singapore with train#24 and going back to singapore in the evening of the sameday of my arrival at KL. what train from KL ti singapore that I can used to?
I preferred to use KL Centre as my base of arrival and departure.
You can catch train #25, departing at 23:00 from KL Sentral to Woodland.
hi escape traveler, i just wanted to thank you regarding the travel by train from sing to kl. i actually did everything you mentioned except taking the train from sing to kl because online booking was not working when i tried before i left on apr 27. i guessed they updated their website thats why it wasnt working during the time.
anyway, since i cant book via ktmb.com.my i used busonlineticket.com instead. its a transfer via coach. the good thing about it is that its cheaper around 23 sgd from keypoint in beach road singapore to berjaya times square in kl. the travel time is around 5 hrs, this is of course at 11pm trip from sing. bus is not full and reclining chair. arrived at berjaya 4am the following day.
im glad bec the bus stop is near bukit bintang where we had booked our hostel, which is also near the monorail and only 15mins walk to petronas towers.
the ff day, we went to kl sentral, however the locker cost us 10 rm, and you can open it one time only or once your done with your itinerary or the person in charge will charge you for the second time you open the locker. went to batu caves and travel time is 30 mins via komutertrain. i also used the shower and now its 3 rm.
after that went lcct for my flight to bangkok. i just wanted to thank you for all the help you gave. you can check my facebook for my pics during the tour.
Glad you had a great time. Bus is faster, but train is fully reclined. It is a matter of preference. KL Sentral is great, it has everything you need.
Hi
I know that you recommend to start from JB for the better prices.
However since one cannot buy the short ride online any more, would this train sell out during the days approaching X’mas?
We may be at Singapore on Dec 18th, and leave for KUL on Dec 20th – would this time frame have difficulty to get tickets so close to the departure? Obviously I would buy the JB to KUL train tickets as soon as the sale opens up – that is 30 days before departure, right?
Thanks a lot for the info.
1. Yes, get JB to KUL train ticket online as soon as 30 windows are open as the sleeper cabins will sell out quickly during that period
2. You can just buy to woodland to JB portion through the call center or show up on the day off and buy the cheapest 2nd class seat between Woodland to JB. I prefer to have my tickets before hand, so I recommend just calling call center and buy it through the phone and pick it up on your day of travel.
What is the Call Center number and do they take calls from overseas, pay with a CC?
We would not be in Singapore until 2 days before our planned trip to KUL.
On top of that we actually prefer the day time train so we can enjoy the scenery on the journey. We dont need to save time nor hotel money. Besides we doubt we could sleep well on the train. We tried this in Japan and could not sleep much at all.
Is the scenery is boring enough you would prefer the sleeper train?
Go to website http://www.ktmb.com.my/ and you can find the numbers.
There is not a lot to see between Singapore to KL. Your best view is through the jungle train on the east side. If you travel during the day, it may be better and faster to take the bus. The train option is good for the night travel so you can sleep. It does take longer than the bus.
yes, you can pay with CC
Hi escapte traveller! Thanks for the wonderful blog with useful information
I clicked into the link of the ktm website and found that the fare for the second class seat and second class sleeper from Singapore Woodlands to Sentral Kuala Lumpur are S$21 and S$27 rather than just S$10 and S$12.50.
I wonder if there’s any other options/steps that i have missed out?
Hope to hear from you
Many thanks!!
Wen,
That is what I mentioned on the article that if you were to originate your trip from Woodlands (Singapore) it will cost you double. Try originating your trip from JB Sentral, which is only 5 minutes away on the Malaysia side and you will only pay half as much.
Thanks for your reply!
But does that mean that I will only board the train in JB and have to find another transportation from Singapore to JB?
1. Yes as that would be cheaper if you board from JB. You can get to JB Sentral using this bus http://www.escapetraveler.com/how-to-get-from-singapore-to-woodlands-train-station/
2. Alternatively, you can follow the details on the article and originate your trip from Woodland using the 2 ticket method mentioned. Buy 1 ticket from woodland to JB through call center or day of travel on the cheapest seat, then buy the JB to KL Sentral online (which will be cheaper)
Oh it’s my bad escape traveler, now I’m clear about how it works
Thanks and sorry about the confusion!!
Hey escapetraveler, i am from Cambodia, i do wan to book the ticket online, somehow, there is no my country up in the country list, is it possible to book without register ?
Just pick any country….it shouldn’t matter.
Hi,
Thank you for all the details about the tickets but my main concern questions are, did you found any pest in the cabin you stayed?
Ants, bed bugs, cockroaches and nymphs?
I’m a pest phobia! It will be a big problem if i found any of it…
Also, in your video the toilet looks average but seriously is it really clean and not smelly?
Not being fussy but I had a bad experienced with KTM ride, long before in Economy class, i really hope it doesn’t happen to my kids in future rides..
Did not find any pest. The toilet is very important to me. The 1st class sleeper toilet was clean and not smelly as it is not used by anyone else other than you and it was clean beforehand. However, it is a $40USD train ticket, so you really can’t expect much. It won’t be as comfortable as a hotel but it will get you from Singapore to KL while you are sleeping and give you a good enough rest. It is not for everyone.
The 2nd class sleeper or economy are shared bath, and yes the toilet will be pretty bad.
Hi escapetraveler,
How much is the ticket cost for two person for the First Class Deluxe Sleeper Cabin?
Thank you
Between 94-135RM for either top or bottom bed.
Hi escapetraveler. I was filling up the ticket reservation and i noticed that the price of the 1st class seats is SGD68 and the 2nd class seats is SGD34. But in this article, MYR 33 (USD$10) for 2nd class seat. The difference is USD$ 52.51 out of USD$10. How come that the fare is expensive in the KTMB Fare and schedule than in this article?… Please give me more details regarding this fare…
Good day!
I would like to inquire regarding KTM from Woodland Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
Is it a direct travel? or are there stopovers? do we have to shift trains?
Do first class seats recline? and is there a rest room inside the train?
By any chance, how much do these seats cost per person and how can I make a reservation?
I also want to know how many hours would it take to reach KUL Sentral from Woodland SIN.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Thank you very much.
Grace,
1. There are no stopover and you do not have to shift trains
2. First class seats recline and there are rest room inside the train
3. Seat cost per person is noted on the first portion of the article.
Thank you for the info… but I’m sorry but there is no price for the 1st class seats in the first portion of the article, it’s for 1st class deluxe sleeper only…
… “The trip is about 6-7 hours, cost MYR 33 (USD$10) for 2nd class seat, MYR39 (USD$12.50) for 2nd class sleeper, MYR94-135 (USD$30-43) for 1st class deluxe sleeper (private cabin sleeper with private shower /toilet and LCD TV)”…
Sorry Grace…you are right. We left it out because it is 64RM and really can’t see much different between the 1st and the 2nd. For that price, if you are traveling on the night train, bettter to get the 2nd class cleeper. If you are doing the day train, not sure if it worth paying up vs. the 2nd class seat.
Hi, escapetraveler! I’m from the Philippines. I booked train tickets from KL Sentral to Singapore Woodlands CIQ and return for a trip this coming June. I was horrified to learn that, while my booking transaction failed, my debit card got debited with an amount of MYR80.00, the equivalent of roundtrip 2nd class overnight sleeper beds on the route I mentioned.
I don’t want to try booking again as I might experience the same problem. I’m thinking of buying tickets at the KL Sentral train station just hours before I’d depart for Singapore Woodlands CIQ. Is buying tickets at the train station possible? Or, will this be hard since many passengers already have reservations days or weeks before the scheduled departure? Your inputs are highly appreciated.
The 1st class sleeper get filled up in advance. The 2nd class sleeper and non-sleeper cabin, you can likely walk up. Try calling and booking over the phone.
I am from the Phil. I’m going to SG this June 26. ETA is around 5pm. I plan to leave baggages to my friends place and take the last train trip going to KL. Can I purchase a 2way ticket while I’m still here in Manila or do I need someone from SG to purchase one for me? I’m traveling with my husband and plans to get a 1st class cabin. We’ll be staying in KL for a day and return to With the last trip to be able to return to SG in the morning.
If I can purchase a ticket while I’m in Manila where can i get it?
Yes, you can purchase the ticket online by following the instruction on the article and the link.
Hi there, I am travelling from SIN to KL and would like to book the Deluxe Sleeper with shower + toilet. However, I will be travelling with my husband and 12yr old son. Can the 3 of us sleep in one cabin?
No you can’t. It only fits 2 person. I would suggest the 2nd class sleeper. It is still very comfortable.
In November last year my wife and I travelled by first class sleeper from KL to Singapore.
The train was late leaving, the staff at KL station were rude and unhelpful, I was not able to sleep because I was afraid that I would roll out of the top bunk, the hot water for the shower and wash basin ran out by the morning, there was only one blanket per bunk and it was thin and too short , the air conditioning was so high that I was freezing cold, the towels that were supplied were so old that I would have thrown them away if they mine, the TV had been removed from our compartment and the food was awful. Having said all that, it was cheap and I am glad I gave it a try but I would not do it again.
John,
Thanks for the note. I can see how that would happen. I didn’t like the food either, actually didn’t eat them, and didn’t expect for them to provide. Yes, bringing a jacket or your own blanket would be good. I had a pullover and that kept me warm through the night.
I have been trying to book the sleeper tickets in the overnight train from jb sentral to kuala lumpur sentral. Have tried it a few times but the transaction simply does not get through. I want to book two tickets for 27 april in the private bathroom sleeper. After putting in all the details and the payment, the last screen tells me ‘Transaction unsuccessful’. Have been trying it for ten days now, just does not work. I tried the other sleeper coach too, but i see no blue seats there although the website shows availability.
Can someone please help me what should I do?
Adi,
You should just call the call center and book it by phone. There shouldn’t be a problem. Try using internet explore as the browser as well.
THE MOST BORING TRIP OF MY LIFE !!!
I was so looking forward to this train trip and planned it so well in advance. On THE day, I traveled from Chinatown (on MRT) with luggage early morning to Woodlands just to know Woodlands check point is not located in the Woodlands MRT building, so I had to board a bus to reach check point.
1. There was a long queue to get tickets from Woodlands to JB sentral while I had booked tickets online from JB sentral to KL.
2. There were only 2 attendants issuing tickets which delayed the process, one can easily miss their train if they don’t reach well in advance.
3. Security Staff at the station was so rude.
4. The Train TOOK 9 HOURS from Woodlands to KL Sentral when it was suppose to be a 6 hours journey. We were just too tired sitting and had nothing to do nor there was much to view outside.
When we reached at our Hotel we learnt that the total journey by road is only 4 hours, sadly I wasted 5 hours of my day that could have been utilized somewhere else. Plus the train was almost empty so you can get the tickets easily. Sigh !!!
Take the Singapore to JB bus that drop you directly at Woodland. Then get on the overnight train and sleep. You have to sleep anyway, so either you pay for a hotel in Singapore (which is expensive) or sleep in this moving hotel.
Hi, i want to Know. Can i use the same train to trip from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru???? Thank you
Yes, you can use the train to go from KL to JB.
Hi, just evaluating my options, either to take train from Woodlands CIQ or Jb Central. Answer to below 2 questions would really help.
1. You mentioned that if we book ticket over phone for Woodlands CIQ to Jb Central, then we need to get the ticket 24hrs in advance at the station. Say if I take Train #24 SENANDUNG SUTERA, then can I just reach Woodlands CIQ station 1 hr before my departure and collect my booked ticket??
2. If I take bus ride from downtown Singapore to JB Central then how long would it take to reach JB Central station (taking into consideration time taken for immigration procedure in border)???
1. Yes, you can get there 1 hr before departure and collect your ticket then. Allow a bit more time, like 1.5 hr so you can pick up ticket, clear immigration, etc.
2. If you take the bus ride from downtown Singapore to JB, I would allocate 1.5 hr to get to JB Sentral. It only takes 15-20 mins to clear immigration.
Hey escapetraveler, i am slightly confused … in 1) you suggested that i should reach Woodlands CIQ station 1.5 hr before departure to collect ticket and immigration process. Fair enough. But if just 1.5 hr for immigration and collecting ticket in 1) then don’t you think i should allocate more time for 2) as its include bus ride from downtown Singapore to JB as well apart from immigration process in border. But even for 2) you suggested 1.5 hour.
Please clarify.