Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is one of Southeast Asia\\\’s busiest cross-border routes — two major cities just 350km apart with excellent transport links. The flight takes under 1.5 hours, the overnight bus around 5–6 hours, and the new high-speed rail connection has transformed the journey since opening.
🔍 [Travelpayouts widget: Search Kuala Lumpur → Singapore via 12Go or Kiwi]
Option 1: Flight (Fastest)
Multiple airlines fly direct from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA or KLIA2) to Singapore Changi (SIN). The flight takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. AirAsia, Malindo Air, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines all compete on this route, keeping fares competitive — especially on AirAsia and Scoot with advance booking.
- Journey time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Price: from ~$25–80 USD one way
- Airlines: AirAsia, Malindo Air, Scoot, Singapore Airlines
- Frequency: Extremely frequent — one of the busiest air routes in the world
✈️ [Travelpayouts widget: Kuala Lumpur → Singapore flights via Kiwi]
Option 2: Bus
Express buses run from KL\\\’s TBS terminal to Singapore, crossing the Causeway at Johor Bahru. Operators like Transtar, Konsortium, and Aeroline run comfortable coaches, including premium options with reclining seats. Journey time is around 5–6 hours including the border crossing.
- Journey time: 5–6 hours
- Price: ~RM50–120 ($11–27 USD) depending on comfort class
- Departure: TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan)
- Border: Johor Bahru Causeway — both immigration checks usually quick for most passports
🎟️ 🎟️ Search Kuala Lumpur → Singapore tickets on 12Go →
Option 3: Train + RTS Link
Take the ETS train from KL Sentral to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral), then connect via the RTS Link (Rapid Transit System) shuttle train across to Woodlands in Singapore — a quick 5-minute crossing. This combination is increasingly popular since the RTS Link opened, offering a fast, traffic-free alternative to the bus for the border crossing itself.
- KL Sentral → JB Sentral (ETS): ~5 hours
- JB Sentral → Woodlands (RTS Link): ~5 minutes
- Total: ~5.5–6 hours
- Price: ~RM80–100 combined
Journey Summary
| Method | Time | Cost from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~1.5 hours | $25 USD | Speed |
| Bus | 5–6 hours | RM50 | Budget |
| Train + RTS Link | 5.5–6 hours | RM80 | Comfort / no traffic |
Where to Stay in Singapore
Marina Bay and the Civic District are central and convenient for major attractions. Bugis and Chinatown offer more budget-friendly options with great food nearby. Orchard Road is the shopping and hotel hub for those wanting a central, polished base.
🏨 [Travelpayouts widget: Hotels in Singapore via Booking.com or Agoda]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTS Link?
The RTS Link is a new cross-border shuttle train connecting Johor Bahru (Malaysia) and Woodlands (Singapore) in about 5 minutes. It bypasses the notorious Causeway traffic jams and is one of the fastest ways to cross the border on foot/by rail rather than by car or bus.
Is the bus or flight better from KL to Singapore?
For most travellers, the flight wins on time — it\\\’s roughly 4 hours faster door-to-door despite the airport overhead. The bus is cheaper and avoids airport hassle, and with the RTS Link easing the border crossing, overland travel has become considerably more pleasant.
Related Guides
- Singapore to Koh Lanta: Transport Guide
- Singapore to Chiang Mai: Flight Guide
- Kuala Lumpur to Penang: Bus and Train Guide
This post contains affiliate links. When you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.