How To Get Around Malaysia With Public Transport: A Complete Tourist Guide
Getting around is surprisingly easy and affordable.
If you're planning a trip to Malaysia, getting around is surprisingly easy thanks to its affordable and efficient public transport system
Whether it's planning your journey from the airport to the city centre or navigating the bus and train system in various cities, here's everything tourists need to know about using public transport in Malaysia.
Travelling from the airport to the city:
Image via KLIA2
Most international travellers arrive via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2). The fastest way into the city is KLIA Ekspres, a non-stop train to KL Sentral that takes around 28 minutes.
Alternatively, airport buses like SkyBus or Aerobus offer budget-friendly rides between RM10 and RM15. E-hailing apps like Grab or taxis are available directly from the airport and usually cost between RM65 and RM100 depending on traffic and time of day.
In other cities like Penang or Kota Kinabalu, airport transfers are equally straightforward.Kuala Lumpur (KLIA and KLIA2):
Other Cities:
A simple guide to Kuala Lumpur's train system:
Image via RapidKL
Malaysia's capital has one of the most connected urban train networks in Southeast Asia. The LRT (Light Rail Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), and Monorail systems make it easy to move around Kuala Lumpur and nearby suburbs. Key stations like KL Sentral, Bukit Bintang, and Masjid Jamek link up various lines.
Trains generally operate from 6am to 11.30pm daily. For added convenience, tourists can purchase a Touch 'n Go card or a MyCity Pass (from RM10 for non-Malaysians), which offers unlimited rides for one or three days.
The KTM Komuter is another useful rail service, especially for trips to Batu Caves or Seremban.
Image via MKAZ
Types of rail in Kuala Lumpur:
- LRT and MRT: Good for urban travel
- Monorail: Short-distance travel within KL city centre
- KTM Komuter: Suburban areas like Batu Caves
Image via Rifki Kurniawan/Unsplash
Getting around with buses in major cities:
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Public buses in Malaysia are reliable and cost-effective, though they might not always run on time in smaller towns. In Kuala Lumpur, the RapidKL bus network covers most districts and connects with major train stations.
The Go KL City Bus is great for tourists and passes through attractions like the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang, and Central Market. Foreigners have to pay RM1 per ride (from January 2024 onwards) with Touch 'n Go, credit cards, or debit cards.
Other cities like Penang have similar services. RapidPenang offers comprehensive routes across the island and mainland, Causeway Link buses are ideal for travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore, while BAS.MY connects to major tourists spots in Melaka.
Pro tip: Use Moovit or Google Maps for real-time bus schedules.
For intercity travel, you can choose from a wide network of long-distance buses. Here are some of the popular ones:
Image via KLIA2
Malaysia has a wide network of long-distance buses that connect major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, and even cross-border destinations like Singapore and Hat Yai in Thailand.
Popular bus terminals include Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in KL, Penang Sentral, and Melaka Sentral. Buses are generally punctual, comfortable, and air-conditioned.
Tickets can be booked online through platforms like redBus, BusOnlineTicket, and Easybook, especially during weekends or public holidays when services tend to sell out fast.Popular routes:
Image via BERNAMA
Alternatively, you can travel intercity via the Electric Train Service (ETS). For a slight premium, you can enjoy a comfortable ride with air-conditioned coaches, onboard facilities, and scenic views along the way.
Catching ferries and boats to islands:
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Malaysia's islands are well connected by ferry services. Travellers heading to Langkawi can catch ferries from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, or Penang, while those visiting Tioman or Redang typically depart from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok.
In Penang, the Penang Ferry now operates for foot passengers motorbikes, offering a scenic route between Butterworth and George Town. Boats and speedboats are common in Sabah and Sarawak, especially for visiting rural villages and diving spots like Mabul or Sipadan.
Always check ferry schedules in advance as departure times may change due to tide conditions or weather.
All in all, travelling around Malaysia with public transport is fairly simple. Before your trip, make sure you prepare these essentials for seamless travel.
Image via Touch 'n Go
For tourists planning to use public transport frequently, the Touch 'n Go card is an essential purchase. It can be used on buses, trains, toll highways, parking, and even selected shops. Cards and reloads are available at 7-Eleven outlets, train stations, and convenience stores.
Where you can use Touch 'n Go:- MRT, LRT, Monorail, KTM trains
- City and intercity buses
- Parking lots and tolls
- Selected taxis and retail shops
- 7-Eleven and selected convenience stores
- Petrol stations
- Train station counters
- Grab: For ride-hailing
- Moovit: Real-time public transport directions
- MyRapid PULSE: KL transit updates and route planning
- Google Maps: Excellent for walking and train/bus routes
- redBus, Easybook: Book long-distance buses and ferries
- KTMB Mobile: Book ETS and KTM Komuter trains
This article was last updated on 22 April 2025. If you notice any discrepancies or outdated information, please let us know at stories@says.com.
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