Malaysia is not a huge country, but it’s still big enough that figuring out how to get from one place to another can take a bit of planning. The transport options range from budget-friendly long-distance buses to comfortable intercity trains, cheap domestic flights, ferries to the islands, and app-based rides like Grab.
Some systems are well-developed (especially around major cities like Kuala Lumpur), while others require more local know-how. If you’re used to a country with seamless public transit everywhere, you might need to adjust expectations a little — but the good news is, most modes of transport are affordable, easy to book, and get the job done once you know where to start.
This guide breaks it all down: how to get between states, how to move around locally, and some tips that can save you time, money, and a headache or two.
Long distance buses: cheap & reliable
If you’re traveling between cities or states, buses are usually the most affordable option — and surprisingly comfortable. Most long-distance buses have air-conditioning, cushy seats that recline, and some even come with personal USB ports. But don’t count on consistent luxury. Some buses still blast sappy songs on loop with scratchy speakers.
Popular routes include KL to Penang, KL to Melaka, Penang to Cameron Highlands, and KL to Singapore. Journey times range from 2 to 10 hours, depending on distance and traffic.
Booking: You can walk into any terminal and buy a ticket, but it’s way easier to book online using platforms like redBus or BusOnlineTicket. These let you compare bus companies, prices, and even seat layouts.
Tips:
- Always check which terminal your bus departs from. Major cities have multiple terminals, and they’re often nowhere near each other.
- Bring a jacket or scarf — buses love to turn the AC up to freezer levels.
- Don’t expect on-board toilets. Plan ahead or choose buses with known rest stops.
Trains: scenic but slow (except ETS)
Malaysia’s rail system, operated by KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu), is slowly modernizing. The main showpiece is the ETS (Electric Train Service) — sleek, clean, and runs on time. It connects key cities like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Butterworth (for Penang).
Why take the train? It’s more relaxing than buses, especially for long distances. You get toilets, snack trolleys, more space to walk around and stretch your legs, and lovely countryside views. Just don’t expect bullet-train speeds — this isn’t Japan.
Other services: The KTM Komuter trains are useful around KL and a few other regions but tend to be late and inconsistent. Some intercity services still run, but most long-haul routes have been replaced by ETS.
Tips:
- Tickets for ETS sell out fast during holidays. Book ahead at ktmb.com.my or at the station.
- If you’re going to Penang, Butterworth is the stop — then take a ferry, bus, or Grab across to the island.
- Bring snacks; the onboard café is basic, and there are no hawkers that hop onboard to sell food like there are in some other Southeast Asian countries.
Domestic flights: fast, cheap & plentiful
Malaysia’s many islands, mountain regions, and separated geography make flying an efficient way to travel — especially between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Budget airlines like AirAsia, Firefly, and Batik Air dominate the skies and can be cheaper than buses if you book in advance.
There are many domestic and international flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah).
Tips:
- Watch out for luggage limits. Budget carriers charge extra for everything — checked bags, seat selection, meals.
- KL has multiple airports: KLIA Terminal 1, sometimes called KLIA1 (full-service airlines and some budget airlines), KLIA Terminal 2, sometimes called KLIA2 (AirAsia base), and Subang (Firefly’s base). Know where you’re flying from. Both KLIA Terminal 1 & 2 are huge; allocate at least 30 minutes to walk to your gate.
- Keep in mind that while KLIA stands for Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it’s not actually in Kuala Lumpur. In fact, it takes an hour to get there from the city.
- Some routes, like KL – Singapore, take less than an hour in the air, but once you factor in the hour-long trip to the airport from Kuala Lumpur, plus getting there at least two hours early to check in and board, you’re looking at nearly the same total travel time as driving or taking a bus.
- Don’t cut it close on connections — delays are common.
Local transport
In Kuala Lumpur and its vicinity, public transport is actually pretty decent. You can get around on a combination of LRT (Light Rail Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), Monorail, KTM Komuter, GOKL buses, and RapidKL buses. They’re cheap, comfortable, and fairly reliable. And if you take the trains, you’ll avoid KL’s infamous traffic jams.
But outside of KL, it’s a mixed bag. Penang has a good bus system and will soon have its own LRT, but most other towns rely on Grab, taxis, or sporadic public buses. Some very rural areas don’t even have Grab coverage, so having a contact or private driver helps.
🧠 Tips:
- Download and set up Grab or other ridesharing apps (AirAsia, Bolt, inDrive, Maxim) before arriving.
- Public buses in smaller cities often run infrequently and may not follow set schedules.
- In East Malaysia, expect longer distances and fewer public options — plan accordingly.
Touch 'n Go card
If you’re planning to use RapidKL buses in Kuala Lumpur, it’s important to know that they don’t accept cash anymore.
Instead, you’ll need a Touch ’n Go card — Malaysia’s go-to prepaid card for public transport, tolls, and even some retail purchases. It’s basically a stored-value transit card: you top it up with credit, tap it at the gate, and go. It’s used across most of Klang Valley’s public transport systems.
Why this matters:
- No card = no ride on RapidKL buses.
- You can’t use credit or debit cards to take buses or trains (except KTM Komuter).
- Buying single-journey tokens is possible at train stations, but it’s slower and not available on RapidKL buses.
Where to get a Touch ’n Go card:
- Major train stations (but they sometimes run out!)
- Touch ’n Go service centers
- Select convenience stores (like KK Mart, 7-Eleven, and MyNews)
Where to top up:
- At train stations, 7-Eleven, Watsons, and many ATMs
- Via the Touch ’n Go eWallet app (if your card is the NFC version)
Tips for tourists:
- Get your card early — don’t wait until you’re already at the train gate.
- Keep a balance of at least RM5 on the card to take the trains, and RM3 to take the buses.
- If you’re staying longer, the Touch ’n Go eWallet app is handy, but it requires a Malaysian phone number to fully access all features.
If you’re planning to use public transport frequently or drive on the highways, the Touch ’n Go card will make your life a lot easier. If you’re just doing one or two train trips, you can get away with single-journey tokens, but it’ll slow you down a little.
Boats & ferries: your ticket to the islands
Island-hopping is part of the fun in Malaysia. Ferries and speedboats are common for reaching islands like Langkawi, Tioman, Pangkor, Perhentian, Redang, and Sipadan. Some are small and basic, others are big and modern, but nearly all are weather-dependent.
Booking: In most cases, you can buy tickets at the jetty, but during peak season it’s best to book ahead. Some ferries also allow online booking through third-party sites or tour operators.
Tips:
- Monsoon season affects ferries — especially on the east coast of the peninsula (Nov–Feb). Boat services may be suspended for a few months during this period.
- Bring motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive to choppy seas.
- Double-check the return schedule, especially for smaller islands.
- Boats and ferries in Malaysia are legally required to provide life vests for every passenger, but not all operators enforce their use. For your own safety, please wear the life vest — especially on speedboats or during rough weather. It might not look cool, but it could save your life.
Renting a car (with or without a driver)
Renting a car is a great way to explore Malaysia at your own pace. This works best for destinations with less public transport coverage like Langkawi, Cameron Highlands, or Kundasang.
Renting a car: You can easily find rental offices in major cities and airports. Most rental agencies require you to be over 21, with a valid driver’s license. International drivers can use their home country’s license, or you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — check with the rental company.
With a driver: If you’re uncomfortable driving or just want to chill, hiring a private driver is a great alternative. Drivers are often included in tour packages or can be arranged locally. They usually know the best routes and can offer insider tips.
Tips:
- Petrol (gasoline) is relatively cheap, but watch out for tolls — they add up on highways.
- Malaysian roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic in big cities can be a nightmare during rush hours.
- Always rent from a reputable company — check for reviews online, especially for small operators.
If driving yourself, know that parking can be tricky in busy areas, so plan ahead.
Going on a group tour: let somebody else do the planning
Group tours can take the stress out of planning, and Malaysia has plenty of options — from day tours to week-long excursions.
Why go for a tour? Group tours are great if you want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transport, accommodations, or itineraries. Many tours provide a guide who knows local history and can answer your questions, and they often cover meals and attractions. It’s also a great way to meet other travelers, especially if you’re traveling alone and wanting to make new friends.
Types of tours include:
- City tours: Great for hitting the main attractions in a short amount of time. Think day tours around KL, Penang, or Melaka that cover historical sites, street food spots, local markets, and photo ops without needing to plan a thing.
- Nature & jungle tours: Perfect if you want to hike, spot wildlife, or just get deep into the rainforest. These include guided treks in Taman Negara, orangutan spotting in Sarawak, turtle-watching in Cherating, proboscis monkey river cruises, or climbing Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.
- Cultural tours: If you’re interested in local life, food, and heritage, these are ideal. You’ll visit traditional kampungs (villages), traditional craft centers, religious landmarks, and sometimes even cook with locals.
- Island-hopping & snorkelling tours: On the east coast and in places like Langkawi or the Perhentian Islands, boat tours will take you around turquoise bays, coral reefs, and quiet beaches. These usually include snorkelling gear, packed lunches, and plenty of swimming time.
- Liveaboard diving trips: Malaysia has some seriously world-class dive sites — Sipadan, Mabul, and Tioman, just to name a few. Liveaboard tours are popular for divers who want to spend a few days out at sea, diving multiple times a day with all gear and meals provided.
Tips:
- Do your research on the tour operator. Look for reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google.
- You can book tours through your hotel, travel agent, or apps such as Viator, Get Your Guide, Klook, and Airbnb.
- Group tours can be rigid — make sure you’re okay with the set schedule and crowds.
- Private tours offer flexibility but can be pricier.
So, what's the best way to get around?
It depends on where you’re going, how fast you want to get there, and how adventurous you’re feeling:
- Budget + time to spare: Bus or train
- Short on time + going far: Domestic flights
- City hopping + comfort: ETS train or short-haul flights
- Local travel in cities: Grab + KL’s train network
- Going to the islands: Ferry + Grab or taxi
- Exploring at your own pace: Rent a car (with or without a driver)
- Letting someone else handle the details: Join a group tour
Useful links for getting around in Malaysia
I’ve put together a handy list of useful links for all the services you might need while traveling around Malaysia:
Cars, Ride-Hailing & Taxis
- Grab – The go-to ride-hailing app in Malaysia (like Uber). Also used for food delivery and cashless payments.
- InDrive – Alternative to Grab in some cities. You can negotiate your fare before confirming the ride.
- Maxim – Budget-friendly alternative to Grab, available in many Malaysian cities.
- SOCAR – Car-sharing app for short-term rentals. Good for day trips.
- GoCar – Another car-sharing option, available in many major towns.
🚌 Buses (Intercity & Local)
- RedBus – Book long-distance bus tickets across Malaysia. Easy to use and covers most major routes.
- EasyBook – Another booking platform for intercity buses, plus trains and ferries. Includes smaller or lesser-known bus companies.
- Causeway Link – Operates buses in some parts of Malaysia and cross-border services to Singapore.
- Rapid KL – The main public bus network in the Klang Valley (including Kuala Lumpur, PJ, and surrounding areas). Cheap, reliable, and integrated with LRT/MRT systems.
- Rapid Penang – Public buses for getting around George Town and the rest of Penang island and mainland. Covers most tourist and residential areas.
🚆 Trains
- KTM Berhad – Malaysia’s national railway. Use it for intercity trains (ETS) and commuter lines (KTM Komuter).
- KLIA Ekspres – Express train between KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Fastest airport transfer.
- MRT/LRT/Rapid KL – Official site for public rail in the Klang Valley (KL and surrounds). Includes route maps and updates.
✈️ Flights
- AirAsia – Budget airline with the widest network of domestic and Southeast Asian routes. Often the cheapest option.
- Malaysia Airlines – The national full-service carrier. Good for comfort, checked baggage, and flights to East Malaysia and beyond.
- Firefly – A Malaysia Airlines subsidiary focused on domestic flights using smaller airports. Handy for places like Subang, Penang, and Kota Bharu.
- Batik Air – Formerly Malindo Air. A hybrid airline with affordable fares and free cabin baggage and snacks. Useful for both domestic and regional flights.
- SKS Airways – Niche airline for getting to islands like Tioman and Pangkor (check seasonal routes).
🚢 Ferry & Boat Services
Tioman Island (Pahang)
Perhentian Islands (Terengganu)
Kuala Besut Jetty – Main departure point for boats to the Perhentian Islands.
Redang Island (Terengganu)
- Merang Jetty – Offers daily boat transfers to Redang Island, Lang Tengah, and Bidong Island.
Langkawi Island (Kedah)
- Langkawi Ferry Line – Provides ferry services between Langkawi and the mainland (Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang).
You can also use this search engine to look up all modes of transportation within Malaysia — buses, trains, ferries, and even cross-border routes to Thailand and Singapore:
Final thoughts
Malaysia’s transport system isn’t perfect, but once you understand the options and how they connect, getting around becomes pretty manageable — and often enjoyable.
The cost of travel here is relatively low compared to most Western countries, which means you can cover a lot of ground without draining your wallet. Sure, there will be occasional delays, confusing terminals, or a bus that plays 90s karaoke music at full blast. But that’s all part of the fun (or so we tell ourselves).
With a little planning and flexibility, you can hop around the country with minimal stress. Don’t be afraid to mix and match transport methods — fly to one destination, rent a car to explore nearby spots, then hop on a bus or train to your next stop. It’s a patchwork system, but it works — and it’ll take you to some unforgettable places.
Got questions about getting around Malaysia, or a travel tip of your own? Drop it in the comments below!
