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If you are planning to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca what is the best method of transport in 2026? In this article we will review and compare different ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca so you can decide on the best method of transport for you. We will also share top tips and great ideas to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Malacca is a beautiful historical city located approximately 150 km south of Kuala Lumpur Malacca is well known for its fantastic array of Street food, its beautiful river and the historical old town..
Looking for a place to stay in Malacca? You wont believe the unique beautiful hotels
1 Travel by long distance bus
The cheapest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca is to take a long distance bus. The long distance buses in Malaysia are very cheap and reasonably comfortable. The bus Journey from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca is likely to take around 4 -5 hours PLUS transport time to get to the TBS bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur. So door to door, your whole trip may take 6 -7 hours. There are many buses throughout the day starting as early as 4am in the morning until as late as 10pm the evening.
The ONLY bus terminal in KL that has buses which go to Malacca is the TBS bus terminal. This bus terminal is located in Kuala Lumpur
You do not generally need to book your Kuala Lumpur Malacca bus in advance because there are many throughout the day. However, during public holidays and busy times it is advisable to book in advance if possible.
Expect to pay around RM30 – 40 for the Long Distance bus from KL to Malacca (roughly £6 – £8 or $8 – $10)
Step 1: Take a subway to Bandar Tasik Selantan station (this is on the KMT line 1 in the Gemas direction AND also the KLIA transit line but NOT the KLIA express line)
Step 2: Walk to the TBS bus terminal – the short walk will only take around 5 minutes. Follow the signs.
Step 3: Take your bus to Melacca Sentral bus station
Step 4: Take a taxi into town. The Grab app is the most common e-hailing taxi app in Malaysia. It should cost around RM10 to travel from the bus station to town by Grab Taxi (depending on your exact location). Find out more – How to use the Grab Taxi App in Malaysia
Long distance buses in Malaysia generally do not have toilets on board. However, most long distance buses will stop every few hours for a rest and toilet break.
Long distance buses in Malaysia also have the capacity to take additional baggage at no extra charge. Most buses have a reasonably large baggage storage compartment underneath the bus. However, we do recommend taking a small valuable pack on board the bus with you.
Top tip: Need more space? Watch out for the executive 2+1 buses. These have two seats on one side of the bus and one seat on the other side of the bus. These seats are wider and offer a little more leg room.
2 Drive from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca
If you do not want to take the bus from KL to Malacca you can drive from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca in roughly two or three hours. This is the most convenient way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca but relies on having your own car in Malaysia that you are able to drive.
If you plan to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca you may need to consider a car rental. Car rental in Malaysia starts at around RM100 per day (although you can occasionally find cheaper offers). This is roughly £20 or $25.
Petrol and Malaysia is a very cheap generally costing around RM2 per litre (roughly £0.40 or $0.50). ALSO be aware that many Malaysian highways have Toll gates, expect to pay around RM20 – RM30 for a long inter-city journey in Malaysia. We recommend having a Touch and Go card if you plan to drive around Malaysia. You can add credit to the card in petrol stations.
As ever make sure you are sufficiently insured and qualified to drive in Malaysia. An international drivers license is generally required.
Can you travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca by train?
It is possible to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca by train, however we do not recommend this because trains only run to a town called Tampin which is around 50 km north of Malacca. Therefore, we recommend taking a bus rather than taking a train from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca.
Can you take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca?
It is possible to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca. However, we do not recommend this option; most flights cost around £80 or more and take at least 4 hours with one stop in Penang. Many flights take a lot longer than 4 hours, therefore a flight may actually be slower and less convenient than a bus. Furthermore, not only is a flight more expensive and potentially slower you also need to consider your baggage allowance. Many airlines that operate this route have a very minimal baggage allowance.
Summary what is the best way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca?
In summary the best way to travel from KL to Malacca is to take a long distance bus. This option offers the most convenient Transportation at the lowest cost. However, if you want an even more convenient option you can drive from Kuala Lumpur to malacca. However, unless you own your own car this option is likely to be more expensive than taking a bus.
What are the BEST places to stay in Malacca?
Travellers Diary Guest House
If you are looking for a clean, simple and cheap hotel in Malacca check out the Travellers Diary Guest House. They have wide a range of rooms and can accommodate solo travellers, couples and families. Their Family Room has a double bed and a single bed. Rooms range in price from around £10 – £20 depending on the room and occupancy. This lovely little hostel is located a few minutes walk from Jonker street (the main street in Malacca and a few minutes walk from the river). This hostel enjoys and excellent location in the Malacca old town. Nearby you can find, shops, cafes, restaurants and coffee shops.
The Majestic Malacca Hotel
The most classy hotel in Malacca is the Majestic Malacca Hotel. This is a small stunning boutique heritage hotel. The main disadvantage is that they only have double or twin rooms available (so cannot accommodate families or larger groups). Rooms cost around £100 per night. This hotel has beautiful classy colonial interiors. We are super impressed with the elegance and class of this property. This lovely hotel even has a swimming pool and spa – also the local food served at the restaurant is absolutely fantastic.
DoubleTree by Hilton Malacca
The DoubleTree by Hilton Malacca is a stylish 5 star hotel – and one of only a few big brand names in Malacca. This is the best option if you want the reliable decadence and luxury of the Hilton Brand this is a great choice for you. In true Hilton style there is a wide range of rooms and suites to choose from. Interiors are stylish and modern and this hotel is equipped with all of the facilities and amenities that you would hope for in a 5 star hotel. Rooms range in price from £60 – £250 per night here. This hotel is located on the sea front but is a little way from the Malacca old town.
