Travel from Singapore to Malacca is a popular itinerary among travellers and for good reason. After all, Singapore is ideal to combine with a tour of Malaysia. You therefore have several options: the bus, a private transfer, the train or a hire car. The distance is approximately 220 kilometres and, depending on your choice, the journey will take between 3.5 and 10 hours. Most travellers opt for the bus: it’s cheap, comfortable and relatively quick. Looking for a bit more convenience? Then a private transfer is ideal. In this blog, we compare all the options, including journey times, costs and our personal tips, so you can easily make the best choice for your trip.
General information about Malaysia
Are you working on a travel plan for Malaysia? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, the budget and transport within Malaysia. You can find all information on Malaysia here.
What is the best way to travel from Singapore to Malacca?
The best way to travel from Singapore to Malacca depends on what matters most to you: price, speed or comfort. In most cases, the bus is the best option. It’s cheap, runs several times a day and takes you directly to Malacca.
Would you like to travel faster and in greater comfort? Then a private transfer is ideal. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and won’t have to organise anything yourself. We only recommend the train if you specifically want to make a stop along the way, as this option takes longer and is less practical.
- The best choice for most travellers: Bus (cheap and direct)
- The quickest and most comfortable option: Private transfer
- Cheapest option: Bus (from €12) –
View all bus options and prices straight away here via 12GoAsia and book your place. - Least practical option: Train (long journey time and changes)
Below, we explain each option in detail so that you can make the right choice.
1. Travelling from Singapore to Malacca by bus
The bus is one of the most chosen and cheapest ways to travel from Singapore to Malacca. This is therefore the reason we chose this option. Several buses depart daily from various locations in Singapore, such as Queen Street Bus Terminal and Golden Mile Complex, to Melaka Sentral, Malacca's central bus station.
- Starting points: Queen Street Bus Terminal, Golden Mile Complex, Boon Lay, and other locations.
- Arrival: Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal
- Travel time: About 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing.
- Price: Ranging from SGD 26 to SGD 44 (€12 - €30), depending on the bus company and how luxurious you want to sit there!
- Tickets: Easily booked online via 12GoAsia.
We recommend travelling with 707 Inc, KKKL Express and Transtar Express. These are reliable airlines with many good reviews. We also recommend booking online in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays, to avoid disappointment.
View all bus options and prices straight away here via 12GoAsia and book your place.
Tip: it’s best to set off in the morning (between 08:00 and 10:00) to avoid the crowds at the border crossing.
2. Travel from Singapore to Malacca by private transfer
For those looking for a bit more luxury and convenience, a private transfer is a good choice. This option offers door-to-door service, picking you up at a location of your choice in Singapore and taking you directly to your accommodation in Malacca.
- Travel time: About 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing.
- Price: From SGD 240 (€160) per car for a one-way trip.
This option is ideal for families, groups or if you are travelling with a lot of luggage!
3. Travelling from Singapore to Malacca by train
Although there is no direct train connection between Singapore and Malacca, you can take the train to Tampin (Pulau Sebang), the nearest station to Malacca, and then take a taxi or bus to the city centre.
- Route: Singapore - Johor Bahru - Tampin - Malacca
- Travel time: About 9 to 10 hours, including transfers and waiting times.
- Price: From SGD 10 (€7), excluding the cost of taxi or bus from Tampin to Malacca.
We recommend this option only if you want to make another stopover somewhere.
4. Travelling from Singapore to Malacca by private transport
If you have a rental car or other private transport, you can also travel from Singapore to Malacca by yourself.
- Distance: About 220 km
- Travel time: About 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing.
- Note: There are toll roads along the way; make sure you carry enough cash or a toll card.
Want to rent a car? Then do so with a reliable company. We almost always choose Sunnycars.co.uk. With their clear terms and conditions and all-inclusive service, you are always well insured, with no hidden costs.
Our favourite items on the go!
When travelling, you will often have to wait, which is why our e-reader always goes with us in the backpack. Not only ideal for reading a good book on the go, but also perfect for taking quick notes for our blog (we have one of those big ones, ideal!). This way we always have our notes ánd a good one to hand, without taking up any extra space or weight. Whether you're on the beach, on a long bus ride or taking shelter from a tropical shower in a coffee shop, an e-reader always comes in handy. In short: we don't want to be without it anymore.
And well, we also love games. Especially card and travel games always do well with us. They are nice and compact, easy to take with you and provide hours of entertainment without you having to unpack or arrange everything. Looking for fun games on the go? Check out our blogs 14x Great travel games for 2 people or 20x Mini games - Perfect travel gifts for our favourites!
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Singapore to Malacca
1. What is the best way to travel from Singapore to Malacca?
The bus is the best choice for most travellers. It’s cheap, comfortable and runs several times a day directly from Singapore to Melaka Sentral, Malacca’s central bus station. If you’re looking for more convenience or are travelling with a lot of luggage, a private transfer is a good option.
2. How long does the journey from Singapore to Malacca take?
The journey from Singapore to Malacca takes an average of 4 to 5 hours by bus or car. The exact journey time depends on traffic and how busy the border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia is. A private transfer can sometimes get you there a little faster.
3. How much does a bus from Singapore to Malacca cost?
A bus from Singapore to Malacca costs on average between €12 and €30 per person. The price depends on the bus company, the level of comfort and when you book. Tickets may sell out more quickly at weekends and during the holidays.
4. Do you have to go through customs when travelling between Singapore and Malaysia?
Yes, when travelling from Singapore to Malacca, you cross the border between Singapore and Malaysia. You’ll need to go through passport control to leave Singapore and then go through passport control to enter Malaysia. This may take a bit longer, especially at weekends or around public holidays.
5. Can you travel by train from Singapore to Malacca?
There is no direct train from Singapore to Malacca. However, you can travel via Johor Bahru to Tampin and then continue by taxi or bus to Malacca. Due to the need to change trains and the longer journey time, the train is not usually the most practical option.
6. Is it also possible to travel from Malacca to Singapore?
Yes, you can also travel the same route in the opposite direction, i.e. from Malacca to Singapore. The bus is usually the easiest and cheapest option in that case too. Bear in mind that you’ll have to go through border control again and that journey times may be longer if it’s busy.
7. Where do you end up when you travel to Malacca by bus?
Most buses from Singapore to Malacca arrive at Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal. From there, you can take a taxi, the Grab or a local bus to continue your journey to the centre of Malacca, for example towards Jonker Street or your accommodation.
8. Do you need to book bus tickets from Singapore to Malacca in advance?
Yes, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially at weekends, during public holidays and at busy times of the year. That way, you can be sure of a seat and can easily compare times, prices and bus companies.
View all bus options and prices straight away here via 12GoAsia and book your place.
Going the other way? No problem!
Are you doing the route the other way round? No problem! All the options mentioned above also work from Malacca to Singapore, of course, so do have a look to see which one suits your itinerary best. We hope this information helps you plan your trip. Do you have any questions or comments? If so, you can always send us a message via Instagram or via info@thousandtravelmiles.nl.
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