If you’re planning to travel around Malaysia and wondering how on earth people actually get around, you’re in the right place.
This public transport in Malaysia guide is exactly what we wish we had the first time we explored the country properly — not just Kuala Lumpur, but Penang, Ipoh, Melaka, Langkawi, East Malaysia, and beyond.
We’re Roman & Fizah, a French–Malaysian travel duo based in Malaysia 🇫🇷🇲🇾. We use public transport in Malaysia all the time: for weekend trips, long-distance travel, content shoots, and daily life. Trains, buses, budget flights, Grab rides at midnight — we’ve done it all (sometimes with snacks, sometimes without).
Let’s break it down simply, honestly, and without fluff.
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Why Public Transport in Malaysia Is Better Than You Think
Here’s the truth: public transport in Malaysia is way more efficient than most travelers expect.
Is it Tokyo-level perfect? No.
Is it confusing chaos? Also no.
Malaysia offers:
- Modern trains in major cities
- Affordable long-distance buses
- Super cheap domestic flights
- Reliable eHailing apps like Grab
If you plan it right, you don’t need to rent a car at all — especially if you’re visiting cities or traveling solo.
Trains in Malaysia: Clean, Affordable & Tourist-Friendly
Let’s start with one of our favorite ways to move around.
KTM Trains (Intercity & ETS)
KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) operates Malaysia’s main rail network.
Best routes for travelers:
- Kuala Lumpur → Ipoh
- Kuala Lumpur → Penang (Butterworth)
- Kuala Lumpur → Padang Besar (Thailand border)
The ETS trains are fast, air-conditioned, comfortable, and surprisingly punctual.
Our tip:
Book ETS tickets early on weekends — Malaysians love train travel too.
Why we like trains:
- Big seats
- No luggage drama
- Scenic countryside views
- Very affordable
For long-distance travel, public transport in Malaysia by train is one of the easiest options.
Urban Rail in Kuala Lumpur (LRT, MRT, Monorail)
Kuala Lumpur’s urban rail system is genuinely good.
You’ll use:
- LRT – covers many tourist areas
- MRT – modern, fast, very clean
- Monorail – useful around Bukit Bintang
If you’re staying in KL for more than 2 days, this is gold.
Pro tip from us:
Buy a Touch ‘n Go card. It works across trains, buses, and even some shops.
For city travel, public transport in Malaysia is cheapest and fastest by rail.
Buses in Malaysia: Cheap, Long-Distance & Everywhere
Buses are the backbone of public transport in Malaysia, especially outside major cities.
Long-Distance Express Buses
Malaysia’s express buses are:
- Comfortable
- Cheap
- Frequent
- Surprisingly organized
Popular routes:
- Kuala Lumpur → Melaka
- Kuala Lumpur → Penang
- Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands
- Penang → Ipoh
You’ll find terminals like:
- TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in KL — very modern and easy
Real talk:
Some buses feel like budget airlines on wheels. Some feel… adventurous. Read reviews, choose wisely.
Local Buses (City & Regional)
In places like:
- Penang
- Melaka
- Johor Bahru
- Kuching
Local buses are improving a lot.
They’re cheap, but:
- Routes can be confusing
- Timing isn’t always perfect
We use Google Maps + local apps and it usually works.
For budget travelers, public transport in Malaysia by bus can save you serious money.
Domestic Flights in Malaysia: Shockingly Affordable
This one surprises most travelers.
Domestic flights in Malaysia are cheap. Like, sometimes cheaper than a bus.
Airlines to know:
- AirAsia
- Batik Air
- Malaysia Airlines (for full service)
Common routes:
- Kuala Lumpur ↔ Penang
- Kuala Lumpur ↔ Langkawi
- Kuala Lumpur ↔ Kota Kinabalu
- Kuala Lumpur ↔ Kuching
When distances are long (hello, East Malaysia), flying is often the smartest choice.
For covering big distances fast, public transport in Malaysia includes flights — and they’re totally worth it.
eHailing in Malaysia: Grab Is King
If there’s one app you must download, it’s Grab.
Grab works everywhere:
- Kuala Lumpur
- Penang
- Melaka
- Langkawi
- Most major towns
Why travelers love it:
- Fixed prices
- No language stress
- Cashless payment
- Safe and reliable
We use Grab almost daily — especially at night or when buses stop running.
Honestly? eHailing is a major part of public transport in Malaysia now.
Taxis in Malaysia: Use with Caution
Taxis exist, but…
- Prices can be inconsistent
- Meters aren’t always used
Our honest advice:
👉 Use Grab instead of street taxis whenever possible.
Island Travel: Ferries & Boats
Malaysia has islands — and ferries matter.
Popular ferry routes:
- Penang ↔ Butterworth
- Langkawi ↔ Kuala Perlis
- Langkawi ↔ Penang
Ferries are generally:
- Affordable
- Easy to book
- Well-organized
For island hopping, public transport in Malaysia includes ferries that actually work.
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How Much Does Public Transport in Malaysia Cost?
Here’s a rough idea:
- Urban train ride: RM2–RM6
- Express bus (long-distance): RM20–RM50
- Grab ride in city: RM6–RM25
- Domestic flight (promo): RM40–RM150
Compared to many countries, public transport in Malaysia is very budget-friendly.
Is Public Transport in Malaysia Safe?
Short answer: yes.
From our experience:
- Trains are safe
- Buses are safe
- Grab is very safe
Use normal travel common sense and you’ll be fine.
We’ve traveled late, early, tired, hungry — never had major issues.
Our Suggested Transport Strategy (Roman & Fizah Style)
If you want it simple, do this:
- Cities: Trains + Grab
- Between cities: ETS train or express bus
- Long distances: Domestic flight
- Islands: Ferry + Grab
That combo covers 95% of trips using public transport in Malaysia.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
We see this all the time:
- Renting a car too early
- Underestimating trains
- Overpaying taxis
- Skipping domestic flights
Malaysia rewards travelers who mix transport smartly.
Final Thoughts: Is Public Transport in Malaysia Worth Using?
Absolutely.
Public transport in Malaysia is:
- Affordable
- Practical
- Improving fast
- Easy for travelers
You don’t need to be a backpacker or a hardcore planner. With a phone, Google Maps, and Grab, you’re set.
If you travel like a local — you’ll experience Malaysia like one too.
And trust us… that’s where the good food, hidden places, and real stories live.
More About Malaysia
