We left our Couchsurfing home in Kuala Lumpur in the morning. Our plan was simple: hitchhike 360 kilometers and be in Singapore by evening. That day, some people even offered us money or bought us food. We also saw an interesting border crossing that looked like a shopping mall and couldn't be crossed on foot. In this article, while describing our own journey, I also compare all the ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore: bus, train, plane, and hitchhiking.
Watch the Video: Hitchhiking from Malaysia to Singapore
How to Get from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore? 4 Options
The distance between the two cities is approximately 350 km by road. Which route you choose depends on your budget, your time, and how much adventure you want.
| Method | Duration (approx.) | Best for? |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 5-7 hours | Most budget-conscious travelers |
| Train + border shuttle | 5-6 hours | Those who want comfort and don't want to deal with the border |
| Plane | 1-hour flight + airport time | Those with limited time |
| Hitchhiking | Half a day or more | Those looking for adventure and new people |
1. Bus
The most common option. Buses depart from the TBS terminal in Kuala Lumpur and many points within the city. When you reach the border, you get off the bus, clear Malaysian exit, then Singaporean entry, and then get back on the same bus. Get your ticket, and note down the bus's license plate and color; it's easy to lose it in the crowd at the border.
2. Train
You can take the fast KTM ETS train from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) in the south, and from there, take the short border train (Shuttle Tebrau) to Woodlands in Singapore. The border train takes a few minutes, and passport control is done at the stations. The RTS Link rail system, which is currently under construction between Johor Bahru and Singapore, is planned to open at the end of 2026; check the current status before you go.
3. Plane
There are many flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and tickets bought early can be cheap. However, considering travel to/from the airport and security checks, the total time might not be much shorter than the bus. You can check out my article on 14 ways to find cheap flight tickets to find a good deal.
4. Hitchhiking
We chose this. Below, I explain exactly how we did it.
Our Journey: 360-Kilometer Hitchhike
We Started the Day with an 8 Ringgit Plate
Next to the house we stayed at, there was a small restaurant that sold Indian, Malay, and Chinese food all together. You put rice on your plate and take as much as you want from the curries or noodles there. It all cost about 8 Ringgit; at the time, that was around 2 dollars. I couldn't finish the plate and wasn't hungry until evening. If you want to keep your budget in check in Malaysia, don't miss these types of "mixed rice" eateries.
Getting Out of Kuala Lumpur
To get out of the city, we first took the metro and experienced one of the most confusing transfers I've ever seen. We were going to have to wait two hours for the connecting line. We got off the train, went to the road, and caught our first ride there. A guy dropped us off at the main road. My advice from my own experience is this: if you're going to hitchhike out of Kuala Lumpur, instead of dealing with city transport, take a Grab to the entrance of the highway outside the city.
Find "S" Plate Cars at Rest Stops
People carried us from rest stop to rest stop on the highway. At one place, we bought water; at another, they invited us straight into their car. The most useful tip for this route was: Singapore license plates start with the letter "S". If you ask people with "S" plates at rest stops, your chances of finding someone heading directly to Singapore increase significantly.
The Border You Cannot Walk Through
When we arrived at the border in Johor Bahru, we had our first surprise: you can't walk across the bridge. There are only vehicles and buses at the Johor–Singapore Causeway. The border building on the Malaysian side is like a shopping mall. You go up with escalators, clear Malaysian exit, then get on one of the buses below to cross the bridge. On the Singaporean side, in Woodlands, you get off the bus and clear entry.
Don't make the mistake we made here: we didn't have Singapore dollars and had very few Ringgit left. We couldn't find a currency exchange at the border. Keep some small change or a contactless card ready even for the short bus ride. Contactless Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted on buses and the metro in Singapore.
What Happens at the Singapore Border?
At Singapore entry, the officer asked us how many days we would stay and where we were going. We had a small mix-up here: I said "3 days," while my friend had written 5 days on the form based on our departure flight. It was fine once we explained the situation. Therefore:
- Fill out the SG Arrival Card in advance. You need to fill out this electronic form online within 3 days before your arrival in Singapore.
- Keep your information consistent. The date you write on the form should be the same as what you say at the border.
- Keep your exit ticket and accommodation address ready on your phone.
As of the date of this writing, Turkish citizens could enter Malaysia for tourist purposes visa-free for up to 90 days and Singapore for up to 30 days. Since visa rules can change, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you head out.
Can You Hitchhike in Singapore?
The short answer: not really. When we crossed the border, it was 9 PM, our phones were dead, and we didn't know the way. We tried to hitchhike to the city center. People who came to where we stood said, "You can't hitchhike here, go take the metro," and shoved money into our hands. Even though I said "there's no need," they insisted.
Indeed, public transport in Singapore is so good and cheap that there's no need for hitchhiking. Our metro ticket was around 1-2 Singapore dollars per person; that was cheaper than prices in Thailand at the time. Use the MRT to get around the city and save hitchhiking for Malaysia.
Where Did We Stay in Singapore?
We stayed at the home of a Turkish friend who had messaged us months ago saying, "Let me know when you come to Singapore, you can stay with me." Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in Southeast Asia; it can quickly deplete your accommodation budget, in particular. Couchsurfing, hostels, and personal connections work very well here. I explained all the ways to stay cheaply in my accommodation guide.
Quick Checklist for the Journey
- Singapore dollars or a contactless bank card
- Pre-filled SG Arrival Card
- Accommodation address and return or onward ticket saved on your phone
- Powerbank (we ran out of charge, don't let that happen to you)
- Mobile internet that works in both countries
The last item is really important: you need the internet to find your way at the border, call a Grab, or message your host. With an eSIM covering both Malaysia and Singapore in one package, you won't have to worry about SIM cards at the border. You can check out Yırtık eSIM packages here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk from Malaysia to Singapore?
There is no pedestrian path on the Johor–Singapore Causeway. You have to take a bus from the border building and cross the bridge by bus.
How many hours is it from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore?
It is approximately 350 km by road. It takes 5-7 hours by bus depending on traffic and the border.
What documents are required for entry into Singapore?
A valid passport, a pre-filled SG Arrival Card, and your exit ticket and accommodation information if asked.
Can I exchange currency at the border?
We couldn't find a currency exchange at the border. Take some Singapore dollars with you in advance or pay with a contactless card.
Is hitchhiking illegal in Singapore?
Being a pedestrian on highways is prohibited, and there is almost no hitchhiking culture in the city. Since public transport is cheap and easy, use the MRT or the bus.
We arrived in Singapore, but the real surprise started the next day. I explain the rules of this country, where even chewing gum, spitting on the ground, and drinking water on the metro are fined, in my article on things that are forbidden in Singapore. Our previous stop was Batu Caves.
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