Malaysia train timetables and rail transportation
KTM electric train interior
Although the continued rise of cheap no-frills flights has reduced the popularity of train travel in Malaysia, the historic railway lines still offer a glimpse into the past and are well worth exploring if you’ve time on your hands. Trains in Malaysia have been a key part of country’s prosperity from when track was first laid in 1885 by British merchants seeking the easier export of goods. This first 13kms from Port Weld to Taiping expanded rapidly to a comprehensive patchwork covering all major towns.
The railway in Malaysia is know as the Keretapi Tanah Melay (KTM) and Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur has taken over from the old colonial station as main transport hub. From here track extends north through Thailand to Bangkok and south past Johor Bharu to Singapore. KTM Berhad is still in government hands but administered by private companies. Although journey times are generally longer than by bus, the romance of the railways cannot be beaten.
First class compartments are much more comfortable but can be as expensive as a flight. Far more popular are second class tickets which are on the whole quite clean and comfortable, with around 20 bunks stretched down the length of the carriage.
The lower bunks are certainly preferable, but both are fine and the snoring of other passengers nearby tends to be the one differential between a good night’s sleep and a bad one. Lights stay on all night in the cabin but there is a bunk curtain for a little privacy. Basic snacks are available on board.
In general, Malaysian KTMB intercity services are safe and convenient although on board meals and the state of the toilets could be improved. From KL there are two two daily express trains and four night trains to Singapore via Melaka which cost around RM35 for standard coach class and RM70 for first class. Travelling north there are services from KL to Hat Yai and Bangkok along the west coast, which call at Ipoh (for the Cameron Highlands), Taiping (for Lumut and the ferry to Pangkor) and then Butterworth (for Penang) before snaking up to Alor Setar (for Kuala Perlis and the Langkawi ferry).
The east coast is sadly bereft of railways except for the very northernmost town of Kota Bharu. From here the infamous ‘jungle railway’ moves slowly south through the deep Malaysian rainforest past Kuala Lipis (for Taman Negara) before finally linking up with the west coast line at Segamat and continuing down to Singapore. Click here for timetables and online booking.
