Getting around Malaysia
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
No (1-2 stopovers)
Duration
13-18h with 1 stopover (Doha, Dubai, Istanbul or Singapore)
Indicative round-trip price
550-950 EUR A/R
Book
2-4 months ahead
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Excellent, cheap long-distance bus network (Aeroline, Transnasional) linking all the cities of the peninsula; booking on easybook.com.
Train
Trains ETS modernes et confortables sur la cote ouest (KL–Ipoh–Penang–Padang Besar). KTM Komuter en banlieue de KL. Pas de reseau sur la cote est ni a Borneo.
Taxi
Taxis de rue souvent sans compteur : negocier ou eviter. Grab (VTC) est l'option reine, fiable et transparente.
Metro
In Kuala Lumpur: an integrated LRT, MRT, monorail and KTM network, modern and cheap (Touch 'n Go card).
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLIA Airport | Kuala Lumpur center | KLIA Ekspres / Grab | 30-60 min | 55 MYR (train) / 60-90 MYR (Grab) |
| Kuala Lumpur | Penang (Georgetown) | Train ETS | 4h30 | 60-80 MYR |
| Kuala Lumpur | Kota Kinabalu (Borneo) | Plane (AirAsia) | 2h35 | 80-250 MYR |
| Kuala Lumpur | Melaka | Bus | 2h | 12-20 MYR |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
25-45 MYR / day
Motorcycle licence + international permit
Car
80-160 MYR / day
International Driving Permit (IDP) required
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Taxi without a meter
Many street taxis refuse the meter and quote an inflated price, especially at the airport and near tourist sites.
Tip :Utiliser Grab, ou exiger le compteur ('meter') avant de monter.
Vol a l'arrache a moto
Two people on a motorbike snatch a bag or phone as they pass, in the cities.
Tip :Carry your bag on the pavement side, don't use your phone while walking along the roadside.
Practical tips
- Book AirAsia domestic flights as early as possible: unbeatable for reaching Borneo, Penang or Langkawi.
- Get a Touch 'n Go card for all of KL's transport and the tolls.
- Prefer Grab in the city: safer and cheaper than haggling with a taxi.
Other transport guides
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