Ipoh is located in the state of Perak, northern part of Malaysia.
There is a 772KM highway called the North-South Expressway connecting all the states in Malaysia from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah near the Malaysian–Thai border all the way to Johor, the south state of Malaysia.
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Train from KL to Ipoh
Since the ETS (Electric Train Service) was introduced from KL to Ipoh, this has been the easiest and most reliable mode of transport between the cities.
The ETS train would take 2.5 hours to reach from KL Sentral Station to Ipoh Railway Station, and vice-versa.
The train is super punctual and moderately comfortable. The prices depends on the two types of train services, Silver and Gold. The Silver train service is perfect if you are planning to go on a tight budget. The Gold train service is perfect if you value time as it stops at lesser number of stations along the journey. Both these trains stops at around 10 stations along the way. You will get down at the Ipoh Railway Station, which is one of the point of interest where tourists usually takes their first selfie in Ipoh.
Where to get the train tickets?
There are 3 ways you can check the train schedule and purchase your tickets:
1. Ticket Counter (KL Sentral)
Walk up to the counter in KL Sentral to get your tickets. Sometimes, you would need to queue up if there is crowd.
This is the best way if you happen to be near KL Sentral area.
2. Online
The online website has recently been updated. Although it can be buggy at times, this is the easiest way to purchase the train tickets.
You can even check the seats available for each train.
KTMB E-Ticket System and Easybook are the two places where you can buy KTM ETS tickets online.
3. Mobile App
The mobile app is the newest addition to purchase a ticket.
However, the mobile apps are very buggy and not advisable to be used to purchase the tickets.
Local Tip: Get your tickets as early as you can as the tickets would be sold off very quickly, especially during weekends
Bus from KL to Ipoh
The bus is a more flexible option as there are frequent buses to Ipoh servicing every 30 minutes. Bus selection is super important when it comes to the comfort of travelling on a 2.5 – 3 hours journey.
Where to get the bus tickets?
There are 2 ways you can purchase your bus tickets:
1. Online
There are various buses and schedule listed on a few websites online.
We would recommend using the BusOnlineTicket.com and EasyBook.com
2. Ticket Counter
Over the counter tickets are also preferred but there might be a long queue at times.
To travel from Ipoh, you need to buy the tickets at Terminal Bas Selatan (Main Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal)
3. Mobile App
Redbus is a new and convenient mobile app which has a good selection of busses to Ipoh.
Local Tip: Beware of purchasing tickets from any fake ticket touts. Always buy your tickets online or over the counter.
Flight from KL to Ipoh
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh are super limited to almost none. Only a few airlines such as Malindo, Firefly and Airasia operate out of Ipoh airport.
Flights are the least recommended option to travel from KL to Ipoh as they are more expensive and time consuming (unnecessary connecting flights) than the other modes of transport mentioned.
You can search for flight tickets online on Skyscanner website.
Note that most flights has a connecting stop such as Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport (SBZ) > Johor Bahru (JHB) > Ipoh (IPH).
Travel By Car from KL to Ipoh
The journey from KL to Ipoh on the highway is 2 hours and 40 minutes. You may rent a car or carpool with a friend. This is perfect for a weekend getaway.
However, avoid taking the highway during peak time particularly Friday evening as many KL peeps would be driving out of Kuala Lumpur for the weekend.
Enjoy your trip to Ipoh!
While you’re in Ipoh, make sure to not miss these:
• 5 Popular Local Foods in Ipoh
• 5 Best Hotels To Stay In Ipoh
• 3 Locals Favourite Noodles in Ipoh
