Complete Guide on Getting to Malacca From Kuala Lumpur by Bus & Flight

Malacca or Melaka is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations for locals as well as international travellers. This beautiful city not only offers delicious street food, but it’s also rich in history and culture. There are also plenty of attractions worth visiting in Malacca. If you’re wondering how to get to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur, you’ve come to the right place! 

Read on to find out about the multiple options to reach Melaka from KL airport or the city, where to stay and tips for exploring the city for the perfect getaway.

Source: https://www.melaka-tourism.com/

Travelling to Malacca from KL is simple and convenient with several options depending on your budget and time. Below are several travel options available: 

1. By Bus from KLIA/KLIA2

Taking a bus from KLIA or KLIA2 airport to Melaka is one of the most popular and affordable options. It’s also the most convenient option if you’re arriving by flight. Most bus services offer direct transfer and the journey from KLIA bus to Melaka takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Pros: 

• Direct connection from the airport to Melaka.
• Quite affordable, from RM25 per ticket.
• Comfortable and air-conditioned coaches are available.

Cons:

• Limited schedules.
• Travel time can be affected by traffic.
• Waiting time can be long if you miss your bus.
• Potential bus breakdowns.

2. From TBS to Melaka Sentral

If you’re in KL city, the best place to catch a bus is Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), which is the main bus hub in Kuala Lumpur. There are daily buses from TBS to Melaka Sentral that run frequently throughout the day. The journey from TBS KL to Malacca takes about 2 hours, depending on the traffic. 

Pros:

• Affordable fares, from RM11 a ticket.
• Frequent bus schedules throughout the day.
• Many bus operators are available to choose from. 
• Comfortable and reliable option.

Cons:

• Travel time may extend due to peak traffic hours.
• Unpredictable delays.
• Potential bus breakdowns.

3. By Flight from KLIA to Malacca International Airport

Another option to get to Melaka from KLIA/KLIA2 airport is by taking a flight. It is, however, rare and not very practical given the short distance, which is less than an hour by air. Melaka Airport is small and located outside the city centre which requires extra transport when you arrive. 

Pros: 

• Fast flight times, less than an hour.

Cons:

• More expensive compared to taking a bus or a car.
• Rare and limited flights are available.
• Longer waiting time/check-in times. 
• Requiring extra transportation upon arrival as the airport is outside the city.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-day-trips-from-kuala-lumpur

The Best Way to Explore Melaka Once You Arrive 

Once you arrive in Melaka Sentral or Melaka Airport, you will need transportation to get around the city. Here are some of the best options:

1. Car Rental

If you prefer convenience and flexibility, opt for a car rental to explore the city as well as outside the city. This option allows you to travel at your own pace, giving you the freedom to explore the city.

Check out our car rental in Melaka today!

2. Public Transport

You can use public transportation like the Panorama Melaka buses, which cover routes within the city. 

3. E-hailing Services

E-hailing services like Grab are one of the convenient options for short trips around the city. It’s also quite affordable if it’s a short distance or when shared with friends. 

4. Walking

If you’re planning to explore the city centre like the Melaka River or Jonker Street, walking is the best option as most of the attractions in the city are within walking distance.

How Many Days are Enough to Travel in Melaka?

The ideal amount of time to explore Melaka is about 2 to 3 days for most visitors. This amount of time is enough to explore the highlights of this city, including Jonker Street, A’Famosa, Dutch Square, museums and the Melaka River while also enjoying the various local food. If you have more time, you could spend the extra day relaxing by the beach. 

Top Areas to Stay in Melaka

There are several areas in Melaka you can choose to stay, depending on your preferences. Below are some of the popular areas:

• Jonker Street

There are many beautiful boutique hotels near Jonker Street. It’s best for anyone who wants to be in the heart of the heritage area. Nearby attractions include Jonker Street itself, A’Famosa, and the Melaka River which are only a short walk away. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in this area.

• Ayer Keroh

This area is great for families with children as there are nearby family-friendly attractions such as the Melaka Zoo, Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary and Melaka Wonderland Theme Park. 

• Klebang

This beach area is perfect for those who want a quieter and peaceful stay.

• Melaka Raya

Located close to the city centre, this area has shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. Nearby attractions include St Paul’s Hill and the Dutch Square, which are within walking distance. 

Read: 15 Best Attractions in Melaka to Explore the City and Its Heritage

Explore Melaka Hassle-Free with Melakabook!

Getting to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur is convenient with several options to choose from – by bus, by car or by flight, depending on your budget and schedule. The most affordable and convenient travel option is by taking a bus from KLIA/KLIA 2 or TBS. Once you arrive in Melaka, exploring the city is also simple with car rentals, e-hailing services, or even walking if you stay in the heart of the city centre. 

If you’re looking to rent a car in Melaka, book car rental in Melaka with Melakabook! With various car options available, this affordable car rental service in Melaka is your best bet! Enjoy a hassle-free journey and explore Melaka at your own pace without relying on public transport or e-hailing services. Book your car rental with Melakabook today and enjoy your adventure in Melaka!