If you want to explore more of Malaysia, head over to the charming town of Ipoh. Found in between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, this inland city continues to attract tourists because of its delicious cuisine, scenic natural attractions, ancient temples and colonial structures from the 19th century.
Also interesting, Taiping is one of Malaysia’s most underrated gems, featuring the country’s rich history, delectable food and a great zoo and gardens. Many of its attractions are even within walking distance to one another!
Taiping and Ipoh are quite close to each other so it makes sense to visit both when you are exploring Malaysia. Of course, before you can do that, you need to know how to get from Ipoh to Taiping and vice versa. Don’t worry, this is straightforward.
Below, I describe exactly how to go from Ipoh to Taiping whether you are looking for an Ipoh to Taiping train, a bus from Ipoh to Taiping or want to drive from Ipoh to Taiping.
I also describe the reverse journey from Taiping to Ipoh.
Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip!
Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.
Contents
Map: Ipoh To Taiping
This map shows you the distance from Ipoh to Taiping as well as how you can get from Ipoh to Taiping on the most direct roads.
The Ipoh to Taiping distance is 66 kilometres with an approximate driving time of one hour depending on road and traffic conditions.
BEST OPTION: How To Go From Ipoh To Taiping
The quickest and easiest option is to take a private taxi. This can be surprisingly affordable.
If you’re a budget traveller, take the train.
Here’s a summary of all your options…
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Train | 1.5 hours | People who like the fastest public transport option | Book here |
| Bus | 3 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Book here |
| Car | 1 hour | People who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the way | Book here |
| Taxi | 1 hour | Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get between Ipoh and Taiping | Grab app |
Option 1: Bus From Ipoh To Taiping
If you plan to take the bus from Ipoh to Taiping, several bus lines ply along this route from the Terminal Meru Raya/Terminal Amanjaya bus station. Note that this is the same place but different bus lines can use different names.
Bus lines include Naik Selalu Express and Jasmine Express.
The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic, and tickets start at RM18.
Buses don’t leave as often as you would expect, so I recommend you check out the timetables and buy your ticket in advance so you have the departure time that suits you best. If you rely on buying tickets on arrival, your preferred option may be full, and it could be a long wait for the next one.
Most buses leave in the afternoon and the middle of the night with some evening options on some dates.
The Terminal Amanjaya bus station is about 10 kilometres north from Ipoh Old Town and main attractions. There are local buses that can take you between the bus station and the centre, but they don’t run that regularly. Looking at Google maps will show you the options for your departure time.
It’s much easier to take a Grab taxi which is usually very affordable. Make sure you have the Grab app so you can order one.
On arrival in Taiping, there is the same problem with buses arriving at either Kamunting Bus Terminal or Simpang. Both are a distance from the centre of Taiping and you can either catch a local bus or a Grab taxi.
Taking the bus can be the cheapest option if you want to get from Ipoh to Taiping and ideal if you’re a budget-traveller. However, with the extra cost of taxis or local buses to get to and from the bus stations, the train can become more affordable. It’s also faster with more choice of departure times. For these reasons, I recommend you don’t take a direct bus from Taiping to Ipoh.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Option 2: KTM Ipoh to Taiping (Train)
A faster way to get to your destination is to take the ETS train. I recommend that you consider this option if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get from Ipoh to Taiping.
Approximate travel time is about 45 minutes and ticket prices start at RM20. Trains currently depart 12 times a day throughout the day and evening.
Another reason why you might consider taking the Ipoh Taiping express over a bus is that Ipoh’s train station is only a short walk from Ipoh’s Old Town and it’s much closer to the centre of Taiping than the bus stations.
All in all, this is the option I recommend if you wish to travel by public transport between Ipoh and Taiping.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Option 3: Ipoh To Taiping By Car
Another alternative if you don’t want to take public transportation is to travel from Ipoh to Taiping by car. Total driving time is approximately an hour with a distance of 66 km.
Although more costly, this option allows you to create a more flexible itinerary, with the opportunity to stop at notable attractions along the way (like Kuala Kangsar).
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia.
Option 4: Ipoh To Taiping By Taxi
The last and final option if you want to travel from Ipoh to Taiping is to take a taxi. Travel time is approximately an hour, and if you book a taxi via the Grab app, the cost is around RM100. This does vary depending on how busy the Grab network is at the time of day you book.
Taking the taxi is the most convenient way to get to your destination as well as the most flexible. You can leave whenever you want and travel door-to-door. We had no problems taking a Grab between these two cities. However, it can be costly if you’re travelling on a budget.
Taiping To Ipoh
If you’re wondering how you can get from Taiping to Ipoh, all you need to do is to take the options above in reverse. You can take the ETS Taiping to Ipoh train, ride the bus, travel by car or taxi.
If you’re taking the train (KTM Taiping to Ipoh), Taiping’s train station is also close to the town centre. ETS trains that run from Taiping to Ipoh usually take around 45 minutes, and tickets start from RM20.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices.
An alternative is to take the bus. Keep in mind that buses don’t depart from the centre of Taiping where you are likely to stay. So, you need to head to Kamunting (which is approximately 7 kilometres away) or Simpang (about 6 kilometres).
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
These buses will take you to Terminal Amanjaya in Ipoh. This is still 10 kilometres from Ipoh Old Town, so you might have to take a taxi or Grab to get there.
Similarly, you can also travel via private car or taxi.
Final Words
In this guide, I’ve covered the different transportation options that you can take if you’re planning to travel from Ipoh to Taiping or vice versa.
If you want to arrive at your destination the quickest and easiest way possible, you can take a taxi. Meanwhile, if you want to cut costs (and have some extra time to spare), the best option is to travel by train.
You can also take a bus or hire a car and drive.
No matter what you choose, I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Ipoh to Taiping useful. You can find our complete travel guide to Ipoh here and our guide to Taiping here. Also find the best accommodation options in Taiping here and all the best things to do in Taiping here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
