Known to be Malaysia’s vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur is the main hub for the country’s tourism, economic, and cultural activities. It’s listed as the top ten most visited country in the world and boasts of towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping malls, and lively streets full of fabulous food.
More charming, the quaint town of Ipoh has a laid-back vibe. Here, you can find heritage Chinese shophouses, breathtaking cave temples, street art and colonial architecture.
It’s easy to visit both places while you are in Malaysia. Getting from KL to Ipoh is easy and affordable.
Whether you’re planning to take a day trip to Ipoh from KL or want to know how to go to Ipoh from KL, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, I describe exactly how to get to Ipoh from KL whether you are looking for a Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh bus, want to travel via train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh or travel KL to Ipoh by taxi. I also have details if you are considering driving yourself from KL to Ipoh.
I also describe the reverse journey from Ipoh to KL.
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Contents
Map: From Kuala Lumpur To Ipoh
This map shows you the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, and how you can get from one destination to another.
KL to Ipoh distance is 207 km with an approximate driving time of two and a half hours. Of course, the exact time will depend on traffic and driving conditions.
Here’s a summary of your options:
| Mode of transport | Duration | Best For? | Book |
| Train | 3.5 hours | People who want the fastest public transport option | Book here |
| Bus | 4.5 hours | People who want the cheapest option | Book here |
| Car | 2.5 hours | People who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the way | Book here |
| Taxi | 2.5 hours | Anyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur | Book here |
BEST OPTION: How To Get From KL To Ipoh
The cheapest option is to travel via bus. A faster alternative is to travel via train.
Meanwhile, the quickest and most convenient option is to travel via car or taxi.
Option 1: KL To Ipoh Train
Taking the Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train is a great option. It’s a great way to avoid traffic jams and get to your destination.
Kuala Lumpur is connected to Ipoh via the Electric Train Service (ETS.) The ETS train, KL to Ipoh departs from KL Sentral around ten times a day. The train to Ipoh from KL Sentral usually leaves throughout the day and evening via the KTM ETS Malaysia Railway.
The train from KL Sentral to Ipoh arrives in the Ipoh old town area. Usually, the ETS KL Sentral to Ipoh train will takes between 2.5 and 2.75 hours and costs around RM40.
When buying your train ticket from KL Sentral to Ipoh, note that the trains may vary in price, as well as the number of stops and how long they take. The express train to Ipoh from KL Sentral is your best option – and most are.
The train is comfortable and easy. There are toilets and a small snack/drinks area on board.
Taking the train is popular and trains sell out, sometimes weeks in advance. It’s best to check the KL to Ipoh train schedule in advance, and I highly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance to ensure you have a ticket and to make your journey easier.
Overall, taking the KTM KL to Ipoh is one of the fastest ways to get to your destination, at a relatively budget-friendly price.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Option 2: KL To Ipoh Bus
Another excellent alternative is to ride a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.
Although the KL to Ipoh bus duration is longer than taking the train, this is the cheapest option. It’s ideal if you have time to spare and are travelling on a budget.
The bus from KL to Ipoh travel time is about 3 and a quarter hours, with fares starting from RM20. You can purchase your bus ticket KL to Ipoh in advance to ensure you have a seat and to avoid any hassle at the terminal.
Most buses travel daily from the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). This is about half an hour from central Kuala Lumpur. Buses leave often throughout the day.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Option 3: KL To Ipoh By Car
Another alternative if you don’t want to take public transportation is to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by car. Note that the Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh distance is 207km, with an approximate driving time of about two and a half hours.
Currently, there are two routes available, via North-South Expressway, which require payment of tolls.
Travelling by car is one of the quickest ways to get to your destination and you have the advantage of having a flexible itinerary, so you can make stops at attractions along the way.
However, this can be costly if you’re a budget or solo-traveller.
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia.
Option 4: KL To Ipoh By Taxi
The last and final option if you want to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is to take a taxi. This will cost you about RM550 and takes approximately two and a half hours of travel time from KL to Ipoh.
Taking a taxi is convenient if you want a more experienced driver to take you to your destination, or if you have a lot of luggage and want to travel with more comfort and ease.
Taxis are also more flexible than other means of public transportation. They can pick you up from wherever you like and drop you wherever you like at your destination.
This means you can travel straight from your hotel in KL (or the airport) directly to your hotel in Ipoh and don’t have to worry about lugging round your luggage in the heat and humidity or working out how to get to bus stations.
This is the best option if you have the budget for it.
We can help you book a taxi with a reliable and safe local operator.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Ipoh To KL
In terms of how to get from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur, all you need to do is to take the above transportation options in reverse.
You can either take the ETS train Ipoh to KL, ride the Ipoh to KL bus, travel from Ipoh to KL by car, or catch a taxi.
Click here to book your long distance taxi.
If you’re taking the train, take the Ipoh to KL train via KTM ETS Malaysia Railway. The Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur train leaves about ten times throughout the day and evening and takes approximately 2.5-2.75 hours. You’ll be departing at the Ipoh old town area and arriving at KL Sentral.
The KTM Ipoh to KL Sentral price costs around RM40. Just make sure to check the ETS schedule Ipoh to KL in advance and to buy your tickets as they sell out.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur?
We can book a taxi for you from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur directly to your hotel in Ipoh for a great price.
You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.
The next option is to take the Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur bus. Buses leave daily at the Terminal Meru Raya (Ipoh Amanjaya.) The approximate travel time for the bus from Ipoh to KL is three and a quarter hours, and bus fares start at RM20.
I suggest that you purchase your bus ticket from Ipoh to KL in advance to avoid the hassle.
Click here to see the latest timetables and prices
Alternatively, you can also travel from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur via car, taxi, or arrange a private vehicle transfer.
Final Words
So there you have it. We’ve covered the numerous ways you can get from KL to Ipoh (and vice versa!). It’s relatively easy to get from one place to another.
Again, if you’re a budget traveller and you want the cheapest (and fastest) option to get to your destination, you can opt to take the train. Another great alternative is to ride the bus.
Meanwhile, if you prefer to travel in the most convenient and hassle-free way possible, you can take a private vehicle or taxi.
No matter what method of travel you decide on, I hope you found this guide to how to travel to and from KL to Ipoh helpful. Check our full travel guides on KL here and Ipoh here. If you’re doing other travel around Malaysia you can find details on how to get to and from Johor Bahru To Kuala Lumpur 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!
