How can we go from Melaka (or Malacca) city to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)?
We did a short weekend trip to Melaka, Malaysia, and had an incredible time eating and seeing murals! Unfortunately, we didn’t have any extra time to hang out in Kuala Lumpur (KL). We went straight to the KL Airport from Melaka to catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (where we currently live).
We considered a few options – 1) Taking a taxi or hiring a driver for a direct way, but can be costly, or 2) Taking the bus for a longer yet more affordable option. Since we like to take the lower-cost route and are already familiar with the route from the airport to Melaka, so we opted to take the bus for the return trip.
In this post, we’ll share with you how to take the bus from Melaka Sentral to Kuala Lumpur Airport either KLIA or KLIA 2 (Terminal 2). It’s very easy to do on your own. Plus, the bus conveniently drops you off at the KLIA bus terminal.
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Things to Consider Before Taking the Bus from Melaka Sentral Station to KLIA
What time is your flight at KLIA or KLIA2?
Once you have this information, you can work backward on what time you’ll need to leave Melaka.
You’ll need at least 2.5 hours one-way to get from Melaka to KLIA without traffic. And then you’ll need to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours ahead of time of your flight for International Departures. So, you’ll need at least 5.5+ hours of travel and airport waiting time before your flight.
Note: Since we encountered rain on our journey, it took us almost 3.5 hours one way to get from Melaka to KLIA 2. We still had enough time to arrive at the airport, check-in for our flight, and hang out at the Travel Club Lounge.
Do you have a lot of luggage?
You can store large luggage in the lower bus carriage area. Many bus companies allow one large piece of luggage per person. So, if you have multiple luggage, then you may consider hiring a taxi or a private car.
How large is your group?
If you have 4+ people in your travel group, you will need to determine the price of a bus ticket versus hiring a private car.
Do you need to buy tickets ahead of time?
No, it’s not necessary. But if you’re traveling during a peak travel time or holiday, you may consider buying tickets ahead of time to guarantee your seat.
Step 1: Check the bus schedule ahead of time.
We recommend that you check out the RedBus Malaysia or BusOnlineTicket for the bus schedule.
Input Melaka Sentral as the starting location and KLIA or KLIA 2 as the ending location. Then you’ll see the list of buses and the times and can create your schedule.
Note: It’s not necessary to buy tickets online. You can buy tickets at the Bus Station.
Step 2: Take a ride-hailing car or taxi from Melaka’s UNESCO area and head to Melaka Sentral Station.
We recommend that you download the Grab app and use it to book a car ride from your accommodation in Melaka to Melaka Station. We paid 16 MYR ($3.35 USD) via credit card through the app.
This app can be used in many Malaysian cities and is a budget-friendly way to travel short distances around town. We also use it in other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Step 3: At Melaka Sentral Station, head to the Interstate Bus Ticket Area of the Bus Station.
Do not go to the domestic bus ticket area as the bus routes do not go to Kuala Lumpur.
You’re at the correct spot to buy tickets if you see this sign
Step 4: Buy tickets at the ticket vending machine or in-person ticket counter.
You can visit the bus ticket counter or use the ticket vending machine.
Here is a photo of the bus ticket counter as reference.
If you need help with buying tickets at Melaka Sentral Station, visit the ticket counter
Using the ticket vending machine is easy as you input your final destination – either to KLIA or KLIA 2 terminal, date of departure, and number of tickets needed. You’ll see a list of bus companies and the times of departures.
TIP: If you need to head to KLIA 2, we recommend that you choose the bus route that goes directly to KLIA 2, instead of going to first KLIA and then to KLIA 2. It’ll be a more direct route.
After you choose the bus company and time of departure, you will need to input your name and passport information into the system.
Then, pay for the ticket.
Note: There is an additional 1.10 MYR ($.23 USD) added to each ticket as an “insurance.” It’s unavoidable even if paying for the ticket in person.
We paid 53 MYR + 1.10 MYR (insurance) = 54.10 MYR ($7.70 USD) per person for the Starmart Express Bus Company. It’s an affordable price even with the added insurance cost.
If you buy bus tickets at the ticket counter, double check your order before paying
Cash or e-banking with Malaysian banks is available only. Credit cards are not accepted at the ticket vending machine or in person, so you’ll need cash.
If you have questions or prefer to buy tickets in person, you can visit the bus ticket counter and talk to a customer service member. Passport information will also be required for ticket purchase.
Step 5: Scan your ticket to enter the waiting area.
There are two sides to enter the waiting area/departure lobby – 1) Gate A, B, C, or 2) Gate D, E, F. It doesn’t matter which side you enter as they both end up at the same waiting area.
There are a few seats in the waiting area but it can get crowded.
TIP: We suggest that you use the toilet before entering the waiting area. We’re not sure if there is unlimited entry and exit to the waiting area if you have your ticket. Also, on our ride, we did not have a toilet break.
Step 6: Once your bus arrives, scan your ticket at the gate.
If you have any issues, there is someone at the gate who can assist.
Step 7: Board the bus and go to the assigned seat.
As mentioned earlier, you can store large luggage in the bus undercarriage area.
We took the Starmart Express Bus, which is the same bus company that we used from the KL Airport to the Melaka route. This time, it was only one level for the bus (we had a double-decker bus from the airport to Melaka).
Step 8: Sit back and enjoy the ride to KLIA or KLIA 2.
The route went directly to KLIA 2 and it was a pleasant ride. The seats were comfy. Plus, the AC worked very well – almost a little too cold for me!
Look at the leg room!
Unfortunately, the bus didn’t have any free WiFi, so I ended up taking a nap through most of the ride.
We did not have a restroom break. But there was a rainstorm during our ride so the driving time took an extra hour than normal. Luckily we still had extra time to check in and relax at the airport before our flight.
We were dropped off at the KLIA 2 Bus Terminal so we didn’t need to travel to KLIA (Terminal 1) first.
Overall, we enjoyed the ride and would take Starmart Express again.
Final Thoughts
We hope you consider taking the bus from Melaka Sentral to KL Airport. It’s an affordable and convenient way to travel. You don’t need to worry about driving and you’ll get dropped off directly at the airport.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the Comment section below.
Happy traveling!
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