Train (ETS)
Fast, comfortable, reliable, best overall balance
Bus
Cheapest option, direct, but slower journey
Flight
Fastest option, short flight, higher cost
Complicated transfers
Unnecessary changes, longer time, not practical
Quick answer: The main transport options from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar are bus, direct flight or train. The bus is the most budget‑friendly and widely available, direct flights save time but cost more, and the train offers a comfortable over‑land alternative with moderate cost.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 440 km by train/bus | about 370 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~6.5‑11 hours | Train ~5 hours | Flight ~1‑1.5 hours airtime (additional airport time)
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$9‑15 per person | Train US$17‑39 per person | Direct flight US$40‑120 per person.
- 🚍 Bus: Most common for budget travellers, many daily departures from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar.
- 🚆 Train: A good option for comfort and speed on land, though schedule may be more limited than buses.
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest in the air—ideal if you prioritise time—but include airport transfer and waiting time.
Last updated in April 2026
Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar by Bus, Train, Flight or Car
The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar is about 440 km by road or rail and 370 km by air. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Berhad ETS train, direct flight, or private car.
The bus is the cheapest option, taking 6.5–11 hours with fares from $9–15 per person. KTM ETS trains take about 5 hours and tickets cost around $17–39 per person.
Direct flights take only 1–1.5 hours, making them the fastest way to travel. Private cars are also available for a comfortable door-to-door transfer.
From Alor Setar you can continue to Penang, while from Kuala Lumpur you can also visit Penang or Johor Bahru.
| Transfer modes from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 6.5–11 hours | $9–15 per person |
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1–1.5 hours | $40–120 per person |
| KTM Berhad Train | 5 hours | $17–39 per person |
How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar?
1. BUS from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
👉 Bus travel is the most affordable and widely used way from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and solo backpackers
- ✔️ Duration: ~6.5–11 hours (depending on route and traffic)
- ✔️ Price: $9–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats)
- ✅ Popular operators: Alisan Coach, Cosmic Express, Mara Liner, Sani Express and others
- 💡 Tip: Arrive early at TBS Kuala Lumpur and double-check your departure and arrival points when booking tickets.
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar. Companies such as Alisan Coach, Cosmic Express, Mara Liner, Sani Express, KPB Express, Trans MVS Express, and Pancaran Matahari operate modern buses every day.
Most buses depart from TBS Kuala Lumpur and arrive in Alor Setar or nearby towns in Kedah. The journey takes about 6.5–11 hours, depending on traffic and the selected route.
Bus tickets cost around $9–15 per person and can be booked online in advance. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure and check your departure and arrival points before traveling.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Alor Setar ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Kuala Lumpur | Arrival in Alor Setar |
|---|---|---|
| Mara Liner | 11:15 | 17:32 |
| Mara Liner | 18:00 | 00:17 |
| Mara Liner | 20:00 | 02:17 |
| Cosmic Express | 10:30 | 16:47 |
| Cosmic Express | 10:45 | 17:02 |
| Cosmic Express | 11:15 | 17:32 |
| Cosmic Express | 14:15 | 20:32 |
| Cosmic Express | 15:30 | 21:47 |
| Cosmic Express | 22:45 | 05:02 |
| Cosmic Express | 23:15 | 05:32 |
| Alisan Coach | 08:00 | 14:17 |
| Alisan Coach | 08:30 | 14:47 |
| Alisan Coach | 23:45 | 10:55 |
| Super Nice Express | 10:45 | 17:02 |
| Super Nice Express | 12:15 | 18:32 |
| Super Nice Express | 16:30 | 22:47 |
| Super Nice Express | 21:00 | 03:17 |
| Super Nice Express | 23:15 | 05:32 |
| Super Nice Express | 23:45 | 06:32 |
| Intercity Coach | 09:00 | 20:10 |
| Intercity Coach | 11:45 | 22:55 |
| Intercity Coach | 23:15 | 10:25 |
| Sani Express | 10:30 | 16:47 |
| Sani Express | 22:00 | 04:17 |
| Sani Express | 23:00 | 05:17 |
| Trans MVS Express | 21:00 | 03:17 |
| Trans MVS Express | 21:30 | 03:47 |
| KPB Express | 23:00 | 05:17 |
2. FLIGHT from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
👉 Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~1–1.5 hours (up to ~5 hours including airport procedures)
- ✔️ Price: $40–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with modern aircraft)
- ✅ Main airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly and Malindo Air
- 💡 Tip: Book early for lower fares and check baggage limits, especially with low-cost airlines.
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, and Firefly operate several daily flights on this route.
Flights depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and arrive at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, about 10 km from Alor Setar. The flight takes only 1–1.5 hours, while the total travel time, including airport transfers, is around 4–5 hours.
Airfares range from about $40–120 per person, with the lowest prices often offered by AirAsia. Book your flight online in advance and check baggage limits before departure.
3. TRAIN from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
👉 Train travel is a comfortable and efficient way from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a smooth and reliable journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $17–39 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good to high (multiple seat classes including business options)
- ✅ Recommended option: KTM Berhad trains from KL Sentral to Alor Setar
- 💡 Tip: Use mobile e-tickets and choose your preferred class early for better seat availability.
Traveling by KTM Berhad ETS train is a comfortable alternative to the bus. Around 5–6 trains operate daily between Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar, offering Second Class, Premier, and Business seats.
Trains depart from KL Sentral and arrive at Alor Setar Railway Station in the city center. The journey takes about 5 hours. You can also check the Malaysia Railway Map and the latest train timetable.
Train tickets cost around $17–39 per person, depending on the seat class. E-tickets can be booked online and used directly on your phone without printing.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Alor Setar ➜
| Train | Departs in Kuala Lumpur | Arrival in Alor Setar |
|---|---|---|
| KTM Berhad ETS | 07:20 | 12:02 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 09:55 | 14:37 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 10:41 | 15:36 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 17:00 | 21:42 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 18:00 | 22:14 |
| KTM Berhad ETS | 22:50 | 03:32 |
4. TAXI / CAR from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
👉 Private car with driver is the most flexible and premium option from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, or travelers seeking door-to-door convenience
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–8 hours
- ✔️ Price: $200–650 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (air-conditioned cars or spacious minivans)
- ✅ Recommended providers: FQD Travel, DTY Holidays or Dusky Leaf Adventure
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost between passengers and customize your pickup time and location to save time.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar or Kedah Jetty. Companies such as FQD Travel, DTY Holidays, and Dusky Leaf Adventure offer modern cars and minivans with hotel pick-up and drop-off.
The journey takes about 5–8 hours, depending on traffic and your destination. Prices range from $200–650 per vehicle, depending on the type of car and the number of passengers.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Alor Setar ➜
Private transfers can be booked online in advance and offer flexible departure times with door-to-door service. They are an excellent choice for families, groups, or travelers looking for maximum comfort.
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
How to book tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar?
Book bus, train, flight, or private transfer tickets at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar?
Bus: 6.5–11 hours, ETS train: about 5 hours, direct flight: 1–1.5 hours, private car: 5–8 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar?
Bus tickets cost $9–15, ETS trains $17–39, flights $40–120, and private cars $200–650 per vehicle.
What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar?
The distance is about 440 km by road or rail and around 370 km by air.
What is the best way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar?
A direct flight is the fastest option, while the ETS train offers the best balance of comfort, speed, and price.
What is the cheapest way to get to Alor Setar?
The tourist bus is the cheapest option, with fares starting from about $9 per person.
What transport options are available?
You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Berhad ETS train, direct flight, or private taxi/car.
What is worth visiting on the way north?
Consider visiting Cameron Highlands or Penang before reaching Alor Setar.
Where can you travel from Alor Setar?
Continue to Penang or travel via Kuala Perlis to Langkawi Island.
Where to stay in Alor Setar?
Alor Setar offers budget hotels, guesthouses, and modern hotels. Book your hotel in Alor Setar ➜.
How can you travel around Malaysia?
Travel by tourist bus, KTM train, domestic flight, ferry, or private taxi. Read Transportation in Malaysia.
Is Malaysia good for solo travel?
Solo travel in Malaysia is easy thanks to reliable public transport, affordable accommodation, and popular destinations such as Langkawi and Perhentian Islands.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia:
If you’re planning your next trip from Kuala Lumpur, here are other popular routes in Malaysia:
These are the most popular travel routes from Kuala Lumpur for visitors exploring Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar covers about 440 km across Malaysia. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Berhad ETS train, direct flight, or private car. The bus is the cheapest option, while the flight is the fastest.
- Choose the ETS Train: A comfortable journey taking about 5 hours with frequent daily departures.
- Fly for Speed: Direct flights reach Alor Setar in only 1–1.5 hours.
- Travel by Bus: The cheapest option with regular departures from TBS Kuala Lumpur.
- Book Early: Reserve bus, train, or flight tickets in advance during weekends and holidays.
- Use Grab in Alor Setar: Grab and local taxis provide easy transport from the train station or airport.
- Continue Your Trip: From Alor Setar you can visit Penang or travel via Kuala Perlis to Langkawi.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, flights, and private transfers from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar can be searched and booked online in advance.