Train + bus
Fast and comfortable via Arau, short transfer to Kuala Perlis
Bus
Direct, cheapest option, widely available but longer journey
Flight + bus
Fast via Alor Setar, requires transfer to Kuala Perlis
Direct train
No station in Kuala Perlis, always requires transfer
Quick answer: You can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis by tourist bus, KTM train via Arau, or private car. The bus is the cheapest and most popular option, the train offers a faster and more comfortable journey, while a private car provides the most convenient door-to-door transfer.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: About 500 km by land.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus: 7–12 hr | Train (via Arau): 4.5–5.5 hr | Private car: 5–6 hr.
- 💰 Price: Bus: $10–15 | Train: $18–42 | Private car: $250–370 per vehicle.
- 🚍 Bus: Cheapest option with frequent daily departures.
- 🚆 Train: Comfortable KTM train with a transfer at Arau Railway Station.
- 🚕 Private car: Door-to-door transfer, ideal for families, groups, or travelers with luggage.
Last updated: March 2026
From Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis you can travel by bus, train, plane, or private car.
Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis by tourist bus, KTM train via Arau, direct flight to Alor Setar, or private car. The bus is the cheapest option, taking about 7–7.5 hours with tickets from $12–14 per person.
The KTM train to Arau takes about 4.5–5.5 hours and Arau Railway Station is about 20 km from Kuala Perlis. You can also fly to Alor Setar Airport in about 1 hour and continue by bus or taxi. From Kuala Perlis you can travel to Penang.
Kuala Perlis is the main ferry gateway to Langkawi. You can also take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi or travel via Penang and Langkawi by bus/train and ferry.
| Transfer modes from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 7–12 hours | $10–15 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | $25–70 per person |
| KTM Berhad Train | 4.5–5.5 hours | $18–42 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | about 5-6 hours | $250-370 per car |
How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
1. BUS from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis
👉 Bus is the most affordable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis or Kangar.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget-conscious travelers and solo backpackers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–12 hours (varies by route and number of stops)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $10–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: standard (air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Services by companies like Sani Express, Super Nice Express or Pancaran Matahari
- 💡 Advice: Book tickets in advance and check departure terminals carefully, as buses leave from multiple stations in Kuala Lumpur.
The tourist bus is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis or Kangar. Companies such as Sani Express, Mayang Sari, Mara Liner, Cosmic Express, Super Nice Express, Suasana Edaran, and Pancaran Matahari operate frequent daily services.
Buses usually depart from TBS Kuala Lumpur or Hentian Duta and arrive at Kuala Perlis Bus Terminal or Kangar Bus Terminal.
The journey takes about 7–12 hours and tickets cost around $10–15 per person. Book your bus tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
Arrive at the departure station at least 30 minutes before departure and follow the instructions provided by the bus company.
| Bus Company | Departs in Kuala Lumpur | Arrival in Kuala Perlis |
|---|---|---|
| Mara Liner | 01:30 | 13:45 |
| Mara Liner | 10:00 | 22:15 |
| Mara Liner | 11:15 | 23:30 |
| Mara Liner | 15:00 | 03:15 |
| Mara Liner | 22:00 | 10:15 |
| Mara Liner | 23:15 | 11:30 |
| Cosmic Express | 07:25 | 19:40 |
| Cosmic Express | 10:15 | 22:30 |
| Cosmic Express | 11:15 | 23:30 |
| Cosmic Express | 17:25 | 05:40 |
| Cosmic Express | 22:15 | 10:30 |
| Cosmic Express | 23:15 | 11:30 |
| Suasana Edaran | 09:35 | 21:50 |
| Suasana Edaran | 10:30 | 22:45 |
| Suasana Edaran | 15:30 | 03:45 |
| Suasana Edaran | 21:00 | 09:17 |
| Suasana Edaran | 22:30 | 10:45 |
| Suasana Edaran | 23:35 | 11:50 |
| Pancaran Matahari | 10:00 | 22:17 |
| Pancaran Matahari | 18:00 | 06:17 |
| Pancaran Matahari | 23:00 | 11:15 |
| Super Nice Express | 16:45 | 23:55 |
| Super Nice Express | 23:59 | 07:09 |
2. FLIGHT from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah
👉 Flight via Kedah is the fastest and most efficient way to reach Kuala Perlis from Kuala Lumpur.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to minimize travel time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5 hours flight (~6–7 hours total including transfers)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $25–70 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (short flight + onward local transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights to Alor Setar with airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines or Firefly
- 💡 Advice: Plan your transfer from Alor Setar Airport to Kuala Perlis in advance, as the airport is about 50 km away.
You can also travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis by direct flight to Kedah, followed by a local bus or taxi. Flights arrive at Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, about 50 km from Kuala Perlis.
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur take about 1–1.5 hours and are operated by Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, AirAsia, and Batik Air. Including the airport transfer, the total travel time is about 6–7 hours.
Economy class flights cost around $25–70 per person, with AirAsia usually offering the lowest fares.
Book your flight online in advance and continue from the airport to Kuala Perlis by local bus or taxi.
| Airline | Departs in Kuala Lumpur | Arrival in Kedah |
|---|---|---|
| Air Asia | 07:10 | 08:20 |
| Air Asia | 16:35 | 17:40 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 13:00 | 14:00 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 19:10 | 20:15 |
| Firefly | 18:40 | 19:55 |
| Firefly | 13:05 | 14:20 |
3. KTM TRAIN from Kuala Lumpur to Arau
👉 KTM train to Arau is a faster and more comfortable land option from Kuala Lumpur.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer trains over buses and want a smoother journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4.5–5.5 hours (+ ~30 min transfer to Kuala Perlis)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $18–42 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: medium to high (modern trains with multiple seating classes)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM Berhad train from KL Sentral to Arau with onward transfer to Kuala Perlis
- 💡 Advice: Choose seat class based on your budget and book early due to limited daily departures.
You can also travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis by KTM train to Arau. Trains depart from KL Sentral and arrive at Arau Railway Station, about 20 km from Kuala Perlis. See the Malaysia Railway Map for station locations.
The train journey takes about 4.5–5.5 hours, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to Kuala Perlis. Train tickets cost around $18–42 per person, depending on the selected seat class.
Book tickets online in advance and simply use the QR code on your phone when boarding. The train is more comfortable than the bus, although the timetable is more limited.
| Train | Departs in Kuala Lumpur | Arrival in Arau | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM Berhad | 10:41 | 15:59 | From $17.00 |
| KTM Berhad | 22:50 | 03:53 | From $25.00 |
| KTM Berhad | 07:20 | 12:23 | From $23.00 |
| KTM Berhad | 09:55 | 14:58 | From $23.00 |
| KTM Berhad | 18:00 | 22:23 | From $33.00 |
| KTM Berhad | 17:00 | 22:02 | From $23.00 |
4. TAXI / CAR from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, and travelers seeking door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5.5 hours
- ✔️ Price range: $250–370 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (private cars or spacious minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like FQD Travel or Dusky Leaf Adventure
- 💡 Advice: Split the cost among passengers and choose flexible pickup and drop-off locations for maximum convenience.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis. Companies such as FQD Travel and Dusky Leaf Adventure offer modern cars and spacious minivans with hotel pickup and direct drop-off.
The journey takes about 5.5 hours and prices range from $250–370 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Minivans are a great choice for families and small groups.
BOOK TAXI / CAR with 12go.asia ➜
You can book your private transfer online in advance and choose your own departure time and drop-off location. This option is ideal for travelers who prefer comfort, privacy, and a direct door-to-door transfer.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis
How to book tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
Book bus, train, flight, or private car tickets online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
The bus takes 7–7.5 hours, the KTM train to Arau 4.5–5.5 hours, and a flight to Alor Setar about 1–1.5 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
Bus tickets cost $10–15, train tickets $18–42, and flights to Alor Setar $25–70 per person.
What is the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
The distance is about 500 km by land or around 360 km by air to Kedah.
Where can you travel from Kuala Perlis?
From Kuala Perlis you can take a ferry to Langkawi or continue north to Thailand.
What is the best way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
The KTM train to Arau is the fastest land option. A direct flight to Alor Setar is also a good choice if you continue by bus or taxi.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis?
The tourist bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at about $10–12 per person.
Is there a direct train to Kuala Perlis?
No. Take the KTM train to Arau Railway Station, then continue about 20 km by local bus or taxi.
Is there another route to Kuala Perlis?
Yes. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi and then take the ferry to Kuala Perlis.
What can you visit before arriving in Kuala Perlis?
You can visit Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah, located about 45 km from Kuala Perlis.
Where should you stay in Kuala Perlis?
Kuala Perlis offers budget hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Book your hotel in Kuala Perlis online.
Is Malaysia suitable for solo travelers?
Solo travel in Malaysia is easy thanks to reliable transport, affordable accommodation, and destinations like Langkawi and Perhentian Islands.
What is the weather like in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s weather is tropical with warm temperatures year-round. Expect higher rainfall during the monsoon seasons, but most destinations can be visited throughout the year.
BOOK your HOTEL in Kuala Perlis ➜
🧭 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.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Malaysia ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis
Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis covers about 500 km. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM train via Arau, direct flight to Alor Setar, or private car.
- Best Option: The KTM train is the fastest land transport, while the tourist bus is the cheapest.
- Book Early: Reserve bus, train, or flight tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Arrive Early: Reach the bus station, railway station, or airport at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a charger, and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
- Airport & Train: Flights arrive at Alor Setar Airport, while KTM trains stop at Arau Railway Station, both requiring a short bus or taxi transfer.
- Next Stop: Kuala Perlis is the main ferry gateway to Langkawi Island.
Tip: Tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis can be searched and booked online in advance.