When vacationing in Malaysia, Melaka is a city you shouldn't miss. Because of its rich history and vibrant culinary scene, Melaka makes for an exciting visit not far from Kuala Lumpur.
Many visitors even opt to travel back and forth between the two cities in a single day. The best way to reach Melaka from Kuala Lumpur is by bus, as it drops you right in the heart of the city.
In this article, I’ll share some steps to catch a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka, so stick with me to the end!
Your journey starts at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), the main hub for inter-city bus travel in Kuala Lumpur. Unlike some routes that depart from KL Sentral, all buses to Melaka leave from TBS.
Reaching TBS is convenient thanks to its integration with various public transport options:
Hop on the Sri Petaling Line and get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan station. From there, a pedestrian bridge will lead you straight to TBS.
You can also take the KTM Komuter train on the Seremban Line to Bandar Tasik Selatan station and then walk to TBS.
If you’re coming from KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the KLIA Transit train stops at Bandar Tasik Selatan station, making it another great option to reach TBS.
Alternatively, the RapidKL bus service offers routes like the 590 that stop close to TBS, so you won't have far to walk.
After you arrive at TBS, your next move is to buy your bus tickets. You can either purchase them at the sales counter or use one of the automatic ticket machines located in the main lobby.
To avoid the risk of tickets selling out, especially during busy times like weekends or holidays, I recommend buying your tickets online through various booking sites.
This not only secures your seat in advance but also saves you from standing in long lines at the terminal.
If you've purchased your ticket online, you'll need to swap it for a boarding pass. You can do this at the boarding pass exchange counter, situated near the ticket sales area.
There are several bus companies that operate services from TBS to Melaka, including Transnasional, KKKL Express, and Mayang Sari, with buses departing every 30 minutes to an hour. This gives you plenty of options to choose from.
Ticket prices to Melaka typically range from RM 10 to RM 15, depending on the bus operator and the type of service you select. For added comfort, you can opt for an executive bus, which offers more spacious seating.
Most buses from TBS head to Melaka Sentral, the main bus terminal in Melaka. However, some buses also make stops at popular destinations within the city like Casa Del Rio Hotel, Hatten Hotel, and Mahkota Medical Center.
Once you have your boarding pass, head over to the waiting area as indicated on the information screen. It’s a good idea to be there at least 15 minutes before your bus is scheduled to leave to avoid any last-minute rushes or the risk of missing your bus.
The waiting area is exclusive to passengers with a boarding pass. To enter, you’ll need to scan the QR Code on your pass at the gate. Once inside, you can simply find a seat and relax until it’s time to board.
When it’s time to leave, an announcement will be made, and you’ll need to head to the designated gate, which you can find on the information screen in the waiting area.
If you’re traveling with a suitcase, you can place it in the luggage compartment next to the bus. Often, there will be staff available to help you stow your luggage properly. After storing your luggage, you can board the bus.
Please take your assigned seat as shown on your boarding pass. The seating arrangement varies depending on the bus company and the type of ticket you purchased. For example, on a KKKL bus, the seats are arranged in a 2+1 layout.
Bus amenities also vary and can include spacious seating with legrests for comfort. Some buses are equipped with USB sockets, allowing you to charge your devices during the trip.
The drive from TBS to Melaka generally takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, traffic permitting. On your journey, enjoy the scenic views of coconut plantations along the highway to Melaka.
After a journey of over two hours, you'll arrive at Melaka Sentral. This is the main hub for travelers coming into the city, and it's a great place to either continue your journey immediately or take a break. There are plenty of food stalls here where you can grab a bite to eat.
If you're ready to explore Melaka, you'll find several transport options available at Melaka Sentral. You can choose from taxis, Grab, or local buses. These can take you to key tourist spots in the city center like Jonker Street, A Famosa, or Dutch Square.
I personally prefer using Grab because it's convenient and usually quite affordable. However, if you're looking to save money, the local bus is a cheaper option, although you might have to wait longer for the next bus.
So, those are the steps to get from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka by bus. I hope this guide helps you enjoy your trip to this charming and historically rich city!
