Transportation in Malaysia is Easy, Affordable, and Student-Friendly
Malaysia’s transportation system is modern, well-connected, and designed for affordability — making it very easy for international students to travel between campus, city centers, and tourist destinations.
Whether living in a bustling city like Kuala Lumpur or a quieter town like Johor Bahru, students will find safe, efficient, and economical ways to move around.
Types of Transportation International Students Can Use
Public Trains and Light Rail (MRT, LRT, KTM)
Malaysia’s train systems are clean, fast, and cover major urban areas.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Modern underground and elevated trains serving Greater Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
LRT (Light Rail Transit): Convenient for moving around Kuala Lumpur city areas like KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Bangsar.
KTM Komuter: Connects suburban areas to city centers across Klang Valley.
ETS (Electric Train Service): High-speed trains connecting Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, Penang, and even up to Padang Besar (border with Thailand).
Benefits for students:
Affordable fares (RM 1–5 per trip)
Convenient prepaid card systems like Touch ’n Go
Reliable schedules and frequent services
Public Buses and BRT Systems
Malaysia’s public bus networks are extensive, particularly in cities.
RapidKL buses (Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas) offer cheap fares (around RM 1–3).
Sunway BRT (Bus Rapid Transit): A special elevated electric bus system linking universities, shopping malls, and residential areas in Sunway.
Benefits for students:
Air-conditioned and clean
Easy to access with mobile apps showing real-time schedules
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, inDriver)
Ride-hailing is safe, fast, and cashless — perfect for students needing flexible transport.
Grab is the most popular app (like Uber), available nationwide.
inDriver is another growing option, allowing you to negotiate your fare.
Benefits for students:
Transparent pricing and safety features (trackable rides)
Option to share rides with friends
Student promo codes and discounts available sometimes
Reliable schedules and frequent services
Walking and Cycling on Campus
Many Malaysian college campuses and surrounding neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly.
Dedicated walkways and bike lanes are common on campuses.
Some universities even provide bike rental or e-scooter sharing services.
Benefits for students:
Healthy, free, and environmentally friendly
Encourages social interaction on campus
Domestic Flights for Weekend Getaways
Malaysia’s low-cost airlines (AirAsia, Firefly, Batik Air) offer affordable flights to:
Penang
Langkawi
Johor Bahru
Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)
Kuching (Sarawak)
Benefits for students:
Tickets often cost as low as RM 50–150 (USD 10–30) for a round trip!
Great for holidays, student breaks, and exploring Malaysia’s islands and highlands.