Top 10 Train Stations in Malaysia
A Journey Through Malaysia’s Best Rail Hubs for Travel, History, and Architecture
Train travel in Malaysia offers a scenic, affordable, and efficient way to explore the country. With a network connecting cities, small towns, and even neighboring countries, Malaysia’s train stations are more than just transit points — they’re historical landmarks and architectural marvels. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or crossing borders, here are the top 10 train stations in Malaysia you should know about.
1. KL Sentral – Malaysia’s Main Transport Hub
Location: Kuala Lumpur
KL Sentral is the largest and busiest railway station in Malaysia. It integrates several rail systems: KTM ETS, Komuter, LRT, MRT, KLIA Ekspres, and Monorail, making it the country’s most connected station.
Highlights:
- Direct train to KLIA & KLIA2 via KLIA Ekspres
- Shopping malls, hotels, and office towers within the complex
2. Ipoh Railway Station – The “Taj Mahal” of Malaysia
Location: Ipoh, Perak
Built in 1917, this station boasts stunning colonial architecture and is a major stop for KTM ETS trains.
Highlights:
- Historic heritage building with neoclassical design
- Located next to the beautiful Ipoh Station Square
3. Butterworth Railway Station – Link to Penang Island
Location: Butterworth, Penang
Butterworth Station is the main rail gateway to Penang Island and is connected to the ferry terminal and bus services.
Highlights:
- Easy access to George Town via ferry
- Major stop for ETS and KTM Komuter Utara
4. Padang Besar Station – Malaysia–Thailand Border Crossing
Location: Perlis
Padang Besar Station is Malaysia’s northernmost ETS station and serves as the cross-border point into southern Thailand.
Highlights:
- Immigration checkpoint for Hat Yai & Bangkok trains
5. Gemas Railway Station – The National Rail Junction
Location: Gemas, Negeri Sembilan
Gemas is a strategic interchange for east-west and north-south rail lines, connecting the electrified and diesel networks.
Highlights:
- Southernmost station for KTM ETS
6. Johor Bahru Sentral – Gateway to Singapore
Location: Johor Bahru, Johor
JB Sentral links Malaysia to Singapore via the Shuttle Tebrau and soon, the upcoming RTS Link.
Highlights:
- Connected to City Square JB Mall
7. Tanjung Malim Station – For Students and Commuters
Location: Tanjung Malim, Perak
A growing suburban station often used by university students and Klang Valley commuters.
Highlights:
- Serves Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
8. Seremban Railway Station – Colonial Charm Meets Connectivity
Location: Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
An important stop for daily commuters traveling to Kuala Lumpur.
Highlights:
- Colonial-style station building
9. Alor Setar Station – Northern Elegance
Location: Alor Setar, Kedah
This ETS stop offers easy access to the northern state of Kedah and ferry terminals to Langkawi.
Highlights:
- Beautiful whitewashed building with classic columns
10. Kuala Kangsar Station – Royal Town Gateway
Location: Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Serving the royal town of Perak, this quiet ETS stop is ideal for heritage tourists.
Highlights:
- Close to Ubudiah Mosque and Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery
Final Words
From KL Sentral’s modern metropolis to Ipoh’s colonial masterpiece, these train stations define the pulse of Malaysia’s railway culture. Whether you’re a history buff, daily commuter, or cross-country traveler, these hubs offer a safe, scenic, and reliable way to experience Malaysia by rail.
