Train travel from Singapore is a unique and enriching experience allowing travellers to seamlessly explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of Southeast Asia and beyond. Excellently, travellers can hop on a number of exciting trains from Singapore bringing them through Malaysia’s lush rainforests, colonial towns with hidden gems, vibrant cities in Thailand with iconic golden temples, and much more. The slower pace of travel is an immersive way to connect with each region’s natural beauty and local life. From luxurious experiences through Southeast Asia, to train trips for families, and other affordable DIY train adventures…these top six train journeys from Singapore are unforgettable.
1. Singapore to Bangkok, Thailand
Travellers can opt for a 2-day overnight train journey spanning three countries (Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand) offering a blend of modern and heritage rail experience aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. The charming train features cherrywood-paneled cabins, gourmet dining with daily 4-course dinners, lunches, afternoon tea, and continental breakfast, as well as curated excursions. Learn more about the Eastern & Oriental Express.
Otherwise, budget-conscious travellers can opt for a DIY train adventure to Bangkok using regular trains. This way travellers can organise stops for two or three days in different locations like Kuala Lumpur, the charming hidden town of Ipoh, Thailand’s vibrant beaches, and much more. The final destination is Hualamphong Station in Bangkok. Definitely, one of the best train journeys from Singapore.
2. Singapore to Penang, Malaysia
Travellers can opt for a scenic and immersive train journey from Singapore to Penang using a luxury train service or Malaysia’s national railway service Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM). If you opt to do it yourself, the journey involves multiple segments starting at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. From there, you cross the border into Johor Bahru, followed by a stop in Kuala Lumpur, and a transfer to Penang’s Butterworth Station via Electric Train Service (ETS). The entire trip takes around 12 hours.
Otherwise, the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express connects Singapore to Malaysia. It features stops in Penang, Langkawi, and Taman Negara National Park. Meanwhile, travellers can opt for cultural experience tours like rice paddy visits, hiking, and more. The journey typically takes three or four nights. Prices begin at $3,000. Learn more.
Passengers can expect the train to offer stunning views of Malaysia’s diverse landscape – no matter the choice. From serene countryside scenes to traditional villages providing a glimpse into local life, and delicious Malaysian cuisine being served…this mode of transportation to Malaysia is perfect.
3. Singapore to Cambodia
The only way to reach Cambodia by train from Singapore is a Do-It-Yourself journey. There is no direct route so it requires multiple train connections. The first leg involves travelling from Singapore to Thailand’s Bangkok. For instance, you can take a budget-friendly train through Malaysia to Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can take the train to Ban Klong Luk, on the Thai-Cambodian border, followed by crossing the board by foot into Cambodia’s Poipet. After, you can take other transportation to a Cambodian city of choice. Wonderfully, you can plan pitstops in tropical jungles, historic old towns, bustling night markets, and much more. Certainly, one of the best DIY train journeys from Singapore.
4. Singapore to Tumpat, Malaysia
Those seeking adventure can hop on the 16-hour train journey with Jungle Railway from Johor Bahru to Tumpat on the Thai border in Malaysia. The sleeper train traverses a single track through Malaysia’s dense forests, rugged interiors, lush greenery, rivers, and traditional villages. Guests can choose between second-class seats, sleeper berths, and first-class seating options. Prices begin at MYR 44 (S$13.30). Definitely, one of the cheapest train journeys from Singapore.
5. Singapore to Vietnam
The quickest way to travel from Singapore to Vietnam by train involves multiple connections through Malaysia and Thailand. First, travellers must take the train to Kuala Lumpur in around 8 to 10 hours. Followed by a 5-hour ETS Platinum train to Padang Besar and a 16-hour express train to Bangkok in Thailand. Then we recommend heading southward by train into Ho Chi Minh City which will you give connections to the rest of Vietnam. The total duration of travel is four to five days.
6. Singapore to China
The Singapore to China train journey is only partially available right now. The train trip is a new route known as the Kunming-Singapore Railway. This network connects Singapore with Kunming in southwestern China via several Southeast Asian countries. These countries include Malaysia, Thailand and Laos. The Laos-China Railway segment is currently operational but we will need to wait a few years for other sections connecting Singapore. The total journey time is around 30 hours. Get the full details. Definitely, an epic train route with stunning views across Asia.