Ipoh Transport Guide 2026: KTM ETS, Airport Transfer & Tips

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By Daisy

August 5, 2026

Ipoh Transport

Ipoh is one of Malaysian's easiest cities to explore, with a mix of public buses, ride hailing services, taxis, trains and self drive options.

Many of the city's famous attractions are located close to each other making it easy to travel between heritage streets, cave temples, and local food spots.

Whether you're exploring Ipoh Old Town, visiting Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, or planning a day trip to Cameron Highlands, you'll find plenty of convenient transport options to suit your budget and travel style.

Getting Around Ipoh at a Glance

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Ipoh has a simple transport network that is ideal for both short city breaks and longer holidays.

Ride hailing services like Grab are the most popular way to get around while public buses connect major attractions.

KTM trains make it easy to travel to nearby cities and rental cars are ideal if you plan to explore Perak beyond Ipoh.

Transport

Best For

Estimated Cost (S$)

Grab

Everyday travel

S$2 to S$8

Public Bus

Budget travellers

Less than S$1

KTM ETS Train

Travel to nearby cities

S$8 to S$30

Taxi

Airport and direct trips

S$5 to S$15

Rental Car

Road trips around Perak

From S$35 per day

Walking

Ipoh Old Town

Free

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Airport Transport from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

Airport Transfer Ipoh

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is located about 6 kilometres from Ipoh city centre. The journey usually takes around 10 - 20 minutes, making it one of Malaysia's most conveiently located airports.

There are several ways to reach the city:

Transport

Travel Time

Best For

Grab

10 to 15 minutes

Most travellers

Taxi

10 to 15 minutes

Families and luggage

Airport Shuttle (Limited)

Around 20 minutes

Budget travellers

Rental Car

10 to 15 minutes

Road trips around Perak

Grab is the easiest and most affordable option with pickups available just outside the terminal.

Taxis are also available although fares are usually slightly higher than Grab.

If you plan to visit Cameron Highlands, Taiping or Pangkor Free Terminal, renting a car from the airport offers the greatest flexibility.

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Travelling by KTM ETS Train

ETS Ipoh Transport

The KTM ETS high speed trains connects Ipoh with Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Butterworth and Padang Besar.

Ipoh Railway Station is located near Ipoh Old Town making it convenient for travellers arriving bytrain.

Feature

Details

Routes

Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Butterworth, Padang Besar

Fare

Around S$8 to S$30

Payment

Online booking or station ticket counters

Best For

Intercity travel

KTM ETS Map

ETS Map Ipoh Transport

Advantages of KTM ETS

  • Comfortable and air conditioned
  • Faster than driving between major cities
  • Convenient for day trips from Kuala Lumpur
💡 Pro Tip: Choose hotels in Ipoh near train stations or metro lines to save time and make exploring the city easier.
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Using Public Buses in Ipoh

Bus Ipoh Transport

Public buses are operated mainly by Perak transit and connect the city centre with residential areas, shopping malls, and selected tourist attractions.

While buses are inexpensive, services are less frequent than in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur.

Feature

Details

Operating Hours

Approximately 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

Fare

Around S$0.50 to S$2

Payment

Cash or selected cashless payment

Best For

Budget travel

🚨Tip: Google Maps works well for checking bus routes and departure times around Ipoh.
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Taking Grab Around Ipoh

Grab Ipoh Transport

Grab is the most popular transport option in Ipoh is widely used by both locals and tourists. It is usually affordable, easy to book through the app, and available throughout the city.

Feature

Details

Availability

Throughout Ipoh

Operating Hours

24 hours

Fare

Around S$2 to S$8

Payment

Cash, card, GrabPay

Best For

Everyday travel and sightseeing

Advantages of Using Grab

  • Affordable for short distances
  • No need to worry about parking
  • Easy to book using the app
  • Air conditioned and comfortable

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Fares increase during peak hours and rainy weather
  • Drivers may take slightly longer to arrive during weekends and public holidays
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Renting a Car in Ipoh

Rental Car Ipoh Transport

Renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore destinations outside the city.

Popular road trips include Cameron Highlands, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Royal Belum State Park and Pangkor Island.

For sightseeing within Ipoh itself, Grab is usually more convenient than driving.

Things to Know Before Renting

  • Singapore driving licences are valid in Malaysia for short visits.
  • Highways use electronic toll collection.
  • Parking is generally easy outside the city centre.
  • Drive on the left side of the road.

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Transport for Popular Attractions and Day Trips

Sam Poh Tong Temple

Destination

Description

Recommended Transport

Travel Time

Day Trips

Ipoh Old Town

The heart of Ipoh, known for its colonial architecture, famous white coffee, murals, and local eateries.

Walk or Grab

5 to 10 minutes

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Concubine Lane

A lively heritage street filled with cafés, souvenir shops, street food, and colourful photo spots.

Walk

5 to 10 minutes

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Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

One of Ipoh's most beautiful limestone cave temples, featuring peaceful gardens and impressive rock formations.

Grab

15 to 20 minutes

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Sam Poh Tong Temple

Malaysia's oldest cave temple, famous for its Buddhist statues, limestone cave, and tranquil surroundings.

Grab

Around 15 minutes

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Lost World of Tambun

A popular theme park with water rides, hot springs, petting zoo, and night attractions, perfect for families.

Grab

Around 20 minutes

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Perak Cave Temple

A stunning cave temple featuring colourful murals, Buddha statues, and panoramic views from the hilltop.

Grab

Around 15 minutes

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Cameron Highlands

A cool hill station known for tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower gardens, and scenic mountain views.

Rental Car or Bus

Around 2 hours

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Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's capital city, famous for the Petronas Twin Towers, shopping malls, and vibrant food scene.

KTM ETS

About 2 hours 30 minutes

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Penang

A UNESCO World Heritage destination renowned for George Town's street art, heritage buildings, and world famous local food.

KTM ETS

Around 2 hours

Join Now

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Useful Ipoh Transport Tips

Mural Art's Lane
  • Use Grab for most journeys around the city.
  • Carry some Malaysian Ringgit for buses and small shops.
  • Walk around Ipoh Old Town to explore its street art and famous cafés.
  • Book KTM ETS tickets early during weekends, school holidays, and public holidays.
  • Rent a car if you plan to visit Cameron Highlands or other attractions outside Ipoh.
  • Google Maps provides accurate directions for buses, walking, and driving.
💡 Pro Tip: Book flights to Ipoh as soon as you confirm your itinerary as prices rise quickly during the peak season.
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Final Thoughts

Concubine Ln

Getting around Ipoh is simple, affordable, and convenient for first time visitors.

Whether you choose Grab, public buses, KTM ETS trains, taxis or rental car, you'll have plenty of options to explore Ipoh's famous food, heritage attractions, cave temples, and nearby destinations with ease.

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Stay Near Top Ipoh's Attractions

5 star

Weil Hotel Ipoh

9.1/10Great1624 Reviews
Ipoh|3.21km from downtown
The hotel's location is superb 👍🏻 It's connected to the large mall next door, so everything you need is right there. They even offer free late-night snacks from 11 PM to 12 AM: the unsweetened soy milk is delicious and super smooth (you can add syrup yourself), the black glutinous rice sweet soup isn't too sweet or greasy 👍🏻, and there's also plain congee (with various toppings like shredded pork floss available). It's truly impressive and makes you feel at home. The room is very clean, and the bed is incredibly comfortable for sleeping. At night, it's just a 10-minute walk to the dessert and snack street. Driving to Gaowen Street for bean sprout chicken and local specialties is super close, just a few minutes away 👍🏻 👍🏻. I'll definitely stay at this fantastic Weil Hotel again on my next trip to Ipoh. The hotel facilities are complete and comfortable, and the staff are very enthusiastic ❤️
FromHK$ 793

Meru Suites at Meru Valley Resort

8.7/10Very Good40 Reviews
Ipoh|7.54km from downtown
The room was exceptional. The ecovillage even have free laundry room along with other facilities like gym, decent swimming with mountain range view & we even get a small complimentary. If you are looking for a quiet retreat that is not far from city, this is the place
FromHK$ 489

1969 D'Kelly Hotel

8.7/10Very Good266 Reviews
Ipoh|3.58km from downtown
I really love the room. The bed was very comfortable with the nice pillows. Duvet cover is lovely with the hotel detailing on them. Well done management. The bathroom is big with separate wet bathroom. Toilet came with bidet and automatic wash machine control system. Breakfast buffet was really good spread and kudos to the f&b team with their amazing hospitality and services. Special shoutout to the staff Hattame for his great hospitality and service. Good ambiance too. Rooftop pool was small but it’s clean and overlooking the airport. There’s a lifeguard and staff around. On the other hand i was very disappointed with the cleanliness at the coffee counter in the room. Total disaster for such a brand new hotel. The dust are so thick on the fridge and all over the coffee cabinet. So disappointing and disgusting. Housekeeping manager or management should check on their staff works. Kettle was not clean properly and there is a left over water in the kettle, obviously not clean from the previous guests. Totally unacceptable for so call 5* hotel. Front desk staff was not friendly and gave me a fake smile and I was not feeling welcome at all. One of the female staff wearing worn out shoes and making so much noise while she moving around the reception which i find so annoying and what a poor grooming and service standard for a hotel. She not even smile at me while I was there at the counter for the check in. Overall I was happy with the comfort of the room and parking area was very convenient for me. Hopefully the management take note of my feedback and hope for the improvement of my next visit otherwise will be my last visit. Thank you.
FromHK$ 362

M Roof Hotel & Residences

8.8/10Very Good814 Reviews
Ipoh|0.96km from downtown
Overall, a clean and convenient hotel if you have your own transport or use Grab. There isn’t much to do on-site, and note that the gym and swimming pool only open at 8:00 AM. A major plus for EV drivers is the 4 ChargeSINI EV charging bays available right at the hotel.
FromHK$ 412

Impiana Hotel Ipoh

8.5/10Very Good999 Reviews
Ipoh|3.19km from downtown
Stayed here again after my previous visit in 2024. There have been some improvements since then, especially the swimming pool, which has been upgraded and looks nice. However, the cleanliness of the pool water still needs improvement. From the surface it looks clean and blue, but underneath, the water and pool area look quite dirty. The room was good overall, but the pillow was quite hard for my liking. The air-conditioning is centralized, and the room was still quite warm even when I set it to high. The café is currently closed for renovation and has been moved/replaced with a temporary café on the 1st floor. Hopefully, the renovation will bring further improvements, and I’m looking forward to seeing the completed changes on my next visit. Overall, it was a decent stay, but there are still a few areas that could be improved, especially the pool cleanliness and air-conditioning.
FromHK$ 297

Dusit Princess Ipoh

8.7/10Very Good1631 Reviews
Ipoh|2.38km from downtown
Good value for money hotel. I used Grab for all my transportation, so convenience wasn't an issue, and transport in Ipoh is very affordable. The hotel and room were beautiful and quiet, which I really liked. The staff were very friendly and deserve praise. The USB and Type-C outlets here are a great feature, as hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Penang didn't have them, which was very inconvenient.
FromHK$ 423

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Family friendly

Sojourn Spa Hotel Greentown Ipoh

9.2/10Great110 Reviews
Ipoh|2.14km from downtown
I always likes to book this hotel, because it's strategic and smells nice. Feel very therapeutic in this hotel. Been quite a regular. But this trip, i was quite disappointed that they have failed to maintained the quality of the amenities. The shower gel and shampoo used to be very spa smelled, but I think this time, they have changed the liquid to a cheap quality ones. I hope the hotel management will look into maintaining the upkeep of what it used to be. Thank you
FromHK$ 385

Decozy 3.0 Semi-D (18pax++)

8/10Very Good5 Reviews
Ipoh|4.06km from downtown
Facilities are a bit old but big. Very sleepy. Still feel. It is also very convenient to get out of town
FromHK$ 788

Manhattan Waterpark Condo Ipoh (Free 2 Carpark & Netflix Ready)

8.6/10Very Good152 Reviews
Ipoh|7.78km from downtown
Great service and very attentive! Very safe area to stay with security guard taking care 24h. Pool was great and it doesn’t allow improper swimming attire to go in the pool. Very recommended for family stay!
FromHK$ 311

The Cove Hillside Ipoh by Iconique

8/10Very Good12 Reviews
Ipoh|2.18km from downtown
A great stay for my family. The unit is clean and spacious enough for us. 1 parking slot is provided and it is near the lobby. Check in was easy too. Owner was quick to response to my questions and requests. The kettle was malfunctioned and they give us another the next day despite it’s a weekend. My boy had so much fun at the playground and swimming pool. Will come again if there’s a chance.
FromHK$ 254

Decozy7.0 Ipoh Town Condo(12pax)

8.7/10Very Good30 Reviews
Ipoh|2.32km from downtown
Very satisfied with this stay! The environment of the homestay is clean and tidy, the rooms are warm and comfortable, the facilities are complete, and the beds are soft and sleepy. The location is convenient, there are restaurants and convenience stores nearby, and travel is easy. The landlord is warm and friendly, responded quickly, and also provided detailed check-in instructions. The overall feeling is excellent value for money, I will definitely choose here next time, and I will recommend it to my friends and relatives!
FromHK$ 469

Anderson Ipoh by Iconique

8.3/10Very Good11 Reviews
Ipoh|2.51km from downtown
We had an excellent stay at this hotel The property is very spacious and big. Truly feels like home. Everything was clean, comfortable, and cozy, just as advertised. The check-in and check-out process was very smooth, and the owner was responsive and provided clear, correct guidance when we arrived. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely be coming back in the future!
FromHK$ 166

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Swimming pool

Regalodge Hotel & Spa Ipoh

8.2/10Very Good733 Reviews
Ipoh|3.12km from downtown
This is an old hotel, and it's my second time staying here. My first experience was okay, but this time it wasn't very good. As soon as I walked into the room, there was an indescribable smell. It smelled like someone had applied coconut oil to a sweaty body, a scent that made me uncomfortable. I originally thought about changing rooms, but then I figured it was only for one night, so I decided not to and just opened the window to air it out. Later, I found the source of the smell was coming from the chair. I covered the chair with a towel and waited for about 3 hours until the smell slowly dissipated before closing the window. I hope the hotel's housekeeping can pay more attention to this. I can tolerate artificial fragrances, but body odor is really unacceptable; it felt like there was a dead body in the room.
FromHK$ 186

Hotel Casuarina @ Meru

8.9/10Very Good325 Reviews
Bandar Meru Raya Ipoh|7.4km from downtown
Perfect hotel for a short stay. Comfortable, clean, and convenient, especially if you’re looking for a place to stay for a night and enjoy a fine dining experience without having to go far. Valet parking is available at RM20 per night, which is quite reasonable. Breakfast was decent and had a good variety. The hotel has two elevators, so there was hardly any waiting time. Overall, the room was comfortable and the whole stay felt pleasant and hassle-free. Definitely a good choice for a one-night stay, especially for a business trip or a quick getaway.
FromHK$ 297

MH Hotel Ipoh

8/10Very Good70 Reviews
Ipoh|1.17km from downtown
The location is absolutely perfect since it is within walking distance to everything and the breakfast buffet offered a fantastic variety of delicious
FromHK$ 505

Ipoh Bali Hotel

9.5/10Amazing122 Reviews
Ipoh|2.32km from downtown
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Bali Hotel Ipoh! From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming, friendly, and always happy to help. The hotel is spotless, beautifully designed, and has such a relaxing atmosphere that really lives up to its name. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and impeccably clean, with everything we needed for a pleasant stay. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and we had a great night's sleep. The location is also excellent, close to plenty of food, attractions, and everything you need while exploring Ipoh. What really stood out was the attention to detail and the genuine hospitality from the team. They made us feel right at home throughout our stay. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and would happily stay here again on our next trip to Ipoh. Highly recommended!
FromHK$ 550

Manhattan Premium Suites by Iwh Suites

8.3/10Very Good17 Reviews
Ipoh|7.82km from downtown
Manhattan Premium Suites by IWH Suites provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit. The apartment offers car hire amenities to assist you in discovering your desired offerings in Ipoh.When arriving by car, you'll be grateful for the on-site complimentary parking at apartment.The apartment offers reception amenities including express check-in or check-out and luggage storage to ensure a comfortable stay for guests.Whether you're here for an extended stay or simply require fresh garments, the apartment ensures your cherished travel attire remains spotless and accessible with the convenience of laundry service located on the premises. To ensure the well-being and convenience of all visitors, smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the entire apartment.In order to ensure the utmost level of relaxation, the guestrooms feature an inviting design and are equipped with all basic necessities, creating a delightful stay experience. To ensure a pleasant stay, a selection of rooms at apartment come furnished with linen service, blackout curtains and air conditioning, all designed with your ease in mind.At Manhattan Premium Suites by IWH Suites, various room configurations are available, featuring separate living room and balcony or terrace in some rooms.In select rooms, visitors can enjoy a touch of amusement with the availability of television and cable TV for their entertainment needs.Within specific rooms, a refrigerator and bottled water is conveniently available for your use.Understanding the significance of bathroom facilities in enhancing visitor contentment, apartment offers a hair dryer, toiletries and towels within a few chosen chambers. Various excellent meal offerings at apartment ensure that enticing and easily accessible options are constantly available.Visitors with specific dietary preferences can savor a variety of culinary styles at Manhattan Premium Suites by IWH Suites, featuring halal choices to accommodate their needs.Visitors wishing to create their personal culinary delights will appreciate the on-site BBQ facilities provided at this establishment. Throughout the day, engage in the entertaining activities available at Manhattan Premium Suites by IWH Suites. Unwind and conclude each day delightfully by stopping by salon and spa, ensuring a soothing experience.Unwind by the pool at apartment and cherish a leisurely moment.Guests who enjoy maintaining their fitness regimen while on holiday can visit the fitness center provided by apartment.
FromHK$ 497

Hotel Excelsior Ipoh

8.4/10Very Good795 Reviews
Ipoh|3.38km from downtown
The room facilities were old and the soundproofing was poor. The gap under the door was quite large; after turning off the lights, the light coming through the door gap was bright enough to serve as a nightlight. The toilet in the room was faulty; it wouldn't stop flushing immediately and would automatically refill after emptying, which was a bit noisy. The location was decent, with plenty of food options and the night market not far away. The Chinese-American lady who checked me in provided excellent service.
FromHK$ 311

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Breakfast

MU Hotel

8.7/10Very Good469 Reviews
Ipoh|3.77km from downtown
All good. The nearby restaurants are easily accessible though still need to walk. A little walk can access the Woong Kee beancurd. Very nice. The Sanxii Claypot Ipoh is also my favourite. Then, slightly further at Palo 101, the Japanese food and Beans Factory Ipoh would other good choices.
FromHK$ 402

Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites

8.7/10Very Good561 Reviews
Ipoh|4km from downtown
A great hotel for business travelers with family. The room was quiet and comfortable, allowing my parents and I to rest well. The staff were efficient and professional, and the breakfast was delicious with plenty of choices. The calm ambience made it easy to relax after work.
FromHK$ 515

M Boutique Hotel

8.3/10Very Good566 Reviews
Ipoh|4.75km from downtown
I only stayed one day in Ipoh as a stopover. This hotel isn't in the city center, and it's not particularly close to the train station either. However, there are some other small shops within the same building, which makes for a decent collection. The environment is pretty good; it has an industrial design, but it doesn't look run-down. The room was small, but it matched the price. The first room we were given had a connecting door to the next room, so we asked to switch, and the front desk lady cheerfully changed it for us. There's a gym with treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and some strength training equipment. Not many people seemed to use the gym, but the environment was nice and air-conditioned. I worked out for an hour and felt great afterwards.
FromHK$ 207

Cititel Express Ipoh

8.6/10Very Good1623 Reviews
Ipoh|4.15km from downtown
I booked a deluxe twin room and was assigned to the 9th floor. I was able to check in as early as 1 PM upon arrival. Given the super convenient location for exploring and dining, the conditions across the board were quite acceptable. I didn't encounter the cleanliness and power outlet issues mentioned in many reviews—perhaps the rooms on the higher floors have been recently renovated. The view from the 12th-floor restaurant is simply stunning; the ambiance definitely outweighs the food.
FromHK$ 264

Merton Hotel Ipoh

8.4/10Very Good307 Reviews
Ipoh|5.63km from downtown
love the deco!! pliss uols book this hotel. near miker pizza n niase restoran. actually near tooo many famous restorant, if u are tired u can use grabfood n foodpanda
FromHK$ 203

Symphony Suites Hotel

8.6/10Very Good446 Reviews
Ipoh|5.59km from downtown
Everything was good , the stafff are friendly, the food are delectable and the suite is superb , spacious and new. Recommended to travellers and it’s only 10 minutes from Ipoh city centre 👍👍
FromHK$ 335

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Daisy

Daisy

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I’m a travel lover who can never say no to good food, stunning beaches, and the beauty of nature. Sharing my adventures and travel tips, I hope to inspire you to explore, taste, and unwind wherever you go.

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