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

Meru Suites at Meru Valley Resort

8.6/10Very Good40 Reviews
Ipoh|7.54km from downtown
A big thanks to the management for free upgrade to studio suites 😍 We felt at home, the room with all the necessities, fresh airs, complimentary drinks and kacang putih, member price for in room service of the Dome. I especially love the bath, water pressure is strong 👍🏻 It would be even better if lotion is provided 😊
FromUS$62

1969 D'Kelly Hotel

8.7/10Very Good210 Reviews
Ipoh|3.58km from downtown
Everything about this hotel was great. The atmosphere was noble and elegant, and the restaurant food was delicious. The sky pool was a major highlight! We booked a deluxe room with a jacuzzi, which our child absolutely loved. The only minor drawback was that the executive lounge only offered a small selection of snacks and coffee, with no sodas or juices. This wasn't very kid-friendly for families. The executive lounge could definitely be improved. We would still love to come back and stay again if we get the chance.
FromUS$55

Stallionz Premium Suites Ipoh by BYON

8.9/10Very Good172 Reviews
Ipoh|3.13km from downtown
Nice stay with a fully functioning place, very suitable for a family stay since have a lot of attractions. Plus point the location are very near to all place since its in the city. Love the concept of the place and the decoration are top knots. Highly recommend to any one that wanted a nice and luxury vibe stay.
FromUS$31

Piccadilly Ipoh Greentown by BYON

8.8/10Very Good66 Reviews
Ipoh|2.1km from downtown
The room was clean and tidy, and the bed was comfortable. Since it is a new building, some floors are still under renovation. This was my first experience having a blackout while showering at night. I tried to contact the agency, but there were no staff available, so the only solution offered was a room change. We had to spend extra time moving all our belongings to another floor. One suggestion is to consider waiving the deposit requirement, or for the agent to contact guests one day before check-in to reconfirm the booking and deposit payment. I had already submitted my deposit before check-in, but the agency may have missed my message. I only received the entry QR code after being stopped and questioned by the security guard, which made the experience stressful.
FromUS$38

M Roof Hotel & Residences

8.8/10Very Good754 Reviews
Ipoh|0.96km from downtown
My overall experience at M Roof Hotel & Residences was average. The hotel shows its age a bit, and it's not as new as it appears in the photos; some facilities are a little dated. The room's flooring was noticeably warped, and there was a slight odor when I first entered the room. Overall, there's room for improvement in maintenance. However, the bathroom was clean and tidy, and the bedding was very comfortable, making for a decent sleep experience. Generally, if you have high expectations for accommodation, you might find a discrepancy between the reality and the photos. But for a short stay, it's acceptable.
FromUS$51

Impiana Hotel Ipoh

8.4/10Very Good1007 Reviews
Ipoh|3.19km from downtown
The hotel was good and the breakfast was decent as well. We stayed at level 8, which we were told is one of the newly renovated floors, along with Level 7. However, the room service team did not respond to our request. We left a note on the table requesting room slippers before heading to work in the morning, but the request was not attended to. Nevertheless, the hotel receptionist was very responsive and promptly arranged for the room slippers to be delivered after we contacted them.
FromUS$35

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Family friendly

Travelodge Ipoh

8.7/10Very Good1619 Reviews
Ipoh|2.38km from downtown
Ipoh Syeun 1. The location is a bit out of the city center, but not too far, about a 15-minute drive. 2. The hotel staff are well-mannered, very polite, and provide excellent service; they are very enthusiastic and helpful. 3. Although the hotel is not in the city center, it's not far from restaurants, hawker centers, and food stalls, and it's also close to Cui Hua Lou Dim Sum restaurant. 4. It's worth mentioning that the hotel provides ample parking spaces, saving time spent looking for parking. 5. Overall, this hotel offers good value for money, and the rooms are quite spacious. It's definitely worth a stay.
FromUS$48

Cititel Express Ipoh

8.5/10Very Good1468 Reviews
Ipoh|4.15km from downtown
This hotel is right in the heart of the old town, with the Ipoh Old Town Central Green directly below. We even stumbled upon an U21 football league on Sunday. There's also an Indian Muslim mosque just a few hundred meters away, and Concubine Lane is very conveniently located. The only downside was that the hotel's bath towels didn't seem particularly clean – they were a bit dingy. I used one after my shower and developed a ring of red rashes on my neck, so I immediately stopped using them. Luckily, I had brought my own disposable towels.
FromUS$30

Iconic Suites & Pods Hotel

8.4/10Very Good2 Reviews
Bandar Meru Raya Ipoh|7.64km from downtown
Front desk 0911. excellent service. The room was clean. Stay satisfied

Decozy 3.0 Semi-D (18pax++)

8/10Very Good2 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
FromUS$98

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

8.7/10Very Good135 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!
FromUS$38

The Cove Hillside Ipoh by Iconique

8/10Very Good10 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.
FromUS$48

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Swimming pool

Regalodge Hotel & Spa Ipoh

8.4/10Very Good694 Reviews
Ipoh|3.12km from downtown
Hotel is quite old and outdated. Parking is super limited, probably less than 15 parking units for the whole hotel, so most likely you have to park outside and make sure to pay parking unless you want to get summoned. The iron is not even hot enough to iron a simple cloth. Aircond water sometimes suddenly starts dripping and the shower doesn’t even have hot water. Breakfast was okay only to fill your stomach, don’t expect much. Positive point would be the hardworking staff. Overall, for the price, you definitely can get a better place.
FromUS$21

Hotel Casuarina @ Meru

8.9/10Very Good295 Reviews
Bandar Meru Raya Ipoh|7.4km from downtown
Everything was in tip top shape. The room, the beds, the breakfast selection was alright. The staff was also very attentive and friendly. The only gripe that we had was the electricity. We turned off the AC at night when it got too cold, and when we woke up, the electricity was cut off. This happened for 2 nights straight. All in all, highly recommended!
FromUS$43

MH Hotel Ipoh

6.8/1061 Reviews
Ipoh|1.17km from downtown
First time stay here , it’s great bed for good sleep, but to the top floor restaurants is disappointed. No one serve at counter and table non clean up even wait more than 5min , although we see the guys, finally we did ourselves…
FromUS$38

Ipoh Bali Hotel

9.5/10Amazing106 Reviews
Ipoh|2.32km from downtown
We stayed at Ipoh Bali Hotel for 4 days and 3 nights for our honeymoon, and we’re truly so grateful we chose a local honeymoon instead of flying overseas. This place made our trip feel peaceful, romantic, and memorable. From the moment we checked in, Raidah was incredibly warm, helpful, and friendly and she even checked us out at the end of our stay. Her hospitality really made us feel welcomed and taken care of throughout the trip. All the staff we met during our stay were genuinely friendly and welcoming. Every time we walked past, we were greeted with smiles, which made the atmosphere feel so warm and comfortable. We also had massages during our stay, and the masseuses were amazing. The service honestly felt like a 5-star experience, professional, relaxing, and exactly what we needed after the wedding. A special mention to the breakfast team as well, especially May, who was so kind and attentive. The food was excellent. We loved it so much that we ordered the same dishes twice during our stay, the Balinese chicken porridge and the Balinese rice set (can’t remember the exact name, but it was so good!). The room itself was spacious with beautiful high ceilings, giving such a cozy Bali-inspired atmosphere. One of our favourite parts was the sound of flowing water from the balcony at night It was incredibly calming and helped us sleep so well. The bathroom was also very spacious and came with a lovely bathtub, which made the whole honeymoon experience even more special. Honestly, the hotel felt like a 5-star resort experience to us, so we were surprised to find out it’s officially rated 3 stars. The service, atmosphere, and overall experience exceeded our expectations. Overall, this was the perfect honeymoon stay for us, and we will definitely come back again in the future.
FromUS$64

Ipoh Concept Services

8.1/10Very Good43 Reviews
Ipoh|4.08km from downtown
Booked family Premier room. Very huge king sized bed which can fit 2 teens and an adult with enough space to spare plus a single bed. So our family of 4 fitted comfortably in the room. Shower power is great and comes with a separate bathtub, still new. Iron hairdryer minifridge provided. Swimming pool available till 6pm, inhouse cinema till 9pm. Free Parking available. Within walking distance from most restaurants. Shares same management with Ritz garden hotel. Will book again.
FromUS$34

Manhattan Premium Suites by Iwh Suites

8.7/10Very Good0 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.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.
FromUS$67

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Breakfast

Hotel Excelsior Ipoh

8.4/10Very Good686 Reviews
Ipoh|3.38km from downtown
Great location and easy access to food and attractions. Unfortunately, the bathroom shower head was poorly maintained and looked dirty. I reported the issue several times, but it was never attended to. A small item perhaps, but seeing it every day during the stay became quite frustrating. The hotel should improve its facility maintenance.
FromUS$39

MU Hotel

8.8/10Very Good490 Reviews
Ipoh|3.77km from downtown
The hotel is in a very strategic location, close to several popular restaurants and beverage spots. It’s especially convenient for those who enjoy exploring the town on foot.
FromUS$49

Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites

8.7/10Very Good553 Reviews
Ipoh|4km from downtown
Staff very friendly, room so clean, the view so good, bout the food...the food soooo delicious,must repeat if came to ipoh....soo nice...so comfortable..
FromUS$63

M Boutique Hotel

8.3/10Very Good542 Reviews
Ipoh|4.75km from downtown
The hotel decor very nice as the hotel name as Boutique, the room i booked was double bedded not big as expected but just nice for solo traveller, the toilet very nice colour which black and white, the toilet flashing got problems and the counter gave a fast and good solution very fast . The only I wanted to complaint is the bed and the pillows not nice for good sleep, maybe the hotel need to made a changed especially the pillows .
FromUS$26

Merton Hotel Ipoh

8.5/10Very Good295 Reviews
Ipoh|5.63km from downtown
Everything was ok except the toilet.. Pressure water it's so good but toilet floating like hell.. Parking it's so good.. Just toilet licking teruk.
FromUS$23

Symphony Suites Hotel

8.5/10Very Good426 Reviews
Ipoh|5.56km from downtown
Clean king suite. Good location near Tasik Cermin & caves. Easy access to restaurants. Good staff. Recommend some basic toiletries- cotton buds , separate shampoo & conditioner. Tv channel for kids only 1. Some channels a bit blur.
FromUS$37

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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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