Singapore to Beijing: A Train Journey Through Five Countries
SINGAPORE TO BEIJING BY TRAIN
During October 2024, I set off on a 6,315-kilometre train journey through five capital cities and five countries, starting in Singapore and ending in Beijing. The trip gave me the chance to experience different cultures, take in some great scenery, and enjoy the slower pace of rail travel.
The route took me through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Vientiane, and finally Beijing. Each stop had its own unique atmosphere and offered something different to explore.
Travelling by train was a chance to experience the world differently. This journey wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B – it was about making memories along the way, seeing hidden corners of each country, and connecting with people and places that you simply can’t experience from 35,000 feet in the air.
Scroll down to the bottom for the route map and a summary of how much the trip cost me.
Use the following links to get more details about the ten trains that I caught along the way.
- Woodlands to JB Sentral: I started with a short but crucial five-minute ride from Woodlands in Singapore to JB Sentral, Johor Bahru. It was a quick 2.2 km journey, but essential for crossing into Malaysia. Immigration formalities were handled smoothly at both ends, making for an easy transition.
- JB Sentral to Gemas: From Johor Bahru, I continued to Gemas on a comfortable diesel-hauled train that took nearly five hours. The journey was scenic, and I enjoyed a meal onboard. Gemas offered a nice break to explore the old station and its railway museum.
- Gemas to KL Sentral: Next, I boarded the ETS train to KL Sentral. This modern electric train covered 170 km in just over two hours. I appreciated the high-speed experience and the comfortable amenities, with onboard charging points and a cafe car.
- KL Sentral to Butterworth: The journey from KL Sentral to Butterworth was another smooth ride on the ETS Platinum service. With both business and standard class options, I enjoyed modern comforts and even a visit to the onboard bistro. Upon arrival, I took a short ferry ride to Penang Island.
- Butterworth to Padang Besar: The KTM Komuter train from Butterworth to Padang Besar took just under two hours. Although basic, with no onboard services, it was an affordable and efficient trip that led me to the Thai border.
- Padang Besar to Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat): I crossed into Thailand and continued to Bangkok on an overnight sleeper train. This 16-hour journey allowed me to rest comfortably and enjoy dinner in the dining car. It was a relaxing way to cover almost 1,000 km.
- Bangkok to Nong Khai: The next trip was an overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, near the Laos border. It took about ten hours in a comfortable sleeper carriage, giving me a good rest before crossing into Laos.
- Nong Khai to Vientiane (Khamsavath): A short hop from Nong Khai took me into Laos, crossing the Friendship Bridge. Immigration was handled efficiently on both sides, and soon I was in Vientiane, ready for the next big journey.
- Vientiane to Kunming: The Laos-China Railway was a highlight of the trip, taking me from Vientiane to Kunming in just over nine hours. The first-class experience was very comfortable, and the train offered stunning views as we sped through the scenic countryside.
- Kunming to Beijing: The final leg was an overnight high-speed train from Kunming to Beijing, covering over 2,700 km in less than 15 hours. I traveled in a comfortable four-berth compartment, arriving rested in the Chinese capital, completing an incredible overland adventure from Singapore.
For train tickets in China, I used Trip Dot Com. You can reserve tickets with them in advance and they they will buy the tickets for you as soon as they go on sale. Use this link to go straight to the China page.
SUMMARY OF TRIP
TRAIN 1: Woodlands CIQ to JB Sentral (Johor Bahru)
Duration: 5 minutes | Distance: 2.2km | Ticket: 17.65 ringgit
TRAIN 2: JB Sentral (Johor Bahru) to Gemas
Duration: 4 hours and 44 minutes | Distance: 192.6km | Ticket: 21 ringgit
TRAIN 3: Gemas to KL Sentral (Kuala Lumpur)
Duration: 2 hours and 25 minutes | Distance: 170.5km | Ticket: 32 ringgit
TRAIN 4: KL Sentral (Kuala Lumpur) to Butterworth
Duration: 4 hours and 5 minutes | Distance: 380.3 km | Ticket: 156 ringgit
TRAIN 5: Butterworth to Padang Besar
Duration: 1 hour and 51 minutes | Distance: 169.8km | Ticket: 11.40 ringgit
TRAIN 6: Padang Besar to Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat)
Duration: 16 hours and 5 minutes | Distance: 984.6km | Ticket: 918 baht
TRAIN 7: Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) to Nong Khai
Duration: 10 hours and 0 minutes | Distance: 615.3 km | Ticket: 944 baht
TRAIN 8: Nong Khai to Vientiane (Khamsavath)
Duration: 30 minutes | Distance: 12.5 km | Ticket: 70 baht
TRAIN 9: Vientiane in Laos to Kunming in China
Duration: 9 hours and 26 minutes | Distance: 994.7 km | Ticket: 2,592,000 kip
TRAIN 10: Kunming South Station to Beijing West Station
Duration: 14 hours and 41 minutes | Distance: 2,735 | Ticket: $150
DURATION: 63 hours and 52 minutes
DISTANCE: 6,257 km
TICKETS: US$379 | 358 euro | 13,196 baht