Batu Caves From Kuala Lumpur By Train – A Step By Step Guide

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Welcome to Malaysia’s sacred Batu Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of extreme sacredness for the Hindu community, Batu Caves consist of four limestone caves which are said to date back to 400 million years ago. But perhaps the most iconic feature of Batu Caves which is seen on travel guides and brochures worldwide is the 140ft gold-coloured statue of Lord Murugan which sits at the entrance to the main cave. I visited Batu Caves as part of my 3 week itinerary for Singapore, Malaysia and Bali, and have created this step by step guide to show you exactly how to reach Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur using the KTM Komuter train.

How far is Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur?

The Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves distance is approximately 14km (8 miles). Batu Caves are located north of central Kuala Lumpur – they are usually on the must-see lists of many visitors and make for an easy DIY day trip from the city. Using the KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves, the journey is a pleasant ride and takes around 35-40 minutes.

About the KTM Komuter train to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur

The KTM Komuter train is the most convenient and affordable way to reach Batu Caves. The line runs from Tampin in the south, through Kuala Lumpur, and up to Batu Caves in the north. People often get the KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral as this is the main transport hub in Kuala Lumpur, but you can get it from other stations like Bank Negara and Putra. Personally, I caught the KTM Komuter train to Batu Caves from Putra as it worked out much quicker to get the monorail and Light Rail Transit (LRT) to there from my hotel, otherwise I would have had to take a longer journey south to KL Sentral just to have to travel back north on the commuter train!

How do I get to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur – a step by step guide

Step 1

Check the train schedule for the KTM Komuter train to Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur.

Step 2

Use Kuala Lumpur’s mass transportation system (also known as RapidKL) to reach a station where the KTM Komuter train passes, such as KL Sentral, Bank Negara or Putra. Where you are staying in the city will determine which station you board the KTM Komuter train at – don’t just assume KL Sentral is where you need to be, as if you are staying in the northern area of the city it could take some time to travel there and may work out better to go from Bank Negara or Putra. Check out the route map for the KTM Komuter, and use Google Maps to plan distance and route to your chosen KTM Komuter station. 

Step 3

Once you are at your chosen station where you will board the KTM Komuter train, buy a return ticket to Batu Caves Station. I believe that KL Sentral has a specific ticket desk for the KTM Komuter train. In my experience when getting the train from Putra, there was only one ticket desk as this station is relatively small. Putra only sees commuter trains pass through – two different trains travelling two different routes (one being the Tampin-Batu Caves line). 

Step 4

Board the train from your chosen station to Batu Caves – make sure you are travelling in the northerly direction towards Batu Caves, because the line runs from Tampin in the south, through Kuala Lumpur, and to Batu Caves in the north. Alight at Batu Caves Station, which is the final stop on the KTM Komuter train when travelling north. 

Step 5

When exiting the Batu Caves Station, Batu Caves themselves are just a stone’s throw away and you should be able to see them. Look for the statue of Lord Murugan and walk towards this – the walk from the station to Lord Murugan which marks the entrance to the main cave is under 5 minutes.

Tip: At time of writing (and when I visited), there was no entrance fee to Batu Caves themselves, but some of the adjoining caves have modest entrance fees.

Step 6 

After time spent exploring Batu Caves and getting acquainted with the abundance of long-tailed grey macaques which call the area home, make your way back to Batu Caves Station for your return journey. Return back to the city centre by following these Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur by train instructions in reverse – hopefully your DIY day trip has gone smoothly and was enjoyable!

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