Plane tickets from S'pore to M'sia soar to S$700 over Chinese New Year 2026

Bus and plane tickets from Singapore to Malaysia are soaring in January 2026 ahead of the Chinese New Year period, with the first two days falling on Feb. 17 and 18.

Plane ticket prices up

Checks by Mothership on Jan. 11 found some round-trip flight prices from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from Feb. 14 to 18 costing at least S$500.

Flights from Singapore to KL from Feb. 9 to 15 cost about S$115 for a round-trip.

Meanwhile, flights to Penang from Singapore over the Chinese New Year period cost over S$700 per round-trip, compared to about S$144 for a trip from Feb. 11 to Feb. 15.

In response to Mothership's queries, AirAsia shared that its pricing model reflects supply and demand.

"Fares will be typically higher especially if it is close to the travel date or during peak season, such as school holidays and festivals, when flights are in high demand," AirAsia said.

To support increased demand during the Chinese New Year period, AirAsia said it will introduce additional flights between Singapore and KL, Penang, and Kuching.

These additional flights will be offered from S$71 starting Jan. 12, and more than 7,500 extra seats will be made available across the travel period from Feb. 13.

Bus ticket prices up

Bus tickets to Malaysia have also seen a surge over the same period.

Causeway Link also offers trips from Singapore to KL, and a one-way ticket from Singapore costs S$49 on Feb. 8, but S$79.80 on Feb. 14.

Speaking to Straits Times, the Malaysia bus operator said it anticipates a significant crowd and high volume of ticket purchases.

It added that it will monitor the situation and keep backup buses on standby to support increased demand when necessary.

Top photos via Canva