How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru
By the Malaysia City Transfer team · Updated October 2026 · We run private cars, so we also explain the options we don't sell.
Since December 2025 the electric ETS runs from KL Sentral to JB Sentral in about 4 to 4.5 hours, from about RM73 in Gold class. Express buses from TBS to Larkin Sentral take about 4 to 5 hours and are the cheapest. Flights to Senai take about 1 hour, plus about 30 minutes into JB. A private car covers about 326 km in 3.5 to 4 hours, straight to your JB hotel, from RM670 for the whole car (Toyota Innova, up to 6 people).
The options side by side
| Option | Time | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETS train | About 4–4.5 hours | From KL Sentral to JB Sentral, next to the Causeway checkpoint. Several trains a day; Gold from about RM73, Platinum from about RM96. | Most travellers, especially those heading on to Singapore. |
| Express bus | About 4–5 hours | From TBS to Larkin Sentral, very frequent, the cheapest option. Larkin is about 5 km north of the city centre. | Budget travellers. |
| Flight | About 1 hour in the air | KLIA or Subang to Senai Airport, then about 30 minutes by road. | Travellers short on time. |
| Private car | About 3.5–4 hours | From your KL hotel or KLIA straight to your JB hotel, from RM670 per car, tolls included. | Families, groups and lots of luggage. |
The new train changes things
The electrified line between Gemas and JB opened in December 2025, so the ETS now runs all the way to JB Sentral. Tickets sell out on weekends and holidays; book on the KTMB website or app.
Going on to Singapore?
JB Sentral connects to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar checkpoint. Our private cars in Malaysia drop you at your JB hotel or the JB Sentral area; crossing into Singapore by car needs a separate cross-border service.
Weekends and long holidays
The southern stretch of the North–South Expressway is very busy on Friday evenings and before long weekends. Leave early if you can.
Going back to KL or the airport
A return booking is two separate one-way trips. If you have a flight from KLIA, leave JB at least 6 hours before departure.
Common questions
How long is the train from KL to JB?
The electric ETS from KL Sentral to JB Sentral takes about 4 to 4.5 hours.
How much is a private car from KL to Johor Bahru?
From RM670 for the whole car (Toyota Innova, one way), tolls included. Staria, Alphard and return prices are confirmed by our team on WhatsApp.
Can you take us to Singapore?
Our Malaysia service ends in Johor Bahru. Ask our team about cross-border options.
Can you pick us up from KLIA?
Yes. KLIA is on the way south; tell us your flight and we confirm the price on WhatsApp.
Can we stop in Melaka on the way?
Yes. Stops are priced by our team; send your plan on WhatsApp.
See KL → Johor Bahru private car prices and get your exact price on WhatsApp. A real person replies 24/7.
See Johor Bahru pricesSources and checked dates
Third-party details were checked on 16 October 2026. Bus, train and flight timetables and fares change, so check with the operator before you travel.
- Wahdah — ETS Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru 2026 (times, fares, start date)
- Rome2Rio — TBS to JB Larkin (bus times, operators)
Malaysia City Transfer is operated by SGMYTRIPS Sdn. Bhd. (MOTAC L/N10641).