Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Train

JB Sentral to KL Sentral Train: Timetable, Tickets & What to Expect

Since December 2025, there has been a direct electric train running between JB Sentral in Johor Bahru and KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur. No transfers, no diesel trains, no stitching together different parts of the network — just a single service covering the full 330km route along Malaysia's west coast.

Before this launched, travelling between the two cities by rail meant changing trains at Gemas, which added significant time and made the journey awkward enough that most people chose buses or drove instead. That has changed.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what the train is, how long it takes, what it costs, how to book, and what the journey is actually like.

If you're travelling to Malaysia from overseas, you must also complete the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) within three days of arrival unless you are exempt.

At a Glance

Route:

JB Sentral to KL Sentral (direct)

Operator: KTM Berhad (KTMB)

Train type: ETS (Electric Train Service) KTM 94 Class EMU

Journey time: 4 hrs 10 min (Platinum) / 4 hrs 40 min (Gold)

Standard fare: from RM82 one-way

Business class fare: from RM152 one-way

Daily departures from KL Sentral: 7 (as of Feb 2026)

Booking: KITS Style app, ktmb.com.my, station kiosks

Launched: 12 December 2025

How People Travelled Between JB and KL Before the Train

Before the direct ETS service launched, the three main options for the JB-KL route were bus, car, or a rail journey that required a transfer at Gemas. Here's how they compared:

Bus

5-6 hours (traffic dependent)

RM25-RM45

Cheapest, but unreliable timing

Car

4-6 hours

RM100+ in tolls

Flexible, but tiring and expensive

Old train (via Gemas)

7-8 hours

RM60-RM80

Required transfer, slow

ETS direct (now)

~4 hrs 10-40 min

From RM82

Fast, direct, no transfer

The gap the new service fills is clear: buses were affordable but unreliable, and the old rail route via Gemas was so slow it wasn't worth the effort. The ETS sits above buses on price but delivers meaningfully better speed and reliability.

Timetable: JB Sentral to KL Sentral & KL Sentral to JB Sentral

As of early 2026, KTMB operates multiple daily departures in both directions. Services expanded from four per day at launch to seven or eight daily departures from January 2026 onwards.

From KL Sentral southbound to JB Sentral: The first departure is at 7:55 AM and services run through until the evening. From February 24, 2026, there are seven daily southbound departures from KL Sentral.

From JB Sentral northbound to KL Sentral: Multiple daily services, including a morning departure around 8:40 AM and afternoon/evening options.

Important: KTM has rescheduled some services from 18 April 2026 onward due to the KVDT2 double-tracking project. Always check the latest timetable at ktmb.com.my or the KITS Style app before booking, as departure times are subject to change.

Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance.

Ticket Prices

ETS fares on the JB-KL route are dynamic, meaning prices vary based on the service type, day of travel, and how far in advance you book.

ETS Gold (standard class, more stops): From approximately RM82-RM99 one-way.

ETS Platinum (fewer stops, slightly faster): Slightly higher than Gold fares.

Business class: From RM152 one-way, with access to the Ruby Lounge at KL Sentral.

Discounts available:

• Children aged 4-11: approximately 50% off adult fares
• Children under 4: free (when not occupying a separate seat)
• Senior citizens aged 60+: discounted rates with valid ID

Compared to flying, there are no airport transfer costs, no check-in queues, and no baggage fees. Compared to driving, there are no toll fees (the North-South Expressway alone costs over RM100 one-way) and no fatigue from five-plus hours behind the wheel.

How to Book

Tickets for the JB Sentral to KL Sentral ETS train can be booked through three channels:

1. KITS Style app — KTMB's official mobile app for iOS and Android. The most convenient option for booking on the go.
2. KTMB website — ktmb.com.my. Book online and print or show your e-ticket.
3. Station kiosks — Self-service machines at KL Sentral, JB Sentral, and other major stations.

Book early. This route is popular, particularly on Friday evenings and Sunday nights. Weekend and public holiday services regularly sell out within days of the booking window opening. One to two weeks' advance booking is recommended for peak travel times.

Intermediate Stops

The ETS does not run non-stop between KL Sentral and JB Sentral. Gold services make more intermediate stops than Platinum services. Key stops along the southern sector include Seremban, Gemas, Segamat, Kluang, Rengam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, and Kempas Baru, before terminating at JB Sentral.

The number of stops is one reason Platinum services are slightly faster than Gold services on the same route.

What the Train Is Like

The KTM 94 Class trains running this route are modern, air-conditioned, and noticeably more comfortable than the older diesel trains that used to operate on parts of this corridor.

Standard class features a 2+2 seating configuration with adjustable backrests, footrests, tray tables, and a power outlet at every seat. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the train. Windows are large enough to make the countryside views — palm oil plantations, rubber estates, and rural kampungs — a genuine part of the journey.

Business class offers enhanced seating and access to the Ruby Lounge at KL Sentral, located one floor above Platform 2, before departure.

One practical note: cabin temperatures are consistently kept around 18°C. Regardless of the weather outside, bring a light jacket or layer for the journey.

Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure to locate your platform and board comfortably.

Getting to and from the Stations

KL Sentral is Malaysia's largest transport hub. From there you can connect directly to the LRT, MRT, KTM Komuter, and the KLIA Express to both Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang Airport. Taxis and Grab are available outside the station.

JB Sentral is located in the city centre of Johor Bahru, directly adjacent to the CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) complex for travellers continuing to Singapore. Taxis, Grab, and local buses are available outside.

Travelling onward to Singapore from JB Sentral: Cross-border travel requires road or the Shuttle Tebrau train to Woodlands, Singapore. Allow 30 minutes to two hours for immigration clearance depending on the day and time. The RTS Link (Rail Transit System) connecting JB Sentral to Woodlands North in approximately five minutes is expected to open in early 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from JB Sentral to KL Sentral?

Yes. Since 12 December 2025, KTM operates a direct Electric Train Service (ETS) between JB Sentral and KL Sentral with no transfers required.

How long does the JB Sentral to KL Sentral train take?

The journey takes approximately 4 hours 10 minutes on Platinum services and around 4 hours 40 minutes on Gold services, depending on the number of stops.

How much does the JB to KL train cost?

Standard one-way fares start from approximately RM82-RM99 depending on the service and day of travel. Business class fares start from RM152. Fares are dynamic and vary with demand and booking date.

How do I book a JB to KL train ticket?

Tickets can be booked via the KITS Style mobile app, the official KTMB website (ktmb.com.my), or self-service kiosks at major stations. Tickets open up to 60 days before travel.

How many trains run between JB Sentral and KL Sentral per day?

As of early 2026, there are around seven to eight daily services in each direction. KTMB expanded from four daily services at launch in December 2025. Always check the current timetable on the KTMB website as schedules are subject to change.

What time is the first train from KL Sentral to JB Sentral?

As of February 2026, the first southbound departure from KL Sentral is at 7:55 AM.

Is the JB to KL train faster than the bus?

Yes. The ETS takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Bus journeys typically take 5 to 6 hours, and are significantly longer in traffic. The train is also more predictable.

Can I travel from JB to Singapore by train?

You cannot travel directly from JB Sentral to Singapore by ETS. From JB Sentral, you can cross the border by road (taxi/Grab/bus) or by taking the Shuttle Tebrau to Woodlands, Singapore. The RTS Link rail connection between JB and Singapore is expected to open in 2027.

What is the difference between ETS Gold and ETS Platinum?

ETS Gold services make more intermediate stops and typically have slightly lower fares. ETS Platinum services stop at fewer stations and are marginally faster on the same route.

Do I need to bring anything for the journey?

Bring a light jacket, cabin temperatures are kept at around 18°C. Your ticket (either digital or printed) is required to enter the station and exit at your destination. For Malaysia entry, overseas travellers must complete the MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card) within three days of arrival.

Summary

The JB Sentral to KL Sentral ETS train is the clearest upgrade this route has seen in years. It removes the transfer at Gemas that made train travel impractical, cuts the journey down to around four to four and a half hours, and offers consistent reliability that buses and cars on this corridor can't match. At fares starting from RM82, it sits above the cheapest bus options in price, but the time saved and the overall experience justify the difference for most travellers.

Book through the KITS Style app or ktmb.com.my, book early if you're travelling on a weekend, bring a layer for the cold cabin, and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

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