How to travel from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur by train

For many years, only slow diesel trains ran on the single track line between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, limiting capacity, reliability and speed. In recent years, major upgrades have transformed the route: it’s now double-tracked, electrified, and able to carry far more passengers.

Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but we receive a small commission.

Route map and details

A key component of the region’s transport infrastructure, Malaysia’s West Coast Line is now fully-electrified along its entire route, from the Thai border in the north to Causeway linking Johor Bahru to Singapore. This has not only sped up and simplified journeys from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, but also made travelling by train between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur a practical option once again.

Timetables

JB Sentral to KL Sentral

Six trains run per day from Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral):

How to buy tickets

The easiest way to buy train tickets in Malaysia is online rather than going to the station. You do pay a very small commission but the ease and convenience makes it worthwhile in our opinion.

Baolau is the best site to use for buying train tickets, they have access to the official booking engine, so you can easily see availability, timetables and prices.

Payment can be made using international credit cards and PDF confirmation tickets are sent to your email address within a few minutes. This is the actual ticket you need to board the train, so there’s no need to exchange it at the station before travel. You may prefer to print the pdf out, but it’s also fine to show it on your mobile phone to the conductor and station staff.

Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur train tickets

ETS trains have both Standard and Business Class carriages. Aside from a free meal and more space, there isn’t a great deal of difference between the two classed and may travellers prefer Standard class.

You can read a review of Business class on the ETS trains here.

How much does it cost?

All trains have Standard class, but only the Platinum trains (EP prefix) have Business class:

The prices for each class are:

What to expect onboard

Malaysia’s national railway company (KTMB) has invested millions of ringgits into its infrastructure in recent years, and this includes the onboard train experience. The direct JB Sentral to Butterworth service uses the latest ETS (Electric Train Service) train sets, which were designed in China and assembled in Malaysia.

The train has six carriages: five standard class and one business class. Standard class seats are arranged 2 × 2, while business class seats are 1 × 2, offering a bit more space. Each carriage feels modern, safe, and comfortable.

Business class is significantly more expensive than standard class and, in our opinion, isn’t really worth the extra cost. You do get a free meal and a wider seat, but the experience somehow fails to live up to expectations, perhaps because standard class is such a pleasant experience and there’s an excellent bistro car available in the middle of the train, where the food is exactly the same (and there’s a choice, unlike in Business Class). You can check out a full review of ETS Business Class here.

In standard class each seat has a tray table, armrest, footrest, recline button and charging points (both a three-pin and USB slots). There’s plenty of legroom and space between the seats, so you can easily spread out and get comfortable (handy if you’re onboard for the entire eight hour journey to Butterworth).

Each carriage is essentially the same as the others, with a few minor differences to be aware of:

• Coach D has the two disabled spaces and is closest to specially-adapted toilet reserved for disabled passengers.
• Coach C is nearest the Bistro Car, so you’ll see more passengers walking back and forth to buy food and drinks.
• Coaches B and E each have four seats arranged around a table, which is handy if you’re travelling as a group.

A few tips for a more comfortable Standard Class experience:

• Carriages are kept at a consistent 19C but it can feel much colder at times. Bring a light jumper, blanket or sarong to stay warm during the journey.
• Smaller backpacks can be placed in the overhead racks. Larger suitcases should be stored in the luggage racks at the end of each carriage, though space is limited.
• We saw several suitcase left in the corridors between the carriages, confirming there isn’t always enough space in the luggage racks. As this is Malaysia, your suitcases will be safe in the corridor, but (as always) it’s best to pack light if possible and keep your bags close by.
• In general, ETS trains run to schedule and delays are uncommon.
• You’ll need to scan your ticket QR code at JB Sentral to access the platform and again at the ticket gates at KL Sentral to exit the station.

What are the toilets like?

As you’d expect on these brand-new trains, the toilet are modern and everything works as it should. If you’ve travelled around the region on some older trains, you might have a few horror stories, but on the ETS trains they’re kept in excellent condition, with plenty of toilet paper and hand wash available all the way to Kuala Lumpur.

Each carriage has a sign to let you know when they’re occupied. There’s one toilet in Coach B and one in Coach E. Coach F’s toilet is reserved for disabled passengers and is specially adapted to their needs.

Catering options

In business class, a meal delivered directly to your seat, although there isn’t a choice. Standard class passengers have access to a Bistro car, where surprisingly tasty meals are served.

The microwaveable meals might not look very appetising when first served, but they’re good quality and excellent value (around RM12 for nasi lemak, fried noodles, etc). Soft drinks, tea and coffee are also available.

Payment is either by cash or e-wallets. There isn’t anywhere to sit in the bistro itself, so you’ll need to take your food and drinks back to your seat and consume it there.

Journey description

Departure gates at JB Sentral (Gate B) open about fifteen minutes before departure, giving you plenty of time to take the stairs, escalator or lift down to the platform. There’s a slightly subterranean feel to the platforms at JB Sentral, located under the main station area with only occasional views of the city outside. But you won’t be waiting down there long, the serves usually depart on time, out of JB Sentral and into the bright mid-morning light.

Once the city skyline fades behind you, the train moves into open countryside, and large palm oil plantations quickly begin to appear, a reminder of how much Malaysia relies on this crop. The first few hours of the journey offer excellent window views, especially if you’re sitting on the left-hand side with the blind open, passing mountains, rivers, and endless stretches of palm trees.

Around three hours in, the train reaches Seremban, where the scenery changes from countryside to industrial and residential buildings. The next hour brings you into the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, where you might catch sight of the Petronas Towers, KL Tower, and the second-tallest building in the world, Merdeka 118.

KL Sentral shows the modern, well-connected side of Malaysia’s capital. After you leave the train, take the escalators to the ticket gates, scan your QR code, and step out onto the concourse. The station has plenty of restaurants and cafes if you want to relax, but most travellers will probably head into the city to explore. As a major transport hub, KL Sentral makes it easy to continue your journey by MRT, LRT, bus, or taxi toward the city’s bright lights and towering skyscrapers.