Malaysia train travel guide (2026)

Railways are a key component of Malaysia’s transport network, running all the way from the northern border with Thailand, past the major population centres of Penang and Kuala Lumpur, and continuing southwards to the Singapore border. And don’t forget about the scenic line, affectionately known as the Jungle Line (officially the East Coast Line), which connects the eastern states to the network. For those travellers looking spend a night on the rails, the Jungle Line offers one of Southeast Asia’s most enjoyable sleeper train rides.

Significant investment has been made to the West Coast Line in recent years, leading to faster journeys and more reliable connections. With further improvements planned in the near future, Malaysia’s railway network appears to be going from strength to strength.

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Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia

This guide focuses on the railway network in Peninsular Malaysia, where the vast majority of the routes, investment and passenger numbers are. The only railway in East Malaysia is Borneo’s Sabah State Railway, which connects Kota Kinabalu and Tenom.

How to buy Malaysian train tickets

It’s easiest to book online using Baolau, where you can check routes, availability and buy tickets. Baolau also lets you choose seats on the the ETS and Intercity trains, showing real-time availability.

All trains are available to book online apart from the KTM Komuter, which must be bought at the station on the day of travel. You cannot reserve a seat on the Komuter trains but they can’t sell out, so you’ll always be able to at least get onboard, even if all the seats are taken.

Tickets can also be bought at stations for the ETS or Intercity services. Unless you have a good reason to, there’s no need to buy at the station, online is easier.

Main train routes in Malaysia

The two main train routes in Malaysia are the West Coast mainline and East Coast Line (sometimes called the Jungle Line), both run by KTMB. The major junction between the two lines is at Gemas.

You can check the live location of trains running in Malaysia on our Malaysia Train Tracker page.

West Coast mainline

The West Coast line runs the entire length of the country, from the border with Thailand at Padang Besar, to the Singapore border at Johor Bahru. Three separate services run on the line (ETS, Komuter and Intercity), although the latter will be phased out on the West Coast Line in 2026 when the electrification works on the line are complete.

KTM ETS

Over the past twenty years there have been significant improvements to the line, largely focused on electrification and double-tracking. After several delays and false starts, the project to link Johor Bahru to Padang Besar is finally complete, with KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) trains capable of travelling at 100mph now running the length of the country.

KTM ETS routes (and vice versa):

KTM Intercity

Slower, diesel-powered KTM Intercity trains also run along the line, predominantly linking Johor Bahru and Gemas (half way between KL and Johor Bahru), although some seasonal diesel trains further north are also in operation, e.g. between KL Sentral and Hat Yai in Thailand.

The International Express also used the line from Padang Besar to Butterworth (having originated in Bangkok), but as of 2016 it terminates at the border and heads back to Bangkok. Plans have been announced for this service to once again run through to Butterworth, but dates are still to be confirmed.

KTM Intercity West Coast Line routes (and vice versa):

KTM Komuter

KTM Komuter trains run on parts of the line, from Padang Besar to Butterworth and several services around Kuala Lumpur. As the name suggests, these trains are more aimed at commuters travelling around the major population centres of Malaysia. As such, tickets cannot be booked in advance, nor can seats be reserved.

Leisure travellers using the rail network are most likely to use the Komuter service to travel from Padang Besar to Butterworth (and vice-versa) when heading into or out of Thailand.

KTM Komuter routes (and vice versa):

East Coast Line

Also known as the Jungle Line, the East Coast Line travels from Johor Bahru to Tumpat via Gemas (the junction with the West Coast line). Although its name implies coastal views, it doesn’t travel anywhere near the east coast until the very end of the route when it arrives in Tumpat, which is only a few kilometres from the Thai border and Kota Bharu, the state capital of Kelantan.

This is only overnight sleeper in Malaysia, with open plan second-class sleeper carriages available on the seventeen hour journey. Services on the East Coast Line are branded as KTM Intercity.

KTM Intercity East Coast Line routes (and vice versa):

What are the Malaysian trains like?

Malaysia has invested heavily in its railway infrastructure and this extends to the train carriages, which are almost universally modern and comfortable. In 2025, several new carriages were ordered for the new ETS trains, with more due to be delivered as the service frequency increases.

KTM ETS

Onboard the ETS trains, you can expect a comfortable ride with modern amenities including air-conditioning, reclining seats, information boards, clean toilets, prayer rooms, a buffet car, and charging points. Many of the routes are extremely popular, especially during weekends and public holidays, so make sure you book in advance.

All ETS routes take one of three designations:

• Platinum – the premium and fastest trains, only stopping at major stations and are usually about 10% more expensive. Listed as EP on timetable.
• Gold – still operating as a fast train, Gold Class make a couple of extra stops along the route. Listed as EG on the timetable.
• Silver – stopping at almost all stations along the route, Silver Class feels a lot slower, but is a few ringgits cheaper. Listed as ES on the timetable.

One business class carriage is available on the Platinum services, offering larger seats, TV screen and a free meal. They’re significantly more expensive than standard class and not really worth the extra expense.

KTM Intercity

Similar to the ETS trains, KTM Intercity is a pleasant onboard experience, with four separate classes to choose from:

• Aircon Premier Class
• Aircon Superior Class
• Aircon Standard Class
• Superior Night Sleeper

The first three classes offer carriages with traditional upright seats. Premier Class has additional space as the seats are arranged one by two, the other classes are two by two. As you drop down the classes, the seats become progressively less comfortable but are still more than adequate for shorter journeys.

As these trains cater for the overnight sleeper service, it’s a good idea to book a Superior Night Sleeper berth. These are open plan carriages similar to sleepers in Thailand, with privacy curtains and a washroom at either end of the carriage.

Unlike in some other countries, the beds aren’t converted to normal seats during the daytime, so consider booking a separate ticket in the seating classes for the daytime part of the journey.

KTM Komuter

Komuter trains are the least romantic of the three services in Malaysia, more mass-transit and aimed at commuters. As you can’t pre-book tickets or seats, it’s possible you might board and not be able to find a seat, and luggage storage options are limited. If you board at Padang Besar, the train is usually quiet and it’s easy get a seat, although it will fill up as you head south, particularly around Arau and Alor Setar.

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