How to Get from Butterworth to Johor Bahru
Butterworth to Johor Bahru by bus from about $21 or by private transfer from about $393. Travel times, terminals and tips for the long trip south.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
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Butterworth to Johor Bahru covers almost the whole length of Peninsular Malaysia, from the Penang Strait through the plantations and towns of the central states to the gateway to Singapore. Butterworth is the mainland hub for Penang, so the trip often starts after a food tour in George Town or a train ride into the station. You can compare the bus and the private transfer and book through GoAsia.cc.
Butterworth to Johor Bahru by Bus
Long-distance buses leave from Penang Sentral in Butterworth, which has direct services to Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru.[1] On booking platforms, VIP and Express tickets start at about $21 and go up to about $40 on some departures (October 2026), and the trip takes from about 9 hours, up to 17 hours on slower services.[2] If you take an evening departure, you sleep through most of the ride and arrive in the morning.
Check the departure point on your ticket: some services leave from Penang island instead of Butterworth.[2]
Butterworth to Johor Bahru by Private Transfer
A private car takes from about 7 hours, door to door, and costs about $393 to $687 per vehicle depending on the car (October 2026). It suits groups and anyone with heavy luggage. Transfers also run to Senai, where Johor Bahru's airport is, for about $363 to $647.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| VIP and Express bus | $21 - $40 | From 9h[2] |
| Private transfer | $393 - $687 | From 7h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Butterworth to Johor Bahru
- Pack a layer: Malaysian coaches run the air conditioning cold, so keep a sweater or blanket in your hand luggage.
- Rest stops: On a trip this long the bus stops at highway R&R areas with food stalls and toilets.
- Arrival in Johor Bahru: Larkin Sentral is the city's largest public transport terminal, with express buses and buses to Singapore.[3] From there, Causeway Link bus CWL runs to the CIQ checkpoint for a maximum fare of RM 2.60.[4]
- Book ahead: Seats fill up around public holidays such as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.
Timetable
| Bus Butterworth - Johor Bahru $ 21.44–40.20 9h 9m – 17h 12m | |
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| Taxi Butterworth - Johor Bahru $ 392.99–686.50 7h 11m | |
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| Bus Butterworth - Skudai $ 22.79–40.20 8h 55m – 17h | |
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| Bus Penang - Johor Bahru $ 15.84–25.47 9h 31m – 17h 12m | |
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| Bus Penang - Skudai $ 25.47 9h 27m | |
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| Taxi Butterworth - Senai $ 362.48–646.53 7h 8m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Butterworth to Johor Bahru, including current prices and schedules.
The bus. Tickets start at about $21 on booking platforms (October 2026).
A private transfer, which takes from about 7 hours. The bus takes from about 9 hours.
By car from about 7 hours, by bus from about 9 hours and up to 17 hours on slower services.
Long-distance buses leave from Penang Sentral, the bus terminal in Butterworth. Some services leave from Penang island, so check the pickup point on your ticket.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Penang Sentral: Destination. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Butterworth to Johor Bahru. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- [3] Larkin Sentral: Larkin Sentral - Main Page. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Causeway Link: Cross Border Bus Services Between Singapore & JB. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.