How to Get from Johor Bahru to Bukit Kayu Hitam
Johor Bahru to Bukit Kayu Hitam by bus: prices, travel times and tips for the overnight ride to the Thai border.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Contents
Bukit Kayu Hitam is the quiet border town in Kedah where the highway meets Thailand. Johor Bahru, the gateway to Singapore, lies at the far southern end. Together they mark the two ends of an overland trip through Peninsular Malaysia, with palm oil estates, limestone hills and paddy fields passing by the window.
Johor Bahru to Bukit Kayu Hitam by Bus
The bus is the direct way to travel. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $33 to $37 (November 2026). The ride takes from about 11 hours. Evening departures are common, so you sleep on board and wake up near the northern border.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | about $33 to $37[1] | from about 11h |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Bukit Kayu Hitam
- Border plans: Bukit Kayu Hitam is the road border post with Thailand. Have your passport ready if you cross on arrival.
- Book ahead: The route is popular with travellers heading into Thailand, so book early at weekends and on public holidays.
- Bring a layer: Long-distance coaches run the air conditioning cold. A light jacket or blanket makes the night much easier.
- Food and breaks: Coaches stop at the rest and service areas (R&R) along the North-South Expressway, where you find restrooms and food stalls. Carry water and a snack for the stretches in between.
- Larkin Sentral: Express buses leave from the express departure hall, where you scan your ticket QR code at gates 5 to 14. If you booked on a website other than larkinsentral.my or larkinsentraljb.com.my, swap the ticket for a boarding pass at counters 9 to 14 on the ground floor, and arrive at least 2 hours early.[2]
Timetable
| Bus Johor Bahru - Bukit Kayu Hitam $ 32.64–37.15 11h 3m – 11h 42m | |
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| Bus Johor - Bukit Kayu Hitam $ 32.64–37.15 11h 42m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor Bahru to Bukit Kayu Hitam, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest direct way. Tickets cost about $33 to $37 on booking platforms (November 2026).
The direct bus is the simplest option and takes from about 11 hours.
Allow from about 11 hours, and a little more in heavy traffic.
Yes, evening departures are common. You travel through the night and reach the northern border the next morning.
Yes, Bukit Kayu Hitam is a road border post with Thailand, so this bus fits an overland trip north. Check the entry rules for your passport before you travel.
Long-distance buses leave from Larkin Sentral, the main express bus terminal in Johor Bahru.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Johor Bahru - Bukit Kayu Hitam timetable. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [2] Larkin Sentral: Terminal Larkin Sentral | Larkin Bus Terminal Online Ticket. Retrieved October 19, 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.