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Johor Bahru on the southern tip of the peninsula and Butterworth, the mainland gateway to Penang, are about the length of the country apart. The usual options are a long-distance bus, the ETS train or a private transfer.
Johor Bahru to Butterworth by Bus
Larkin Sentral is the largest public transport terminal in Johor Bahru, with 60 operators.[1] Booking platforms list Express and VIP buses from Johor Bahru to Butterworth at about $23 to $32, with most departures in the morning (from about 08:45 to 10:45) and in the evening (from about 21:00 to 22:15). Listed travel times start at about 9 hours, and some services take much longer (October 2026).[2]
Buses to Penang arrive at Penang Sentral in Butterworth or at Terminal Sungai Nibong on Penang Island, so check which one your ticket names.[3] From Butterworth, the passenger ferry to George Town costs RM2 for adults.[4]
Johor Bahru to Butterworth by Train
KTMB's ETS train timetable from 1 June 2026 includes a train from JB Sentral at 09:55 that reaches KL Sentral at 14:10, Ipoh at 16:34 and Butterworth at 18:15, about 8 hours 20 minutes in total.[5] ETS runs on the electrified West Coast Line, and ticket classes are Platinum, Gold and Silver.[6]
Johor Bahru to Butterworth by Private Transfer
Booking platforms list private transfers from Johor Bahru to Butterworth in about 7 hours 7 minutes, in a Standard 3-passenger car or a 4- or 7-passenger minivan. Prices are per vehicle and start at about $400 and reach about $700. A transfer from Senai starts at about $370 and takes about 7 hours 4 minutes (October 2026).[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Typical departures | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Express or VIP bus | Morning and evening departures[2] | About 9 hours or more[2] |
| ETS train | 09:55 from JB Sentral[5] | About 8h 20m[5] |
| Private transfer | On request | About 7h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Butterworth
- Book in advance: Public holidays and school breaks are busy on this route.
- Bring a light jacket: Malaysian long-distance buses are often strongly air-conditioned.
Timetable
| Bus Johor Bahru - Butterworth $ 23.12–31.50 9h – 17h 12m | |
|
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| Taxi Johor Bahru - Butterworth $ 397.76–694.84 7h 7m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Penang $ 18.54–19.78 17h 12m | |
|
| Bus Johor - Butterworth $ 29.91 9h 20m | |
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| Taxi Senai - Butterworth $ 366.88–653.31 7h 4m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor Bahru to Butterworth, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option. Booking platforms list Express and VIP buses at about $23 to $32.
A private transfer is the fastest option at about 7 hours. The ETS train takes about 8 hours 20 minutes and most buses take about 9 hours or more.
Yes. KTMB's ETS timetable from 1 June 2026 lists a train leaving JB Sentral at 09:55 and reaching Butterworth at 18:15.
Yes. Booking platforms list Express and VIP buses leaving Johor Bahru in the evening, from about 21:00 to 22:15.
Check your ticket for the terminal. Larkin Sentral is the largest public transport terminal in Johor Bahru, and express buses are among its services.
Yes. A passenger ferry runs from Butterworth to George Town for RM2 for adults, every 20 to 30 minutes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Larkin Sentral: Larkin Sentral - Main Page. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Johor Bahru - Butterworth timetable. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [3] Unititi Express: Cameron Highlands to Penang Bus Ticket. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Penang Port Commission: Penang Ferry Services. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] KTMB: ETS Service Timetable, effective 1 June 2026. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [6] KTMB: Electric Train Service (ETS). 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.