How to Get from Johor Bahru to Jitra
Johor Bahru to Jitra by bus: prices, travel times and tips for the long ride north to Kedah.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Contents
Jitra is a quiet town in Kedah, a short way from the Thai border and surrounded by paddy fields. Johor Bahru, a busy hub beside Singapore, lies at the other end of the peninsula. The ride north follows the North-South Expressway through palm oil country and past limestone hills.
Johor Bahru to Jitra by Bus
The bus is the way to go. ETS trains do not stop at Jitra.[1] On booking platforms, tickets cost about $22 to $36 (November 2026). The ride takes from about 10 hours, and services with more stops take up to about 19 hours. Evening departures are common, so many travellers sleep on the bus.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | about $22 to $36[2] | from about 10h, up to about 19h |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Jitra
- Book ahead: Buses fill up on public holidays and weekends.
- Check the duration: Durations vary widely, so compare the arrival time before you pay.
- 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.[3]
Timetable
| Bus Johor Bahru - Jitra $ 22.16–36.33 10h 23m – 19h 22m | |
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| Bus Johor - Jitra $ 25.61–29.56 11h 3m | |
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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 Jitra, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the only direct option. Tickets cost about $22 to $36 on booking platforms (November 2026).
The direct bus is the fastest option, from about 10 hours. Services with more stops take longer.
Allow from about 10 hours. Some buses take up to about 19 hours, depending on the number of stops.
Yes, evening departures are common, and many travellers sleep through the ride.
Long-distance buses leave from Larkin Sentral, the main express bus terminal in Johor Bahru.
No. If you booked on larkinsentral.my or larkinsentraljb.com.my, you scan the QR code you receive at the gate. If you booked elsewhere, swap the ticket for a boarding pass at counters 9 to 14 on the ground floor, and arrive at least 2 hours early.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] KTMB: ETS Service Timetable, effective 1 June 2026. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Johor Bahru - Jitra timetable. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [3] 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.