How to Get from Johor Bahru to Mersing
How to get from Johor Bahru to Mersing, the gateway to Tioman Island: Causeway Link bus from Larkin and private transfers.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Contents
Leaving the busy border city of Johor Bahru for Mersing is the first leg of the trip to the beaches and reefs of Tioman Island. Mersing is a quiet fishing town where the day revolves around the jetty, and an evening of grilled fish at the waterfront stalls is a good way to wait for the morning boat.
Johor Bahru to Mersing by Bus
The Causeway Link express runs from Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru to Mersing at 07:15 and 13:20, and takes about 2 hours depending on the road.[1]
Buying your ticket at Larkin
Buy your ticket at the Larkin ticket kiosks or online, then exchange the receipt or e-ticket for a boarding pass at Counter 14. Show the boarding pass at Gates 5 to 14 and be at Platform 17 at least 15 minutes before departure.[1]
Arriving in Mersing
The bus stops at the main entrance of the Mersing jetty and then continues to Mersing Bus Terminal on Jalan Abu Bakar. The terminal is about 400 metres, or a 10-minute walk, from the ferry terminal, with an overhead bridge over the road.[1]
Johor Bahru to Mersing by Private Transfer
A private car or minivan suits families, groups with dive gear and anyone landing at Senai International Airport, because it takes you straight to the jetty and you set the pick-up time. The drive takes about 2 hours from Johor Bahru and about 1 hour 53 minutes from Senai.[2]
On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $95 per vehicle from Johor Bahru and about $78 from Senai Airport (November 2026).[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration |
|---|---|
| Causeway Link express bus (07:15, 13:20) | About 2h[1] |
| Private transfer from Johor Bahru, from about $95 per vehicle | About 2h[2] |
| Private transfer from Senai Airport, from about $78 per vehicle | About 1h 53m[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Mersing
- Match the ferry: Check the boat times to Tioman before you pick your bus, and leave a buffer in case the road is slow.
- Arrive early at Larkin: It is a large terminal, and you need time for the boarding pass counter and the gate.
- Bring a layer: The air conditioning on Malaysian coaches is strong, so a light jacket or sarong helps.
- Buy food and water first: Stock up at Larkin before you board.
- Book ahead on holidays: Public holidays and school breaks fill the buses to the islands.
Timetable
| Bus Johor Bahru - Mersing $ 3.21–5.70 2h 1m – 3h 8m | |
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| Taxi Johor Bahru - Mersing $ 94.61–152.01 1h 58m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Johor $ 3.21 2h 30m | |
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| Taxi Senai - Mersing $ 77.60–138.19 1h 53m | |
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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 Mersing, including current prices and schedules.
The Causeway Link express bus from Larkin Bus Terminal. A private transfer costs many times more.
A private transfer, which takes about 2 hours, and about 1 hour 53 minutes from Senai Airport. The bus takes about 2 hours too, depending on the road.
About 2 hours by bus or by private transfer, depending on traffic.
Yes. Private transfers run from Senai Airport to Mersing in about 1 hour 53 minutes and start at about $78 per vehicle (November 2026).
From Larkin Bus Terminal. Exchange your ticket for a boarding pass at Counter 14 and wait at Platform 17.
Buying online lets you skip the ticket queue, and booking ahead is wise on weekends and public holidays.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Causeway Link: How To Get To Mersing From Johor Bahru?. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Johor Bahru to Mersing timetable. Retrieved November 1, 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.