How to Get from Johor Bahru to Rantau Panjang
Johor Bahru to Rantau Panjang by bus: prices, travel times and the border bridge to Thailand.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Contents
Rantau Panjang sits at the northern edge of Kelantan, where a bridge leads into Thailand. Shoppers come for bargains, and travellers come for East Coast food and the border. Johor Bahru lies at the opposite end of the peninsula, a long haul away.
Johor Bahru to Rantau Panjang by Bus
The bus is the direct way to travel. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $18 to $25 (November 2026). The ride takes from about 11 hours 40 minutes, and some services take up to about 16 hours. Evening departures are common, so you sleep on board and arrive in the morning.[1]
Buses also pick up in Skudai, on the northern edge of Johor Bahru. Tickets from Skudai cost about $21 (November 2026), and the ride takes about 16 hours.[1]
Crossing Into Thailand
The bridge at Rantau Panjang leads to the Su-ngai Kolok checkpoint in Thailand, which is open daily from 05:00 to 21:00.[2] Plan your arrival so you reach the border inside these hours.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Johor Bahru | about $18 to $25[1] | from about 11h 40m, up to about 16h |
| Bus from Skudai | about $21[1] | about 16h |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Rantau Panjang
- Book ahead: Book early at weekends and on public holidays.
- Keep valuables close: Carry your passport, electronics and wallet in a small bag at your seat, not in the luggage hold.
- 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 - Rantau Panjang $ 17.44–25.31 11h 42m – 16h 12m | |
|
| Bus Skudai - Rantau Panjang $ 21.18 15h 55m | |
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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 Rantau Panjang, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest direct option. Tickets cost about $18 to $25 on booking platforms (November 2026).
The direct bus from Johor Bahru is the fastest option, from about 11 hours 40 minutes.
Allow from about 11 hours 40 minutes. Some services take up to about 16 hours.
Yes, coaches stop at the rest and service areas (R&R) along the North-South Expressway, where you find restrooms and food stalls.
Yes, a bridge leads from Rantau Panjang to the Su-ngai Kolok checkpoint in Thailand, which is open daily from 05:00 to 21:00.
Overnight coaches are a normal way to cover long distances in Malaysia. Keep your passport and valuables in a small bag at your seat.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Johor Bahru - Rantau Panjang, Skudai - Rantau Panjang timetable. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [2] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Su-ngai Kolok Checkpoint. 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.