How to Get from Johor Bahru to Sungai Petani
Johor Bahru to Sungai Petani by bus: prices, travel times and tips for the long northbound ride through Malaysia.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Contents
Johor Bahru, the busy gateway to Singapore, sits at the southern tip of the peninsula. Sungai Petani lies in Kedah, close to the Bujang Valley's ancient temple sites and the green bulk of Gunung Jerai. It is one of the longest bus rides you can make on the peninsula.
Johor Bahru to Sungai Petani by Bus
The bus is the practical way to cover the distance. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $18 to $35 (November 2026). The ride takes from about 9 hours 30 minutes, and some services with more stops take up to about 17 hours. Evening departures are common, so many travellers sleep on the bus and save a night of accommodation.[1]
If you prefer to split the trip, ETS trains stop at Sungai Petani, so you can take a bus to Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur and continue by train.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | about $18 to $35[1] | from about 9h 30m, up to about 17h |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Sungai Petani
- Book ahead: Buses fill up on public holidays and weekends, when many people head home to Kedah.
- 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 - Sungai Petani $ 18.23–34.75 9h 34m – 17h 34m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor Bahru to Sungai Petani, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest and most direct option. Tickets cost about $18 to $35 on booking platforms (November 2026).
A direct bus is the fastest option, from about 9 hours 30 minutes. Services with more stops take longer.
Allow from about 9 hours 30 minutes. Some buses take up to about 17 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops.
Yes, evening departures are common, and many travellers sleep through the ride and arrive the next morning.
No direct train links the two. ETS trains stop at Sungai Petani, so you can reach it from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh by rail.
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 - Sungai Petani timetable. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
- [2] KTMB: ETS Service Timetable, effective 1 June 2026. Retrieved October 25, 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.