How to Get from Johor Bahru to Tumpat
Johor Bahru to Tumpat by overnight coach: about $21 to $23, from about 12 hours. A flight to Kota Bharu takes about 1h 10.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Contents
Tumpat sits at the far northeast tip of the peninsula, a quiet town of Thai Buddhist temples and Kelantanese village life, close to the Thai border. Reaching it from Johor Bahru means crossing the whole length of Malaysia, from the modern south to the rustic northeast.
The overnight coach is the way to go. You can book it on GoAsia.cc.
Johor Bahru to Tumpat by Bus
Express coaches leave Johor Bahru in the evening and reach Tumpat the next morning. The ride takes from about 12 hours and up to 16 hours on slower services. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $21 to $23 (November 2026).[1]
Larkin Sentral is the main terminal in Johor Bahru. Tickets bought on larkinsentral.my or larkinsentraljb.com.my are scanned at gates 5 to 14. Tickets bought elsewhere must be exchanged at counters 9 to 14 on the ground floor, so be at the terminal at least 2 hours earlier.[2]
Johor Bahru to Tumpat by Air and Road
AirAsia flies non-stop from Johor Bahru (JHB) to Kota Bharu (KBR) in about 1 hour 10 minutes, with fares from MYR 149 on many dates. Kota Bharu is the nearest airport to Tumpat.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Express bus | About $21 to $23[1] | From about 12h |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Tumpat
- Book in advance: The route is busy around public holidays, school breaks and Hari Raya.
- Prepare for the cold: Coaches are cooled hard. Wear long trousers and bring a sweater or hoodie.
- Pack snacks and water: Bring your own supplies for the long ride.
- Charge your devices: Download films or podcasts before you leave and bring a power bank for the long night.
- Arrive early in the morning: Ask your accommodation about early check-in.
Timetable
| Bus Johor Bahru - Tumpat $ 21.25–22.69 11h 42m – 16h 31m | |
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| Bus Johor - Tumpat $ 21.25–21.98 16h 15m – 16h 17m | |
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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 Tumpat, including current prices and schedules.
The express bus. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $21 to $23 (November 2026).
Fly with AirAsia to Kota Bharu, which takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, then continue by road. The coach takes from about 12 hours.
By bus from about 12 hours, up to 16 hours on slower services.
Coaches mostly leave in the evening, so the trip runs overnight.
From Larkin Sentral, the largest bus terminal in the city.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Johor Bahru to Tumpat timetable. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [2] Larkin Sentral online ticketing (Energetic Point Sdn. Bhd.): Terminal Larkin Sentral online ticket. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [3] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu | AirAsia MOVE. Retrieved November 3, 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.