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Leaving the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula for the rice-growing state of Kedah takes you from Johor, an industrial and commercial state bordering Singapore, to Alor Setar, a slower-paced town known for its Zahir Mosque and the paddy fields around it.
Alor Setar is also a starting point for Langkawi, whose ferries run from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis.[1] The route is served by air and by long-distance bus, with buses starting in several towns across Johor.
Johor to Alor Setar by Flight
Flying is the quickest way to bridge the distance. AirAsia flies non-stop from Johor Bahru to Alor Setar in around 1 hour 15 minutes and lists fares from MYR 160.[2] Flights depart from Senai International Airport (JHB), which AirAsia describes as about 20 km from Johor Bahru.[3] You can compare the options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Johor to Alor Setar by Bus
Long-distance buses are the budget option. Because Johor is a large state, you do not have to start in Johor Bahru. Booking platforms list buses to Alor Setar from Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Muar, Yong Peng and Ayer Hitam, in Express, VIP, VIP 24 and VIP 28 classes.[4]
Regional Departure Points
From Johor Bahru, booking platforms list fares of about $19 to $24 and travel times from 10 hours 18 minutes up to about 19 hours (October 2026).[4] From Muar the listed trip takes 8 hours 42 minutes for about $18, from Kluang 9 hours 38 minutes for about $21, and from Batu Pahat 9 hours 44 minutes for about $19.[4] Buses from Yong Peng and Ayer Hitam take 9 hours 26 minutes at about $24.[4] Many of the listed departures leave in the evening, so you can sleep on the way and arrive the next morning.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Johor Bahru) | from MYR 160[2] | 1h 15min[2] | High |
| Bus (Johor Bahru) | about $19 - $24[4] | 10h 18min - 19h[4] | Medium / High (VIP) |
| Bus (Muar) | about $18[4] | 8h 42min[4] | High (VIP) |
| Bus (Batu Pahat) | about $19[4] | 9h 44min[4] | High (VIP) |
Tips for Traveling from Johor to Alor Setar
- Book in Advance: VIP seats on popular night departures can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and public holidays.
- Bring a Jacket: Long-distance buses and planes are often strongly air-conditioned, so bring a sweater or a small blanket for a night journey.
- Food Stops: Long-distance buses usually stop at highway rest areas (R&R), but it is wise to carry some water and snacks.
- Check the Airport: Senai Airport is outside Johor Bahru, so factor in the cost and time of a taxi or shuttle when you compare the flight with the bus.[3]
Timetable
| Flight Johor Bahru - Kedah $ 17.90–50.07 1h 15m – 1days 6h 44m | |
|
| Bus Batu Pahat - Alor Setar $ 19.36 9h 44m | |
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| Bus Kluang - Alor Setar $ 21.10 9h 38m | |
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| Bus Muar - Alor Setar $ 18.12 8h 42m | |
|
| Bus Johor Bahru - Alor Setar $ 19.18–23.58 10h 18m – 19h 10m | |
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| Bus Yong Peng - Alor Setar $ 23.58 9h 26m | |
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| Bus Johor - Alor Setar $ 19.85–23.58 10h 5m – 19h 9m | |
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| Bus Ayer Hitam - Alor Setar $ 23.58 9h 26m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor to Alor Setar, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is usually the cheapest option. Booking platforms list fares of about $18 to $24 depending on the departure town, and AirAsia lists flights from MYR 160 (October 2026).
The fastest way is the non-stop AirAsia flight from Senai International Airport to Alor Setar, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Booking platforms list bus journeys of roughly 9 to 10 hours from the Johor towns and Johor Bahru, with some departures listed at up to about 19 hours.
VIP classes are generally the more comfortable option for a night journey. Check the seating layout on the booking page for the service you choose.
Booking platforms list no train for this route. For rail connections, check the ETS service of KTMB, which runs on the West Coast Line between Gemas and Padang Besar.
AirAsia describes Senai International Airport as about 20 km from the city of Johor Bahru.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures: Langkawi Ferry Line. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Johor Bahru to Alor Setar. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Johor to Alor Setar. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] KTMB: Electric Train Service (ETS). Retrieved October 15, 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.