Contents
Mersing is the mainland gateway to Tioman Island, and the road there from Johor Bahru runs through palm oil plantations and small kampungs to the South China Sea. Most travellers start in Johor Bahru, where Larkin Sentral is the main long-distance bus terminal.[1]
Johor to Mersing by Bus
Express and Executive 1x2 coaches run from Johor Bahru to Mersing in about 2 to 3 hours. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $3 (October 2026).[2]
Departing from Johor Bahru
Executive 1x2 coaches have one seat on one side of the aisle and two on the other, which makes the seats wider than on a standard Express coach. Wear something warm: coach air conditioning is strong.
Johor to Mersing by Private Transfer
For families, groups or anyone with diving gear, a private transfer goes door to door. This is handy from Senai Airport, because you can head straight to the Mersing jetty without changing in Johor Bahru.
Transfers from Johor Bahru and Senai
On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $95 from Johor Bahru and about $78 from Senai Airport, depending on the vehicle (October 2026). A standard sedan takes 3 passengers, minivans take 4 or 7. The drive takes from about 1 hour 55 minutes.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Express/Executive) | $3 - $6 | from 2h[2] | Standard |
| Private Transfer | from $78 | from 1h 55m[2] | High |
Tips for Traveling from Johor to Mersing
- Plan Around the Ferry: If you are continuing to Tioman Island, check your ferry time first and book the bus to match. Catamaran tickets from Mersing and Tanjung Gemok can be booked online with Cataferry.[3]
- Book in Advance: At weekends and on public holidays, buses to Mersing fill up as people head for the islands. Book a few days ahead.
- Dress Warmly for the Bus: A light jacket or blanket makes the 2 to 3 hour ride much more pleasant.
Timetable
| Bus Batu Pahat - Mersing $ 3.65 3h 35m | |
|
|
| Taxi Batu Pahat - Mersing $ 113.96–196.37 2h 29m | |
|
| Bus Kluang - Mersing $ 2.28–4.11 2h 9m | |
|
| Bus Johor Bahru - Mersing $ 3.20–6.62 1h 50m – 3h | |
|
|
| Taxi Johor Bahru - Mersing $ 77.33–123.11 1h 58m | |
|
| Bus Johor Bahru - Johor $ 3.27 2h 30m | |
|
| Bus Johor - Mersing $ 3.11–4.56 2h 21m – 3h 30m | |
|
| Taxi Senai - Mersing $ 82.41–143.46 1h 53m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Johor to Mersing, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest way, with tickets starting at about $3 on booking platforms.
A private transfer is the fastest, from about 1 hour 55 minutes, while the bus takes about 2 to 3 hours. A transfer also skips the stops and the wait at the terminal.
From Johor Bahru the bus takes about 2 to 3 hours. A private transfer takes from about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Buses stop in Mersing town. From there, a short taxi ride takes you to the Mersing jetty where the Tioman boats leave.
Yes, private transfers run from Senai Airport to Mersing in from about 1 hour 55 minutes, starting at about $78 on booking platforms.
Yes, Express and Executive 1x2 coaches serve the route. Executive coaches have wider seats.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Larkin Sentral: Larkin Sentral - Main Page. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Johor Bahru to Mersing. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [3] Cataferry: Cataferry: ferry tickets to Tioman and Langkawi (Mersing, Tanjung Gemok). 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.