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From the street food capital of Penang to Johor, the southern gateway to Singapore, you cover the whole length of Peninsular Malaysia. Heritage shophouses give way to a busy industrial and trading hub.
You can fly in just over an hour or settle into a reclining seat on the North-South Expressway. You can compare and book on GoAsia.cc.
Penang to Johor by Flight
AirAsia flies non-stop from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Senai International Airport (JHB) in about 1 hour 10 minutes. It is the only direct airline on the route. On 1 December departures are at 06:45, 11:15, 14:25 and 19:10, fares start at MYR 197 on many dates from mid-November, and peak days reach MYR 400 to MYR 550.[1]
Penang to Johor by Bus
Coaches leave from Terminal Sungai Nibong on Penang Island and from Penang Sentral in Butterworth on the mainland.[2][3] Services run to Johor Bahru and to Skudai just north of it. The ride takes from about 9 hours and can stretch to 17 hours on some departures. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $21 to $40 depending on class (November 2026).[4]
Night Buses
Many travellers take a late-evening coach and arrive the next morning, which saves a night of accommodation. Classes on offer are Express and VIP.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | From MYR 197[1] | About 1h 10min |
| Bus to Johor Bahru | About $21 to $40[4] | From about 9h |
Tips for Traveling from Penang to Johor
- Choose your departure point: Sungai Nibong suits you on the island. Butterworth is the mainland hub, and the ferry runs from George Town to Penang Sentral.[3]
- Book in advance: Buses and flights fill up around public holidays and school breaks.
- Prepare for the AC: Carry a light jacket or a small blanket for the long ride.
- Rest stops: Long-distance coaches stop at highway rest areas, which are good for local snacks such as keropok or fresh fruit.
- Luggage: Budget airlines often charge extra for checked bags, so check your allowance before you fly.
Timetable
| Flight Penang - Johor Bahru $ 46.34–89.41 1h 10m – 1h 15m | |
|
| Bus Butterworth - Johor Bahru $ 24.06–40.10 9h 9m – 17h 12m | |
|
| Bus Butterworth - Skudai $ 40.10 8h 55m | |
|
| Bus Sungai Nibong - Johor Bahru $ 40.10 9h 8m | |
|
| Bus Sungai Nibong - Skudai $ 40.10 8h 53m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Penang to Johor, including current prices and schedules.
The bus. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $21 to $40 depending on class (November 2026), while flights start at MYR 197 on many dates.
Fly with AirAsia from Penang International Airport to Senai International Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
About 1 hour 10 minutes by air and from about 9 hours by bus, up to 17 hours on some departures.
Yes, many coaches leave in the late evening from Sungai Nibong and Butterworth and arrive in the morning.
Use Terminal Sungai Nibong if you are on the island and Penang Sentral if you are on the mainland or arriving by ferry.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Penang to Johor Bahru | AirAsia MOVE. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [2] Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal: Terminal Bas Sungai Nibong. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [3] Penang Sentral: Penang Sentral: Malaysia Northern Transportation Hub. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: Penang to Johor Bahru timetable. 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.