Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital, is known for its iconic Petronas Towers, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage. Located 330 km (205 miles) northwest of Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur is accessible by bus, train, flight, or car. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur:
- By Bus: The most affordable and popular option.
- By Train: A comfortable but less frequent choice.
- By Flight: The fastest but least convenient option.
- By Car: The most flexible but expensive choice.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur.
Timetable
| Flight Johor Bahru - Kuala Lumpur RM 80.54–766.27 50m – 1d 2h 9m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Kuala Lumpur RM 44–50.63 4h 44m – 8h 43m | |
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| Flight Johor Bahru - Selangor RM 200.77–777.54 1h 5m – 1d 1h 44m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Selangor RM 43.55–60.50 5h – 9h 23m | |
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By Bus: The Most Affordable and Popular Option
Taking a direct bus from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur is the most budget-friendly and widely used way to travel.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal (main terminal in Johor Bahru).
- Johor Bahru CIQ (near the Singapore border).
- Arrival Points:
- TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, main bus terminal in Kuala Lumpur).
- Hentian Duta Bus Terminal.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
- Price: 30–60 MYR (~$7–$13 USD), depending on operator and bus type.
- Bus Operators:
- KKKL Express (comfortable and reliable).
- Causeway Link (budget option).
- Super Nice Express.
- Bus Types:
- VIP Coach (Spacious seats, A/C, reclining seats).
- Standard Coach (Cheaper, fewer amenities).
- Departure Frequency: Every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening.
Pros:
- Cheapest travel option (~30 MYR for budget buses).
- Frequent departures throughout the day.
- Direct travel without transfers.
Cons:
- Traffic delays are common during peak hours and holidays.
- Limited onboard amenities for standard coaches.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, book a VIP Coach with reclining seats. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.
By Train: A Comfortable but Less Frequent Choice
For travelers who prefer a comfortable and scenic journey, taking a train from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur is an option, though less frequent than buses.
Key Details:
- Departure Station: JB Sentral Railway Station.
- Arrival Station: KL Sentral (Main transportation hub in Kuala Lumpur).
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours, depending on train type.
- Price: 35–80 MYR (~$8–$18 USD), depending on class.
- Train Types:
- Ekspres Selatan (Intercity train, slower, budget-friendly).
- ETS (Electric Train Service, faster, more comfortable).
- Seating Options:
- Standard Class (A/C, reclining seats).
- Business Class (More legroom, complimentary snacks).
- Departure Frequency: 2–3 departures per day.
Pros:
- Comfortable and spacious seating.
- No traffic delays.
- Scenic views of the Malaysian countryside.
Cons:
- Slower than buses or flights (~6+ hours).
- Limited daily departures.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, book a Business Class ticket. Use our online search form to check train schedules and book your ticket.
By Flight: The Fastest but Least Convenient Option
For travelers who prefer speed over cost, taking a flight from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur is the quickest way to travel, though it requires additional airport transfers.
Key Details:
- Departure Airport: Senai International Airport (JHB), Johor Bahru.
- Arrival Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2).
- Duration: 1 hour (excluding airport transfers).
- Price: 80–300 MYR (~$17–$65 USD), depending on airline and booking time.
- Airlines:
- Malaysia Airlines (full-service).
- AirAsia (budget airline, frequent flights).
- Firefly (regional airline).
- Flight Frequency: Multiple daily flights from morning to evening.
Airport Transfers in Kuala Lumpur:
- From KLIA/KLIA2 to City Center:
- By KLIA Ekspres (Airport Train): 28 minutes to KL Sentral,
55 MYR ($12 USD). - By Taxi/Grab: 45–60 minutes,
80–120 MYR ($18–$26 USD).
- By KLIA Ekspres (Airport Train): 28 minutes to KL Sentral,
Pros:
- Fastest travel time (~1 hour flight time).
- Multiple flights available throughout the day.
Cons:
- Most expensive option.
- Requires airport transfers.
Booking Tip:
For lower fares, book flights at least 2–4 weeks in advance. Use our online search form to compare flight options.
By Car: The Most Flexible but Expensive Choice
For travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility, renting a car from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur is an option, especially if you want to stop at scenic spots along the way.
Key Details:
- Route: Johor Bahru → Kuala Lumpur via North-South Expressway (E2).
- Distance: 330 km (205 miles).
- Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Toll Fees:
50 MYR ($11 USD). - Fuel Cost:
80 MYR ($18 USD). - Car Rental Price: 150–300 MYR per day (~$33–$65 USD).
- Rental Car Companies:
- Hertz.
- Avis.
- Local car rental agencies.
Pros:
- Most flexible option—stop at attractions along the way.
- Comfortable for groups and families.
Cons:
- More expensive than buses and trains.
- Traffic can increase travel time.
Booking Tip:
For ease of navigation, rent a car with GPS or use Google Maps. Use our online search form to compare rental car prices.
Final Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Bus (~30 MYR, 4+ hours).
- Best Option for Comfort: Train (~35 MYR, 6+ hours).
- Best Option for Speed: Flight (~80 MYR, 1+ hour + transfers).
- Best Option for Flexibility & Scenic Stops: Rental Car (~150 MYR, 4+ hours, tolls included).
