Looking for a spontaneous weekend adventure from Singapore? Malaysia’s long-awaited Electric Train Service (ETS) from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur finally launched at a December 11 media preview. And from December 12, you can hop across the causeway to glide all the way to Kuala Lumpur in roughly four hours—no traffic jams, no airport queues, just comfort, snacks, and scenery out the window. Wonderfully, this reduces the current journey time by train from seven hours. Indeed, this new ETS line transforms JB into a true gateway to the rest of Malaysia. Here’s what to expect.
What can travellers expect from the new JB-KL ETS?
The new southern ETS3 service runs on the freshly completed Gemas–Johor Bahru electrified double-track line. Services start with four daily trips on the KL Sentral-JB Sentral route. This means two departures from Kuala Lumpur (around 7.45am and 5.35pm) and two from Johor Bahru (around 8.40am and 4.20pm). Journeys take roughly four hours to four hours and 20 minutes. Although, more ETS train services are planned for a later date.
Meanwhile, the new ETS3 offers a noticeably more comfortable ride on board over long-distances buses. Expect air-conditioned carriages, reserved seating, power and USB charging points, toilets, and a cafe for hot drinks and light meals.
Interestingly, trains can reach speeds of up to 140km/h on the new line and there’s multiple stops through Johor towns like Kluang, Serembam, Segamat, Kulai, and more—before terminating at either KL Sentral or JB Sentral.
The KL-JB ETS train tickets are selling fast and there’s high demand during the school holidays. Fares begin at RM82 (S$25) but KTMB is offering a launch discount for travel between December 12, 2025 and January 11, 2026.
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