Bus
Direct, affordable, overnight possible, most practical choice
Flight
Fastest option, direct flights available, higher cost
Train
Comfortable ride, but requires transfer in Gemas
Complex routes
Multiple transfers, longer journey, not worth the effort
Quick answer: Travelling from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru you can choose a long‑distance tourist bus for the lowest cost, a train (via Gemas) for a comfortable land route, or a flight for the fastest option. Each offers a different balance of time, price and convenience. You can book tickets to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar easily online advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 780 km by land or about 640 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~11‑19 hours | Train ~14‑17 hours | Flight ~1.5 hours direct / ~5‑12 hours with stops.
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$17‑25 | Train US$26‑35 | Flight US$50‑120.
- 🚍 Bus: Cheapest, widely used option.
- 🚆 Train: Comfortable but takes much longer and involves a transfer.
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest airtime, best if you prioritise time and don’t mind higher cost.
Last updated in April 2026
From Alor Setar to Johor Bahru you can travel by bus, train or plane.
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- Travel distance from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru is about 780 km by land or about 640 km by plane. There are 3 options how you can get to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar in Kedah State: transfer by tourist bus, transfer by KTM train via Gemas or you can take a flight. The most popular and cheapest option of transfer to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar is to travel by bus. Travel by tourist bus from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru takes about 11-19 hours and bus tickets cost about $17-25/pp. You can take a bus from Terminal Bus Shahab Perdana or Jitra and arrive to Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. Travel by bus takes a lot of time, so another option is to travel by plane, you will save some travel time.
- Transfer by plane from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru takes about 1.5 hour (direct flight) or about 4-15 hours (flights with stopover in KL). Flight schedule of the direct flights to Johor – Senai International Airport is limited, but there are a lot of flights with stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Transport by plane from Alor Setar (Kedah State) to Johor Bahru costs about $50-120/pp. You can also travel by train to Johor Bahru, but with stopover in Gemas. You can use KTM Berhad ETS Gold train to Gemas and KTM Express train from Gemas to Johor Bahru. Travel time by KTM train from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru (via Gemas) is totally about 14-17 hours and it costs about $26-35/pp.
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- If you are traveling from the north to the south of Malaysia, to Johor Bahru, you should also visit Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Penang Island (+Langkawi) and Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia are the most visited places in this country. Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in the southern Malaysia, at the border with Singapore. If you will be traveling to Singapore from Malaysia by land, you can not miss this city. Johor Bahru, also known as JB, is Malaysia’s second largest city and also a tourist destination with modern hotels, shopping malls and restaurants.
- If you are planning to visit this city, it is also recommended to visit Singapore, it is worth a visit and easily accessible from Johor Bahru. Read the instructions how you can reach Johor Bahru from Alor Setar (Kedah) below in this article. You can also search and book bus, train tickets or flights to Johor Bahru easily online.
| Transfer modes from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 11–19 hours | $17–25 per person |
| KTM Train via Gemas | 14–17 hours | $26–35 per person |
| Direct Flights + Flights via Kuala Lumpur | 1.5 hours / 5–12 hours | $50–120 per person |
How do I get from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
1. BUS from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru
👉 Bus is the most budget-friendly option from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Ideal for: low-cost travelers and overnight journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~11–19 hours (varies by route and stops)
- ✔️ Price: $17–25 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard (long-distance coaches with reclining seats)
- ✅ Main operators: Pancaran Matahari, KPB Express, Super Nice Express, KKKL Express and others
- 💡 Tip: Choose night buses to save time and arrive early at the departure station for check-in.
The cheapest ground transfer option from Alor Setar in Kedah to Johor Bahru is by bus. You can use modern seater buses on this route and you can use companies like Pancaran Matahari, KPB Express, Mara Liner, Super Nice Express, KKKL Express, LA Holidays and Mayang Sari to Johor.
The bus schedule between Alor Setar and Johor Bahru is not very long and most of the buses run more at night. Even so, you will definitely choose your suitable connection for the transfer. A bus transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru can take between 11-19 hours, depending on the company and the route operated.
The buses also have other stops before they reach Johor Bahru. However, the time for these stops is usually already included in the total driving time. Buses can leave from different stops, usually they leave from Alor Setar (Terminal Bus Shahab Perdana) or Jitra and arrive to Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru.
You will always see this information about departures and arrivals of the buses when searching for tickets on online platforms, so read everything carefully. A bus transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru in southern Malaysia costs between $17-25/pp and is therefore the cheapest mode of transport on this route.
You can easily search and buy bus tickets to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar online in advance. When booking, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow the bus company’s instructions.
It is advisable to arrive at the bus station in Alor Setar at least 30 minutes before the departure of the bus. Bus transfer to Johor Bahru is sought after mainly among solo low-cost travelers.
| Bus Company | Departs in Alor Setar | Arrival in Johor Bahru |
|---|---|---|
| Super Nice Express | 09:15 | 19:43 |
| Mara Liner | 00:15 | 05:25 |
| Mara Liner | 22:15 | 17:25 |
| KPB Express | 12:15 | 22:43 |
| KPB Express | 20:00 | 06:28 |
| LA Holidays | 21:00 | 16:10 |
| Pancaran Matahari | 21:00 | 16:10 |
| KKKL Express | 21:30 | 16:40 |
| Mayang Sari | 22:00 | 17:10 |
2. TRAIN from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru (via Gemas)
👉 Train via Gemas is a more comfortable but longer alternative from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer trains and don’t mind a transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~14–17 hours (depends on connection time in Gemas)
- ✔️ Price: from ~$26 per person (two tickets required)
- ✔️ Comfort: good (seats and sleeper options on selected segments)
- ✅ Route: KTM train from Alor Setar → Gemas → JB Sentral
- 💡 Tip: Book both legs separately in advance and plan your transfer time in Gemas carefully.
Another land transfer option from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru is to travel by train, but with a transfer in Gemas. So this option has a total of 2 steps and KTM Berhad trains can be used on both routes. On the route from Alor Setar to Gemas it is a modern train with seats and from Gemas to Johor Bahru there are also sleepers and of course seats.
A train transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru with a transfer in Gemas can take about 14-17 hours in total, but it depends on the waiting time for another train in Gemas. The disadvantage is that there is a limited schedule of train connections, and the total travel time may therefore vary.
The train departs from Alor Setar Railway Station and arrives at Gemas Railway Station and then arrives to JB Sentral Railway Station, see Malaysia Railway Map. The trains offer up to 3 comfort classes and ticket prices vary accordingly.
A train transfer from Alor Setar to Gemas costs about $21-24/pp and a train transfer from Gemas to Johor Bahru costs about $5-6/pp. The cheapest way of transportation can start at about $26/pp, so it is more expensive than a bus transfer.
Train tickets to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar in Kedah must be searched for and booked separately as 2 separate tickets. Train tickets to Gemas and then to Johor Bahru can be easily searched and purchased online in advance.
These tickets do not need to be printed, they can be stored in a mobile phone and presented at the station together with their QR code when boarding the train. The train transfer is not a bad choice of transport, but the disadvantage is that you have to change at Gemas and this can significantly increase the travel time.
2. BOOK TICKETS to Johor Bahru ➜
3. FLIGHT from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru
👉 Flying is the fastest and most convenient option from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers with limited time who prefer quick transport
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5 hours direct (up to ~5–12 hours with transfers and airport time)
- ✔️ Price: $50–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft and smooth journey)
- ✅ Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly or Malindo Air
- 💡 Tip: Compare direct and connecting flights and book early to find better deals.
The fastest, most comfortable, but more expensive option of transportation from Alor Setar – Kedah to Johor Bahru is an air transfer, either connecting flights or, to a lesser extent, direct flights. This option can save up to several hours of time compared to a ground transfer, sometimes flights can be relatively very cheap.
Flights are operated from Alor Setar Airport (Sultan Abdul Halim Airpot) to Johor Bahru Senai International Airport. Johor Bahru Airport is approximately 30 km from the city center. An air transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru with a transfer in Kuala Lumpur can take approx. 5-12 hours and a direct flight approx. 1.5 hours.
However, it is also advisable to take into account the transfer to the airport and the wait before departure, as a result, a direct flight can take up to 5 hours in total. Even so, it is still a faster option than traveling by bus or train. Air transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru costs between $50-120/pp, but prices may vary during the year or seasons.
You can easily search and buy tickets from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru online in advance. When booking a flight, always read all flight instructions and information and follow the airline’s instructions. Air transfer is probably the best option to get to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar in Kedah and sometimes very cheap flights can be found. If you are looking for comfort during transport and do not have much time for your travel, then consider using a flight.
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru:
1. How to book and buy tickets + flights from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- You can book tickets and flights from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- It is possible to search and book another routes, Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur, KL to Johor Bahru…
2. What is the travel time from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- Transfer by bus from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru takes about 11-19 hours.
- Transfer by KTM train from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru (via Gemas) takes about 14-17 hours.
- Transfer by plane from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru takes about 1.5 hour (direct flight).
3. What is the price of transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Alor Setar (Kedah) to Johor Bahru costs about $17-25/pp.
- Travel by KTM train from Alor Setar (Kedah) to Johor Bahru (via Gemas) costs about $26-35/pp.
- Travel by plane from Alor Setar (Kedah) to Johor Bahru costs about $50-120/pp.
4. What is the travel distance from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- Travel distance from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru in Malaysia is about 780 km by bus/train or about 640 km by plane.
5. What is the best way of transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- The best and also fastest way of transport from Alor Setar in Kedah State to Johor Bahru is to travel by plane, direct flight or flight with stopover in Kuala Lumpur. There are flights from Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar to Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru.
6. What is the most cheapest way of transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- The most cheapest way of transfer from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru is to travel by tourist bus. There are tourist buses to Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. The most cheapest bus tickets from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru start at $17/pp. There are also various buses from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur and from Kuala Lumpur to Johor.
7. Is there a direct train from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
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- No, there is no direct train to Johor Bahru from Alor Setar in Kedah. But it is possible to travel by KTM Berhad ETS train from Alor Setar to Gemas and from Gemas you can travel by another KTM Express train to Johor Bahru. This way of transfer has 2 steps, it is also possible to travel by KTM train via Kuala Lumpur.
8. Where you can also travel from Alor Setar?
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- From Alor Setar you can also travel by bus or train to Penang and Butterworth. Travel distance from Alor Setar to Penang is about 120 km. Penang belongs to the most favorite tourist place in Malaysia and if you are already in Kedah State / Alor Setar, you should definitely visit this place.
9. Where and how you can travel from Johor Bahru?
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- Johor Bahru is the border town with Singapore in the south of Malaysia, a lot of travelers use this city for transfer to Singapore. But from Johor Bahru you can also travel by KTM Express train to Kota Bharu in the north of Malaysia or you can go by bus or train to Malacca.
10. Where to accommodate in Johor Bahru, hotel or hostel?
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- Johor Bahru is a modern and large city and you can find there various modern hotels, guesthouses or luxury hotels.
- Search and book your hotel in Johor Bharu easily online > Book hotel in Johor Bahru online ➜.
11. How to travel in Malaysia?
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- You can explore Malaysia by various tourist buses, KTM trains, domestic flights, private taxi and there are also various ferries + boats to the nearby islands like Langkawi, Tioman, Perhentian… The most popular and also low-cost option is to travel by tourist bus. Read this article: Transportation in Malaysia.
12. How to travel solo in Malaysia?
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- Solo travel in Malaysia is a seamless journey with user-friendly public transportation, reliable ridesharing services, and a plethora of solo-friendly accommodations. Immerse yourself in the local culture, try diverse cuisines, and explore vibrant markets. Whether wandering through historical cities or relaxing on tropical islands like very popular and attractive Langkawi or Perhentian, Malaysia welcomes the solo adventurer with open arms.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Alor Setar to Johor Bahru
These practical tips help you organize the long journey from Alor Setar in northern Malaysia down to Johor Bahru at the southern tip of the peninsula — a distance of around 770 km by road. Because this trip covers many regions, choosing the right combination of transport and planning ahead will make it less tiring and more efficient.
1. Understand the True Distance Ahead
The trip is long — driving distance is roughly 770 km and can take around 7½–9 hours on the road without major stops. Planning your start time and knowing how much time you’re committing helps avoid surprises and ensures you arrive at a reasonable hour.
2. Flights Are the Fastest Land‑to‑Land Option
Direct flights from Sultan Abdul Halim Airport near Alor Setar to Senai International Airport near Johor Bahru take about 1 hour 15 minutes — far quicker than any ground option. Airport check‑in and transfers add time, but the overall journey can still be significantly shorter compared with buses or trains.
3. Long‑Distance Buses Are Affordable but Slow
Direct coaches run between Alor Setar and Johor Bahru with journey times often around 10–11 hours depending on traffic and route. Buses are usually the cheapest way to travel but plan for long seating periods and bring water, snacks and something to stay comfortable.
4. Trains Are an Option with Transfers
There isn’t a direct high‑speed rail from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru yet, but you can take the ETS train southward and change at Gemas before continuing via conventional train lines into Johor Bahru. This takes longer than flying and can be complex but offers a scenic alternative if you like rail travel.
5. Consider Driving for Flexibility
If you rent a car or drive your own vehicle, you have full control over stops and timing. The North‑South Expressway connects the whole peninsula with frequent rest stops, so you can break the journey in places like Kuala Lumpur or Seremban along the way if needed.
6. Plan Last‑Mile Transfers in Johor Bahru
Once you arrive at Senai Airport or the bus/train terminal in Johor Bahru, ride‑hailing services and taxis are plentiful and affordable. They help you easily reach your accommodation, Legoland, city centre or even cross into Singapore if that’s part of your itinerary.
Tip: Bus, train and flight tickets from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru can be booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and travel comfort, especially during weekends, holidays and busy travel seasons.