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
Traveling from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru by Bus, Train or Flight
The distance from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru is about 780 km by land or 640 km by air. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM train via Gemas, or direct and connecting flights. Flying is the fastest option, while the bus is usually the cheapest.
Buses take about 11–19 hours and cost $17–25 per person. KTM trains via Gemas take about 14–17 hours with tickets from $26–35 per person. Direct flights take only about 1.5 hours, while connecting flights via Kuala Lumpur take 4–15 hours and cost around $50–120 per person.
Along the way, you can also visit Penang or Kuala Lumpur. From Johor Bahru, it is easy to continue to Singapore, just across the border.
| 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.
Traveling by tourist bus is the cheapest way to get from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru. Companies such as Pancaran Matahari, KPB Express, Mara Liner, Super Nice Express, KKKL Express, LA Holidays, and Mayang Sari operate modern buses on this route.
Buses usually depart from Terminal Bus Shahab Perdana or Jitra and arrive at Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. The journey takes about 11–19 hours, depending on the route and operator.
Bus tickets cost around $17–25 per person and can be booked online in advance. Always check the departure and arrival points before traveling and arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
| 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.
Traveling by KTM Berhad train is another option, but it requires a transfer at Gemas. First, take an ETS train from Alor Setar Railway Station to Gemas Railway Station, then continue by train to JB Sentral Railway Station. You can also check the Malaysia Railway Map.
The total journey takes about 14–17 hours, depending on the transfer time in Gemas. Train fares start at about $26 per person, making this option slightly more expensive than the bus.
Train tickets for both sections must be booked separately. E-tickets can be purchased online in advance and used directly on your phone without printing.
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.
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru. You can choose a direct flight or a connecting flight via Kuala Lumpur, with direct flights taking about 1.5 hours and connecting flights about 5–12 hours.
Flights operate from Alor Setar Airport to Senai International Airport, located about 30 km from Johor Bahru city center.
Flight prices range from $50–120 per person. Book your tickets online in advance and always check baggage allowances and airline conditions before departure.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru
How to book tickets from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
Book bus, train and flight tickets online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
Travel takes about 11–19 hours by bus, 14–17 hours by train via Gemas, or about 1.5 hours by direct flight.
How much does it cost to travel?
Bus tickets cost about $17–25/pp, train tickets $26–35/pp, and flights $50–120/pp.
What is the travel distance?
The distance is about 780 km by land or approximately 640 km by air.
What is the fastest way to get to Johor Bahru?
A direct flight is the fastest option, taking only about 1.5 hours.
What is the cheapest option?
The tourist bus is the cheapest option, with fares starting from about $17 per person.
Is there a direct train from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru?
No. You need to change trains at Gemas before continuing to Johor Bahru.
Where can you travel from Alor Setar?
You can also travel to Penang by bus or train. Penang is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations.
Where can you travel from Johor Bahru?
From Johor Bahru you can travel to Kota Bharu, Malacca, or cross the border to Singapore.
Where to stay in Johor Bahru?
Johor Bahru offers budget hotels, guesthouses, apartments and luxury hotels. Book accommodation in Johor Bahru online.
How to travel around Malaysia?
Travel around Malaysia by bus, KTM train, domestic flight, taxi or ferry. Read more: Transportation in Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Alor Setar to Johor Bahru
Traveling from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru covers about 780 km across Peninsular Malaysia. You can travel by direct bus, flight, or KTM train with a transfer in Gemas.
- Fly to Save Time: Direct flights take only about 1.5 hours and are the fastest option.
- Choose the Bus for the Lowest Price: Direct buses are affordable but the journey takes 11–19 hours.
- Travel by Train: KTM trains require a transfer in Gemas and offer a comfortable alternative.
- Book Early: Flights and overnight buses often sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Pack for a Long Journey: Bring water, snacks, a power bank, and a light jacket for buses or trains.
- Use Grab in Johor Bahru: Ride-hailing services are the easiest way to reach your hotel or continue to Singapore.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, and flights from Alor Setar to Johor Bahru can be searched and booked online in advance.