Bus
Most popular, direct, widely available
Flight
Fastest, easiest option between cities
Train (Jungle Railway)
Scenic route through rainforest, sleeper train
Multiple transfers
Unnecessary, direct options available
Quick answer: The main transport options from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu are tourist bus/minivan, train (via Wakaf Bharu), or a flight option with stopover. The bus is the easiest and most budget‑friendly, the train offers a scenic rail journey, and the flight (if available) is fastest for travelers who prefer speed and convenience.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 700 km between Johor Bahru and Kota Bharu
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~16 hours | Train ~17–18 hours (to Wakaf Bharu + local connection) | Flight ~1.5 hours (direct when available)
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~$17‑18 per person | Train ~$10‑30 per person | Flight ~$50‑70 per person
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus/minivan
- 🚆 Scenic option: Train via Wakaf Bharu (nearest rail station to Kota Bharu)
- ✈️ Fastest option: Flight (direct or via connection)
Last updated in April 2026
From Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu you can travel by bus, train, or flight
The distance from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu is about 700 km. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM train, or direct or connecting flight. The cheapest option is the tourist bus, while a flight is the fastest.
Bus tickets cost about $13–16 and the journey takes around 16 hours. KTM trains travel to Wakaf Bharu, the nearest railway station to Kota Bharu, with tickets from $10–30 and a travel time of about 17 hours. You can also fly directly or via Kuala Lumpur, with fares from about $50.
Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan and the main gateway to Malaysia’s east coast. From here you can continue to the Perhentian Islands or travel to Kuala Lumpur by bus, train, or flight.
| Transfer Mode – Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 16 hours | $17–18/pp |
| Train | 18 hours | $10–30/pp |
| Plane (direct flight) | 1.5 hours | $50–70/pp |
How do I get from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
1. BUS from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu
👉 Bus travel is the cheapest way to get from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu, but it involves a long journey.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who don’t mind extended travel time
- ✔️ Duration: ~16 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $13–16 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (buses with reclining seats for long-distance travel)
- ✅ Best option: Choose operators like Express Perdana, Mayang Sari or KKKL Express
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and arrive early, as schedules are limited and delays may occur.
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest transport options from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu. Companies such as Mayang Sari, Adik Beradik, Ekspres Mutiara, Ekspres Perdana, and KKKL Express operate comfortable coaches with reclining seats.
Most buses depart from Larkin Bus Terminal and arrive at Terminal Lembah Sireh, Kota Bharu Bus Terminal, or other stops in the city.
The journey takes about 16 hours, depending on traffic and the operator. Bus tickets cost about $13–16 per person and can be booked online in advance.
Check the latest departure details when booking and arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Kota Bharu ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Johor Bahru | Arrival – Kota Bharu |
|---|---|---|
| Ekspres Mutiara | 09:15 | 01:27 |
| Ekspres Mutiara | 20:30 | 12:42 |
| Mayang Sari | 20:00 | 12:12 |
| Ekspres Perdana | 20:30 | 12:42 |
| KKKL Express | 20:30 | 12:42 |
2. TRAIN from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu
👉 Train travel on the “Jungle Railway” is a scenic but very long journey from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who enjoy rail trips and want to experience Malaysia’s countryside
- ✔️ Duration: ~16 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $10–30 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (seats or sleeper berths available)
- ✅ Best option: Choose a sleeper berth on the KTM Intercity train for overnight comfort
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance, as there is usually only one train per day on this route.
Traveling by KTM Berhad train is a comfortable way to get from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu. The famous “Jungle Train” offers seats and sleeper berths, making it a good option for this long journey.
Trains depart from JB Sentral Railway Station and arrive at Wakaf Bharu Railway Station, about 5 km from Kota Bharu. You can also view the Malaysia Railway Map.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Wakaf Bharu ➜
The journey takes about 16 hours. Tickets cost around $10–30 per person, and sleeper berths are recommended for overnight travel.
Train tickets can be booked online in advance and used as mobile e-tickets. As there is usually only one train per day, early booking is recommended.
3. FLIGHTS from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu
👉 Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long overland journeys
- ✔️ Total duration: ~4–5 hours (including airport transfers and waiting time)
- ✔️ Price: about $50–100 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with modern aircraft)
- ✅ Best option: Choose airlines like AirAsia, Firefly or Malaysia Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and check schedules carefully, as direct connections may be limited.
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu. Direct flights are available, although the schedule is limited, and you can also fly via Kuala Lumpur.
A direct flight takes about 1.5 hours, while connecting flights usually take 5–8 hours. Including airport transfers and check-in, the total travel time is around 5 hours.
Flights operate from Senai International Airport to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. Airlines include AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air, with fares from about $50–100 per person.
Flights can be booked online in advance. As direct departures are limited, booking early is recommended to secure the best fares.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu
How to book tickets and flights from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
Book bus, train, and flight tickets online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Compare prices and departure times online.
How long does it take to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
Bus: about 16 hours. KTM train: about 16–17 hours. Direct flight: about 1.5 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
Bus: $13–16. Train: $10–30. Flight: $50–100 per person.
What is the distance from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
The distance is about 700 km by road or rail and about 550 km by air.
What is the best way to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
A direct flight is the fastest option. If flights are unavailable, the KTM sleeper train is a comfortable alternative.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
The KTM train offers the lowest fares, while the tourist bus is another affordable and popular option.
Is there a sleeper train from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu?
Yes. KTM Intercity trains offer air-conditioned sleeper berths, recommended for this overnight journey.
Where can you travel from Kota Bharu?
Popular routes include Kuala Lumpur and the Perhentian Islands via Kuala Besut.
What are some interesting facts about Malaysia?
Malaysia is known for its diverse culture, tropical nature, and famous cuisine. Read more in 15 Interesting Facts about Malaysia.
What is the weather like in Malaysia?
Malaysia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and seasonal monsoon rains on different coasts.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu
Traveling from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu covers about 700 km. You can travel by tourist bus, KTM Jungle Train, or direct flight. The train and bus are popular budget options, while flying is the fastest.
- Fly to Save Time: Direct flights take only about 1.5 hours.
- Try the Jungle Train: KTM Intercity offers seats and sleeper berths through scenic countryside.
- Book Early: Train tickets and direct flights are limited and can sell out quickly.
- Choose an Overnight Trip: Night buses and trains help save time and one night’s accommodation.
- Arrive Early: Reach the bus or train station at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- Plan Your Next Stop: Kota Bharu is the main gateway to the Perhentian Islands and Kelantan.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, and flights from Johor Bahru to Kota Bharu can be searched and booked online in advance.