Bus
Direct, affordable, overnight possible, best overall choice
Flight
Fastest option, limited flights, higher price
Train
Comfortable journey, but requires transfer in Gemas
Complicated routes
Multiple transfers, longer travel time, not practical
Quick answer: Travelling from Johor Bahru to Ipoh offers several options: a long-distance bus, a train journey via Gemas, a direct flight or a private car/taxi. The bus is the most budget‑friendly and easiest to book, the train provides a more relaxed land route but takes longer, the flight is fastest though less frequent and more expensive, and the private car/taxi gives the most flexibility especially if you travel in a group.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 540 km by road or train; around 450 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~7.5–8 hours | Train ~12–14 hours | Flight ~1 hour | Private car/taxi ~5.5–6.5 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~$17–20 per person | Train ~$18–27 per person | Flight ~$80–160 per person.
- 🚍 Bus: Most common and cheapest choice for solo travellers on a budget.
- 🚆 Train: Land‑route alternative via Gemas, more time but comfortable.
- ✈️ Flight: Quickest option in airtime, useful if schedules align.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Door‑to‑door flexibility, ideal for groups or with lots of luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
From Johor Bahru to Ipoh you can travel by bus, train, plane or taxi.
-
- Travel distance from Johor Bahru to Ipoh in Malaysia is about 540 km by bus or train or about 450 km by direct flight. There are 4 options how you can get to Ipoh from Johor Bahru: travel by tourist bus, transfer by KTM train via Gemas, direct flight or you can travel by private taxi/car. The most popular and cheapest way of transfer to Ipoh from Johor is to travel by bus. Transport by bus from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 7.5-8 hours and bus tickets cost about $17-20/pp. These buses depart from Larking Bus Terminal and arrive to AmanJaya station in Ipoh. The most fastest and comfortable option of getting to Ipoh is to take a direct flight from Johor Bahru.
- Transfer by plane from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 1 hour (direct flight) and it costs about $80-160/pp. You can take a flight from Senai International Airport , flight schedule to Ipoh – Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is very limited. It is also possible to travel by KTM train from Johor Bahru to Ipoh, with stopover in Gemas, there is no direct train. Transfer by KTM Express + ETS Gold train from Johor Bahru to Ipoh (via Gemas) takes totally about 11-13 hours and it costs about $18-27/pp. From Ipoh you should also travel by bus or KTM train to Penang, it is one of the most favorite tourist places in Malaysia you can also travel by bus or KTM train to Alor Setar in Kedah.
-
- The last option how you can go to Ipoh from Johor is to travel by private taxi/car. Transfer by private taxi from Johor to Ipoh (via Kuala Lumpur) takes about 6-6.5 hours and it costs totally about $260-570/car, it is the most expensive option of transfer. If you are looking for a cheap way of transfer to Ipoh, you should travel by tourist bus. These buses are modern and comfortable and you can book tickets easily online. Ipoh is the capital of Perak and is located on the Kinta River about 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. You can also search and book tickets + flights to Ipoh from Johor easily online.
| Transfer modes from Johor Bahru to Ipoh: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 7.5–8 hours | $17–20 per person |
| KTM Train (via Gemas) | 12–14 hours | $18–27 per person |
| Plane (direct flight) | 1 hour | $80–160 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car (via Kuala Lumpur) | 6–6.5 hours | $260–570 per car |
How do I get from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
1. BUS from Johor Bahru to Ipoh
👉 Bus is the most affordable way to travel from Johor Bahru to Ipoh.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and long-distance journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7.5–8 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $17–20 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate (long-distance buses with seats and AC)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct buses from Larkin Terminal to AmanJaya with companies like KPB Express or Super Nice Express
- 💡 Tip: Arrive early at the station and expect possible delays due to the long route.
One of the land transfer options, and at the same time a cheap one, from Johor Bahru to Ipoh in the State of Perak, Malaysia, is to travel by bus. On this route between Johor Bahru in southern Malaysia and Ipoh in the north, you can use KPB Express, Billion Stars Express, Mayang Sari, Sri Maju Group or Super Nice Express bus services.
These companies operate modern buses with seats, but the timetable between these cities can be a bit more limited. Buses usually depart from Larkin Bus Terminal, but may stop at other stops along the way and arrive at AmanJaya Bus Terminal in Ipoh. You will always see this information about bus departures and arrivals when searching for tickets online, so read everything carefully and look at the maps where the bus stations are located.
Bus tickets to Ipoh from Johor Bahru cost in the range of $17-20/pp, with prices varying throughout the year. Bus tickets to Ipoh can be easily searched and purchased online well in advance. Always read the current information and instructions for the transfer and tickets when booking and follow all the instructions of the transport company.
Please arrive at the bus station in Johor Bahru (Larkin Bus Terminal) at least 30-60 minutes before the bus to Ipoh departs. Traveling by bus between Johor Bahru and Ipoh in Malaysia is a popular transfer option mainly among solo low-cost travelers who have a more limited travel budget.
The bus transfer from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 7.5-8 hours, this time may vary a little and it may happen that the buses may be delayed during the journey or upon departure in Johor.
| Bus Company | Departs in Johor Bahru | Arrival in Ipoh |
|---|---|---|
| KPB Express | 06:30 | 13:51 |
| KPB Express | 08:00 | 15:21 |
| KPB Express | 09:00 | 16:21 |
| KPB Express | 09:00 | 16:21 |
| Sri Maju Group | 10:00 | 17:21 |
| Mayang Sari | 10:30 | 00:20 |
| StarMart SG | 10:30 | 00:50 |
| Billion Stars | 08:00 | 15:21 |
| Billion Stars | 09:00 | 16:21 |
| Billion Stars | 10:00 | 17:21 |
| Billion Stars | 11:30 | 18:51 |
| Billion Stars | 13:30 | 20:51 |
| Billion Stars | 15:00 | 22:21 |
| Billion Stars | 17:00 | 00:21 |
| Billion Stars | 21:15 | 04:36 |
| Billion Stars | 21:45 | 05:06 |
| Super Nice Express | 10:30 | 17:38 |
2. TRAIN from Johor Bahru to Ipoh (via Gemas)
👉 Train via Gemas is a comfortable but longer option to travel from Johor Bahru to Ipoh.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer train journeys and don’t mind transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~12–14 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $18–27 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (KTM trains with seating classes)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM trains from JB Sentral to Gemas + onward train to Ipoh
- 💡 Tip: Plan connections carefully in Gemas and book both tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.
Another land transfer option from Johor Bahru to Ipoh is to travel by train. You can take KTM Berhad trains on this route, but it is necessary to change at Gemas, so this option has 2 steps. First a train journey from Johor Bahru to Gemas and then another train journey from Gemas to Ipoh.
Trains depart from JB Sentral Railway Station in Johor Bahru, arrive at Gemas Railway Station and then go to Ipoh Railway Station, see Malaysia Railway Map. It is good to know that the timetables of these trains via Gemas are limited and it is therefore advisable to look up the connections first and whether the transfer connects well in time.
Train transfer times also vary accordingly. The train journey from Johor Bahru to Ipoh via Gemas can take about 12-14 hours, but this time can also vary depending on the other train connection in Gemas city. The train to Gemas from Johor Bahru takes about 4.5-5 hours and the train from Gemas to Ipoh takes about 5 hours.
The train transfer is a bit more expensive than the bus and the train from Johor Bahru to Ipoh via Gemas can cost between $18-27/pp per seat, that’s the total price for both routes.
Train tickets from Johor Bahru to Gemas and from Gemas to Ipoh can be easily searched and purchased online as well as e-tickets that you don’t need to print, just keep them in your mobile phone.
When booking your ticket, also read all information and instructions for the transfer and tickets, follow all instructions given. You then present your train tickets on your phone with a QR code at the Johor Bahru station. Please arrive at JB Sentral Railway Station at least 60 minutes before the train departs.
3. FLIGHT from Johor Bahru to Ipoh
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Johor Bahru to Ipoh.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time and prefer a quick transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1 hour (up to ~4–5 hours total including airport procedures)
- ✔️ Cost: $80–160 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (direct flights with modern aircraft)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights with AirAsia from Senai Airport to Ipoh
- 💡 Tip: Book early and check schedules in advance, as flights on this route are limited.
If you are looking for the most convenient and fastest way to transfer from Johor Bahru to Ipoh, you can use the direct air connection between these cities. With this option, you can save a few hours compared to a ground transfer. However, it is also advisable to count the transfer to the airport and the wait before departure and include this in the total transfer time.
Direct flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh are operated from Senai International Airport to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport and the flight time is approximately 1 hour. In total, the air transfer can take up to 5 hours, if you include waiting before departure and transport to and from the airport.
AirAsia offers direct flights between Johor Bahru and Ipoh. This airline also offers a number of other flights in Malaysia and usually has the cheapest Economy class flights on this route. Direct flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh cost between $80-160/pp, the downside is that the flight schedule between these cities is rather limited.
It is therefore a good idea to check the flights well in advance of your arrival in Johor Bahru. You can search and book flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh online well in advance. When booking a flight to Ipoh, always read all information and instructions given and follow the airline’s instructions.
Air transfer is probably the best transport option from Johor Bahru to Ipoh in Malaysia in terms of speed and comfort, the disadvantage may be higher prices for some flights. This option is therefore not suitable for low-cost travelers, for whom it is better to use a bus transfer.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Johor Bahru to Ipoh
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Johor Bahru to Ipoh.
- ✔️ Ideal for: families, groups, and travelers wanting direct door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5.5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $260–570 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: very high (private cars or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like Daytrip
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost among passengers and customize pickup/drop-off locations for maximum convenience.
For transportation from Johor Bahru to Ipoh, you can also use a private transfer car/taxi with driver. This is a very convenient option, but at the same time the most expensive, because the entire car will be available to you just for you and with an experienced driver. On this route between Johor Bahru and Ipoh, you can use transfers with modern cars from Daytrip. This company will offer you classic smaller cars or even larger minivans for more people.
Minivans for 4-7 people can be suitable for those traveling in a group of several people at the same time, the fare can then also be calculated for individual passengers. Transfer by private car with driver from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 5.5 hours, however, this time may vary slightly, depending on where you are coming from and where you are going.
You can choose your departure point in Johor Bahru and your arrival point in Ipoh, which will also save you some time. Private car transport from Johor Bahru to Ipoh will cost you between $260-570/car, depending on the type of car you choose. Smaller classic cars are always a cheaper option than larger multi-passenger minivans.
You can search and book your private car with driver to Ipoh online well in advance. When booking, again read all the instructions and information about the transfer and follow all the instructions of the company to avoid any misunderstandings. A private transfer is suitable for those who have a larger budget for their travel, it is certainly not an ideal option for low-cost travelers.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Johor Bahru to Ipoh:
1. How to book and buy tickets + flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- Book tickets / car and flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- you can search and book another route, e.g. Ipoh to Penang, Ipoh to Johor Bahru…
2. What is the travel time from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- Travel by bus from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 7.5-8 hours.
- Travel by KTM train from Johor Bahru to Ipoh (via Gemas) takes about 12-14 hours.
- Travel by plane from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 1 hour (direct flight).
- Travel by privatet taxi from Johor Bahru to Ipoh takes about 5.5 hours.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- Transfer by tourist bus from Johor Bahru to Ipoh costs about $17-20/pp.
- Transfer by KTM train from Johor Bahru to Ipoh (via Gemas) costs about $18-27/pp.
- Transfer by plane from Johor Bahru to Ipoh costs about $80-160/pp (direct flight).
- Transfer by private taxi/car from Johor Bahru to Ipoh (via Kuala Lumpur) costs about $260-570/car.
4. What is the travel distance from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- Travel distance from Johor Bahru to Ipoh in Perak State is about 540 km by train/bus or about 450 km by plane.
5. What is the best way of transfer from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- The best and also fastest way of transfer from Johor Bahru to Ipoh is to travel by plane. There is a direct flight from Senai International Airport in Johor to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh. Flight schedule to Ipoh is very limited.
6. What is the most cheapest way of transport from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- The most cheapest way of transport from Johor Bahru to Ipoh is to travel by tourist bus. The most cheapest bus tickets to Ipoh – AmanJaya Bus Station start at $16/pp.
7. Is there a direct railway / train from Johor Bahru to Ipoh?
-
- No, there is no direct train to Ipoh from Johor Bahru. But you can travel by KTM train to Ipoh with stopover in Gemas. There is the KTM Express train from Johor to Gemas and KTM ETS Gold train from Gemas to Ipoh.
8. What you should not miss if you are traveling to Ipoh from Johor?
-
- You can also visit Malacca and Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia. There are buses or trains to Malacca and buses, train or direct flights to Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur you can travel by bus or train to Ipoh.
9. Where you can also travel from Ipoh?
-
- From Ipoh you can travel by KTM train or tourist bus to Penang and Butterworth or you can go by bus to Cameron Highlands. You should travel to Penang, it is a popular tourist place in Malaysia. You can also travel via Penang to Langkawi Island by ferry.
10. Where to stay in Ipoh, hotels or hostel, resort?
-
- Ipoh is a large city and offers various cheap or luxury hotels, guesthouses or hostels for travelers. You can search and book your accommodation in Ipoh in Perak State easily online > Book hotel or resort in Ipoh online.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Johor Bahru to Ipoh
This guide offers practical tips for traveling the approximately 550 km route from Johor Bahru, Malaysia’s southern gateway, to Ipoh, a charming city known for its heritage and cuisine. Whether by bus, train, or flight, these tips help you optimize your journey.
1. Consider Taking the ETS Train for Comfort and Speed
The ETS train connects Johor Bahru’s Larkin Sentral with Ipoh in about 5 to 6 hours. It’s a comfortable and scenic option, especially for those who prefer a relaxed journey with good onboard facilities.
2. Book Your Tickets in Advance, Especially During Peak Times
Trains and buses can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Booking online a few days ahead ensures your seat and preferred departure time, avoiding last-minute inconvenience.
3. Use Larkin Sentral for Bus Departures
Most long-distance buses to Ipoh depart from Larkin Sentral. The terminal is well-equipped with amenities and eateries, so arrive a bit early to grab snacks or refreshments before your trip.
4. Flights Are Available but Usually More Expensive
Though there are flights between Johor Bahru and Ipoh, they are less frequent and often costlier compared to land transport. Flights might make sense if you need to save time and travel during off-peak hours.
5. Prepare for Variable Travel Times
Bus journeys can be affected by traffic, especially when entering or leaving major cities along the way. Factor in extra time to avoid stress, particularly if you have tight schedules or connections.
6. Use Ride-Hailing Apps for Convenience at Both Ends
In Johor Bahru and Ipoh, ride-hailing services like Grab provide easy and affordable transportation to and from bus or train stations, hotels, and other destinations, saving you time and hassle.
Tip: Bus, train, and flight tickets from Johor Bahru to Ipoh can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and travel comfort — especially during busy seasons and holidays.