Flight
Direct, fastest option, best for long distance travel
Bus
Cheapest option, direct connection, long but simple journey
Train
More comfortable ride, but requires transfer in Gemas
Direct routes
No simple direct rail option, always involves transfers
Quick answer: Travelling from Penang to Johor Bahru offers options including affordable buses, comfortable trains, flights, or private car/taxi for maximum convenience. The bus is the most budget-friendly option, the train offers a relaxed and scenic journey, flights are fastest, and private cars/taxis provide door-to-door flexibility—perfect for groups or those with lots of luggage.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 670 km between Penang and Johor Bahru.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~9-17 hours | Train ~12-15 hours | Flight ~1.5 hours | Car/taxi ~6 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$15–25 | Train US$20–40 | Flight US$30–80 | Car/taxi US$300–450 per vehicle.
- 🚍 Bus: Most economical with many daily departures.
- 🚆 Train: Comfortable, scenic route connecting major cities.
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest option with direct flights from Penang to Johor Bahru.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Best for flexibility, groups, and luggage.
Last updated in March 2026
From Penang to Johor Bahru you can travel by bus, train, taxi, plane.
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- Travel distance from Penang to Johor Bahru in Malaysia is about 700 km by train, bus, car and about 600 km by plane. There are 4 options how you can get to Johor Bahru from Penang / Butterworth: transport by tourist bus, travel by KTM train, private taxi/car or you can take a direct flight. The best and fastest way of transfer to Johor Bahru from Penang is a direct flight. Travel by plane – direct flight from Penang to Johor Bahru takes only about 1.5 hour and it costs about $30-70/pp. There are these airlines: Firefly, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air or Air Asia to Johor Bahru Airport from Penang International Airport.
- The most cheapest option how you can reach Johor Bahru from Penang is to travel by tourist bus. There are various modern buses between these places. Transport by tourist bus from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 9-17 hours and bus tickets cost about about $15-23/pp. Buses arrive to Larkin Bus Terminal or Tampoi in Johor Bahru and depart from Komtar Penang, Sungai Nibong or Butterworth in Penang. From Penang or Butterworth you can also travel by tourist bus or train via Johor Bahru to Singapore, there are also direct flights to Singapore.
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- You can also travel by KTM train from Penang (Butterworth Railway Station) to Johor Bahru (Kempas Baru Railway Station). But there is no direct railway to Johor from Penang. You have to travel by KTM Train – ETS Gold from Butterworth to Gemas and from Gemas Railway Station you can take another KTM Express train to Johor Bahru. Transfer by train to Johor has 2 steps. Butterworth Railway Station is about 4 km from Penang – Georgetown by ferry, right at the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal.
- You can also travel by combination of bus, train or plane via Kuala Lumpur. Johor Bahru is a city in Malaysia, the capital of the state of Johor. Read the instructions how you can reach Johor Bahru from Penang below in this article. You can also search and book tickets or flights to Johor from Penang easily online.
| Transfer modes from Penang to Johor Bahru: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 9–17 hours | $15–23 per person |
| KTM Berhad Train | 12–15 hours | $23–30 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | $30–70 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 6 hours | $340–720 per car |
How do I get from Penang to Johor Bahru?
1. BUS from Penang to Johor Bahru
👉 Bus is the most economical way to travel from Penang to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and solo backpackers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~9–17 hours (depending on route and stops)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $15–23 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: standard (long-distance buses with air-conditioning and reclining seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Services by operators like KKKL Express, Super Nice Express or Billion Stars Express
- 💡 Advice: Choose overnight buses to save time and book tickets online in advance for better availability.
The cheapest ground transfer option from Penang / Butterworth to Johor Bahru in Malaysia is a bus transfer. This is a longer journey and you will be traveling over a large part of the east coast of Malaysia. On this route to Johor Bahru, you can use bus companies such as Billion Stars Express, KPB Express, Super Nice Express, LA Holidays, Pancaran Matahari, Starmart, KPB Express, KKKL Express, Mayang Sari and others.
These companies operate modern buses with seats on this route. The bus schedule is relatively extensive and there are plenty of connections between Penang and Johor Bahru throughout the day. Buses can depart from various locations or stations such as Sungai Nibong, Penang Komtar, Butterworth and others and usually arrive at Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. It is one of the biggest bus stations in Johor Bahru for various out of town connections.
You can see all information about departure and arrival points when searching for tickets online. The bus transfer from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 9-17 hours, depending on the company and the route operated.
However, you should also take into account that the buses may also be late. Bus transport is a cheap option and a transfer from Penang / Butterworth to Johor Bahru costs between $15-23/pp, these prices may vary slightly throughout the year.
Bus tickets to Johor Bahru from Penang are easy to find and buy online in advance. When booking a ticket, always read all instructions and follow the conditions of the bus companies. Bus transfer to Johor Bahru from Penang or Butterworth is ideal mainly for ordinary solo low-cost travelers.
| Bus Company | Departs in Penang | Arrival in Johor Bahru |
|---|---|---|
| Billion Stars | 01:00 | 10:08 |
| Billion Stars | 07:00 | 16:08 |
| Billion Stars | 08:30 | 17:38 |
| Billion Stars | 09:30 | 19:38 |
| Billion Stars | 12:30 | 21:38 |
| Billion Stars | 13:30 | 22:38 |
| Billion Stars | 17:30 | 02:38 |
| Billion Stars | 18:30 | 03:38 |
| Billion Stars | 19:30 | 04:38 |
| Billion Stars | 21:30 | 06:38 |
| Billion Stars | 23:00 | 08:08 |
| Super Nice Express | 07:30 | 16:38 |
| Super Nice Express | 21:45 | 06:53 |
| KKKL Express | 20:30 | 13:42 |
| KKKL Express | 21:30 | 14:42 |
| KPB Express | 08:45 | 17:53 |
| KPB Express | 20:45 | 05:53 |
| Mayang Sari | 23:15 | 16:27 |
2. FLIGHT from Penang to Johor Bahru
👉 Flight is the fastest and most efficient way to travel from Penang to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long overland journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5 hours (around 4–5 hours total including airport transfers)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $30–70 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (quick journey with modern aircraft)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights with airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines or Firefly
- 💡 Advice: Book early for the best fares and check baggage rules for low-cost airlines.
Undoubtedly, the fastest, most comfortable and sometimes also the cheapest transfer option from Penang to Johor Bahru is a direct air connection. The airlines Firefly, Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia will offer you this transport option between these cities. AirAsia usually offers the cheapest flights to Johor Bahru.
A direct flight from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 1.5 hours, but it is also good to include the transfer to the airport and the wait before departure. In total, this type of transfer can take up to 5 hours. Flights are operated from Penang International Airport to Johor Bahru Airport.
Penang International Airport is approximately 20 km south of Georgetown and can be reached by bus or private transfer. Air transfer from Penang to Johor Bahru costs in the range of $30-70/pp, these are the prices mostly for Economy class flights. The flight schedule between these places can be limited, so it is advisable to search for tickets in advance.
You can easily search and book flights from Penang to Johor Bahru online. When booking a ticket, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow the airline’s instructions. Economy class flights may, for example, have restrictions on the maximum weight of luggage.
Air transfer is the best option to get to Johor Bahru from Penang if you want to avoid other places in Malaysia and want to save your time. The advantage is relatively cheap flights between these places.
| Airline | Departs in Penang | Arrival in Johor Bahru |
|---|---|---|
| Air Asia | 08:10 | 09:20 |
| Air Asia | 13:40 | 14:50 |
| Air Asia | 22:40 | 23:55 |
| Firefly | 07:15 | 08:30 |
| Firefly | 12:00 | 13:15 |
| Firefly | 19:30 | 20:45 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 07:15 | 08:30 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 12:00 | 13:15 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 19:30 | 20:45 |
3. TRAIN from Penang (Butterworth) to Johor Bahru
👉 Train via Butterworth and Gemas is a comfortable but longer route to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who prefer rail travel and don’t mind a transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~11–12 hours (including transfer in Gemas)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $23–30 per person (combined tickets)
- ✔️ Comfort level: medium to high (modern trains + sleeper option on second leg)
- ✅ Best Option: KTM Berhad trains via Gemas with connection to JB Sentral
- 💡 Advice: Book both train segments in advance and plan enough time for the transfer in Gemas.
You can also use another ground transportation option from Penang to Johor Bahru and that is the train transfer. On this route you have to transfer in Gemas, so this option has 2 steps. You will first take a train from Butterworth to Gemas and then another train from Gemas to Johor Bahru.
The best way to get to Butterworth Railway Station from Penang is by ferry transfer, this transport option will only take about 20 minutes. There are KTM Berhad trains on the Butterworth – Gemas – Johor Bahru route, seat trains on the first route and sleeper trains on the Gemas route.
1. BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Gemas ➜
Trains depart from Butterworth Railway Station and arrive at Gemas Railway Station, here you need to change to another train going then to JB Sentral Train Station in Johor Bahru, see Malaysia Railway Map. The train journey from Butterworth to Gemas takes about 7 hours and the train transfer from Gemas to Johor Bahru takes about 4-4.5 hours.
Train tickets from Butterworth to Gemas cost around $18-23/pp and tickets from Gemas to Johor Bahru cost around $5-7/pp. Butterworth to Johor Bahru train tickets are easy to find and buy online in advance. You must search for and purchase 2 separate tickets for each route.
You don’t need to print these tickets, you just have to save them on your phone and then present them when you get on the train with the QR code that the e-tickets contain. The train transfer is not a bad option, but it takes longer than the bus and you have to make it with a transfer in Gemas.
2. BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Johor ➜
4. TAX / CAR from Penang to Johor Bahru
👉 Private taxi/car is the most convenient door-to-door option from Penang to Johor Bahru.
- ✔️ Ideal for: families, groups, and travelers seeking maximum comfort
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7 hours (depending on route and stops)
- ✔️ Price range: $340–720 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (private vehicles with professional driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with providers like Daytrip
- 💡 Advice: Share the cost among passengers and choose flexible pickup/drop-off locations for a smoother trip.
A relatively convenient but most expensive transfer option from Penang to Johor Bahru is a private taxi/car with driver. The advantage of a private transfer is that you can choose your departure point in Penang and your arrival point in Johor Bahru. By doing this, you can also save some of your time.
Private transfer by modern car with driver from Penang to Johor Bahru is offered by Daytrip. This company offers smaller classic cars and even minivans for transporting more people.
Transfer by private car/taxi with driver from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 7 hours. However, this time may vary a little, depending on the exact route you choose and where exactly you are going.
Private car transport from Penang to Johor Bahru costs around $340-720/car, prices vary by car type. Smaller classic cars are usually a cheaper option than larger multi-passenger minivans. You can search and book your private car with driver from Penang to Johor Bahru online in advance.
When booking a car, carefully read all transfer instructions and conditions and follow the company’s instructions. A private transfer to Johor Bahru from Penang is suitable for travelers who have a bigger budget for their travel.
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Penang to Johor Bahru:
1. How to book and buy tickets + flights from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- You can book tickets and flights from Penang to Johor Bahru on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- It is possible to search and book another routes, e.g. Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Gemas to Johor Bahru…
2. What is the travel time from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- Transfer by bus from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 9-17 hours.
- Transfer by KTM train from Penang to Johor Bahru (via Gemas) takes about 12-15 hours.
- Transfer by plane from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 1.5 hours (direct flight).
- Transfer by private taxi/car from Penang to Johor Bahru takes about 7 hours.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Penang to Johor Bahru costs about $15-23/pp.
- Travel by KTM train from Penang – Butterworth to Johor Bahru (via Gemas) costs about $23-30/pp.
- Travel by plane from Penang to Johor Bahru costs about $30-70/pp (direct flight).
- Travel by private taxi/car from Penang to Johor Bahru costs about $340-720/car.
4. What is the travel distance from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- Travel distance from Penang to Johor Bahru in Malaysia is about 700 km by train/bus or about 600 km by plane.
5. What is the best way of transfer from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- The best and also fastest way of transfer from Penang to Johor Bahru is to travel by plane. There are very cheap low-cost direct flights to Johor Bahru Airport from Penang International Airport. Some of these direct flights to Johor Bahru start already at $25/pp.
6. What is the most cheapest way of getting from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- The most cheapest option of transfer from Penang to Johor Bahru is to travel by tourist bus. There are tourist buses to Larkin Bus Terminal or Tampoi in Johor Bahru. The most cheapest bus tickets to Johor Bahru start at $15/pp.
7. Is there a direct train from Penang to Johor Bahru?
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- No, there is no direct train to Johor Bahru from Penang – Butterworth. But you can travel by KTM train from Butterworth to Gemas and in Gemas you can take another KTM train to Kempas Baru Railway Station in Johor Bahru.
8. How to get from Georgetown to Butterworth Railway Station?
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- The best way how you can go to Butterworth Train Station from Georgetown in Penang is to travel by ferry (about 4 km) to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal. This ferry terminal is only about 200m from Butterworth Railway Station. Another option is to travel by private taxi or local bus, about 25 km by road.
9. Where you can also travel from Penang?
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- From Penang you can also travel by tourist bus or plane to Kota Bharu in Kelantan and you can also go to Kuala Terengganu, about 170 km south of Kota Bharu. The most popular travel route is also from Penang to Langkawi Island, there are ferries or direct flights to this island.
10. Where you can travel from Johor Bahru?
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- The most travelers go to Singapore via Johor Bahru. Johor Bahru is the border town and close to Woodlands in Singapore, from Woodlands you can travel by shuttle train to Singapore town center. You can also travel by train to Kota Bharu in the north of Malaysia.
11. Where to stay in Johor Bahru, hotels or hostel, resort?
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- Kota Bharu is a large city and you can find there various accommodation facilities. There are cheap hotels, guesthouse, apartments for rent or luxury modern hotel in the town center of Johor.
- You can search and book your stay in Johor Bahru online > Book hotel / resort in Johor online ➜.
12. What is the weather in Malaysia and what to expect?
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- The weather in Malaysia varies throughout the year. Generally, Malaysia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The country has two monsoon seasons—the Southwest Monsoon (May to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (November to March). During the Southwest Monsoon, the western coastal areas, including Kuala Lumpur, may experience heavy rainfall. The Northeast Monsoon brings rain to the eastern coastal areas. However, the interior regions and certain islands can be visited year-round.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Penang to Johor Bahru
The journey from Penang to Johor Bahru is a long but rewarding trip across Malaysia’s west coast, covering around 700–750 km. Proper planning and preparation can make your travel experience smoother and more comfortable, whether you choose bus, train, or car.
1. Prepare for a Full-Day Journey
This route typically takes between 8 to 10 hours depending on your mode of transport and traffic conditions. Allow extra time for rest stops or unexpected delays, especially if travelling by bus or car.
2. Book Tickets in Advance
Securing your tickets early guarantees better seats and your preferred departure times, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons when demand is high.
3. Break the Trip with Planned Stops
Consider stopping in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh to stretch your legs and enjoy local food. These stops can make the long journey less tiring and offer a chance to explore more of Malaysia.
4. Pack Essentials for Comfort
Bring water, snacks, entertainment such as books or podcasts, and a power bank. This ensures you stay hydrated, fed, and entertained throughout the long hours on the road or rail.
5. Dress for Variable Weather and Temperature
Malaysia’s tropical climate means sudden showers can occur, and air conditioning on buses and trains can be quite strong. Dressing in layers and carrying a lightweight raincoat or umbrella is advisable.
6. Plan Your Last-Mile Transport in Johor Bahru
Upon arrival, local taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab provide convenient options to reach your final destination quickly. Having a transport app ready can save time and avoid waiting.
Tip: Bus and train tickets from Penang to Johor Bahru can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and travel comfort — especially useful during busy travel periods.