The Electric Train Service (ETS) linking Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur will commence passenger operations on 12 Dec 2025, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on 22 Nov 2025.
Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, will launch the service in Johor Bahru on 11 Dec, one day before public access begins.​
The announcement came during a press conference after Loke officiated the Kluang Rail Festival at Mahkota Rail Park.
He confirmed that initial operations will focus primarily on connecting Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, with longer-distance routes to Padang Besar and Butterworth scheduled in subsequent phases.​
Service Frequency and Routes
Once fully operational, the service will offer 12 daily trips across three routes. Eight trips will run on the Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru route, while two trips each will serve the Johor Bahru-Padang Besar and Johor Bahru-Butterworth routes.​
Loke explained that shorter sectors like Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur allow more frequent trips compared to longer routes. Longer routes can only accommodate two trips daily – one northbound and one southbound – due to distance constraints. Passengers travelling to northern states from Johor Bahru are encouraged to use transit connections.​
Infrastructure Completion
The Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (EDTP) stood at 99.94 per cent completion as of 21 Nov 2025, according to Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh. Full completion is expected by the end of Nov 2025.​
The RM8.9 billion (~SGD$2.79 billion) project began physical construction on 1 Dec 2016 and covers a 192km stretch across Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Bahru. Final works continue ahead of the line becoming fully operational.​
Travel Time and Speed
The ETS trains can operate at speeds up to 140km/h between KL Sentral and stations along the line. The new electrified service will reduce travel time from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur to approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on service type and number of stops. Current diesel locomotive services take up to seven hours for the same journey.​
The 350km route represents part of a larger 692km rail network extending from Padang Besar to Johor Bahru. The ETS extension from Kuala Lumpur to Kluang was launched in Aug 2025, with Sultan Ibrahim personally driving the inaugural train.​
Project History
The project faced multiple delays from its original October 2021 completion target. Construction paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and encountered setbacks related to electrical supply, land acquisition and signalling works.
The current end-2025 deadline represents a significant delay from initial timelines, though authorities maintain the project is on track for December operations.​
The first phase from Gemas to Segamat was completed in March 2025, while the second phase from Segamat to Kluang opened before 31 Aug 2025. The final phase extends from Kluang to JB Sentral.​
Pricing and Ticketing
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has not yet announced official ticket prices for the Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur route.
Based on current ETS pricing structures, one-way fares are estimated between RM100 to RM120 (~SGD$31.45 to SGD$37.75) from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur. For comparison, one-way tickets from Kluang to Kuala Lumpur start from RM80 (~SGD$25.16).​
Express bus services between the two cities cost RM35 to RM50 (~SGD$11.01 to SGD$15.73) but take five to six hours and face highway congestion.
The ETS will offer multiple service tiers, including Platinum Express with fewer stops for faster journeys, Gold for balanced speed and affordability, and Silver with more stops at a lower ticket price.
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