New KL to JB Train Route: What You Need to Know in 2025

Planning to take a high-speed train from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru in 2025? Malaysia’s new ETS3 train has certainly created buzz among travellers — especially for those who prefer a more comfortable, family-friendly journey across the peninsula. However, if you're expecting a direct KL to JB route by the end of 2025, here’s the truth: that full connection isn’t ready just yet.

The ETS3 (Electric Train Service 3) is Malaysia’s latest upgrade in rail travel, offering high-speed connectivity between major cities. Designed for comfort and convenience, ETS3 trains are equipped with reclining seats, USB charging ports, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned coaches. With 312 seats per train, they’re ideal for long-distance travellers — especially Muslim families looking for spacious, hassle-free travel.

The project is part of the larger Electrified Double Tracking Project (EDTP), meant to connect Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Johor Bahru with modern, electric-powered trains.

Unfortunately, the full ETS3 line between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru is not yet operational. As of August 2025, the ETS service currently runs from KL Sentral to Kluang. While it was initially expected to reach Johor Bahru by the end of the year, a recent report by The Star confirmed that the Segamat to JB segment is facing significant delays. Issues such as land acquisition challenges and signalling problems have pushed back the timeline indefinitely.

So, while you can enjoy the new ETS3 experience from KL to Kluang, you’ll need to arrange alternate transportation to continue your journey to Johor Bahru and beyond.

Even with the delays, the new ETS3 trains are a welcome improvement for Muslim travellers. The onboard comfort makes it easier for families and elderly passengers, while prayer times can be observed at major stops like Segamat and Kluang. Additionally, these towns offer access to halal food and prayer facilities near the station, making the overall journey more convenient and spiritually accommodating.

So how can you still make the journey from KL to Singapore using rail options? Here’s a realistic breakdown.

You’ll begin your trip at KL Sentral, boarding the ETS3 train to Kluang. This journey takes approximately three hours and is smooth, modern, and scenic. Tickets can be purchased online through the KTM Intercity website or mobile app.

Once in Kluang, you have two options to reach Johor Bahru. You can continue by KTM Shuttle — though this option is slower, taking nearly three hours — or opt for a quicker intercity bus ride, which typically takes about two hours.

From Johor Bahru’s JB Sentral, you’ll cross into Singapore. Currently, the Shuttle Tebrau remains the main connection, linking JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Immigration is done on both sides, so factor in the time.

By late 2026, the new RTS Link is expected to open, offering a seamless train ride into Singapore’s MRT network via Woodlands North station with integrated immigration clearance.

Fares for the ETS3 train from KL to Kluang range between RM40 to RM55, depending on seating class and timing. The bus from Kluang to JB costs around RM10 to RM20, while the Shuttle Tebrau ride to Singapore is priced at approximately SGD5.

While these prices may vary, this rail option still offers a cost-effective and more relaxing alternative to flying or taking long-haul buses.

That’s the question many are asking — and the answer, for now, is no. While there was initial hope that the ETS3 would connect all the way to JB Sentral by the end of 2025, delays in the Segamat–JB section have pushed the timeline back with no confirmed completion date. According to The Star’s August 2025 coverage, the project is still undergoing testing and upgrades, meaning we might not see a direct KL–JB ETS train until sometime in 2026 or beyond.

If you’re planning a trip soon, the current ETS route to Kluang still offers a great travel experience — especially for Muslim travellers. It’s clean, prayer-friendly, family-appropriate, and avoids the fatigue of long bus rides or the hassle of air travel. Plus, the towns along the way such as Segamat and Kluang are worth exploring, with plenty of local charm and halal food options.

Once the full route to JB and the RTS Link to Singapore open, this journey will become one of the most efficient and connected train rides in Southeast Asia. Until then, with just a bit of planning, you can still travel from KL to Singapore comfortably — with a scenic pit stop in between.