Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru ETS Train Service Expected to Launch Officially in August 2025!

After nearly a decade in the making, Malaysia's highly anticipated Electric Train Service (ETS) is finally heading south! Get ready for a direct, electrified double-track train journey from Kuala Lumpur all the way to Johor Bahru, with an official launch expected in August 2025.

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This is huge news for travelers, promising to be a real game-changer for how we get around.

A Game-Changer for North-South Travel

Image credit: KTM Berhad official website

Currently, a train trip from KL to JB can take a whopping 7 hours. But once the new ETS line is up and running, that journey will be cut down to a speedy 3.5 to 4.5 hours! This is a massive improvement, promising to revolutionize domestic travel and make trips between the capital and the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia faster and more efficient than ever before.

What's the Deal with the ETS KL-JB Line?

Image credit: KTM Berhad official website

Historically, the ETS has only served the northern parts of West Malaysia, connecting major cities like Ipoh, Penang, and Padang Besar. Southern regions, on the other hand, have relied on the slower KTM Intercity diesel trains.

This new extension, officially known as the "Gemas to JB Sentral Electrified Double Track Project," is the final piece of the puzzle. This massive RM9.5 billion project, which started back in 2017, marks the completion of Malaysia's entire west coast electrified railway network.

Once fully operational, ETS trains will run directly from KL Sentral to JB Sentral, making stops at key towns along the way, including Segamat, Kluang, and Kulai.

Comfort and Convenience on Your ETS Ride

Image credit: KTM Berhad official website

The brand-new ETS 3 trains have already arrived in Malaysia and are undergoing final tests. Designed with long-distance comfort in mind, these sleek trains will offer a fantastic travel experience with features like:

• 312 comfortable seats

• Onboard Wi-Fi to keep you connected

• Convenient USB charging ports for your devices

• Ample luggage space for all your bags

Initially, there will be 22 daily services, each capable of carrying between 300 to 500 passengers.

What Muslim Travelers Should Know

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Malaysia is a very Muslim-friendly country, and finding prayer facilities is usually very easy, especially at major transport hubs.

At KL Sentral: The station complex has a dedicated prayer room (surau or musholla). Look for it on one of the upper levels or ask an information counter for directions. You can easily perform your prayers before or after your journey.

At JB Sentral: The JB Sentral building also has a prayer room available for travelers. For a larger mosque, the beautiful Masjid India is just a short walk away.

On the train itself, the journey of 3.5 to 4.5 hours means you may need to perform your prayers on board. The train offers comfortable seating and enough space to perform the prayer motions. You can use a travel prayer mat or simply pray in your seat. The onboard Wi-Fi can also be used to check prayer times using various apps.

Good News for Singaporeans Too!

This new train line is also a huge win for travelers from Singapore! Once it's running, you can simply cross the border into JB, hop on the ETS at JB Sentral, and enjoy a direct, traffic-free journey to KL.

This service, combined with the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link (expected to open in 2026), will make cross-border travel incredibly smooth and seamless.

Can You Still Take the Train from KL to JB Now?

Image credit: KTM Berhad official website

Yes, you can, but it's a two-step process that takes longer. You'll need to:

Take the ETS from KL Sentral to Gemas.

Then, transfer to a KTM Intercity diesel train from Gemas to JB Sentral.

This current journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, so buses and driving are still your faster options for now.

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Whether you're planning a long vacation or a quick weekend getaway, this brand-new ETS route promises a more comfortable and much faster way to travel. Soon, the ETS will be your new go-to for a relaxed, and eco-friendly trip!