Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru by train has gotten slightly faster. The Electric Train System (ETS) is now extended to Kluang (previously, the ETS service ended at Segamat). While the full extension to Johor Bahru (JB) Sentral is still in progress, taking the ETS to Kluang instead of Gemas shortens travel time before switching to the slower KTM train.
The total travel time from KL Sentral to JB Sentral is now reduced by 1.5 hours; from 7 hours to 5.5 hours. We reckon taking the train would be great for digital nomads and slow travelers who explore Malaysia by land.
Ticket Options and Prices
We decided to take the train from KL Sentral to JB Sentral, with the transit at Kluang. On the ETS, there is now the Business Class option at RM168 (USD40), while the Standard seat costs RM98 (USD23).
On the KTM, there is just one standard fare of RM14 (USD3.30) from Kluang to JB Sentral.
ETS Business Class (RM168): KL Sentral → Kluang
KTM (RM14): Kluang → JB Sentral
Currently there is only one train timing from KL Sentral to Kluang at 7.45AM daily. It’s scheduled to arrive at Kluang in 3.5 hours at 11.18AM.
From Kluang to JB Sentral it’ll take you 2 hours, and you have the option to take either the 12.22PM or 5.54PM train. If you’d like to explore Kluang town and visit the Old Kluang Train Station Cafe, the later train is a nice option.
Buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Always purchase both KL Sentral to Kluang and Kluang to JB Sentral tickets together so you secure your seats to enjoy a seamless journey. All tickets can only be purchased through the KTMB website.
Departure from KL Sentral
We arrived slightly earlier than our 7.45AM departure and headed to the Business Class lounge. Unfortunately, just as we entered, the boarding call was announced. So we didn’t get to enjoy any amenities this time.
Boarding for Business Class passengers started earlier, and a staff member went from seat to seat to verify our tickets before departure.
Inside the ETS Business Class Carriage
The seats have spacious leg room and the carriage has a 2 seats by 1 seat per row instead of the usual 2 by 2 seats separated by the aisle. Each seat has a power point and 2 USB points. There’s also a desk extendable from the seat’s armrest.
The desk was perfect for my laptop. The train ride was quiet and comfortable which made it ideal to work while traveling.
Onboard Experience – Comfort, Meals & Productivity
Breakfast was served 20 minutes into the train ride. We had a bento set of nasi lemak and bottled water.
It got quite chilly, and your homegirl didn’t have any cardigan. Do remember to bring a light jacket or cardigan for your train ride. There is a toilet which is just outside the door to the business class carriage. We took refuge in that area where it was slightly warmer.
We love the business class carriage as it was almost quiet throughout our 3.5 hour journey.
With no WiFi onboard and unstable internet connectivity or mobile data as the train passed through different cities and towns, Zee ended up writing an article and Wan read a book.
Just before we arrived at Kluang, we were served with hot drinks (choice of tea or coffee) and a snack box. The snack box included a pack of nuts and a pack of juice. There’s also a pair of earphones.
Though we cannot be too sure what the earphones are for as there was no entertainment on the attached tablet to our seat during our train ride.
Arrival and Transit at Kluang
We arrived at Kluang on time at 11.18AM. We were ushered out to the lobby of Kluang station. There was an hour wait for the next KTM train to JB Sentral.
There’s not much happening at the Kluang station. But if you don’t mind walking out to the old Kluang station, you can get food and drinks from its popular cafe.
From Kluang to Johor Bahru
An announcement was made for intended passengers to board the KTM train to JB Sentral 15 minutes before departure time of 12.20PM.
The KTM train from Kluang to JB Sentral costs RM14 and has the standard seating arrangement of 2-by-2 seats separated by the aisle. It was comfortable enough for the remaining 2-hour ride.
The transit may be inconvenient if you are traveling with young children or the elderly, and those carrying heavy luggage. Despite this, the journey is smooth and scenic through Johor’s countryside.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth the Upgrade?
We truly enjoyed the Business Class seat. The upgrade of RM70 (U$16.50) to Business Class is totally worth the comfort and space, quiet atmosphere and the functional setup for digital work. Zee managed to be productive, writing on her laptop with the attached desk.
The beautiful views of the Malaysian countryside, the greeneries, villages and occasional animal farms are always a welcome sight.
Summary: Would We Take the Train Again?
Definitely!
While the transit at Kluang adds a small inconvenience, it beats having to be on the slower KTM train for a longer period.
Previously, you’d be on the ETS for only 2.5 hours before transferring to the slower KTM train for an arduous journey of 4.5 hours.
Now, you get to be on the ETS for 3.5 hours and sit through only 2 hours of the slower KTM.
We are patiently waiting for the time when the ETS line extends fully to JB Sentral. It would be a breeze without any transit stop. We reckon it would take about 5 hours between these 2 train stations.
We’ll be among the first to hop on board!
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