A New Way to Escape the Causeway Grind—Starting Today
Malaysia’s long-awaited Electric Train Service (ETS) between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur officially begins operations today 12 December, one day after a packed media preview run rolled out from Kuala Lumpur Railway Station just before dawn.
The train pulled into Kempas Baru at 10am, where the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, joined Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to mark the completion of the Gemas–Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking project.
Calling it a “very important chapter,” Malaysia’s PM said the new line strengthens Johor’s position as a rapidly developing economic hub.
What Travellers Can Expect On Board
If you’ve ever spent seven hours stuck on a bus to KL, this will feel like a minor miracle.
The new southern ETS3 service runs on the freshly completed Gemas–JB track and cuts travel time to roughly four to four hours 20 minutes, down from the old seven-hour diesel journey.
Trains can hit 140km/h and stop at towns including Kulai, Kluang, Segamat, Seremban, and more before ending at KL Sentral or JB Sentral.
Inside, commuters get reserved seating, air-conditioning, USB and power outlets, toilets, and a café serving hot drinks and light meals—arguably already better than most long-distance buses up north.
Daily Services and Departure Times
KTMB is starting with four daily trips on the KL Sentral–JB Sentral route:
- From KL Sentral: 7.45am, 5.35pm (first service shifts to 7.55am from Jan 1, 2026)
- From JB Sentral: 8.40am, 4.20pm
KTMB says more services will be added later as demand grows—something the operator is already expecting with year-end holidays and rising cross-border traffic from Singapore.
Ticket Prices and the S$25 Launch Promo
Fares begin at RM82 (S$26), and demand has already surged, with the first 30% launch discount for 5,000 passengers fully redeemed ahead of today’s opening. The launch promo runs from today, 12 December, until 11 January 2026.
Tickets can be bought through the KITS Style app, KTMB’s website, or kiosk machines.
A Long Time Coming for Southern Rail
The KL–JB service marks the completion of the 192km Electrified Double-Tracking Project, finally connecting the country’s capital directly to its southern gateway. Transport Minister Anthony Loke called it a major milestone in Malaysia’s rail upgrade—one that also ties into the future Johor–Singapore RTS Link, launching in late 2026 or early 2027.
Currently, travellers heading further north must transit at KL Sentral to reach Ipoh, Butterworth or Padang Besar. Future phases will expand longer-distance connections, capped at one northbound and one southbound direct ETS ride a day.
For now, though, Singaporeans looking for a fast KL escape—minus gridlock, minus airport queues—finally have a convenient train service for their trips.
Watch a video here:
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