Day trips to JB have become a part of life among us Singaporeans – a quick escape from the daily grind. With the KTM Shuttle already making life easier and the upcoming RTS Link connecting Woodlands to JB, hopping across the border has never been more convenient. And from 12th December 2025, the Electric Train Service (ETS) between JB and KL will be up and running, making trips to other cities in Malaysia faster, more affordable, and less stressful than driving or catching a flight.
Image credit: KTMB
The ETS trains travel across Malaysia’s west coast, hitting cities like Penang, Ipoh, Negeri Sembilan, and Kuala Lumpur. As of August 2025, the nearest station to Singapore is Kluang.
But exciting changes are on the way – plans are in motion to extend the ETS route further south to JB. This – along with the RTS Link that is opening in 2026 – will make getting to northern Malaysian cities more accessible for both JB locals and Singaporeans.
Image credit: KTMB
The ETS train can make a whopping 22 trips a day and has a maximum speed of 160km/h, making it much faster than the KTM, which runs at 120km/h.
Depending on the ticket tier you choose, the journey from JB to KL would be cut down to between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, compared to the 5.5 hours by car or the 7 hours by bus – both of which will be affected by traffic congestion.
Better yet, the train brings you directly to KL Sentral. Instead of flying into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is about 58km away from the city centre, you’ll get to save on travel time and costs.
Image credit: KTMB
Ticket prices for the JB-KL ETS haven’t been announced yet, but just to give you an idea, one-way tickets from Kluang to Kuala Lumpur start from RM80/pax (~S$24.44). Since JB is a bit further south, expect prices in a similar ballpark, maybe slightly higher.
There are 4 tiers to choose from: express, platinum, gold, and silver, each with its own price range, number of stops, and level of comfort.
Even at the most basic level, these trains are suitable for long-distance travel as there are reclining seats for when you want to take a nap. For Muslim travellers, there are also prayer rooms with designated ablution areas.
Artist’s impression of the Woodlands North RTS Station.
Image credit: LTA
Your journey will most likely begin at the Woodlands North RTS Station, where you’ll clear both Singapore and Malaysia customs before hopping a 5-minute train ride across the Johor Strait.
Once you arrive at Bukit Chagar RTS Station, take a 5-minute walk to JB Sentral along a sheltered walkway, then board the ETS to KL.
Initially slated for an August launch, there had been whispers about a slight delay, though Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Malaysian news outlets that the project should be wrapped up by the end of 2025.
Alas, it’s been confirmed that the train will be up and running from 12th December 2025.
Faster, more comfortable, and dropping you right in the heart of KL, this JB-KL ETS train could easily make weekend trips or even spontaneous adventures way more tempting. Now, all we have to do is wait (impatiently) for it to finally hit the tracks.
For more JB & KL guides:
Cover image adapted from: KTMB
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