More expensive than the bus, cheaper than the plane: this is Malaysia’s JB-KL electric train

The ETS (Electric Train Service) connecting Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru has established itself as the new standard for travel in Malaysia at the start of 2026, offering a perfect strategic compromise between the slowness of buses and the logistical constraints of air travel.

While flying may seem faster on paper with a flight time of just 45 minutes, the train wins hands down in terms of total door-to-door travel time, as the KL Sentral and JB Sentral stations are located in the heart of the cities, thus avoiding lengthy transfers to the outlying airports of KLIA or Senai.

Passengers benefit from unparalleled efficiency: no more checking luggage two hours in advance or endless security queues; now, you simply need to arrive 15 minutes before departure to board. Inside, comfort and productivity are greatly enhanced thanks to modern carriages where passengers can move around freely, access a bar car, and enjoy spacious restrooms, unlike the confinement of a bus seat.

Equipped with power outlets and high-performance Wi-Fi, these trains transform the journey into a veritable mobile office or relaxation space, sheltered from air turbulence or road jolts, while offering a temperature-controlled environment far removed from the sometimes frigid air conditioning of Malaysian coaches.

This rail revolution also marks the end of the traffic nightmare on the North-South Expressway (NSE); while during Hari Raya or Chinese New Year the road journey can stretch to 8 hours, the ETS guarantees absolute punctuality thanks to its own electrified double track.

With an « accessible premium » pricing positioning — more expensive than the bus but significantly more economical than the plane — this service establishes itself as the most coherent, sustainable and efficient transport solution for connecting the center and the south of the peninsula.