ETS JB to KL Guide (2026): Tickets, Schedule & How to Take

Key Takeaways

• The KTM ETS train line from JB to KL launched on 12 December 2025, offering a convenient way to get to the Malaysian capital.
• The trip from JB to KL takes about 4 hours 20 minutes on Platinum trains.
• Platinum trains include a Business Class area, which comes with perks such as free food and drinks, more spacious reclining seats and a personal entertainment system.

The new Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) ETS (Electric Train Service) running from JB to KL, which began operating on 12 December 2025, offers a new way to reach the Malaysian capital.

On the new ETS, the trip from JB to KL takes about 4 hours 20 minutes, offering an easy, convenient alternative to taking a bus, plane or car when trying to get from Singapore or JB to KL.

For those travelling by car or bus from Singapore, traffic congestion and customs delays are among the biggest bugbears, especially on weekends and public holidays. The astronomical cost of owning a car in Singapore doesn’t help either. Flying is another option, but flight prices can be unpredictable, and dealing with the hassle of airport security checks isn’t necessarily the most fun.

Taking the ETS train from JB to KL can help eliminate some of the above issues: journey times are predictable, there are onboard amenities, like WiFi and air conditioning, and ETS tickets are generally more affordable than flight tickets. You won’t have to stress out over airport delays or long check-in processes. And as the train is relatively new, it’s clean and in good shape, at least for now.

Ready to hop on board the new ETS? This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to take the ETS train from JB to KL, ETS ticket prices, trip duration, schedules and what to expect onboard. Let’s go!

TL;DR: Taking the ETS from JB to KL Sentral

What Is the Electric Train Service (ETS)?

The ETS is a train service run by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), Malaysia’s biggest train operator. It was established in 2010 and is currently Malaysia’s fastest metre-gauge train service, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Today, the ETS crosses Peninsular Malaysia from north to south along the west coast states, with the northernmost terminal located in Padang Besar (in Perlis, close to the border with Thailand) and the southernmost in JB Sentral, near the border with Singapore.

The ETS from JB Sentral to KL Sentral was introduced on 12 December 2025. On the JB Sentral-KL Sentral route, there are 17 stops. The trains are fully air-conditioned and furnished with 312 seats.

There are four ETS train types:

• Silver: stops at every station; cheapest fares
• Gold: stops at selected stations
• Platinum: stops only at main stations; is usually scheduled during the most popular timeslots. Note that Business Class is only available on Platinum trains
• Express: does not stop at any stations in between

Right now, you typically find only Gold and Platinum trains plying the JB-KL route, with a travelling time of 4 hours 40 minutes and 4 hours 20 minutes, respectively. Note that Business Class is only available on Platinum trains.

During holiday periods experiencing high demand, KTM might add Express trains, which complete the journey in 4 hours 10 minutes.

From JB to KL, the first train typically leaves at 07:35 and the last at 20:30. From KL to JB, the first train is at 07:55 and the last at 21:10. However, you should always check schedules ahead of time and book in advance, as the train schedules can change according to demand and the time of the year.

ETS JB to KL: Gold Vs Platinum

There are three main reasons to pay extra to take Platinum, instead of settling for a Gold train:

1. Platinum trains arrive in KL in 4 hours 20 minutes, while Gold trains take about 4 hours 40 minutes.
2. Business Class is available only on Platinum trains and not Gold trains.
3. There are far more Platinum trains per day on the JB-KL route. For instance, in March 2026, only one Gold train departed from JB each day.

ETS JB to KL: Routes

The stops from JB to KL are as follows:

• JB Sentral
• Kempas Baru
• Kulai
• Layang-Layang
• Rengam
• Kluang
• Paloh
• Bekok
• Labis
• Segamat
• Gemas
• Batang Melaka
• Pulau Sebang/Tampin
• Seremban
• Kajang
• Bandar Tasik Selatan
• KL Sentral

ETS JB to KL Timetable

Trains operate daily. The number of trains can vary from day to day, but at the time of writing, the number of trips per day ranges from six to nine.

Typical first and last train timings are as follows:

However, always be sure to check the schedules ahead of time, as KTM sometimes adds or removes trains from certain days’ schedules, based on demand.

For instance, KTMB added additional train services, including Express trains, during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period.

Here are the typical timetables for the ETS JB to KL route.

ETS Timetable: JB to KL

ETS Timetable: KL to JB

You can view or download the full PDF timetable here (under “ETS timetable – North-South Sector”)

In future, the ETS will complement the upcoming JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), which will allow passengers to travel seamlessly from Singapore to KL.

Tickets for the ETS are released about three months in advance. The best time to book is as early as possible, as fares can rise with demand, and tickets sell out almost instantly around major holidays.

ETS from JB to KL Ticket Prices

There is no way to predict the exact price you will pay for your tickets, as prices vary from day to day and fluctuate according to demand.

For comparison’s sake, here are some sample prices for a one-way trip from JB to KL.

Once you have made a booking, you will receive an e-ticket with a QR code that you can scan at the boarding gates.

How to Book ETS Train from JB to KL Tickets?

You should book tickets early as they sell out quickly for high-demand dates like public holidays.

There are two main ways to book tickets: through the KTMB website’s Integrated Ticketing System (KITS), or through the KITS Style mobile app.

Note that all transactions are in MYR, so consider using a multi-currency card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to save yourself some money. Examples of such cards include Revolut, YouTrip, and Wise. But you could also use a credit card that offers competitive FX rates, such as the Mari Credit Card and Trust Cashback Card. (Pro tip: For those hoping to earn cashback or rewards from their credit card, the transaction is coded MCC 4111.)

Booking via KTMB Website (KITS)

1) Navigate to the KTMB KITS website.

2) Create an account by linking your Facebook or Google account, or by using your email address.

3) Enter your origin (JB SENTRAL), destination (KL SENTRAL), departure date, return date (if applicable), number of passengers, and click [SEARCH].

Image source: https://online.ktmb.com.my/

4) Select your desired train timing.

Image source: https://online.ktmb.com.my/

5) Pick your seats.

Image source: https://online.ktmb.com.my/

6) Fill in your passenger details.

Image source: https://online.ktmb.com.my/

7) Pay by Visa, Mastercard, MyDebit, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Boost, DuitNow QR or KTM Wallet.

Image source: https://online.ktmb.com.my/

Buying Tickets via the KITS Style app

The KITS Style app has received scathing reviews from users. But if you still prefer to book using the app rather than the website, here’s how:

1) Download the KITS Style mobile app.

2) Create an account. You will need to be able to receive SMSes and emails to complete the verification process.

3) Once your account has been verified, you can top up your KITS e-wallet.

4) Tap [ETS/Intercity] on the app dashboard to purchase tickets.

How to Take the ETS Train From Singapore to KL: Step-by-Step Guide

1) Your first step will be to get from Singapore to JB Sentral, where you will catch the ETS. There are several ways to get to JB Sentral, such as by bus, car or KTM Shuttle Tebrau. In heavy traffic, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau is probably the fastest way to get to JB Sentral, and also the most convenient option if you are going to jump on the ETS afterwards.

2) Once you have arrived in JB and cleared immigration, head to the KTMB Station Departure Hall B (ETS). Note that the boarding and disembarkation area for the ETS is the same as for the KTM Shuttle Tebrau. If you came by the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, simply move from Hall A to Hall B.

3) Make sure you arrive in advance, as departure gates for the ETS close five minutes before departure at JB Sentral. Once the gate is closed, you will not be allowed to enter the departure area, nor will you be able to ask for a refund.

4) Scan the QR code on your ticket at the boarding gates. (Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your QR code in advance, in case you don’t have roaming or good reception!)

5) Board the train.

Taking the ETS Train to KL from JB

1) Go to KL Sentral and head to the ETS Departure Gate. Make sure you arrive early, as KL Sentral can be confusing, and you need to be at the boarding gate before it closes five minutes before train departure.

2) Scan the QR code on your ticket at the boarding gates.

3) Board the train.

4) Alight at JB Sentral.

5) Make your way back through immigration and back to Singapore.

ETS vs Flight vs Bus: Price Comparison

Wondering if it would be cheaper to travel to KL via ETS, plane or bus?

Here’s a comparison of estimated prices for a round-trip from 20 to 21 May 2026, current at the time of writing.

In the above comparison, we sought the cheapest tickets for each mode of transport departing during office hours (thus, not too early in the morning or late at night).

As you can see, the ETS is cheaper than travelling by plane. It is comparable to taking the bus and is sometimes cheaper, as there is more variation in the price of bus tickets depending on the bus company and pick-up and drop-off points.

In terms of travelling time, the ETS is more or less on par with other modes of transport. While flying takes only about an hour, it is not necessarily much faster when you take into account the time spent travelling to and from, and waiting at the airport.

Pros and Cons of Taking the ETS from JB to KL

Pros

• Cheaper than flights
• Predictable travel time
• No flight delays or airport hassles
• No traffic congestion
• Scenic journey
• Ability to move around on the train
• Direct arrival in the city centre of KL

Cons

• Limited departure times
• Travel time is longer than flight time
• Can be more expensive than buses

Conclusion

The new KTM ETS from JB to KL is a game‑changer for cross‑peninsular travel; with predictable journey times, comfortable amenities, and wallet‑friendly fares, it beats the stress of driving and the unpredictability of flying.

Whether you’re heading to KL for business, a weekend getaway, or a family visit, the ETS offers a smooth, scenic ride right into the heart of the city. Just remember to book your tickets early — Platinum trains and Business Class seats tend to sell out fast, especially on peak travel days!

So next time you’re planning a trip from Singapore or JB to KL, skip the traffic jams and airport queues. Hop on the ETS and enjoy the ride. Safe travels!