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How to Get to Johor Bahru

How to Get to Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Senai International Airport JHB

Senai International Airport (JHB) acts as the main airport for Johor Bahru and southern Peninsular Malaysia. It sits approximately 30 kilometers northwest of the city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • Mainly Malaysian airlines: Malaysia Airlines (KUL, BKI, KCH), AirAsia (extensive domestic network, some international routes like Bangkok, Surabaya, Ho Chi Minh City), Batik Air Malaysia (KUL).
  • Direct flights from major global hubs are limited; most international travelers connect via Kl (KUL) or Singapore (SIN).
  • JHB offers basic facilities: food, duty-free, car rentals, ATMs.

Singapore Changi Airport SIN

Many travelers, especially those from further afield, also consider flying to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Changi acts as a major international hub just across the Causeway, with more direct flight options from major global cities.

Connections & Transfers

  • From Changi, travel overland to Johor Bahru city. Efficient alternatives are available.
  • Buses without transfers (Causeway Link) run to Johor Bahru city. Cross-border taxis and private car hires are also available.
  • MRT to Woodlands in Singapore, then a bus across the Causeway.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight prices climb during Malaysian and Singaporean school vacations (June-August, December) and major public holidays. Book well ahead of time for lower prices during peak times.

Transfers from Senai JHB

Take the Airport Bus (Causeway Link Airport Shuttle) to JB Sentral or Larkin Sentral. Taxis and ride-sharing (Grab) are also readily available. Grab often has better fares than airport taxis.

Flight Comparison Tools

Use flight comparison sites like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner to compare prices to both JHB and SIN for the best deals.

Land Transportation

Causeway & Second Link

  • The Johor–Singapore Causeway (Woodlands to JB Sentral) is extremely busy during peak hours and weekends; expect 1-4+ hour delays.
  • The Second Link (Tuas to Tanjung Kupang) is generally less congested, mainly for private vehicles and express buses.
  • All travelers disembark for immigration checks at both borders.
  • KTM Komuter Shuttle Tebrau (JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint) is popular; book in advance.

Train & Bus Connections

  • KTM ETS connects Gemas (Negeri Sembilan) to Padang Besar (Thai border). From KL Sentral, take ETS to Gemas, then KTM Komuter to JB Sentral.
  • Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal connects to most major cities in Peninsular Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, Ipoh, Kuantan) and Singapore.
  • Roads in Johor Bahru city are generally well-maintained, especially major highways. Traffic jams is common in city centers.
  • Awareness of motorcycles is important. Parking can present challenges.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Terminals

Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal (Iskandar Puteri) and Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal (city center) offer water transport to Batam and Bintan islands in Indonesia.

River Transport

River transportation is not a common mode of tourist travel within Johor Bahru. Waterways are mainly for shipping and recreational boating.

Arrival Procedures

Standard passport control and customs procedures apply at ferry terminals. Taxis and Grab are available for onward transfers.

Departure Information

Departure Fees & Air Travel

Malaysia does not levy specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers; these are typically incorporated into ticket prices.

Airport Departure

  • From Senai International Airport (JHB), arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, security, and unforeseen delays.
  • Airport facilities are sufficient with food and duty-free shops.

Land & Sea Departures

For land borders, especially when heading to Singapore via the Causeway or Second Link, allot significant extra time.

Timing & Considerations

  • During peak periods (weekends, holidays, rush hours), expect 1-4+ hour delays at land borders.
  • The KTM Shuttle Tebrau offers the fastest land crossing if tickets are secured in advance.
  • For ferry departures (Puteri Harbour, Stulang Laut), arrive at least 1 hour before scheduled departure.

Car Rental Return

If you rented a car via DiscoverCars.com or additional services, plan your return with plenty of time for inspection.

Checklist

  • Ensure fuel levels match your rental agreement.
  • Review the vehicle for any new damages before handover.
  • Keep all rental documentation until your return is complete.

General Departure Tips

Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal and JB Sentral also possess numerous food stalls and shops, offering amenities for departing travelers awaiting their bus or train.

Smart Planning

  • Plan your departure well in advance, especially during busy times.
  • Double-check all your travel details and timings one last time before heading to your departure point.
  • Consider your onward journey logistics from ferry terminals to your next destination.

Border Crossing Warning

  • Always allot generous extra time when traversing the Johor Bahru-Singapore land border.
  • Significant delays are frequent during weekends and high hours.
  • The KTM Shuttle Tebrau is the fastest option if tickets are available.
  • If you are driving, traffic can be very heavy at the Causeway.
  • Buses may face long queues at immigration checkpoints.
  • Avoid travel during major holidays if possible, or plan well in advance.

Departure Information

Pre-Departure Checklists

Prepare for your departure from Johor Bahru with specific considerations.

Final Review

  • Confirm all travel documents are ready (passport, onward tickets).
  • Double-check flight, bus, or ferry departure times.
  • Plan your route to the airport/terminal, accounting for traffic.

Customs and Security

Be aware of customs regulations regarding prohibited or restricted items. Declare any goods exceeding duty-free allowances.

Smooth Exit

  • Pack according to airline baggage rules, especially for liquids in carry-on.
  • No specific exit fees are generally levied upon leaving Malaysia.
  • Check current travel advisories or border notices for any changes before departure.

Baggage Considerations

Weigh your luggage to avoid overweight charges. Consolidate items to fit within allowance. Pack valuables in carry-on bags.

Optimizing Travel Times

If possible, schedule departures during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic and longer waits at terminals or borders.

Onward Journey

If you have flights with connections or other travel plans immediately after leaving Johor Bahru, build in extra buffer time.

Final Departure Advice

Plan your departure well in advance, especially during busy times, to ensure a stress-free exit from Johor Bahru.

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