The Ekspres Selatan running from Gemas to Johor Bahru is a KTM Intercity service operated by diesel-hauled trains. It connects the southern section of the West Coast of Malaysia across the state of Johor down to the southern tip of Malaysia.
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KTM Ekspres Selatan train service
KTM Berhad, or KTMB for short, is the main railway operator in Peninsular Malaysia. The operator provides regional, inter-city and commuter services across the national rail network. Passenger services currently offered by KTM include KTM Intercity, ETS and KTM Komuter.
The Ekspres Selatan is an all-stop KTM Intercity service running the West Coast Line between Gemas and Johor Bahru. It connects with ETS services at Gemas Railway Station, which is around the middle point between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. As the tracks between Gemas and Johor Bahru are not electrified, this diesel-hauled rail service is necessary for passengers to continue their journey south on the KTM network.
The Ekspres Selatan is used mainly by travellers who are travelling between small towns in the southern state of Johor not reachable by road. This also connects passengers from ETS services originated in Padang Besar, Butterworth or Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Departure from Gemas Railway Station
If you are coming on the ETS Gold service from Padang Besar, Butterworth or Kuala Lumpur, fret not as the Ekspres Selatan departs from the same station where the ETS train terminates.
As you reach the end of the ETS line. You transfer trains at Gemas. Here you will find some food options to buy and takeaway on board. The Ekspres Selatan only provides limited catering services on board.
After disembarking the ETS train, you will need to exit the platform and head to the waiting area. When the Ekspres Selatan train is checked to be on time and approaching the station. The staff will call for all passengers to proceed down to the platform.
Ticket checks will be done before entering the platform area. If you book your train tickets online with Baolau, show a printed copy or a digital copy of the e-ticket in your mobile phone or tablet.
As the railway service originates in Gemas, the train will be ready for you at the platform.
Passenger Experience
The Ekspres Selatan operates passenger coaches with Superior Class seats with a 2+2 configuration.
Only one class of travel is available on this train.
Seats can be reclined and are sufficiently comfortable for a 5-hour ride.
The journey
The train travels alongside rural scenery in the state of Johor. It is away from the North South Expressway where most vehicles would be travelling on.
You would also see the progress of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project throughout the journey. In the future, passengers can take an ETS service all the way down south to Johor Bahru.
As some stations which were once bustling now have only one track running through it. Trains may sometimes be delayed from scheduled due to the lesser crossing points along the line now. Train schedules may also change every few months to accommodate these change in crossing points.
The Ekspres Selatan, despite its name, stops at all stations en route. This gives way to nice rustic Malaysian towns otherwise unseen from the main road.
A small catering trolley makes its way around once during the middle of the trip, which sells basic items such as mineral water, chips and bread. To have a proper dinner, you are recommended to purchase a takeaway meal before boarding this train.
Arrival into JB Sentral, connect with train to Singapore
The train arrives in the modern JB Sentral Railway Station. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, the journey will take around 8 hours end to end, including the transfer in Gemas. While it may not be the fastest way to travel from the capital to the southern city, as compared to plane or bus. It will allow you to watch a different scenery as you go by from the comfort of your seat on board the train.
Once in JB Sentral, if you wish to travel by train from Johor Bahru to Singapore . From the platform, head upstairs to the main concourse to connect with the Shuttle Tebrau service to Woodlands, Singapore. Or else proceed to the bus checkpoint if you are taking the public bus to Singapore. Or simply exit the station to explore the city of Johor Bahru.
How to book your train tickets from Gemas to Johor Bahru
Tickets on the Ekspres Selatan train run out pretty quickly for the southbound train. So we recommend that you book your tickets in advance to secure your seat once you have sorted out your travel plans.
Baolau lists the Ekspres Selatan services available. So you can compare and select the most convenient schedule and price.
Fill in the passenger form and select your seat. Proceed to complete the payment before submitting your booking request. Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive an email with the electronic tickets attached.
The electronic tickets are valid boarding passes, which can be used to board the KTM train at the departure station. Passengers can print the e-ticket in advance or carry a digital copy in the mobile phone or tablet and present it before boarding.
