KTM Berhad
Discover the charm of Malaysian rail travel with Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM or KTMB), whether you're heading from Kuala Lumpur to Penang or exploring hidden gems along the way. This guide covers everything you need to know: routes, tickets, schedules, and insider tips to make your journey smooth and memorable.
Types of KTM Services: ETS, Komuter, Intercity
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) operates three main passenger services that cover Malaysia’s electrified west coast, suburban networks, and non-electrified long-distance lines
• ETS: Higher-speed intercity service linking KL Sentral with Ipoh, Butterworth and Padang Besar, offered in Silver, Gold and Platinum stopping patterns with Business and Standard style cabins, onboard toilets and catering; trains run on the electrified double-track West Coast line at speeds up to about 140–160 km/h.
• KTM Komuter: Electric suburban trains serving Klang Valley and northern sectors with frequent stops for daily commuters at hubs such as KL Sentral, Batu Caves and Subang Jaya; designed for short trips and high frequency.
• KTM Intercity: Diesel-hauled long-distance services that serve the East Coast Line including Tumpat–Gemas and other non-electrified routes; slower and more scenic, suitable for budget travel and access to smaller towns.
Book Malaysia train tickets online
YesMyTrips books KTM Berhad (KTMB) tickets for routes across Malaysia. Prices shown in the search results are final and include all fees: nothing is added at checkout. Your ticket is sent as a PDF by email once our team confirms the booking.
Why travelers book with YesMyTrips
- Final prices from the first screen, all fees included. QR code payment costs even less.
- Choose your exact seat or berth on most trains.
- Real-time prices and availability from the operator.
- Real people answer by email, WhatsApp or Telegram.
- We handle changes and cancellations with the operator for you, when the operator allows them.
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Popular KTM Routes Schedules & Prices
Here are some of the most popular and tourist-friendly KTM routes:
| Route | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUTTERWORTH - KUALA LUMPUR | 05:15 | 09:20 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.31 | Seat, Business Seat |
| 06:30 | 10:35 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.80 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 07:50 | 12:10 | 4h20m | From US$ 16.17 | Seat | |
| 13:05 | 16:40 | 3h35m | From US$ 23.76 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 16:05 | 20:10 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.31 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 18:45 | 22:50 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.80 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| GEMAS - JOHOR BAHRU | 02:00 | 06:25 | 4h25m | From US$ 5.14 | Second class seat |
| 07:44 | 12:30 | 4h46m | From US$ 5.14 | Premier class seat, Second class seat, Sleeper | |
| 09:30 | 14:15 | 4h45m | From US$ 5.14 | Second class seat | |
| 15:20 | 19:45 | 4h25m | From US$ 5.14 | Second class seat | |
| GEMAS - KUALA LUMPUR | 08:12 | 10:36 | 2h24m | From US$ 7.84 | Seat |
| 15:52 | 18:17 | 2h25m | From US$ 7.84 | Seat | |
| 18:22 | 20:40 | 2h18m | From US$ 12.98 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| GEMAS - TUMPAT | 01:18 | 12:54 | 11h36m | From US$ 8.33 | Premier class seat, Second class seat, Sleeper |
| IPOH - KUALA LUMPUR | 05:10 | 07:51 | 2h41m | From US$ 7.35 | Seat |
| 08:40 | 11:14 | 2h34m | From US$ 10.53 | Seat | |
| 12:05 | 14:39 | 2h34m | From US$ 10.04 | Seat | |
| 15:45 | 17:45 | 2h00m | From US$ 11.02 | Seat | |
| 18:35 | 21:09 | 2h34m | From US$ 10.53 | Seat | |
| JOHOR BAHRU - GEMAS | 08:30 | 13:14 | 4h44m | From US$ 5.14 | Second class seat |
| 14:40 | 19:06 | 4h26m | From US$ 5.14 | Second class seat | |
| 18:05 | 22:47 | 4h42m | From US$ 5.14 | Second class seat | |
| 20:25 | 01:08 | 4h43m | From US$ 5.14 | Premier class seat, Second class seat, Sleeper | |
| KUALA LUMPUR - BUTTERWORTH | 08:05 | 12:10 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.80 | Seat, Business Seat |
| 11:40 | 15:15 | 3h35m | From US$ 23.76 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 13:40 | 17:45 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.31 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 15:55 | 20:00 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.31 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 18:22 | 22:42 | 4h20m | From US$ 16.17 | Seat | |
| 20:15 | 00:20 | 4h05m | From US$ 21.80 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| KUALA LUMPUR - GEMAS | 12:15 | 14:40 | 2h25m | From US$ 7.84 | Seat |
| 21:39 | 00:03 | 2h24m | From US$ 7.84 | Seat | |
| KUALA LUMPUR - IPOH | 08:55 | 11:29 | 2h34m | From US$ 10.53 | Seat |
| 12:00 | 14:00 | 2h00m | From US$ 11.02 | Seat | |
| 15:00 | 17:34 | 2h34m | From US$ 10.04 | Seat | |
| 19:05 | 21:39 | 2h34m | From US$ 10.53 | Seat | |
| 21:40 | 00:16 | 2h36m | From US$ 7.35 | Seat | |
| KUALA LUMPUR - PADANG BESAR | 07:20 | 12:41 | 5h21m | From US$ 28.17 | Seat, Business Seat |
| 09:55 | 15:16 | 5h21m | From US$ 28.17 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 10:41 | 16:18 | 5h37m | From US$ 20.33 | Seat | |
| 18:00 | 22:50 | 4h50m | From US$ 31.60 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 22:50 | 04:11 | 5h21m | From US$ 27.43 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| PADANG BESAR - KUALA LUMPUR | 07:20 | 12:45 | 5h25m | From US$ 28.17 | Seat, Business Seat |
| 09:45 | 15:10 | 5h25m | From US$ 28.17 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 13:50 | 18:40 | 4h50m | From US$ 30.86 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| 15:55 | 21:34 | 5h39m | From US$ 20.33 | Seat | |
| 17:00 | 22:25 | 5h25m | From US$ 28.17 | Seat, Business Seat | |
| TUMPAT - GEMAS | 20:30 | 07:34 | 11h04m | From US$ 8.33 | Premier class seat, Second class seat, Sleeper |
Ticket Prices & Booking Tips
Ticket Prices Overview:
• Dynamic pricing: KTMB uses a dynamic or Flexi Fare system for ETS so fares fluctuate by booking time, demand, service level and travel period; list prices should be treated as indicative and checked at purchase.
• Concessions and children: Child fares apply from 4 to 12 years; children under 4 travel free without a reserved seat but policies differ for specific services (for example Shuttle Tebrau has additional registration/immigration rules) so check requirements before travel.
Booking Tips:
• Book early for ETS: ETS inventory is limited for popular services and premium classes; book as soon as tickets open (KTMB often releases ETS seats ahead of travel periods) to secure lower fares and preferred seats.
• Check service class differences: ETS offers Silver, Gold and Platinum stop patterns and some trains offer Business/Express coaches; faster limited-stop services and Business seats cost more.
• Bring ID for inspection: Tickets are non-transferable and you may be asked to present MyKad or passport together with your ticket during inspections.
How to Book KTM Tickets Online
Step-by-step booking flow:
1. Open YesMyTrips - set origin, destination, travel date and passenger count, then tap Search.
2. Choose service and class - select your route, and preferred class.
3. Select seat - choose coach and seat from the seat map where available and confirm passenger details.
4. Pay - complete payment using credit/debit card or supported e-wallets.
5. Receive e-ticket - the e-ticket is emailed and available for download or display at the station.
Pro Tip: Save a screenshot of your ticket, sometimes mobile data is spotty at stations.
Tips for First-Time Travelers
• Arrive early: be at the station 30 minutes before departure; some services close boarding gates earlier and you may be denied boarding if late.
• Tickets and ID: have your e‑ticket (or printed copy) and id/passport ready for inspection; keep a screenshot in case mobile data is unreliable.
• Luggage: travel light when possible; space is limited to overhead racks and designated areas for large items.
• Food and drink: bring snacks for long trips; ETS and Intercity offer food trolleys or cafes but choices can be limited on some runs.
• Comfort: ETS air‑conditioning can be chilly; pack a light jacket or shawl and a travel pillow for overnight or long journeys.
• Connectivity and power: Wi‑Fi availability is inconsistent; some trains have power sockets but don’t rely on onboard internet.
• Customs and cross‑border checks: for services involving immigration, allow extra time for checks and follow gate opening/closing rules.
Quick answers.
What is Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM)?
KTM is Malaysia’s national railway operator, offering long-distance, commuter, and cross-border train services. It’s a popular choice for both locals and tourists traveling across Peninsular Malaysia.
How do I book KTM train tickets online?
You can book tickets directly with YesMyTrips.com, which offers a faster, tourist-friendly booking experience with e-tickets sent to your email.
Is KTM train safe for tourists?
Yes, KTM trains are safe, clean, and reliable. ETS trains in particular are modern and well-maintained, with onboard staff and security features.
What’s the difference between ETS and Komuter trains?
ETS trains are high-speed and designed for long-distance travel between cities. Komuter trains are slower and serve short-distance routes within urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs.
How long is the train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
The ETS train from KL Sentral to Butterworth (Penang) takes approximately 4 hours. From Butterworth, you can take a short ferry ride to George Town.
Can I travel from Malaysia to Thailand by KTM train?
Yes! KTM’s ETS service connects to Padang Besar, the border town with Thailand. From there, you can transfer to Thai trains heading to Hat Yai or Bangkok.
Are KTM tickets refundable or changeable?
Tickets booked through KTM’s official site may be refundable with a fee, depending on the fare class. For flexible options and support, book through YesMyTrips.com.