Getting Around, Johor Bahru Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia)



Travel to Johor Bahru direct is by way of Senai International Airport, which receives flights from within Malaysia only. Changi Airport in Singapore is the alternative. Bus transport and trains also come in from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with the latter in particular offering a good express bus service.

There is also ferry transport available from Singapore, as well as from cities in Sumatra, while public transportation is best with Johor Bahru's useful taxi system. Taxis are ideal for those looking to travel short distances, between places of interest.


Senai International Airport (JHB) / Arriving by Air

Address: Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 07 599 4500
Senai International Airport only receives domestic passenger flights, with its 'International' designation related to its cargo activities. However, this airport is served by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other noted Malaysian cities, including those in East Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia both offer flights here and facilities are extensive, with shops and free wireless Internet being readily to hand. The closest true international airport is Singapore Changi Airport.

Car Rental

Hertz and Avis are well represented at the airport and you can pre-book cars online. Of note, Avis offers tourists free breakdown and accident recovery. Driving is good around Johor Bahru, although a little hectic in the city centre, but beware of the frequent road tolls (carry local Malaysian ringgit change while driving). Those with their own set of wheels may like to consider a day out, travelling to nearby towns such as the seaside resort of Desaur, which is easy to reach by using the speedy new expressway.

Buses and Coaches

Useful bus services travel here from Singapore, such as the Singapore to Johor Express. This transport departs every ten minutes from Queen Street's Ban Sen Terminal in Singapore. You can alight at Malay immigration, which is before the main Larkin Bus Terminal, in the north of the city.

Buses provide a cheap way to get around Johor Bahru, although visitors to the city will find that the routes are not clearly shown on the actual bus stops. Instead, it is safest to look at the sign displayed on the front of the arriving bus, or simply ask the driver as you board. Principal bus stops can be found on both the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and the Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

Trains

Services arrive from Kuala Lumpur three times a day, taking in many cities on the way. There are also services from Singapore, with travel time being around an hour. However, if coming from Singapore, it is best to take a bus or taxi.

Taxis

Johor Bahru has red taxis serving inner-city routes and blue taxis running out of town, while the main long-distance taxi rank is located at the Larkin Bus Terminal. Malay taxis operate on a share basis (four people), although you can have one to yourself. The Plaza Seni Taxi Terminal (in the city centre) has services to the Orchard Road and Queen Street bus terminals in Singapore.

Boats and Ferries

Ferries arrive at Kompleks Bebas Cukai (just east of the Causeway) from Singapore. There are also arrivals from Batu Ampar and Tanjung Pinang in Sumatra, as well as a service from nearby Kukup.