ETS3 Launching This 12 December: KTMB’s New KL–JB Train Is Finally Here

Malaysia is finally welcoming the long-awaited ETS3, the newest high-speed electric train service by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). Scheduled to officially launch on 12 December 2025, the ETS3 KL Sentral to Johor Bahru service will become the fastest and most modern rail connection between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. For the first time, passengers will enjoy a direct ETS3 KL Sentral–JB Sentral route under the KTMB network.

This major public transport upgrade is made possible by the completion of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking Project (EDTP), which allows KTMB ETS3 trains to run on a fully electrified double-track line. With ETS3 now ready for launch, the southern corridor between KL Sentral and Johor Bahru is entering a new era of fast, reliable rail connectivity.

Official Announcement from the Transport Minister

Source: Bernama

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the ETS3 KL Sentral–Johor Bahru route will begin operations on 12 December 2025. He explained that KTMB will first prioritise the Johor Bahru–Kuala Lumpur sector to ensure higher train frequency on this route before expanding to longer-distance ETS services.

This phased approach is designed to ensure that the new ETS3 service operates consistently, smoothly, and reliably from Day 1.

An official launch ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 11 December 2025, pending royal consent. Both KTMB and the Transport Ministry have repeatedly highlighted the 12 December start date, indicating that major works on the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking Project are now close to completion.

By rolling out the service in stages, KTMB can stabilise operations, fine-tune the ETS3 KL–JB timetable, and deliver a reliable and seamless experience for passengers right from the start.

What Is ETS3 by KTMB?

ETS3, or ets 3, is the latest generation of Electric Train Service (ETS) operated by KTMB. While existing ETS services mainly cover northern destinations like Ipoh, Penang, and Padang Besar, the ETS3 KL Sentral to Johor Bahru route is the first high-speed electric train specifically designed for the southern region.

With the launch of ETS3 Johor Bahru, KTMB is expanding its role as Malaysia’s main intercity rail operator by providing:

• Direct travel from KL Sentral to Johor Bahru Sentral
• Faster high-speed movement on electrified tracks
• More comfortable long-distance travel under the KTMB network
• Improved reliability compared to past diesel services

Train Frequency: Four Daily ETS3 Services Between KL Sentral and Johor Bahru

During the initial phase, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) plans to operate four daily ETS3 services on the KL Sentral–Johor Bahru route. This means passengers can expect multiple ETS3 KL–JB departures and returns in a day, covering:

• Morning ETS3 trains from KL Sentral to Johor Bahru
• Midday or afternoon ETS3 services
• Evening ETS3 departures for after-work or after-business travel
• Return ETS3 trips from Johor Bahru back to KL Sentral

By focusing the early rollout of ets 3 on this busy KL Sentral–Johor Bahru sector, KTMB aims to offer high-frequency services where demand is strongest.

Estimated ETS3 Travel Time: KL Sentral to Johor Bahru

While the full official ETS3 timetable has not yet been released by KTMB, early operational tests on the electrified southern corridor suggest that the ETS3 KL Sentral to Johor Bahru journey will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

This makes the new ETS3 KL–JB service:

• Faster than most express buses between KL and JB
• Less tiring and more predictable than driving on the highway
• More comfortable thanks to ETS-style seating, air-conditioning and facilities
• More reliable due to electrified double-tracking and modern signalling

For those travelling often between KL Sentral and Johor Bahru, ETS3 will quickly become the go-to option.

Expected ETS3 Route and Stations

KTMB has not yet published the final list of ETS3 stops, but the service will almost certainly use major stations along the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking Project, connecting KL Sentral to JB Sentral. The expected ETS3 route may include:

• KL Sentral
• Seremban
• Tampin
• Gemas
• Segamat
• Kluang
• Kulai
• JB Sentral

This makes ETS3 not only a KL–JB train, but a major connector for towns along the southern corridor.

Estimated ETS3 Ticket Prices

KTMB has not yet confirmed the official ETS3 ticket prices, but based on existing ETS fares and the distance between KL Sentral and Johor Bahru, the ETS3 fare is expected to range roughly between RM70 and RM120 per one-way trip.

Final prices for ETS3 KL–JB may differ depending on:

• Peak vs off-peak hours
• Gold or Platinum ETS3 categories
• Special launch promotions or seasonal discounts by KTMB

Why ETS3 Is a Transformational Upgrade for KL Sentral–Johor Bahru Travel

The new ETS3 KTMB service offers a long list of benefits for travellers between KL Sentral and Johor Bahru:

Direct journey

No more changing trains at Gemas. The ETS3 KL Sentral–JB Sentral route gives a seamless, single-seat journey.

Fully electrified double-track

The ets 3 trains run on upgraded, electrified rails for smoother, faster and quieter rides.

Comfortable onboard experience

Passengers on ETS3 can enjoy the coaches which include:

• Reclining seats
• Air-conditioning
• Charging ports
• F&B services
• Quiet, modern cabins

Higher reliability

Electric operations with modern signalling make ETS3 KL–JB less prone to breakdowns and delays than older diesel-based services.

How ETS3 Will Impact Johor Bahru and the Southern Corridor

The launch of ETS3 KL Sentral to Johor Bahru is expected to bring wider economic and social benefits:

Stronger demand for Johor properties

A faster link from KL Sentral to Johor Bahru may attract more homeowners, tenants and investors to live or invest in Johor while maintaining business ties in Kuala Lumpur.

Boost to tourism

With ETS3, attractions like LEGOLAND, Desaru Coast, Eco-tourism areas, and Iskandar Puteri become easier to reach.

Regional integration

ETS3 improves connectivity for:

• Daily workers
• Students
• Business travellers
• Cross-border visitors heading to Singapore

Growth of JB Sentral as a hub

With ETS3, JB Sentral is set to grow as a key interchange for future cross-border and domestic rail services.

 

The launch of ETS3 on 12 December 2025 marks a new chapter for Malaysia’s southern rail network. With KTMB confirming a direct ETS3 KL Sentral–Johor Bahru service, four daily trains, and a fully electrified double-track route, the ETS3 is set to become the most convenient and popular way to travel between KL and JB.

As more details on the official ETS3 timetable, stops, and ticket prices are released by KTMB, travellers and investors can expect the ETS3 KL–JB service to play a major role in shaping the future of transport and development in southern Malaysia.

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