Guide to the Railways of Malaysia

Welcome to Railways of Malaysia, your comprehensive guide to exploring Malaysia’s dynamic rail network. With a history dating back to 1885, Malaysia’s railway system has evolved from its roots in tin transportation to a complex network covering major cities and rural areas across Peninsular Malaysia. Today, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) serves as the main rail operator, offering efficient intercity and regional services like KTM ETS, KTM Komuter, and the Jungle Railway, renowned for its scenic route through Malaysia’s lush east coast​.

USEFUL LINKS:

RAIL NETWORK:

Malaysia’s rail network features two main lines, each providing unique travel experiences across the country:

  1. West Coast Line
    • Length: Approximately 750 km from Padang Besar (near the Thai border) to Johor Bahru, with connections to Singapore.
    • Travel Time: Key segments, like Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth (370 km), take about 4 hours, while the full route to Padang Besar takes around 6 hours.
    • Train Types: Primarily serviced by the Electric Train Service (ETS), offering three classes—ETS Platinum, ETS Gold, and ETS Silver—distinguished by speed and number of stops. ETS trains are higher-speed, reaching up to 140 km/h, providing an efficient, comfortable intercity option. KTM Komuter also runs shorter regional services along sections of this line.
  2. East Coast Line (Jungle Railway)
    • Length: Roughly 530 km from Gemas to Tumpat, through central Malaysia’s scenic jungles.
    • Travel Time: The complete journey from Gemas to Tumpat can take up to 13 hours due to frequent stops and single-track sections.
    • Train Types: Known as the “Jungle Line,” it mainly uses diesel-powered trains, offering an immersive view of Malaysia’s countryside. This line includes the KTM Intercity service for longer journeys, along with local services for shorter, daily commutes.

Upcoming Developments: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a 640-km project aimed for completion by 2026, will provide a high-speed connection from Port Klang to Kota Bharu, cutting travel time significantly for passengers on this new route.