If you are a Malaysian taking the ETS for the first time, or a tourist who has just landed in Malaysia and wants to travel around the country without dealing with traffic, this guide is for you.
I personally enjoy travelling by ETS. It is comfortable, easy to navigate, and saves me from sitting in traffic for hours. With traffic getting worse, especially during busy weekends and public holidays, taking the train makes travelling between cities much less stressful.
If you have never taken ETS before, you might have a few questions.
Where does it go? How much does a ticket cost? How do you book one? Which station should you use? And what should you expect once you are on board?
I had so many of these questions myself the first time I took ETS in 2024, and honestly, they made me a little nervous.
In this post I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about travelling by ETS in Malaysia, so you have a clear idea of what to expect when taking the train.
✅ What Is ETS?
ETS stands for Electric Train Service, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
It is an intercity train service that runs along the electrified West Coast Line of Peninsular Malaysia. According to KTMB, ETS can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, making it one of the fastest ways to travel between major cities along the route.
There are different ETS services:
- ETS Platinum: Generally makes fewer stops and is the fastest option.
- ETS Gold: Makes more stops.
- ETS Silver: Slower service and is currently mainly used on the KL Sentral to Ipoh route.
For a first-time traveller, you do not need to worry too much about the different categories.
When you search for your journey, KTMB will show you the available trains, departure times and fares, so you can simply choose the one that works best for your schedule.
✅ Where Does ETS Go?
ETS mainly runs along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, connecting the southern part of the peninsula with the north.
The major route is essentially Gemas → KL Sentral → Padang Besar, with services also operating between KL Sentral and destinations such as Butterworth and Ipoh. Current KTMB schedules also show ETS services extending south through Johor, including stations such as Segamat, Kluang and JB Sentral.
Some of the popular destinations you can reach by ETS include:
- South:
Gemas, Segamat, Labis, Kluang, Kulai and JB Sentral - Central:
KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Tasik Selatan, Rawang, Sungai Buloh and other stations around the Klang Valley - North:
Tanjong Malim, Slim River, Sungkai, Tapah Road, Kampar, Batu Gajah, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Butterworth, Sungai Petani, Alor Setar, Arau and Padang Besar
The exact stations served depend on the train you choose, so always check the journey when booking rather than assuming every ETS stops at every station.
And yes, Butterworth is the ETS station you can use to get to Penang, while Padang Besar is right up near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
✅ How Much Does An ETS Ticket Cost?
There is no single fixed ETS ticket price.
The fare depends on your departure and destination, the type of ETS service, and the date and availability when you book. Your travel period can also make a difference, especially during weekends, school holidays and public holidays when trains can get busy.
I normally check the current fare when planning a trip rather than relying on an old price I found online.
If you already know your travel date, it is best to check the current fare directly through KTMB before making your plans.
✅ Where Should You Take ETS From Kuala Lumpur?
If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, the main station you will probably use is KL Sentral, but there is also Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
This is important, especially if you are taking ETS for the first time:
KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur Railway Station are two different stations.
When booking your ticket, double-check the station name carefully. If your ticket says KL Sentral, make sure you go to KL Sentral, not Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Don’t worry if you mistakenly booked your departure from Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. It is just the next stop after KL Sentral anyway, so you are not going in the wrong direction. Just make sure you board the train at the station stated on your ticket.
KL Sentral is also connected to several other public transport services, including KLIA Transit, MRT and other rail services, which makes it convenient if you are coming from another part of Kuala Lumpur or from the airport.
✅ How To Get To KL Sentral From KLIA & Putrajaya
Skip this section if you are already in Kuala Lumpur or are not travelling through KLIA or Putrajaya.
📍 Coming From Kuala Lumpur Internatioal Airport (KLIA)?
If you have just landed at KLIA, you can take either the KLIA Transit or KLIA Ekspres from KLIA Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to KL Sentral.
The main difference is:
- KLIA Ekspres runs directly between the airport and KL Sentral
- KLIA Transit also stops at Putrajaya & Cyberjaya and Bandar Tasik Selatan before reaching KL Sentral.
You can buy your ticket at the station, but I personally prefer booking online because you get 10% off the standard fare.
Book KLIA Transit tickets online here
📍 Coming From Putrajaya or Cyberjaya?
If you are staying in Putrajaya or Cyberjaya, you can also take KLIA Transit to KL Sentral.
I personally prefer KLIA Transit for this journey because it is straightforward and takes around 20 minutes from Putrajaya Sentral to KL Sentral.
So if you are connecting from the airport or Putrajaya to an ETS train, KLIA Transit is a pretty convenient option.
✅ How To Book Your ETS Ticket Online
You can buy ETS tickets from the counter or self-service kiosk at the station, but I prefer booking online. It is much easier because I can check the available trains, choose my seat and keep my ticket on my phone.
- Step 1: Go To The KTMB Website
Go to the official KTMB ticketing website: KTMB Online Ticketing
You can also use the KITS mobile app.
I suggest creating an account if you are planning to use ETS more than once. It makes future bookings easier, and you can refer back to your booking information if you ever need it.
- Step 2: Choose Your Origin And Destination
Enter…
Origin: Where you are leaving from
Destination: Where you are going
Then select your travel date and search for available trains.
If you are travelling from KL to Penang, you would normally search for Butterworth rather than simply typing Penang, because Butterworth is the ETS station serving as the gateway to Penang.
- Step 3: Choose Your Train
Once you search, you will see the available trains for your selected date. You will usually see the train number, departure time, arrival time, service type and fare.
If you are travelling on a weekend or during a public holiday, I strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
- Step 4: Choose Your Seat
After selecting your train, you can choose your available seat.
Personally, I usually prefer Coach B or Coach C because they are closer to the washroom.
Of course, seat availability depends on the train, so you may not always get your preferred coach.
- Step 5: Enter Your Details And Make Payment
Once you have selected your train and seat, enter the required passenger information and proceed with payment.
Before confirming, double-check your details. Pay particular attention to the date and station. Nobody wants to arrive at the station only to realise they booked the wrong journey.
- Step 6: Save Your Ticket
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive your ticket electronically.
I normally keep a copy in my email and on my phone. I also recommend taking a screenshot before your travel day, just in case your internet connection decides to act up at the station.
Keep your ticket easily accessible throughout the journey. There may be ticket checks on board, so having it ready on your phone makes things much easier.
✅ How Early Should You Arrive At KL Sentral?
KTMB advises passengers to arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure. I would follow this recommendation, especially if you are unfamiliar with KL Sentral.
This gives you enough time to find the ETS departure area, use the toilet, grab a drink and settle down before boarding.
The boarding area generally opens around 30 minutes before departure. Keep an eye on the electronic display for your train number. Once your train appears, you can queue up and scan your ticket at the gate.
You do not need to stand around waiting. There are plenty of benches in the waiting area, so just keep an eye on the screen until your train is called.
✅ Where Is The ETS Departure Area At KL Sentral?
If you are coming from the main entrance of KL Sentral, the ETS departure area is on the right side.
If you arrive by KLIA Transit or MRT, take the escalator upstairs. There are two directions you might see around this area. One leads towards NU Sentral, since the station is connected to the shopping mall.
You do not need to go there.
Look for the escalator near McDonald’s and head upstairs towards the ETS area.
Once you reach the upper level, you will see the main entrance. Walk a little further, either to the left or right, and you should see the waiting area with plenty of benches. That is where you want to be.
You won’t get lost. It is actually quite easy to find.
The ETS departure area is on one side, while the arrival area is on the other, so once you are upstairs, it is fairly easy to figure out where you need to go.
✅ What If I Cancel My Booking?
You can cancel your ETS booking before your journey, but you will not receive a full refund. The amount refunded depends on how early you cancel:
- More than 72 hours before departure: 75% refund
- Between 2 and 72 hours before departure: 50% refund
- Less than 2 hours before departure: No refund
The important thing to know is that the refund is generally credited to your KTM Wallet rather than returned to your original payment method and cannot be transferred back as cash or to bank account.
Foreign tourists may request a cash refund through KTMB’s Customer Service Unit, subject to the applicable administrative charges.
So if you are thinking of cancelling your ticket, check the cancellation terms before you proceed.
✅ What Is It Like Taking ETS?
For me, this is where ETS really wins.
The train is clean, comfortable and spacious, and in my experience, it has always been on time. Even as a tall person, I do not feel cramped in my seat, and having the option to walk around during a longer journey makes a big difference.
If you are travelling with luggage, you do not have to worry about finding somewhere to put it. ETS has dedicated luggage compartments in each coach, along with overhead storage for smaller bags and backpacks. This gives you more legroom and makes the journey much more comfortable, especially if you are travelling for several hours.
There are also power outlets, washrooms, luggage racks and a bistro on board. Some ETS trains also have a surau, which is convenient for Muslim travellers on longer journeys.
The bistro is located at Coach C, so you can grab a drink or snack during the journey without having to bring everything with you.
For me, that is one of the nicest things about travelling by train. I can sit down, put my luggage away, look out the window and let someone else deal with the driving.
You can check our the onboard facilities [here]
✅ So, Is ETS Worth Taking?
For me, absolutely.
If you’re travelling between cities in Malaysia, I would definitely recommend taking ETS. It takes away much of the hassle of driving and gives you a much easier way to get from one city to another.
For your first ETS trip, my biggest tip is simply to check your ticket carefully before leaving home. Make sure you have the right date, departure station and train time. If you’re travelling from KL Sentral, don’t accidentally follow the signs into NU Sentral. The ETS departure area is actually quite easy to find once you know where you’re going.
Bring a few snacks or drinks with you if you have a longer journey. There is a bistro on board, but I always think it’s better to have something you know you’ll enjoy.
Also, be considerate of the other passengers. Avoid bringing strong-smelling food such as durian, which is not allowed on ETS, and keep your voice down, especially when the train is quiet. Pets are also not allowed on board.
If you need more space, consider booking 2 seats for your own comfort. Just like on a plane, having enough room can make a long journey much more comfortable for everyone. I once had an experience where the person sitting next to me needed more space than one seat allowed, and it made the journey uncomfortable for me. A little consideration can make a big difference.
Other than that, don’t overthink it.
The first trip might feel like a lot to figure out, but once you’ve taken ETS once, you’ll know how everything works.
And honestly, that’s when you start to appreciate just how easy train travel can be.
Happy travelling, and enjoy the train ride!
Love,
Auri Duham 🌻
