EXACTLY How To Go From Muar to Johor Bahru [2024]

Published Categorized as Johor Bahru, Muar
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Want to explore more of Johor state and wondering how to go from Muar to Johor Bahru? We can help!

There is plenty to see and do in both of these cities with shopping and cultural attractions in Johor Bahru as well as the fabulous Legoland Malaysia and Singapore just across the causeway. Muar is an underrated destination and is a pretty riverside city with an important history and cultural attractions.

While Muar-Johor Bahru travel is not that far, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this trip every day.

Pasar Karat Johor Bahru
Pasar Karat in Johor Bahru

Below, I break down exactly how to get to Johor Bahru from Muar so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a Muar to Johor Bahru bus, taking a taxi from Muar to Johor Bahru or driving to Johor Bahru from Muar. This way, you will be in paradise as quick as possible!

I also describe the reverse journey from Johor Bahru to Muar. 

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Muar-Johor Bahru Map

Muar to Johor Bahru map
Click the Map to open in Google Maps. You can then access directions to each of the locations discussed in this article.

Muar and Johor Bahru are both located in the state of Johor, and it is not far between them.

It’s around 168 kilometres to drive between them, and this takes just over two hours depending on traffic and road conditions. There are no flight options and no train station in Muar.

BEST OPTION: How To Go From Muar to Johor Bahru

The quickest and best option for travelling from Muar to Johor Bahru is to take a private taxi.

The cheapest option is to take a bus.

Here’s a summary of your options:

Mode of transportDurationBest For?Book
Bus4 hoursPeople who want the cheapest optionBook here
Car2 hoursPeople who are happy to hire a car or who like to stop along the wayBook here
Taxi2 hoursAnyone who wants the easiest and most straightforward way to get between Muar and Johor BahruBook here
Durations take into account an approximate time getting to and from bus stations to a central location as well as waiting time

Option 1: Bus From Muar To Johor Bahru

Terminal Bentayan Muar
Terminal Bentayan in Muar. You can take buses to Johor Bahru here

It’s straightforward to get a bus from Muar to Johor Bharu. They run approximately hourly from 7:45am to 6pm, and take around 2.75 hours.

A few bus lines run this route including City Holidays Express and Mayang Sari Express. Bus tickets cost around RM17.

Inside Mayang Sari bus Muar
Inside Mayang Sari bus

Buses depart from Terminal Bentayan Muar which is in a convenient location near the centre by the river. There are “helpers” on arrival at this terminal that can help you get a ticket if you don’t have one. It’s not a big terminal anyway so it’s easy to navigate. There are a couple of stalls for last minute snacks and a waiting area.

Buses arrive in Johor Bahru at JB Larkin. From here, you can take a local bus into central Johor Bahru.

It’s easiest to buy a ticket online before you go so you are all set and don’t have to worry about missing our on your preferred bus time.

Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.

Mayang Sari bus Muar to Johor Bahru
The Mayang Sari bus Muar to Johor Bahru

Option 2: Muar To Johor Bahru By Car

It’s easy to dive between Muar and Johor Bahru. As mentioned above, it’s around 168 kilometres and takes just over two hours.

You basically take J32 out of Muar back to the main AH2 tollway way and then head south to Johor Bahru. You will need to pay tolls.

This takes you all the way to Johor Bahru.

Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia or click here to see car rental prices.

Maharani Mural Lane Muar
Maharani Mural Lane – There’s great street art in Muar

Option 3: Muar To Johor Bahru By Taxi

The easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Muar and Johor Bahru is definitely by private taxi.

This way, you are picked up at your hotel and dropped off at your next hotel – or wherever else you want.

It’s just too easy and comfortable. You don’t have to lug your luggage around getting hot and sweaty, not really sure where you are going. You can arrive refreshed and ready to explore at your next destination.

When can get a quote for you and book this taxi ride with a safe and reliable local driver.

Click here for more details.

Johor Bahru to Muar

Johor Bahru Larkin Bus Station
Johor Bahru Larkin Bus Station

It’s just as easy to travel from Johor Bahru to Muar. You simply reverse the directions above.

If you wish to take a Johor Bahru to Muar bus, these run approximately hourly as well from 7am to 8pm on the same bus lines. They depart from JB Larkin.

They take around 3 hours and cost around RM17.

Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.

You can also drive yourself (hire a car here) or take a taxi.

We can book a safe and reliable taxi for you here.

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel between Muar and Johor Bharu?

We can book a taxi for you from anywhere in Muar directly to your hotel in Johor Bahru for a great price.

You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.

Click here for prices and online booking.

Final Words

Muar Johor colonial architecture
One of many beautiful buildings in Muar

You now know how to travel from Muar to Johor Bahru and vice versa.

A private taxi is the easiest and quickest option, but buses are also comfortable and easy if you want to save some money.

I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Muar to Johor Bahru useful.

You can also find our guide to travelling from KL to Muar here. Check out all the best things to do in Johor Bahru here or the top hotels to stay here. You can find our complete travel guide to Johor Bahru here or to Muar here, as well as our list of things to do in Muar here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.