ETS Train

Note: Read the LATEST one @ ETS Train and KTM (click me)

Electrical Train Service(ETS) is one of the railway transportation available in Malaysia. It has start operating in 2010 and it has brought convenience to the citizen. This train transport passengers from Kuala Lumpur(KL) Central to Ipoh, which is from the Central Region of Malaysia to the Perak Region.

Here is a Map of Peninsular Malaysia

 

The picture below shows, driving from KL to Ipoh will need 2hours and 11 minutes but the traffic on road might not be good. Traffic jam can takes up more than half and hour. Seriously accident can lengthen the journey to Ipoh. However, buying a train ticket will be worthy and save time especially during festive season/peak seasons. You can take a look with the timetable below

 Timetable

KL to Ipoh (website)

Ipoh to KL (website)

There are two different fare. It is call Silver and Gold train. Silver train stops at more stations compare to Gold train. In this case, boarding a Gold train save a little of your time but the price will differ around RM10. Also, there are only 3 different time(Morning, Afternoon and Night) for Silver train whereas Gold train operates every 1 hour or 2.

For example, KL to Ipoh for silver trips is RM25 but Rm35 for Gold trips.

The fare for ETS train. North bound and South bound.

 

The next question would be, Where to buy your ticket? 

You can just buy your ticket at 2nd floor of Kl Central(on your Right) or any station as long as there is people to serve you at the counter. 

or

You can get it online too! Go to KTMB ETS website (press me) to buy but you first need to create your own account. Note: there will be a 2 Ringgit charges buying online.

The difference between buying at the counter and online is that, ETS train have a discount card for students. The card costs RM30/year and you won’t be able to use it buying ticket online. I’ve did some calculation on it and it will only be worthy if you’re a regular customer. For example, traveling for than 5 times a year.

 

Seat Availability 

You can also check the seat availability online (press me). You will find it useful if you happen to decide to travel last minute but this online apply to those that buy from the counter.

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Earlier this month, July 2015, the ministry of transportation had announced that the ETS train has start operating from KL Central to Padang Besar (Central region to the north border of Malaysia).

You might ask WHERE IS PADANG BESAR? Padang Besar is located at Perlis and it is just beside the border of Thailand. 

Back then, there are only KTMB trains, local train (Senandung Langkawi Express or International Express Train) daily overnight sleeper service. However, ETS train has really bring much convenience to everyone of us. 

ETS train (Hyundai Model) from KL to Padang Besar costs RM80(adult), RM44(children) and would take 5 hours and 30 minutes at the speed of 160km/h. There is only one service trip up and one service trip down daily. The trip to Padang Besar is 9.30am from KL Central.

Note: The price is for Gold service(which means that there will be more trains)

 Timetable

While for the train from Padang Besar to KL is expected to be 4 hours and 15 minutes journey at the speed of 160km/h. The fare will be RM80.

Note: The price is for Gold service(which means that there will be more trains)

 Timetable

In my opinion after traveling with ETS train for 2years or more, I would be sure that ETS train are punctual but will delay a little when they need to wait signal from the traffic control. It rarely happens but when it does, it won’t take more than 30minutes. 

 

I hope through this blog post, everyone will have an idea of ETS train and this is the opportunity for us to visit our neighbour country. Do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Will find time and with partner to visit Thailand one day and I’d be happy to share with all readers. 

signningout,

gie.