Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) has announced starting fares for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), with Economy Transit tickets between Gombak and KotaSAS in Kuantan from RM60 one way. Ticket sales are expected to open in mid-November 2026.
Passenger operations between Gombak and Kota Bharu are targeted for 12 December 2026, subject to safety requirements and regulatory approvals. Travellers should treat that as a target date pending final clearance.
ECRL Economy fares by route
| One-way route | Transit: from | Express: from |
|---|---|---|
| Gombak ↔ KotaSAS (Kuantan) | RM60 | RM68 |
| Gombak ↔ Kuala Terengganu | RM95 | RM110 |
| Gombak ↔ Kota Bharu | RM125 | RM147 |
The same starting fares apply in both directions. The RM60 headline is the entry fare for the Gombak–KotaSAS Transit sector, rather than a universal price for every ECRL journey.
Dynamic pricing will apply
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the Cabinet approved the dynamic fare mechanism on 16 October. Prices can vary according to factors such as travel timing, demand and seat availability.
The table therefore gives a starting-price guide. The fare shown when booking will determine what a passenger actually pays, rather than every service being sold at the minimum rate.
Express journey to Kota Bharu takes about four hours
Express services are planned to serve four main stations: Gombak, KotaSAS, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu. The Gombak–Kota Bharu Express journey is expected to take around four hours, while Transit services, which stop at designated stations along the route, may take up to about five hours.
Passengers should check the final timetable and stopping pattern when sales open before planning connections.
Discounts for eligible passengers
The announced concessions include a 50% fare discount for children aged two to 12, Malaysian citizens aged 60 and above, people with valid OKU identification cards and government pensioners. Students aged 13 to 24 are eligible for a 40% discount, according to the reported announcement.
Eligibility documents and the booking process should be checked against the arrangements published when ticket sales begin. For year-end trips, keep an eye on the mid-November sales announcement and confirm the final service launch before committing to connecting travel.
Sources: Mdroid, Bernama and The Edge. File image: CRRC Corporation.
