Johor Bahru Senai Layover Guide (JHB)

What are you looking for in JHB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Johor Bahru Airport (JHB), officially known as Senai International Airport, is located in Senai, Johor, Malaysia. It lies about 32 km (20 miles) northwest of downtown Johor Bahru. The airport began operations in 1974. Johor Bahru is a rapidly growing city and a key gateway to southern Peninsular Malaysia. It’s known for its cultural attractions, shopping destinations, and proximity to Singapore, making it a vibrant hub for both business and leisure.

Can you leave Johor Bahru Airport (JHB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can exit Senai International Airport (JHB) during a layover by clearing immigration. Malaysia offers visa-free entry for many nationalities (14–90 days depending on passport)¹. Nationals of visa-required countries must obtain an entry visa beforehand. Allow at least 2 hours to clear immigration. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque An elegant Victorian-Moorish masterpiece perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Johor Bahru and Singapore skyline. Admire intricate domes, stained glass windows, lush surrounding gardens. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (25–30 minutes).)
• Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple A vibrant historical shrine built in 1870, showcasing ornate dragon-carved beams and traditional Chinese architecture. Pilgrims gather daily to pray, creating a living testament to local cultural heritage. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (25–30 minutes).)
• Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple Unique Hindu temple adorned entirely in colorful glass mosaics and mirrors. Its sparkling halls and vibrant deities create a surreal spiritual atmosphere, offering insight into modern devotional artistry. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (25–30 minutes).)
• Legoland Malaysia Resort Interactive theme park with 70+ rides, Lego-themed shows, water slides, and miniature city models. Ideal for families craving creative thrills and photo ops. See official site. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (40 minutes).)
• Johor Bahru City Square Central shopping mall housing international brands, local boutiques, and diverse eateries. Indulge in retail therapy, sample Malaysian street food, or simply enjoy air-conditioned comfort in the city heart. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (25–30 minutes).)
• Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street Charming cobbled street lined with preserved shophouses, artisanal cafés, antique shops, and vibrant street art. Perfect for leisurely strolls, photography enthusiasts, and sampling local snacks. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (25–30 minutes).)
• Danga Bay Scenic waterfront development offering promenade walks, amusement rides, and street food stalls. Enjoy sunset views over the Straits of Johor, relax at cafes, or rent bicycles along the landscaped coastal park. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (30–35 minutes).)
• Pasar Karat Night Market Bustling weekend flea market brimming with vintage treasures, local handicrafts, and street food delights. Haggle for unique bargains while soaking up lively atmosphere along Jalan Segget. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (25–30 minutes).)

Things to Do in Johor Bahru Airport (JHB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
JHB has no dedicated commercial lounges; however, travellers can unwind in the AeroMall café area or book access to the private executive lounge at the business aviation terminal. Charging stations, comfortable seating, and light refreshments are available near boarding gates, while duty-free shops provide relaxed browsing spots. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels within a 10-minute drive of Senai Airport include SEM9 Senai, Le Grandeur Palm Resort and Impiana Hotel. They offer 24-hour front desks, airport shuttles, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, business facilities and swimming pools. Advance booking often secures shuttle service and competitive nightly rates. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Although Senai Airport lacks dedicated sleep pods, the departure hall provides rows of bench seating with limited recline. Some travellers find quiet corners near gate lounges after late flights. The terminal operates 24/7, and floor space near power outlets is commonly used for short rest breaks.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal for 30 minutes per session via the “Senai Airport” network. Additional internet cards can be purchased at Aeromall customer service for RM5 (one hour) or RM8 (one day). Signal strength is generally strong in both arrival and departure areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM cards from major Malaysian providers (Celcom, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile) are sold at telecom kiosks in the Aeromall. Plans start from RM10 for data-only packages. eSIM options can be ordered online ahead of arrival for instant activation upon landing at JHB. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A metered taxi counter is located outside arrivals, with standard rates to Johor Bahru city centre around RM40–RM60. Ride-hailing services like Grab and MyCar operate from the same zone. Licensed taxis offer fixed fares to key destinations; surcharge applies for late-night trips and airport pickup.

Train: The nearest train station is Kulai Train Station, roughly a 20-minute taxi ride from the terminal. KTMB operates intercity and shuttle services connecting Kulai to Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and beyond. Taxis or ride-hailing are recommended for first-mile connectivity. (more info).

Bus: Causeway Link’s AA1 airport shuttle runs hourly between Senai Airport and JB Sentral from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. Tickets cost RM8 and can be bought at the Aeromall counter or online. The nonstop journey takes about 45 minutes in good traffic. (more info).

Shuttle: While there is no official free hotel shuttle, many nearby properties offer complimentary pickup and drop-off services. Guests should confirm shuttle schedules at booking. Private shared transfer services can be pre-booked for fixed fares. Transfers typically operate between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in the Aeromall terminal. Pre-booked reservations are available for pickup upon arrival. Drivers must present an international driving permit or local license. Rental rates start from about RM100 per day, plus insurance and fuel. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The multi-storey car park adjacent to the terminal offers short-term and long-term parking. Rates start at RM2 per 30 minutes; daily maximum rates apply for long stays. Parking is monitored by CCTV, with 24-hour access, and electric vehicle charging stations are available on level P2.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Secure lockers are located in the public concourse next to the airport police post. Tokens are purchased at the information counter. Rates are RM5 for small bags and RM10 for large bags per 24 hours. Oversized storage and courier services may be arranged through the AeroMall desk. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Johor Bahru Airport (JHB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks