How Do You Travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru in 2025?
Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB) sit across the Straits of Johor. The Johor–Singapore Causeway is about 1.06 km long, and the Tuas Second Link bridge is about 1.9 km long. From downtown Singapore to JB Sentral, it is roughly 25–30 km by road. Whether you’re planning an afternoon of café-hopping, a weekend of shopping, or a longer stay in Malaysia, 2025 gives you many ways to cross. This guide compares every option—train, bus, taxi, private car, and the under-construction RTS Link—so you can choose what fits your time, comfort, and budget.
In 2025, travelling between Singapore and Johor Bahru has become more streamlined with digital check-ins, updated bus services, and the continued expansion of private-hire options. The most popular routes remain the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train and cross-border buses, but many travellers now pre-book private MPVs or taxis to save time during peak periods. Costs have risen slightly due to fuel and toll adjustments, but multiple budget-friendly options are still available, making JB one of the most accessible weekend escapes for Singaporeans.
All the Choices Of Travel to Johor Bahru
| Mode | Typical Time* | Cost (one-way) | Where to Board (SG) | Where You Arrive (JB) | Best For |
| KTM Shuttle Tebrau train | 5 min track time / 15–25 min door-to-door | S$5 | Woodlands Train Checkpoint | JB Sentral | Speed & reliability |
| Public buses (SBS 160, 170/170X, SMRT 950) | 30–90 min | S$2.20–S$3.00 | Jurong East, Queen St., Woodlands | JB CIQ / Larkin | Budget travellers |
| Causeway Link buses (CW1, CW2, CW5) | 30–90 min | S$2.60–S$4.80 | Kranji, Queen St., Newton | JB CIQ / Larkin | Shoppers, day-trippers |
| Licensed cross-border taxi | ~60 min | S$60 (per cab) | Ban San St. Terminal | Larkin | Small groups without luggage lugging |
| Private MPV/car service | 45–120 min | S$90–S$150 (per car) | Door-to-door pickup | Door-to-door drop | Families & larger parties |
| Self-drive | 45–120 min | Fuel + VEP S$5/day + tolls | Woodlands / Tuas Checkpoints | Anywhere | Flexibility & spontaneity |
* Off-peak vs. peak congestion can double travel time on the causeway.
By Train “KTM Shuttle Tebrau”
Why Choose the Train?
- Fastest border crossing. Track time is five minutes; immigration for both countries is completed on the platform, so there’s no second queue.
- Predictable timing. Trains adhere to their schedule even when road traffic is at a crawl.
- Comfortable for all ages. Reserved seating and air conditioning make it stress-free for kids and seniors.
The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is progressing towards its December 2026 opening. By mid-2025, key infrastructure on both the Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar sides is more than 70% complete. Once operational, the RTS will cut travel time to under 10 minutes with trains every four minutes. Until then, the Shuttle Tebrau remains the fastest cross-border option, but expect test runs and public information campaigns about the RTS later in 2025.
Timetable & Booking Tips
- Up to 36 departures daily, starting at 05:00 from Woodlands and 05:30 from JB Sentral, with the last trains near midnight.
- Book online or via KTM’s mobile app up to 30 days ahead. Weekends, school holidays, and Friday evenings sell out quickest.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; gates close 10 minutes before departure, and latecomers will be denied boarding.
Immigration Process
Your passport is stamped out of Singapore and into Malaysia (or vice-versa) on opposite sides of the same platform. Keep your boarding pass and passport in hand; you won’t retrieve luggage until JB Sentral. The whole procedure averages 15 minutes.
By Public Bus
Public buses are the cheapest way to hop the border. You have two operators: Singapore’s SBS/SMRT routes and Malaysia-based Causeway Link.
Cross-Border Routes & Fares
| Bus | SG Start Point | JB Endpoint | Cash Fare (SGD) | Notes |
| SBS 160 | Jurong East Interchange | JB CIQ | 2.00 | Long route via Bukit Timah |
| SBS 170 | Queen St. Terminal | JB CIQ | 2.20 | Regular stops along Bukit Timah |
| SBS 170X | Kranji MRT | JB CIQ | 2.20 | Express skips intermediate stops |
| SMRT 950 | Woodlands Interchange | JB Sentral | 2.20 | 24-hour loop service |
| CW1 | Kranji MRT | JB CIQ | 2.60 | Popular with outlet shoppers |
| CW2 | Queen St. Terminal | Larkin Bus Terminal | 4.80 | Direct link to long-distance buses |
| CW5 | Newton Circus | JB CIQ | 4.80 | Handy for Orchard / Newton hotels |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightest on the wallet.
- No pre-booking needed—just tap EZ-Link or pay exact cash on the Singapore leg.
- High frequency: a bus departs every few minutes during peak hours.
Cons
- Subject to Causeway jams that can push the trip past 90 minutes.
- Overcrowding is common on weekends; standing room only.
- You must alight twice for immigration inspections—once to exit Singapore, again to enter Malaysia.
Comfort Tips
- Travel off-peak. Before 7 am or after 10 pm on weekdays is ideal.
- Carry exact change. Ticket machines in JB do not accept Singapore coins.
- Pack light. Large suitcases slow boarding and may incur surcharges.
By Private Car or Self-Drive
Driving gives total control over schedule and side-trips—from Legoland to seafood dinners in Johor’s coastal villages.
Vehicle Entry Permit & Tolls
- Foreign vehicles entering Singapore pay a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) of S$5 per day after the first 10 fee-free days each calendar year.
- Electronic tolls apply at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. Your Autopass (for foreign plates) or NETS CashCard (for SG plates) deducts tolls automatically.
- Remember, fuel is costlier in Singapore; fill up in JB before returning if possible.
Insurance & Compliance
Check that your car insurance covers Malaysia. If driving a rental, inform the agency; cross-border surcharges and paperwork vary. Tire tread depth and headlight alignment may be inspected at random.
Best Itineraries for Drivers
- Day-trip Shoppers: Exit Woodlands, park at JB City Square, explore café streets, then drive to Paradigm Mall before heading back.
- Family Fun Weekend: Take the Tuas Second Link to skip city congestion, overnight near Legoland Malaysia, and swing by IKEA Tebrau on Sunday before returning.
- Foodie Night Run: Evening drive to Permas Jaya for seafood, return after 11 pm when causeway traffic thins.
By Licensed Taxi or MPV
Cross-Border Yellow-Roof Taxis
Operating from Ban San St. (Queen Street) in Bugis, these cabs run on a regulated S$60 flat fare to Larkin Bus Terminal. You pay per cab, not per head, so fares split cheaply among four passengers. Note: taxis cannot pick up random passengers in JB, so arrange a JB taxi separately for onward journeys.
Pre-Booked MPV Services
Online platforms let you reserve a Toyota Innova, Alphard, or Hyundai Starex for S$90–S$150 door-to-door. Drivers hold special licences to use private-car immigration lanes, so you remain seated throughout passport control—ideal if you’re travelling with elders, toddlers, or bulky luggage. Peak-day surcharges apply on public holidays and midnight pickups.
Best Way to Travel with Kids or the Elderly
If travelling with children, seniors, or bulky luggage, licensed MPVs or private car services are the most convenient. Passengers stay in the vehicle at immigration counters, avoiding multiple alightings. Taxis to Larkin are cheaper but involve changing vehicles once in JB. Public buses are not recommended for families with strollers or large bags, especially on weekends when crowding is intense.
Ride-Hail Apps: What’s Allowed?
Ride-hailing rules remain strict in 2025: Grab, Gojek, and TADA are still not allowed to cross the border. However, new booking platforms such as SGMYTaxi and Causeway Private Hire have grown popular, offering pre-booked MPVs and sedans with fixed pricing (S$90–S$160 depending on time and vehicle). These services use licensed drivers with special cross-border permits, allowing passengers to remain seated during immigration checks.
For budget-friendly hacks, many still:
- Book Grab or Gojek to Woodlands/Tuas Checkpoints.
- Walk through immigration.
- Book a Malaysian Grab ride onwards.
The Rapid Transit System Link
A dedicated metro line, the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, is on schedule for December 2026. Trains will run every four minutes from Woodlands North MRT to Bukit Chagar station in JB, slicing commute time to under 10 minutes and moving 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Until then, the Shuttle Tebrau remains the quickest rail option.
Travel Documents & Border Checks
Passport Validity
Both Singapore and Malaysia require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Immigration officers can deny entry if it falls short, even by a day.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) in 2025
Since January 2024, most foreigners (except Singapore citizens) must complete the MDAC within three days before entering Malaysia. In 2025, the system has stabilised with a faster QR-based scan at JB CIQ.
- Who needs it: All non-Singaporean passport holders, including PRs and long-term pass holders.
- How to complete: Fill out the online form at imigresen.gov.my with travel dates, passport details, and contact info.
- Tip: Save the QR code screenshot offline; the Wi-Fi at checkpoints is often unstable.
Customs Rules
- Currency declaration: Any cash or bearer instruments exceeding S$20,000 or RM30,000 must be declared.
- Duty-free allowances: Each adult may bring 1 litre of spirits, wine, or beer back into Singapore if away for more than 48 hours. Tobacco remains heavily taxed.
- Food and plants: Fresh produce must comply with Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority guidelines; random inspections are common.
Safety & Common Scams in 2025
While Johor Bahru is safe for most travellers, some issues remain:
- Unofficial ride-shares: Avoid booking through random WhatsApp groups. Only licensed drivers can legally cross.
- Taxi touts: At JB Sentral, decline offers outside the official taxi stand.
- Pickpocketing: Remains common in crowded bus queues and the JB City Square underpass.
Tip: Carry only essential cash (RM50–100) and use contactless cards where possible.
Best & Worst Times to Cross in 2025
Real-time data from OneMotoring and Malaysia apps show that 2025 congestion remains heavy on:
- Saturday mornings before 10 am.
- Friday evenings (4 pm–10 pm) SG → JB.
- Sunday evenings (4 pm–10 pm) JB → SG
New trend: Saturday afternoons now also see spikes due to family day trips.
Best times remain:
- Weekdays before 7 am.
- Late nights after 11 pm.
Sample Trip Budgets
| Traveller Profile | Transport Choice | Round-Trip Cost | Why It Works |
| Solo backpacker | Public bus | < S$6 | Lowest price, accepts EZ-Link / cash |
| A couple on a date day | KTM train + Grab in JB | ~ S$30 | Punctual train + inexpensive local rides |
| Family of five | Private MPV | ~ S$180 | Door-to-door, no luggage hauling |
| Friends on a foodie crawl | Self-drive | S$5 VEP + tolls + fuel | Flexible stops, trunk space for snacks |
Sample Day-Trip Itineraries 2025
12-Hour Café Hop: Train to JB Sentral → breakfast at Hiap Joo Bakery → chill at Faculty of Caffeine → dinner at Kampung Senibong seafood before returning.
Shopping Spree: Bus CW2 to Larkin → Paradigm Mall → IKEA Tebrau → return by evening.
Family Fun: Drive via Tuas → Legoland Malaysia → Sunway Big Box Retail Park → stay overnight → return Sunday night after 10 pm.
2025 Travel Costs of Transport
| Mode | 2025 One-Way Cost (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KTM Shuttle Tebrau | $5.00 | No major fare changes since 2024 |
| Public buses (SBS/SMRT) | Still the cheapest option | Still cheapest option |
| Causeway Link buses | $2.60–$5.00 | Slight increase for CW2 & CW5 |
| Licensed taxi | $60–$70 per cab | Flat rate, no meter |
| Private MPV/Car | $90–$160 | Depends on model & time of day |
| Self-drive | VEP $5/day + tolls + fuel | Fuel in JB ~RM2.05/L (≈S\$0.60) |
Quick, Practical Tips
- Book train tickets early. Weekend slots sell out within hours.
- Use ManjaLink cards on Causeway Link buses. It saves a few cents per ride and saves fumbling with coins.
- Download traffic apps. OneMotoring (SG) and (MY) offer live camera views and estimated wait times.
- Travel light. Border X-ray scanners pull aside large suitcases and slow you down.
- Stay online. Malaysian eSIMs start at RM10 for 3 GB; order before you travel to keep navigation smooth.
- Plan your return. Sunday evening crowding is legendary. Leave JB by lunchtime or stay for supper and return after 10 pm.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
The KTM Shuttle Tebrau train is the quickest, taking only five minutes of track time and about 20 minutes total, including immigration.
Do Singapore citizens need the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?
No. Singapore passport holders are exempt, though other nationalities, including Singapore PRs, must submit the MDAC.
Can I drive my Singapore-registered car into JB without extra paperwork?
Yes, provided you have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit and Autopass card. After your first ten crossings each year, you’ll pay S$5 per day in VEP fees plus checkpoint tolls.
Are Grab or Gojek rides allowed to cross the border?
No. Ride-hail services can take you only to the checkpoint. For a direct car ride, book a licensed cross-border taxi or a private MPV.
How much is the KTM Shuttle Tebrau ticket in 2025 from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
Still S$5 per adult; tickets sell out fast on weekends.
Can I still use EZ-Link cards on buses from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
Yes, for SBS/SMRT routes on the Singapore side. Once in JB, you’ll need Malaysian cash or ManjaLink.
What’s the cheapest option in 2025 from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
Public buses remain the cheapest at under S$3 one-way.
When will the RTS Link officially open?
December 2026, with test runs expected in late 2025.
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