Singapore to Johor Bahru: Your Comprehensive Guide to Every Transport

INTRODUCTION:

Planning a trip from Singapore to Johr Bahru( JB) but are unsure which transport is best for you? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and frazzled with the numerous transport options available like cross-border buses and ride-hailing apps to trains and private car hires .The options are plentiful—but not always straightforward. Add in the ever-changing traffic at the border and differing entry procedures, each with its own pros, cons and border crossing quirks. 

Anxious and stressed about the best way to JB? This guide cuts through the confusion. We have got you covered! With clear steps, up-to-date costs, realistic travel times and expert tips, so you can cross the border like a seasoned traveler.

Whether you are

• A backpacker pinching pennies
• A family lugging suitcases
• A business traveler racing against the clock

VALUE PROPOSITION:

By the end, you’ll know exactly which mode of transport suits your budget, schedule, and comfort level—and you’ll be fully prepared for a smoother, more predictable cross-border journey. Save time, avoid hidden costs, and travel smart with confidence. Let’s dive in – your stress-free journey to JB starts here!

Overview of Transport Methods Between Singapore and Johor Bahru:

Traveling from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB) is possible through several modes of transport, each with its own pros and cons depending on your priorities.

🚌 Public Bus Options: Singapore to JB

Aspect	Details
Type	Public Buses – Most affordable option, but can be time-consuming (especially during peak hours)
Best For	Budget travelers, solo explorers, light packers
Worst For	Travelers with heavy luggage, tight schedules, or those in a hurry

🚍 Option 1: Causeway Link Buses (CW1, CW2, CW5, CW6)

Route (Bus No.)	From – To	Checkpoint Used	Cost	Estimated Travel Time
CW1	Queen Street → JB Sentral	Woodlands	SGD 1.50 – 4.00	60–90 mins (including immigration)
CW2	Jurong East → JB Sentral	Woodlands	SGD 1.50 – 4.00	60–90 mins (including immigration)
CW5	Kranji MRT → JB Sentral	Woodlands	SGD 1.50 – 4.00	60–90 mins (including immigration)
CW6	Newton Circus → Larkin Terminal	Tuas Second Link	SGD 1.50 – 4.00	60–90 mins (including immigration)

Payment Methods: Cash or Card

🚍 Option 2: SBS Transit Buses (170, 160, 950)

Route (Bus No.)	From – To	Checkpoint Used	Cost	Estimated Travel Time
170	Kranji MRT → JB Sentral	Woodlands	SGD 2.50	60–120 mins (traffic-dependent)
160	Jurong East → JB Sentral	Woodlands	SGD 2.50	60–120 mins (traffic-dependent)
950	Woodlands Temp Interchange → JB Sentral	Woodlands	SGD 2.50	60–120 mins (traffic-dependent)

Payment Methods: EZ-Link / ManjaLink Card

First-time visitors can check our guide on Where to Buy MRT Card in Singapore to get started

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide: Taking the Public Bus from Singapore to JB:

Step	Details
1. Getting To The Bus Terminal	– CW1: Board at Queen Street (near Bugis) – CW2: Board at Jurong East Bus Interchange – SBS170: Board at Kranji MRT
2. Boarding The Bus	– Pay via exact cash – Pay via EZ-Link / Touch’n Go (for SBS Buses)
3. Immigration Procedures	First Stop: – Disembark at Singapore immigration (Woodlands Checkpoint) with all luggage – Clear SG customs, re-board any CW bus (no need for same bus) Second Stop: – Disembark at Malaysia immigration – Clear customs, re-board bus to JB Sentral / Larkin
4. Arrival in JB	– JB Sentral: Connected to JB CIQ and Komtar JBCC Mall – Larkin Terminal: For onward buses to other Malaysian cities

If you prefer to avoid cross-border buses, you can also explore our guide on How to Use MRT in Singapore for smoother city travel before heading to JB.

💡 Expert Tips

• Use CW2 from Jurong East for slightly shorter queues
• No pre-booking needed (just queue)
• Best for budget travelers
• If possible, avoid weekends

🚐 Cross-Border Shuttle Buses

Aspect	Details
Overview	More direct than public buses, popular for speed and convenience
Best For	Avoiding traffic, quick border crossing
Worst For	Last-minute planners (tickets sell out fast)
Key Operators and Routes	– Johor Bahru via Woodlands Causeway or Tuas Second Link – Causeway Link CW1 / CW2 / CW5 – SMRT 950 – SBS 170 / 170X – Singapore–Johor Express (SJE)
Service Type	– Shared transport: Many passengers on one bus – Fixed route & schedule: Must follow designated bus stops and routes
Cost Estimation	Cheap (\$1.25 – 4.80 per trip)
Travel Time	– Off-peak: 40–60 minutes total – Peak hours / weekends: 1–2+ hours (due to checkpoint queues)

🚌 STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE – SHUTTLE / EXPRESS SERVICE:

Step	Details
1. CHOOSE A SHUTTLE/EXPRESS SERVICE	DIRECT SERVICES: o Causeway Link CW2 (Queen Street – JB CIQ) o Singapore-Johor Express (SJE) o Transtar Cross-Border Shuttle TS1, TS3 o Causeway Link CW7T (Tuas – JB CIQ)
2. GET TO THE DEPARTURE TERMINAL	POPULAR TERMINALS: o Kranji MRT Station CW1 (Exit C, bus stop) o Queen Street Terminal (Bugis MRT, CW2 and SJE) o Jurong EAST / Boon Lay (CW3, CW6) 🕒 Arrive 15–20 minutes earlier during peak hours
3. BUY OR SCAN THE TICKET	BOOKING INFO AND PAYMENT: o Cash (SGD, exact fare preferred) o EZ-Link / NETS FlashPay o ManjaLink Card (for Causeway Link) o Online bookings (Transtar, Easybook, BusOnlineTicket) for some services
4. BOARD THE SHUTTLE BUS	o Show your ticket or tap your card at the entrance o Keep ticket/receipt for re-boarding after immigration 💡 Tip: Sit near the exit for faster immigration alighting
5. CLEAR SINGAPORE IMMIGRATION	1. Shuttle bus stops at Woodlands Checkpoint (or Tuas Second Link) 2. Alight with all luggage and belongings 3. Clear immigration 4. Re-board the same bus (bus waits)
6. CROSS THE CAUSEWAY / TUAS SECOND LINK	• Shuttle continues directly to Malaysian checkpoint • Travel time: 5–15 mins off-peak / 20–45 mins peak
7. CLEAR MALAYSIAN IMMIGRATION	1. Shuttle stops at JB CIQ 2. Alight with luggage and clear immigration 3. Re-board shuttle to Larkin (if available) or exit into JB Sentral
8. CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY IN JB	• From JB Sentral, access: o City Square Mall (connected to CIQ) o Taxis, Grab, or local buses o Train connections to Kuala Lumpur (KTM Intercity)

✅ EXPERT TIPS:

• Keep ticket handy for re-boarding
• Avoid peak times: Friday evenings, weekends, Malaysian holidays
• Travel light for faster immigration
• Use online booking for Transtar/premium shuttles

🚆 TRAIN (SHUTTLE TEBRAU)

Aspect	Details
Overview	Fast and efficient with minimal border wait times, but limited seats and fixed schedules
Best For	Avoiding traffic, quick border crossing
Worst For	Last-minute planners (tickets sell out fast)
Operator & Route	KTM’s Shuttle Tebrau • Between Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Singapore) and JB Sentral (Malaysia) • 5-minute ride
Boarding Location	Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Cost Estimation	Standard: 5 MYR Premium: SGD 16 (more flexible timing)
Travel Time	5 minutes train + 30–60 minutes (immigration clearance)

🚆 Step-by-Step Guide

Step	Details
1. Getting To Woodlands Train Checkpoint	Reach via MRT (Marsiling / Woodlands)
2. Immigration Procedures	Done in Singapore (both SG & MY) before boarding. No need to alight again.
3. Boarding The Train	Board Shuttle Tebrau for 5-minute ride
4. Arrival at JB Sentral	Disembark into JB CIQ, Komtar JBCC area

💡 BOOKING INFO & TIP

• Book via KTMB Integrated Ticketing System (KITS)
• Seats open monthly, up to 6 months in advance
• Use passport details exactly as per travel docs
• Book early – weekends/holidays sell out fast
• Arrive 30+ minutes early for immigration

f part of your journey involves MRT travel, see How to Pay for MRT in Singapore for tourists

🚖 TAXIS AND RIDE-HAILING (GRAB/COMFORTDELGRO)

Type	Details
Overview	Convenient, door-to-door service with higher costs
Best For	Groups, families, those with luggage

🚖 OPTION 1: Grab / JB2SG (Ride-Hailing)

Cost Estimation	SGD 15–40 (depends on destination & demand)
Travel Time	30–60 minutes (no traffic)

🚖 OPTION 2: Traditional Taxi (Fixed Fare)

Where to Find	Queen Street Taxi Stand (Main Hub) Lavender / Kranji / Woodlands Checkpoint
Cost Estimation	SGD 50–80
Travel Time	30–90 minutes (depends on traffic)

🚖 Step-by-Step Guide

• Book via Grab app (select Johor Bahru destination)
• Negotiate fare (Fixed SGD 50–80) – Agree before boarding
• Driver handles both immigrations
• Drive-through clearance: Stay in taxi
• Arrival in JB: Direct drop-off at destination

Peak hour price surge” – e.g., “Be aware of Singapore Taxi Peak Hours & Surcharges if you’re considering taking a taxi from Singapore to JB

🚗 PRIVATE CAR HIRE OR CARPOOL SERVICES

Overview	Offers comfort and flexibility, great for families/groups with luggage
Best For	Frequent travelers, road trippers
Cost Estimation	Tolls: SGD 15–40 (Dynamic Pricing) Includes fuel, SG/MY tolls, parking, and ride fare
Travel Time	30–120 minutes (depends on traffic, checkpoint queue)

💡 Groups sharing costs can reduce per-head expenses. Potential delays during peak hours.

🚗 STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE (Ride-Sharing — Grab / Gojek)

Step	Details
1. Book Ride	 Book via Grab App (select Johor Bahru destination)  Enter Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint
2. Immigration	o Clear SG immigration – keep passports ready o Drive across bridge, clear MY immigration o Some drivers may ask you to alight and walk through customs o Pay toll (Touch ’n Go card at immigration)
3. Drop-Off	 Drop-off in JB

💡 EXPERT TIPS

• Use Tuas Second Link (though longer, use if Woodlands is jammed)
• Check traffic: LLM Traffic Cam before leaving
• Friday nights / Sunday evenings = worst jams

🚘SELF-DRIVING

Overview	Ideal for those who prefer full control but requires paperwork and patience at checkpoint
Routes	• Woodlands Causeway (shorter but congested) • Tuas Second Link (longer but sometimes faster)
Cost Estimation	• Includes fuel, SG/MY tolls, parking fees in JB and ride-fare (dynamic pricing) • Tolls and Fees: SG: ERP charges if applicable • MY: Touch ‘n Go card (MYR 20 for tolls)
Travel Time	• Highly variable: depends on traffic and queue • Woodlands: 40–90 min • Tuas: 50–100 min

🚗 STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE (Self-Driving)

Step	Details
1. PREPARE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS	1. Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity) 2. Valid Malaysian Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) – Register online if required 3. Autopass Card (Singapore-registered car) for checkpoint payment 4. Touch ‘n Go Card (Malaysian tolls) 5. Valid Car Insurance for Malaysia
2. CHECK TRAFFIC CONDITIONS	• Use MyTransport.SG, Google Maps, or One Motoring • Tip: Tuas is often less congested but a longer route
3. DRIVE TO THE CHECKPOINT	o Woodlands Checkpoint (Causeway) → JB CIQ o Tuas Checkpoint (Second Link) → Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ
4. CLEAR SINGAPORE IMMIGRATION (EXIT)	1. Stop at SG Immigration Booth 2. Present passports for all passengers 3. Scan Autopass card (ERP/toll charges may apply) 4. Proceed once cleared
5. CROSS THE CAUSEWAY / SECOND LINK	• Follow traffic lanes and speed limits • Off-peak: 5–15 mins • Peak hours: 30–60+ mins
6. CLEAR MALAYSIAN IMMIGRATION (ENTRY)	1. Drive to Malaysian CIQ car lane 2. Present passports for all passengers 3. Scan VEP if required 4. Show Touch ‘n Go card for toll payment readiness
7. PAY TOLLS AND ENTER JB	• Malaysian tolls: RM3–9 per crossing • Tap Touch ‘n Go card at gantry
8. DRIVE TO YOUR DESTINATION	• From JB CIQ, follow signs to: o City Centre (JB Sentral / City Square) o Larkin Terminal / Skudai / Bukit Indah o North-South Expressway (for KL and beyond)

💡 EXPERT TIPS

• Avoid peak hours (Friday evening, weekends, SG/MY holidays)
• Ensure Touch ‘n Go card is loaded before the trip
• Keep passports and cards easily accessible
• Use Tuas for smoother traffic if heading to western Johor (Legoland, Bukit Indah)
• Check fuel level — SG law requires ¾ full tank to exit

Singapore to JB Travel Options Compared: Costs, Time & Convenience:

Transport Method	Estimated Cost (SGD/ MYR)	Estimated Travel Time (Excl. Immigration)	Typical Immigration(Peak/ Off- Peak)	Convenience Level	Pros	Cons
Public/Private Bus	S$2–10 / RM6–30	30–60 mins	30 mins – 3+ hours	Moderate	Cheap, frequent departures, many routes	Traffic delays, must alight twice with luggage
Train  (Shuttle Tebrau)	S$5 / RM16	5 mins	15–45 mins	High	Fastest, bypasses road traffic, streamlined immigration	Tickets sell out fast, fixed schedule,limited to Woodlands JB.
Taxi/ Grab	S$20–80 / RM60–240	30–60 mins	30 mins – 2+ hours	High	Doortodoor, private, comfortable with luggage	Expensive, surge pricing,traffic-dependent.
Private Car/ Carpool	S$70–120 / RM210–360	30–60 mins	30 mins – 2+ hours	Very high	Flexible, private, great for families or groups	Highest cost, advance booking still traffic-dependent

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST TRANSPORT FROM SINGAPORE TO JOHOR BAHRU:

KEY FACTORS:

BUDGET: ( CHEAPEST VS. MOST EXPENSIVE)

OPTION	COST(SGD)	BEST FOR
Public Bus	$1.5-$4	Extreme budget travelers
KTM Shuttle Train	$5-$16	Fast and affordable(if booked early)
Ride-hailing(Grab/JBS2G)	$16-$40	Mid-range budget,convenience
Private Taxi	$50-$80	Groups, families, comfort
Driving (car)	$20-$40 (fuel+tolls)	Flexibility, frequent travelers

TIP: if saving money is your priority public buses are the cheapest, but be prepared for queues.

TIME CONSTRAINT( FASTEST VS. SLOWEST)

OPTION	Travel Time	Notes
KTM Shuttle Train	30-60 mins ( including immigration)	Fastest if tickets available
Ride-hailing(Grab/JBS2G	30-90mins	Depends on traffic
Private Taxi	30-120 mins	Avoid peak hours
Driving (car)	60-120mins	Long queues at peak times

TIP: The quickest way across is the KTM train, so if speed matters book it early.

 GROUP ( SLO, COUPLE FAMILY, LARGE GROUP)

OPTION	BEST FOR	Why?
Public Bus	Solo/ Couple	Cheap, but crowded
KTM Shuttle Train	Solo/ Couple	Fast, limited seats
Ride-hailing(Grab/JBS2G)	Small groups (2-4)	Convenient, mid-price
Private Taxi	Families(4+)	Comfort, no luggage hassle
Driving (car)	Large groups	Flexible, split fuel costs

TIP: A private taxi is most hassle free for families and groups.

LUGGAGE (LIGHT VS.HEAVY)

OPTION	Luggage Friendliness	Notes
Public Bus	Must carry twice	Painful (big bags)
KTM Shuttle Train	No re-boarding	Best (light luggage)
Taxi / Grab	Door-to-door	No lifting at immigration
Driving	Trunk space	Best for heavy luggage

TIPS: For heavy luggage opt for taxi or driving.

DESTINATION IN JB (JB SENTRAL VS. OTHER AREAS)

OPTION	BEST FOR	WHY?
Bus/Train	JB Sentral	Direct arrival
Taxi / Grab	Anywhere in JB	Flexible drop-off
Driving	Remote areas	Full control over route

KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING YOUR CHOICE:

• Cost: Budget-conscious travelers might prefer public buses or trains, while convenience seekers may opt for taxis or private cars.
• Time: Trains and express buses can reduce travel time significantly, especially during busy hours.
• Convenience & Comfort: Door-to-door options are better suited for travelers with heavy luggage or children.
• Group Size: Private car hires or taxis become more cost-effective when splitting the fare among several people.
• Border Traffic & Customs: Travel time can vary greatly depending on congestion at checkpoints and time of day.

PRIMARY BORDER CHECKPOINTS:

• Woodlands Checkpoint – Most frequently used, especially for buses and the Shuttle Tebrau train. Expect longer queues during rush hours and weekends.
• Tuas Second Link – Less crowded, mainly used by private cars, taxis, and some bus services. More time-efficient but further from central Singapore.
• Woodlands Train Checkpoint – Used exclusively by the Shuttle Tebrau. Easiest and fastest crossing if you can get a ticket.

IMMIGRATION AND BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURES:

Crossing the border between Singapore and Johor Bahru (Malaysia) involves immigration, customs, and security checks on both sides. The process differs slightly depending on whether you travel by bus, train, taxi, or car.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Before traveling, ensure you have:

• Valid Passport:At least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
• Visa (if required)
• Check if your nationality requires a visa to enter Malaysia.
• Most ASEAN countries do not require a visa for short visits.
• Check with:
• ICA Singapore – Visa Requirements
• Malaysian Immigration Department.
• Arrival/Departure Cards
• Singapore: Submit SG Arrival Card online (within 3 days of arrival).
• Malaysia: Use Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for prearrival registration.
• Customs Declarations
  • Singapore: Strict on alcohol, tobacco, and controlled goods.

Expert Tip:

Keep all documents, tickets, and cards easily accessible in hand luggage for faster clearance.
Update 2024: Malaysia now requires fingerprint scanning for all foreign visitors.

STEP BY STEP IMMIGRATION PROCESS:

🛂 A. Singapore Checkpoints (Departure)

Checkpoint Types	Instructions for Travelers
For Car / Bus / Taxi Travelers	1. Arrive at Singapore immigration (Woodlands or Tuas) 2. Disembark (if taking a bus) / Stay in the vehicle (if travelling by car or taxi) 3. Clear Singapore immigration:   – Automated gates for Singaporeans / PRs / EP Holders   – Manual counters for tourists and others 4. Proceed to Malaysia checkpoint
For Train (Shuttle Tebrau) Travelers	o Clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration at Woodlands Train Checkpoint before boarding o No additional checks upon arrival in JB

🛃 B. Malaysia Checkpoints (Arrival)

Checkpoint Locations	Instructions
BSI (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar) CIQ or Second Link CIQ	1. Disembark (bus) / Stay in vehicle (car/taxi) 2. Clear Malaysia immigration:   – Passport stamping + fingerprint scanning (for all foreigners) 3. Customs Check:   – Red lane (for declaring goods)   – Green lane (if nothing to declare) 4. Re-board the bus or proceed to JB

🚫 C. Custom Regulations: Singapore → Malaysia

Allowed / Duty-Free Limited	Prohibited / Restricted
Alcohol – 1L	Drugs (strict penalties)
Tobacco – 200 cigarettes	Weapons and firearms
Cash – MYR 30K must be declared	Endangered wildlife products
Excessive luxury goods may incur duties (Royal Malaysian Customs)

⏱️ Optimizing Your Border Crossing: Strategic Timing & Tips

🔄 1. Understanding Traffic Patterns

When	Details
Peak Hours (Long Queues)	o Morning (5 am–9 am): Traffic into Singapore (commuters) o Evening (5 pm–9 pm): Traffic into Johor (returning workers, tourists) o Weekends & Public Holidays: Both directions are congested
Off-Peak Hours (Best Times to Travel)	o Late morning: 10 am–12 pm o Early afternoon: 2 pm–4 pm o Late night: 9 pm–12 am (except holiday eves)
Other Delay Factors	o Accidents or roadworks o Heavy rain / poor visibility o Festive seasons (Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Christmas)

📲 2. Real-Time Information Tools

Source	Use
Traffic Cameras	o LTA TrafficWatch (Singapore) o Live cameras at Woodlands & Tuas
Apps for Travel & Delays	o Google Maps / Waze (live causeway delay info) o One Motoring SG for checkpoint status

🧳 Border Crossing Tips for a Smooth Trip:

✅ Do This
Avoid Peak Times	Weekends, holidays, 7–10am & 4–8pm on weekdays
Prepare Documents	– Passport (6+ months validity) – White Arrival Card (for MY immigration) – SG Exit Stamp (if taking bus/train)
Cash & Connectivity	– Bring MYR (for taxis, food, SIM cards) – Get a Malaysian SIM (cheap data at JB Sentral)

Carrying an EZ-Link Card for Tourists can make local travel before or after your JB trip much smoother.

🏆 Final Recommendation: Which Option Should YOU Choose?

Goal	Recommended Option
✅ Fastest	KTM Shuttle Train (if booked early)
✅ Cheapest	Public bus (CW1 / CW2)
✅ Most Comfortable	Private taxi / Grab
✅ Best for Drivers	Travel during early morning or late night to avoid jams

🎒 Ready for Your JB Adventure?

Now that you know all the options, pick the best one for your trip and enjoy a hassle-free journey!