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How to Get to Johor Bahru from Singapore

Updated 25 Oct 2026 3 min read Trips from SG Editorial Team
A cross-border coach on a palm-lined highway at golden hour
Short answer

Four ways cross to Johor Bahru: public bus (cheapest), the 5-minute KTM Shuttle Tebrau train from Woodlands, driving over the Causeway or Second Link, or a cross-border coach. Singapore citizens need only a valid passport to enter Malaysia.

On this page7 sections · tap to jump
  1. 01Compare the options at a glance
  2. 02By public bus
  3. 03By KTM Shuttle Tebrau (train)
  4. 04By car
  5. 05By cross-border coach
  6. 06The RTS Link is coming
  7. 07Before you go

Getting to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore comes down to four practical choices: a public bus, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train, driving your own car, or a cross-border coach. Buses are the cheapest, the train is the fastest across the border, and driving is the most flexible if you have a Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit. Singapore citizens need only a valid passport to enter Malaysia.

Compare the options at a glance

The right choice depends on your budget, how much luggage you have, and whether you want to avoid the road queue at the Causeway.

Card comparing JB crossing options by rough cost and time

Ways to cross to JB. Sources: ICA, LTA, KTMB, as of October 2026.

By public bus

Cross-border public buses (including the Causeway Link “CW” services and Singapore city buses that run to the checkpoint) are the cheapest way across, typically around S$1 to S$5. Services run frequently from early morning to late night via Woodlands.

By KTM Shuttle Tebrau (train)

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau runs between Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral - a roughly 5-minute ride, with the published fare about S$5 one-way from Woodlands (RM5 from JB). Crucially, you clear both Singapore and Malaysian immigration at the stations, so once you board you simply walk out at JB Sentral. The shuttle is expected to wind down after the RTS Link opens.

By car

Driving is the most flexible option and makes sense for families or a shopping run, but a Singapore-registered car must carry a valid Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) RFID tag, with full enforcement in place. You will also want a Touch ’n Go card for Malaysian tolls. See our full VEP guide before you drive.

By cross-border coach

For destinations beyond JB (Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and further), coaches run from points such as Golden Mile and Boon Lay. These are covered in our Singapore to KL options guide.

The RTS Link is a 4 km rail shuttle between Woodlands North (Singapore) and Bukit Chagar (JB), with a journey time of about 5 minutes and co-located immigration so you clear only at your departure station.

Before you go

Whatever you choose, make sure your passport is valid (at least six months is the safe rule) and check the entry rules in our Malaysia entry requirements guide. Entry rules and schedules change - always confirm with the official source on the day you travel.

Sources

  1. Entering Singapore — Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) (as of October 2026)
  2. Factsheet: Updates on the Johor Bahru - Singapore Rapid Transit System Link — Land Transport Authority (as of October 2026)
  3. KTM Shuttle Tebrau (Woodlands - JB Sentral) — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) (as of October 2026)