There are five main ways to get from Singapore to Johor Bahru, and none of them is right for every trip. Cost, comfort, how much luggage you have, group size, and exactly where you are going in Johor all change the answer. This guide compares each option on the factors that actually matter so you can decide before you leave home, not after you are already at the checkpoint.
Quick Answer:
Which transport fits your trip?
Pro tip: During weekends and holiday peaks, the “fastest” option often comes down to queue timing, not the transport mode
Many Singaporeans eagerly await their weekends, often planning enjoyable day trips across the causeway to Johor Bahru. If you are wondering how to go to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore, there are five main ways you can travel: private car, bus, train, self drive, or chartered van and bus.
For most families and groups, the easiest way to go from Singapore to Johor Bahru is by private car with driver. You stay in one vehicle, keep your bags inside, and clear immigration at Woodlands or Tuas without changing buses or standing in long queues.
This guide explains each option in detail so you can choose the safest, fastest, or most budget-friendly way from Singapore to Johor Bahru.
Choose the option that matches your budget, comfort level, and where you’re going in Johor Bahru.
Below we compare travel time, cost, comfort, and who each option is best for. We’ll cover SGAC and MDAC near the end, after the transport options.
| Option | Comfort | Effort level | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car with driver | High | Low | Families, groups, travellers with luggage | Higher cost than bus for solo travel |
| Public bus | Low to medium | High | Budget travellers, light packers | Walking and queuing through both checkpoints |
| Train | Medium | Medium | Solo travellers, short trips, advance planners | Limited ticket availability |
| Self-drive | Medium | Medium | Travellers who want full control | VEP paperwork, tolls, parking, traffic |
| Charter van or bus | High | Low to medium | Corporate groups, school groups, large families | Not practical for very small groups |
A private car picks you up from your Singapore address and drops you directly at your JB destination. You stay in the same vehicle at both checkpoints. Bags stay in the boot. You do not re-queue on the Malaysia side.
Compare that with the bus process: disembark in Singapore, carry everything through the hall, clear immigration on foot, re-board for the Malaysian side, repeat. In off-peak conditions that takes 20 to 30 extra minutes. During peak periods, it adds considerably more.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Direct transfer with no need to exit required at immigration checkpoints. | Higher cost, especially for solo travelers. |
| Pick-up and drop-off at your preferred locations. | |
| Minimal travel time with professional, experienced drivers. | |
| Exclusive, non-sharing service (no strangers joining your ride) |
Recommended for: Families, large groups (5-10 people), and anyone seeking a hassle-free trip.
Price Range: SGD 100 to SGD 140 per vehicle.
Per-person cost looks different once you split it. A group of five sharing an Innova pays around S$20 each one way, which is competitive with some premium bus operators and significantly less walking. For rates by destination, vehicle options, and booking, see Singapore to Johor Bahru private car is usually the right fit.
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We recommend SGMYTravel for reliable, round-the-clock support with well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers. Each journey prioritizes comfort and safety, making it a top choice for smooth cross-border travel
The bus is the cheapest way to cross and the most common choice for budget travellers. The cost is real. So is the process.
You disembark from the Singapore bus at the checkpoint, walk through Singapore immigration carrying your luggage, board a shuttle to the Malaysian side, walk through Malaysian immigration, then re-board or find onward transport in JB. Off-peak on a weekday, a light packer clears this in 20 to 40 minutes. On a Saturday afternoon with a full bag, it is a different experience.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cheapest option, frequent services, multiple pick-up points across Singapore | Immigration clearance can take hours, especially during peak times. |
| You'll need to carry all luggage through immigration. | |
| Not ideal for travelers with young children, elderly family members, or lots of luggage. |
Recommended for: Budget travelers and those traveling light.
Popular Bus Routes:
Popular routes include the Kranji bus to JB and Kranji MRT to JB. Ensure to check Kranji bus to JB timing and last bus from JB to Singapore schedules online in advance.
If you're unsure how to go JB from Singapore by bus, simply search for routes like yellow bus to JB or the frequent SG to JB transport options.
| Bus No. | From SG | To JB | Notes |
| CW1 | Kranji MRT | JB CIQ | Fast, frequent |
| CW2 | Queen Street (Bugis) | JB CIQ | Popular central route |
| CW5 | Newton Circus | JB CIQ | Fewer queues |
| SBS 160/170/170X | Various SG points | JB CIQ / Larkin | Longer journey |
| SMRT 950 | Woodlands Interchange | JB CIQ | Good for North SG |
| AC7 | Yishun Interchange | JB CIQ | Alternative from North |
| SJE | Queen Street (Bugis) | JB CIQ / Larkin | Less frequent |
| TS1 / TS3 / TS8 | Airport / hotels | JB CIQ | Premium routes |
| Bus No. | From SG | To JB | Notes |
| CW3 | Jurong East | Perling, JB | Quick Tuas route |
| CW4 / CW4S | Jurong East | Pontian / Gelang Patah | Good for west Johor |
| CW6 | Boon Lay MRT | Perling | Useful for West SG |
| CW7 | Tuas Link MRT | JB CIQ (2nd Link) | Direct, fast |
| CW3L / CW3S / CW4G / CW7L | CIQ 2nd Link | Bukit Indah / Legoland | For malls and resorts |
| FC1 | CIQ 2nd Link | Forest City | Niche destination |
| TS6 | Buona Vista | Gelang Patah | Premium |
[Updated Info]: Schedules change. Confirm current times and boarding platforms on the Causeway Link or SBS Transit websites before travel.
If you only need to reach JB Sentral / City Square, look for cross-border buses that terminate at Johor Bahru CIQ or JB Sentral. Travellers heading to Bukit Indah, LEGOLAND or other parts of Johor usually choose buses that continue beyond JB Sentral.
The main boarding points are Kranji MRT, Queen Street (near Bugis), Woodlands Checkpoint and Jurong East. Each cross-border route uses different bays, so always double-check the latest boarding information and platform numbers on the bus operator’s website or at the terminal before you go.
Most cross-border public buses cost a few Singapore dollars per person one way (typically around S$2–S$5, depending on the operator and where you board). Prices can change, so treat this as a guide and confirm the latest fare on the bus operator’s official site before you go.
Common cross-border bus options include:
SBS Transit services (e.g., 160 / 170 / 170X), SMRT cross-border service 950 and Causeway Link buses (CW services).
In general, public cross-border buses are not 24 hours. Most run from early morning until around late night. If you need a late-night or very early transfer, choose SGMYTravel private car service.
The “best” bus depends on where you’re starting from and where you want to end up in JB. For most travellers, officially operated cross-border services (SBS Transit, SMRT, Causeway Link). If you’re travelling with kids, seniors, or luggage, buses can be tiring, many travellers prefer SGMYTravel private transfer to reduce steps and waiting stress.
The Shuttle Tebrau takes 5 minutes to cross from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral. That number is accurate and also slightly misleading. Getting to Woodlands, collecting tickets, and clearing immigration at both ends adds significant time to the total. Still, for travellers heading directly to JB Sentral who have pre-booked seats, the train removes road traffic from the equation.
The real limitation is capacity. Daily seats are limited. Weekends and public holidays sell out well in advance. Walking up and expecting a same-day ticket is usually not an option.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Quickest option to cross the border. | Limited ticket availability; advance booking recommended. |
| Departure limited to Woodlands Checkpoint. |
Ticket Price: Around SGD 5-7 (price fluctuates)
Recommended for: Travelers who can book in advance and prefer quick border-crossing.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased online via the KTM Shuttle Tebrau website or at ticketing counters.
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Driving gives full control over timing and stops. You leave when you want, pause where you want, and are not tied to a driver's schedule or a bus timetable. For multi-day Johor trips where you want to move between areas, self-drive is hard to replace.
The paperwork side is worth knowing before you go. Singapore-registered cars require VEP registration before entry into Malaysia. Tolls work differently on each side of the border. The three-quarter tank rule applies when leaving Singapore. What you need before driving to JB:
Tolls
Immigration flow
JB CIQ still requires passports. Roll down windows so officers can check all passengers.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Complete flexibility with departure times and stops. | Potential long wait times at immigration. |
| Additional costs for Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees in Malaysia. |
Recommended for: Families or groups with a car and a preference for flexibility.
(Newer regulations may apply, such as VEP requirements for Singapore vehicles entering Malaysia. Be sure to check before your trip. )
See also: 10 night markets in Johor Bahru to satisfy your street food and shopping cravings
Chartered vehicles are the practical answer for groups too large for a single private car. Corporate outings, school groups, and large family events are the typical use cases.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Customizable pick-up and drop-off points. | Prices vary based on group size and destinations. |
| Cost-effective for large groups. |
Recommended for: Large groups, corporate trips, and travelers with specific itinerary needs.
Popular charter services include large vans and buses with varying capacities, so booking in advance is advised, especially on weekends or holidays.
Exploring Johor Bahru from Singapore has never been easier with multiple transportation options. Whether you prefer the convenience of private hire transport, the affordability of buses, the speed of trains, the flexibility of self-driving, or the comfort of a charter van/bus, SGMYTravel has you covered.
Border traffic can change fast, especially on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays. Before you leave Singapore, check these real-time tools so you can decide whether Woodlands or Tuas is the better choice.
ICA shares checkpoint congestion updates and advisory notices. This is one of the fastest ways to spot peak periods and plan your departure time.
LTA’s traffic cameras let you view live conditions leading towards the checkpoints. A quick look helps you avoid leaving at the worst time, especially during evening rush hours.
MyTransport.SG provides traffic information and alerts that are useful when you’re approaching the checkpoints. It’s handy if you want quick updates while you’re already on the way. Google & iOs version.
Tip: Check these tools 30–60 minutes before you depart, then check again right before you reach the checkpoint because queues can build quickly.
If you prefer not to monitor traffic yourself, a private transfer can be simpler for families and groups. Share your pickup time and destination — SGMYTravel can recommend the smoother checkpoint and timing based on current conditions.
Choosing the right checkpoint can save you a lot of time. The best choice depends on where you’re heading in Johor and what time you’re crossing.
For travellers heading beyond JB city, you can continue planning from these route pages:
Woodlands Checkpoint (First Link)
Best for JB city centre: City Square, Komtar JBCC, KSL City Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Mount Austin, Tebrau. More buses run here, but it is often busier.
Tuas Checkpoint (Second Link)
Best for western Johor: Legoland, Sunway Iskandar, Puteri Harbour, Bukit Indah, Gelang Patah. Usually less congested, though further from central JB.
Practical tip: take a screenshot of your SGAC and MDAC confirmations in case officers request proof.
Around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and checkpoint queues.
Yes. All travelers entering Singapore must submit the SG Arrival Card, even by land.
A valid passport, possible visa, and VEP if driving your own car.
Singapore citizens and PRs crossing by land do not need SGAC. MDAC is for foreign visitors.
Yes, if you meet the height requirement and have registered. It speeds up clearance.
You can travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru by private car, bus, train, self-drive or chartered van/bus. For comfort and convenience, many travellers choose a private car so they do not need to change vehicles or carry bags through immigration.
Yes. The KTM Shuttle Tebrau runs between Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Singapore) and JB Sentral (Johor Bahru). Tickets are limited, so you usually need to book in advance.
The standard flow is:
Go to Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Take the KTM Shuttle Tebrau to JB Sentral
Clear immigration as required
The train ride itself is very short (about 5 minutes), but your total time will be longer once you include getting to the station, ticketing, and immigration clearance.
Public buses are the cheapest option, typically S$2 to S$5 per person one way. SBS Transit services (160, 170, 170X), SMRT 950, and Causeway Link CW buses are the main options. The cost of carrying luggage through two checkpoints on foot is not financial, but it adds time and effort, which is worth weighing against the price difference.
Per vehicle, no. Per person in a group, sometimes. A Toyota Innova to JB costs around S$100 one way for up to 6 passengers. Split five ways, that is S$20 per person, which is comparable to some premium express bus services and significantly more comfortable.
A private car with driver. You stay in one vehicle from Singapore to your JB destination, clear immigration in the car without disembarking, and luggage stays with the group throughout.
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