By The Escape desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
The cheapest way to Johor Bahru is a public bus, such as the 170X from Kranji, for about S$2.50 on a card. Causeway Link buses charge a flat S$5, and the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train from Woodlands is also S$5. Cross-border taxis booked through Grab, legal since May 2026, start from about S$80. The RTS Link, a five-minute train from Woodlands North to Bukit Chagar, is expected to open around 1 January 2027, with its fare still to be announced.
Quick facts
- Public buses cost about S$2.50 to JB on a card.
- Causeway Link is a flat S$5.
- The KTM Shuttle Tebrau is S$5 from Woodlands, and RM5 back.
- A cross-border taxi starts from about S$80.
- The RTS Link is expected to open around January 2027.
- Singapore citizens don’t need Malaysia’s arrival card.
The options compared
| Option | From | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBS 170X | Kranji MRT | About S$2.50 | Starts at Kranji, every two minutes at peak |
| SBS 160 and 170, SMRT 950 | Jurong Town Hall, Queen Street, Woodlands | About S$2.50 | Distance fares; 170 from Queen Street takes over an hour |
| Causeway Link CW1, CW2, CW5 | Kranji, Queen Street, Newton | S$5 flat | CW2 is listed as running 24 hours |
| KTM Shuttle Tebrau | Woodlands Train Checkpoint | S$5 (RM5 back) | Skips the Causeway traffic; limited daily departures |
| Cross-border taxi | Booked through Grab | From about S$80 | Door to door |
| RTS Link | Woodlands North | Not yet announced | Expected from around January 2027 |
How does the bus crossing work?
- On SBS or SMRT buses, tap in with an EZ-Link card, a contactless bank card, or Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Get off at Woodlands Checkpoint with all your belongings and clear Singapore immigration.
- Go downstairs and board any SBS or SMRT bus across the Causeway. Causeway Link passengers stay with Causeway Link.
- Clear Malaysian immigration and customs at JB, and come out near JB Sentral and City Square.
With good traffic, the whole trip takes 30 to 45 minutes. Queues build at weekend and holiday peaks, and one guide suggests crossing at around 1pm to miss the morning rush.
What about the RTS Link?
It’s a 4km cross-border line between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar in JB, taking about five minutes, with immigration for both countries cleared at the departure station. It’s designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction. Malaysian officials have pointed to an opening around 1 January 2027, but the two governments will announce the date and fare jointly. The Shuttle Tebrau will stop running within six months of the RTS Link opening.
Do I need any forms?
Singapore citizens don’t need Malaysia’s digital arrival card. Residents coming back by land don’t need Singapore’s arrival card either. PRs, pass holders and visitors should check the border forms guide on this desk.
The WahLiao Verdict
Until the RTS opens, take the 170X from Kranji for S$2.50; the S$5 Shuttle Tebrau is worth it when the Causeway is jammed and you can get a seat. From January, the RTS Link should change the crossing, but wait for the fare before you plan around it.
Questions people ask
Can I pay by card on the bus to JB?
On SBS and SMRT buses, yes: EZ-Link, contactless Visa or Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay all work.
When will the RTS Link open?
It’s expected around January 2027. The exact date and fare will be announced jointly by both countries.
Will the KTM shuttle keep running?
Until about six months after the RTS Link opens.
Can I take a taxi across?
Yes. Cross-border taxis booked through Grab have been legal since May 2026, from about S$80 one way.
Sources: The Star, RTS Link fare and opening date to be announced jointly (18 August 2026); you.co on the RTS Link and bus fares to JB; Carz on Shuttle Tebrau fares; Land Transport Guru on the RTS Link and buses to JB; Wise on bus routes; Seth Lui on the crossing; TheSmartLocal on buses from Kranji; Shopee on journey times.
Read next: SG Arrival Card and Malaysia’s MDAC · MRT and Bus Fares in Singapore · Back to The Escape
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
