A Family-Friendly Guide on Getting to Johor from Singapore

Planning a family day trip or weekend getaway to Johor Bahru? Here are various ways that your family can make the trip up North! 

From public buses and the KTM Shuttle Tebrau to driving across the Causeway, there are several ways to get from Singapore to JB — and with the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, cross-border travel will be even easier, with a dedicated rail connection between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar.

With so many options to consider, here's our 2026 updated guide to help you navigate through the different ways to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore, including what to expect when travelling with kids.

Before You Go: Get Your Travel Documents Ready

Before heading to JB, make sure everyone in your family has a valid passport.

• Entering Malaysia: Foreign visitors to Malaysia may also need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days before arrival, depending on their nationality and immigration status. Check the latest requirements with Malaysia’s Immigration Department before your trip.
• Returning to Singapore: For the return journey to Singapore, Singapore residents returning via the Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are currently exempt from submitting the SG Arrival Card. Other travellers should check the latest ICA requirements before travelling.

Family tip: Keep passports easily accessible throughout the journey. Even when using digital or QR-based immigration clearance where available, travellers should still carry their physical passports when travelling overseas.

1. Take the KTM Shuttle Tebrau

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Best for: Families who want to avoid Causeway traffic and get to JB quickly.

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau connects Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore with JB Sentral in Johor Bahru. The train ride takes just around five minutes, although you’ll need to allow additional time for immigration and boarding.

Timings:

Singapore → JB Sentral
8.30 am | 9.45 am | 11.00 am | 12.30 pm | 1.45 pm | 3.00 pm | 4.15 pm | 5.30 pm | 6.45 pm | 8.00 pm | 9.15 pm | 10.30 pm | 11.45 pm

JB Sentral → Singapore
5.00 am | 5.30 am | 6.00 am | 6.30 am | 7.00 am | 7.30 am | 8.45 am | 10.00 am | 11.30 am | 12.45 pm | 2.00 pm | 3.15 pm | 4.30 pm | 5.45 pm | 7.00 pm | 8.15 pm | 9.30 pm | 10.45 pm

Timings are based on the current 2026 timetable and are subject to change. Check KTMB's website before travelling.

Fares & Booking:

For non-Malaysians, tickets cost S$5 from Woodlands to JB Sentral and RM5 from JB Sentral to Woodlands. Children below four years old travel free but must be registered at the ticket counter. 

Tickets can be booked online through KTMB's official ticketing system or purchased at the station. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and school holidays, as each train has a maximum capacity of 320 passengers.

Family tip: Don't arrive at the last minute! At Woodlands, the boarding hall opens 40 minutes before departure and closes 20 minutes before the train leaves. At JB Sentral, boarding closes 10 minutes before departure. 

Why families might choose it: The train itself isn't affected by Causeway traffic, making it a good option for a day trip to central JB. Just remember that you'll still need to clear immigration at both Woodlands and JB Sentral.

Note: The KTM Shuttle Tebrau departs from Woodlands Train Checkpoint, while the upcoming RTS Link will operate from Woodlands North MRT — they are separate services.

2. Take a Cross-Border Coach or Shuttle Bus

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Best for: Families travelling in a group, carrying luggage, or heading to a specific destination in Johor.

Cross-border coaches and shuttle buses can be a convenient option if you’re travelling with a bigger group or have a particular destination in mind. Some services operate directly between Singapore and destinations in Johor, including Legoland Malaysia and Puteri Harbour, making them useful for families who don't want to travel into central JB first.

For example, Transtar operates services connecting Changi Airport with Johor Bahru, while other operators offer routes between different parts of Singapore and Johor.

Why families might choose it: A shuttle bus can be more convenient than a public bus when you have a specific destination in mind, such as Legoland or Puteri Harbour, or when travelling as a larger group. It can also be more comfortable when you're bringing along luggage, a stroller or young children.

Keep in mind: You'll still need to clear immigration at the Singapore and Malaysian checkpoints, and journey times can vary depending on traffic and border queues. Check the operator's latest route, schedule and fare before travelling.

3. Take a Public Bus Across the Causeway

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Best for: Budget-conscious families who don't mind a longer, traffic-dependent journey.

Taking a public bus is one of the most affordable ways to get to JB. Cross-border services include SBS Transit, SMRT and Causeway Link, with routes operating via the Woodlands Causeway and the Second Link.

Some commonly used services include:

• SBS Transit 160: Jurong Town Hall ↔ JB Sentral
• SBS Transit 170: Queen Street ↔ Larkin Bus Terminal
• SBS Transit 170X: Kranji MRT ↔ JB Sentral
• SMRT 950: Woodlands ↔ JB Sentral
• Causeway Link CW1: Kranji MRT ↔ JB
• Causeway Link CW2: Queen Street ↔ JB
• Causeway Link CW5: Newton Circus ↔ JB

How it works: You'll need to alight at Singapore immigration, clear immigration, then return to the bus or board the next available bus before crossing into Malaysia. You'll repeat the immigration process at the Malaysian checkpoint.

Why families might choose it: It's affordable and there are plenty of routes, making it useful if you're travelling from an MRT station or neighbourhood served by a cross-border bus.

Keep in mind: Journey times can vary significantly depending on traffic and immigration queues. With young children, bring snacks, water and something to keep them occupied — and allow plenty of buffer time if you have a timed activity or booking in JB.

Current fares: Causeway Link's maximum listed fares include S$2.60 for CW1, S$4.80 for CW2 and S$4.60 for CW5. Fares and routes may change, so check the operator's website before travelling.

Tip: If you're unsure which bus to take, check the latest routes, fares and schedules on the operator's website before heading to the checkpoint.

4. Take a Licensed Cross-Border Taxi
or Ride-Hailing Service

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Best for: Families with young children, lots of luggage or those who prioritise convenience.

Licensed cross-border taxis offer a more direct way to travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru without having to drive yourself or transfer between buses and trains.

Since 2026, licensed cross-border ride-hailing services are also available. Grab's Cross-Border SG-JB (Beta) allows passengers to book door-to-door rides from anywhere in Singapore to destinations within Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai. Advance booking is required between 12 hours and seven days ahead, with 4-seater and 6-seater options available.

Why families might choose it: It's particularly convenient if you're travelling with young children, a stroller or plenty of luggage, or if your destination isn't near JB Sentral.

Other Cross-Border Taxi Options:

You can also book licensed cross-border taxis through established operators such as ComfortDelGro Taxi, which accepts Singapore-origin bookings via its hotline at 6552 1111. Its current service allows pickups from Singapore locations and drop-offs within the approved Johor operating areas, with the fare provided before booking confirmation.

STRIDES Premier also operates licensed cross-border taxi services. However, from 1 July 2026, its SG-JB web booking service was discontinued. Passengers travelling from Singapore can currently access its cross-border taxis via street-hail at Ban San Street Terminal, while return trips from JB are available via Larkin Sentral Terminal.

Important: Not every Grab car or private-hire car can legally take passengers across the border. Cross-border point-to-point services are restricted to licensed cross-border taxis and licensed cross-border ride-hail services.

Family tip: If you're booking a cross-border ride, check the vehicle's passenger capacity before booking. This is especially important for larger families travelling with children, as the number of passengers and luggage you can bring depends on the vehicle type.

5. Drive Across the Causeway or Second Link

Best for: Families who want flexibility, are travelling with lots of luggage or plan to visit multiple attractions.

Driving gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule and head directly to your destination once you've cleared the border.

There are two main crossings:

• Woodlands Causeway is convenient for destinations around central JB, including JB Sentral, City Square, Komtar JBCC and KSL City Mall.
• Tuas Second Link can be more convenient for destinations further west, such as Iskandar Puteri, Bukit Indah and Legoland Malaysia.

Why families might choose it: If you're travelling with kids, a stroller and plenty of luggage — or visiting several places in one day — having your own car can be much more convenient.

Don't own a car? You can rent one: You can also rent a car in Singapore and drive it into Malaysia, but check the rental company's cross-border policy before booking. Not all rental cars are permitted to leave Singapore. Make sure the rental company allows Malaysia travel and provides the required insurance coverage and documentation for cross-border driving. Additional fees may also apply.

Keep in mind: Traffic at the land checkpoints can be unpredictable, particularly on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Give yourself plenty of buffer time if you have a timed attraction or booking.

6. Coming Soon: Take the RTS Link

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Best for: Families looking for a fast, convenient way to travel between Singapore and central JB.

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is set to add a new rail option between Woodlands North in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. The 4km cross-border rail service is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a train journey of around five minutes. Recent test rides took around six to eight minutes.

Why is the RTS different: One of its biggest advantages is its co-located immigration facilities. Passengers will clear both Singapore and Malaysian immigration at their departure station, so there is no need to go through immigration again when they arrive at the other side.

For families, this could make crossing the border much more predictable than travelling by road.

The Singapore station is connected to Woodlands North MRT, while the Bukit Chagar station will have connections to JB's wider transport network, including a pedestrian link towards JB Sentral, City Square and Komtar JBCC.

The Malaysian station will also feature family-friendly facilities such as nursing rooms.

When will the RTS open?

While LTA's project page still states that passenger service is targeted for end-2026, the latest August 2026 update says the project is in final integration testing and passenger service is expected in 2027. The exact launch date and fare have not yet been jointly announced by Singapore and Malaysia.

So, if you're travelling to JB now, don't rely on the RTS just yet. Check for the latest announcement before planning your journey around it.

What About QR Immigration Clearance?

Eligible travellers can use the MyICA Mobile app to generate a QR code for immigration clearance at Singapore's Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

This can make the Singapore immigration process more convenient, but travellers should still carry their physical passports when travelling overseas.

Tips for Crossing the Singapore–JB Border with Kids

• Avoid peak periods where possible: Weekends, public holidays and school holidays can mean significantly longer queues.

• Allow plenty of buffer time: Avoid scheduling an attraction immediately after your expected arrival in JB.

• Keep snacks and drinks handy: This is particularly important when travelling with younger children.

• Keep your passports accessible: You'll need them throughout your journey, even when using QR-based immigration services where eligible.

• Think about your return journey too: If you're staying late for dinner or visiting somewhere further from the border, check your transport options for getting back to Singapore.

• Check before you go: Bus routes, fares, train schedules and border procedures can change, so check the relevant operator or government website before setting off.

Getting to JB Is About to Get Easier

For years, Singapore families have had to choose between the flexibility of driving, the affordability of buses and the speed of the KTM Shuttle Tebrau.

The upcoming RTS Link is set to add another option — and potentially a very convenient one for families heading into central JB. Until passenger service officially begins, however, the existing road, bus, taxi and train options remain the best ways to cross the border.

Whichever way you choose to travel, allow plenty of time for immigration, keep the kids entertained and leave some room in your itinerary for an extra makan or shopping stop. Most importantly, enjoy your JB adventure!

Please note that there may be changes since publishing this article. We urge you to check with the respective merchants well beforehand.