Whether it's the long holidays, the weekends or you're in need of a short getaway, Johor has always been the go-to destinations for many of us! However, it does get frustrating having to deal with long traffic jams! We've rounded up 4 other ways to get to Johor, apart from a car! Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://bit.ly/3LnFN1F
1. KTM's Shuttle Tebrau
When Malaysia’s KTM railway service returned on 19th June 2022, it's simply a godsend! Since July 2015, KTM’s Shuttle Tebrau ferries up to 320 passengers (plenty of seats for everyone!) between Woodlands and JB in 5 minutes flat - you can kiss traffic jams goodbye! Tickets from Woodlands CIQ costs SGD $5, whereas tickets from JB Sentral costs RM5; a truly affordable option for you and your road-tripping buds ? However, do note that limited tickets are sold, so it's advised that you purchase them at least a month before your expected arrival. Furthermore, if you do miss your train, be prepared to wait at least an hour for the next one, so come down to the stations at least 30 minutes prior the train departure!
How to go to Woodlands CIQ:
- Head to Marsiling MRT. Walk out through Exit C and cross the overhead bridge to the bus stop opposite Marsiling Station.
- Board bus 856 and alight from the bus when the bus arrives at the bus stop at Woodlands Centre Road.
Best option for:
Travellers on business trips or have to attend to urgent matters.
Where can I buy tickets:
In Singapore, you can go to Woodlands CIQ ticket counter. Purchases here are limited to only 4 tickets per transaction and ticket sales close about 20 minutes before the train departure time.
- In Johor, the ticket counter at JB Sentral is located opposite to KOMTAR JBCC and JB City Square.
Tickets are sold out quickly during weekends. So, we encourage you to book in advance. You can:
- Dial KTMB Call Center at +603-2267 1200
- Buy tickets online at their website via this link. Register an account and payment can be done using credit card. Remember to print out the purchased tickets.
Other pointers to take note:
Photography around the station is strictly not allowed. You can snap pictures within the train carriages, however.
2. Causeway Link
Another popular mode of transportation many of us do take is the bus! There are two main bus operators that travels between Johor and Singapore everyday: Causeway Link and certain buses from SBS Bus transit. The prices are relatively affordable (ranging between SGD4-SGD6, depending on the terminal you depart from and route you're heading to), which makes it perfect for budget day trips! Additionally, in Causeway Link's website, you can even plan travel routes within Johor. What's even cooler is that some routes allow for cashless payments when you board the bus; which further cuts down any hassle of having to purchase a ticket beforehand! More buses travel between both countries, which makes it easier for you to catch any of them! However, the journey might take between 40 minutes to 2 hours rides, which all depends on traffic condition, something you might be trying to avoid in the first place. However, last month, Causeway Link has started the first ever 24-hour cross-border bus service between Singapore and Johor at the Queen Street Terminal! You'll no longer have to worry about rushing to get the last bus, and you'll get to avoid peak hour traffic jams as well! More supper time ? Currently, the CW2 bus service starts at 6.30am at Queen Street Terminal, and the last bus leaves at 11.30pm. From the Johor Bahru checkpoint, you’ll be able to catch a bus from 4am to 10.30pm. From 1st August, buses between 12am to 4am daily will be considered part of the midnight service, and buses will arrive approximately every 45 minutes, though this may be subject to traffic conditions. The price remains the same as the regular service, with a trip to Johor Bahru costing SGD4.80, and a trip back costing SGD1.50(RM4.80). You can make your payment via ManjaLink, Visa card, and cash. Best option for:
- Travellers on a budget
- Travellers going for a day trip (i.e no luggage, or not planning to purchase multiple items)
- Youths and teenagers going for short/day trips
Where can I buy tickets:
- Causeway Link buses accept fare payment in cash and contactless card (only in certain stations). A printed ticket will be issued upon payment. At each checkpoint on the Singapore and Malaysian side of the border, all passengers must alight and clear customs before boarding the bus again.
Other pointers to take note:
- Do note that you might have stand throughout the bus journey, as there are little seats available.
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3. SBS Transit
This by far, is the most cheapest option on the list (prices starting as low as $1.50!), making it one of the most popular mode of transport! For starters, you can use your EZ-link card to pay for the trip! However, there are some disadvantages of taking SBS Transit buses directly to Johor. Firstly, the frequency isn't as high as those of Causeway Link's. In addition, the queue for customs via SBS Transit is much longer. However, you don't have to rule out taking SBS Transit buses. You can choose to take a bus from your location to any of these three bus interchanges: Boon Lay, Jurong East Bus and Kranji, before making the switch to Causeway Link buses ? Best option for:
- Travellers on a budget
- Travellers going for a day trip (i.e no luggage, or not planning to purchase multiple items)
- Youths and teenagers going for short/day trips
- Travellers who frequently moves between Johor and Singapore
Where can I buy tickets:
- Simply use your EZ-link card/NETS Flashpay card
Other pointers to take note:
- Do note that you might have stand throughout the bus journey, as there are little seats available.
- Be prepared that your journey might take longer than expected, depending on the traffic condition.
4. BONUS: Cross-border taxis
Sometimes, the rush to catch the bus or train just seems way too hectic. And if you don't have a license, or you don't own the car but renting one costs a lot more (and some ride-sharing places do not allow their cars to be driven out of Singapore), the thought of the rush is already exhausting enough ? Here's where having someone else drive you around, while you rest in comfort, is the perfect solution to it all! You can choose your pick-up location at your own suited timing, or head to either Ban See Street Terminal, Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. You don't have to get off from the vehicle to clear immigration, AND you're not sharing it with anyone; so you do get your own seat ? While the cost is on the high-end of this list (approximately $60 per person), it's really handy if you're travelling with your kids or elder parents, who may find other modes of transport a tad too tiring and inconvenient. No additional charges are added; it's a flat Once you're done with your activities of the day, head to Larkin Terminal and get a Singaporean cab back home!
Best option for:
- Travellers with large groups
- Travellers with kids and elderly
- You can either call our local taxi operators: Comfort Taxi (6552 1111), Trans-Cab (6555 3333), Strides Taxi (6555 8888), Prime Taxi (6778 0808)
- Or walk in to Ban See Street Terminal and wait for a cab there.
- You can also check out SGMY Taxi Service. They do not charge extra costs after you've made your booking.
Other pointers to take note:
- Be prepared that your journey is subjected to traffic condition.
- Do travel with large groups, as it's much cheaper than travelling alone or with less than 3 people via a taxi.
5) Grab and shoppee ticket for buses
If youre looking for something convenient and quick. Check this out! You will be able to book a Transtar bus from the apps! There are various pickup points from Changi Airport, Marsiling MRT, Outram Park MRT, and Expo MRT, among other locations. The price ranges from $4-11 depending on distance and seats!
The best option for:
- Planned trips and with those travelling in groups
- Travellers with kids and elderly
Now start planning your next weekend trip to JB! If you need a little help deciding what to do, just check out these articles below! Stay safe! ?