Best ways to go to JB from Singapore in 2026 — bus, train & taxi guide

Weekend cafe hopping, cheap massages, lok lok runs, random midnight supper trips — Johor Bahru has basically become Singapore’s unofficial second home at this point. The good news? You definitely don’t need a car to get there.

No matter if you’re trying to save money, skip the Causeway jam, or just want the least stressful route possible, here’s a straightforward breakdown of the best ways to travel from Singapore to JB in 2026.

1. By bus — cheapest way to go to JB from Singapore

For most travellers, buses are still the easiest and most affordable way to get from Singapore to JB. There’s no need to book tickets in advance, buses run throughout the day, and fares can cost less than S$2 on public routes.

If you’re planning a spontaneous JB trip, this is probably the most practical option overall.

Best public bus from Singapore to JB: SMRT 950

One of the most popular routes is SMRT 950 from Woodlands.

Why many travellers prefer it:

• Direct route to Woodlands Checkpoint
• Shorter walk to Singapore customs
• Frequent departures every 10 to 15 minutes
• Affordable fare of around S$1.85

Start your journey at the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange, not the underground Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (ITH).

Once you arrive at Woodlands Checkpoint, everyone will alight to clear Singapore immigration. After that, head downstairs to board any SBS or SMRT bus across the Causeway before clearing Malaysia customs at JB.

From there, you’ll exit near JB Sentral and JB City Square Mall — one of the main starting points for exploring Johor Bahru.

And yes, always bring all your belongings down with you during customs clearance.

Alternative Singapore to JB bus routes

If the queue for 950 is too long, these are reliable alternatives:

Many regular JB travellers prefer 170X because buses arrive especially frequently during peak periods.

Causeway Link vs SBS/SMRT Buses

Both are reliable options, but they suit different types of travellers.

Take SBS/SMRT if:

• You want the cheapest way to go to JB
• You’re travelling during the day
• You don’t mind transferring buses at customs

Take Causeway Link if:

• You’re travelling late at night
• You prefer boarding from central Singapore
• You want slightly fewer transfers

Singapore to JB bus travel tips

• Friday evenings and Sunday nights are usually the busiest periods.
• Weekday mornings tend to be smoother.
• Activate your roaming or eSIM before crossing the border.

2. By train — fastest way to cross the causeway

If you want to avoid road traffic altogether, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train is currently the fastest way to travel from Singapore to JB.

The train ride itself takes around 5 minutes from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral.

Singapore to JB train: KTM Shuttle Tebrau

The train remains popular because it’s fast, predictable, and avoids traffic congestion completely. Once you arrive at JB Sentral, you can walk directly into JB City Square Mall through a covered linkway.

Things to know before taking the train to JB

• Arrive around 45 minutes before departure
• Ticket sales usually close 20 minutes before departure
• Weekend tickets often sell out quickly
• Seating is free and unassigned

Tickets can be booked through:

• KTMB website
• KTM mobile application
• Station counters, subject to availability

Faster JB trips ahead as Singapore trials automated immigration clearance at Tuas Checkpoint

JB to KL ETS Train

If you’re travelling beyond Johor Bahru, the ETS electric train now connects JB Sentral directly to Kuala Lumpur.

It’s one of the more comfortable ways to travel deeper into Malaysia without taking a long-distance coach.

RTS Link — currently expected to open in 2027

The RTS Link is currently on track to begin passenger service between Singapore and JB in Jan 2027, though timelines may still change.

Once operational, travelling between Singapore and JB is expected to feel much closer to taking the MRT than dealing with a traditional border crossing.

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau service is also currently expected to be phased out sometime after the RTS Link becomes fully operational, though official timelines may still change.

Singapore to JB train travel tips

• Book tickets early for weekends and public holidays
• Save your QR ticket offline beforehand

3. By taxi — most comfortable way to go to JB

If convenience matters most, cross-border taxis are easily one of the least stressful ways to travel from Singapore to JB.

There’s no transferring buses, no squeezing through crowds, and no dragging luggage around checkpoints. You simply sit back while the driver handles the route and border crossing.

Cross-border taxi rules in 2026

From May 2026 onwards, licensed cross-border taxis are allowed to:

• Drop passengers anywhere in Singapore
• Drop passengers across Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai

Grab has also officially joined the cross-border taxi scheme, making bookings more convenient through the app.

Important: Private hire cars are still not allowed

Only licensed taxis are legally allowed to operate passenger rides between Singapore and Malaysia.

Regular private hire vehicles cannot legally transport passengers across the border, even if booked through ride-hailing platforms.

Licensed Singapore to JB taxi operators

Main operators include:

• ComfortDelGro
• Trans-Cab
• STRIDES Premier
• Prime Taxi
• Grab Cross-Border Taxi

Singapore to JB taxi fares 

Fares are fixed rather than metered.

If you’re travelling with family or splitting costs among friends, taxis can work out reasonably convenient despite the higher price.

Taxi travel tips

• Pre-book during weekends and public holidays
• Great option for travellers with luggage
• Double-check that your ride is a licensed cross-border taxi
• Grab cross-border rides can usually be booked in advance

Which is the best way to travel from Singapore to JB? 

At the end of the day, there’s no single “best” way to get to JB — it really depends on your budget, timing, and patience level that day. But whichever route you choose, one thing’s almost guaranteed: the first meal after crossing the Causeway is going to taste extra shiok. 

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