How to get from Singapore to Johor

Singapore to Johor (Johor Bahru/Iskandar/Desaru) is an easy cross-border hop via the shuttle train, frequent buses over the Causeway or Second Link, private charters, or a ferry straight to Desaru Coast. Pick by where you’re staying and when you’re traveling—weekend/peak-hour traffic at the checkpoints can add time.

At A Glance (Singapore to Johor)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 KTM Shuttle Tebrau (Woodlands Train Checkpoint → JB Sentral)	~5m on train (+ immigration)	Fastest border crossing to JB Sentral
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 5–10 one-way (prebook) » compare trains
🚌 Cross-Border Bus (Causeway via Woodlands)	~45–120m (traffic-dependent)	Budget, many pickup points
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 3–7 one-way » compare buses | Klook transfers
🚐 Private Transfer / Cross-border Taxi	~60–120m (door-to-door)	Families, lots of luggage, late nights
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 90–180 per car » get quotes | GYG rides
⛴️ Ferry (Tanah Merah → Desaru Coast)	~1h30 on water	Direct beach access (Desaru resorts)
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 60–80 one-way » check sailings
🚘 Self-Drive (Pick up car in JB)	Varies by route	Road trips around Johor (Legoland/Desaru)
🏷️ Cost: ~MYR 120–250/day car hire » compare rentals | scooters

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest to downtown JB: KTM Shuttle Tebrau (prebook tickets, minimal queuing).
• Cheapest & flexible pickup: Causeway buses from Kranji/Queen St./Woodlands.
• Door-to-door comfort (family/groups): Private transfer.
• Beach resorts: Ferry to Desaru Coast (great if staying there).
• Exploring Johor by car: Pick up a car in JB after crossing by train/bus.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Border docs: Carry passport with sufficient validity; complete Malaysia entry formalities as required. Weekends/public holidays are busiest—go early.
• Payments: Singapore uses SGD; Malaysia uses MYR. Some buses accept contactless; keep small cash for Malaysian buses/taxis.
• Luggage: If you need to roam bag-free before/after crossing, stash with Radical Storage Singapore or Radical Storage Johor Bahru.
• Apps: Ride-hailing is common—Grab in Johor; in Singapore use Grab or Gojek. For cross-border point-to-point, use prebooked charter services.
• Attractions & tickets: Consider bundles for Legoland/Desaru on Klook or GetYourGuide.

🚆 Option #1 — KTM Shuttle Tebrau (Woodlands Train Checkpoint → JB Sentral)

Fastest border City-center arrival Limited seats

• Overview: A 5-minute train connects Woodlands Train Checkpoint (SG) to JB Sentral (MY). Clear Singapore exit at WTCP, board, then clear Malaysia entry at JB Sentral on arrival.
• How to book (with price): ~SGD 5–10 one-way; tickets often sell out at peaks. Compare on 12Go (train). Official: KTM Berhad.
• Pros: Minimal queuing, straight into JB Sentral mall/transport hub. Cons: Must book specific time; no spontaneous walk-ups at busy hours.

Step-by-step: KTM Shuttle Tebrau

1. Get to Woodlands Train Checkpoint (not the bus checkpoint). From the city, take MRT to Woodlands then bus/taxi to WTCP.
2. Book your train time online (or via 12Go); arrive ~30 minutes early for exit checks.
3. Board the shuttle; ride ~5 minutes across the Causeway.
4. At JB Sentral, clear Malaysian immigration; continue on foot to the mall, city buses, or Grab pickup area.

Getting to the main embarking points (WTCP & JB Sentral)

• WTCP (SG): Signed “Woodlands Train Checkpoint”—don’t confuse with Woodlands Checkpoint for buses.
• JB Sentral (MY): Central for malls/hotels; local buses, taxis, and Grab readily available.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Cross-Border Bus via Woodlands Causeway (Budget & Frequent)

Cheapest Many pickups Traffic-sensitive

• Overview: Frequent buses run from MRT nodes (e.g., Kranji, Woodlands, Queen Street) over the Causeway to JB CIQ (Sultan Iskandar) and onward to JB Sentral/Larkin.
• How to book (with price): Usually pay-as-you-go: ~SGD 3–7 one-way depending on route. For curated/express trips compare 12Go or Klook. Official operator info: Causeway Link.
• Pros: Cheap and frequent; easy from MRT. Cons: Queues at checkpoints; must alight with bags for immigration on both sides.

Step-by-step: Cross-Border Bus

1. From the city, MRT to a suitable pickup (e.g., Kranji MRT for CW1; Queen Street terminal for CW2; Woodlands for local routes).
2. Board a cross-border service; tap card or buy ticket.
3. Alight at Woodlands Checkpoint for Singapore exit; reboard the next bus to JB CIQ.
4. Clear Malaysian entry at JB CIQ; then walk to JB Sentral or board onward local buses/Grab.

Getting to the main embarking points (MRT nodes & checkpoints)

• Kranji MRT / Woodlands MRT: Follow “Buses to Johor Bahru” signage to the correct bay.
• Queen Street (Ban San St): Central pickup for some cross-border buses.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Cross-Border Taxi (Door-to-Door)

Hassle-free Great with kids/gear Higher cost

• Overview: Prebook a licensed cross-border car/van from your Singapore address directly to your hotel/mall in Johor.
• How to book (with price): ~SGD 90–180 per car (size/time vary). Compare on GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide. For Singapore-only airport rides, you can also consider Welcome Pickups.
• Pros: No bus changes; luggage stays in the vehicle. Cons: Pricey at peak times; still subject to checkpoint traffic.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter pickup/drop addresses and headcount on GetTransfer or similar; request child seats if needed.
2. Meet the driver at your lobby or airport arrival hall; share your preferred checkpoint (Causeway or Tuas) if you have one.
3. Stay in the vehicle between checkpoints; you’ll alight only for immigration as instructed by officers.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

• Pickup: Any SG hotel/airport/residence; drivers monitor flights.
• Drop: JB Sentral area, Larkin, Legoland/Iskandar, or Desaru resorts—your choice.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #4 — Ferry to Desaru Coast (Best for Beach Resorts)

Scenic Avoids road queues Fixed schedule

• Overview: Direct ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (SG) to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (MY)—perfect for resort stays; connect by resort shuttle/Grab within Desaru.
• How to book (with price): ~SGD 60–80 one-way. Check sailings/tickets on Klook. Official operator: Batam Fast.
• Pros: Skips checkpoint jams; smooth ride. Cons: Lands at Desaru (not JB); limited daily departures.

Step-by-step: Ferry to Desaru

1. Book your preferred ferry time on Klook or the operator’s site.
2. Travel to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal by taxi/Grab (near Changi); check in ~60 minutes before departure.
3. Arrive at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal; use resort shuttle or Grab to your hotel/attractions.

Getting to the main embarking points (Ferry terminals)

• Tanah Merah FT: Signed “Ferry Terminal” near Changi South; allow time for check-in.
• Desaru Coast FT: 10–25 minutes by road to most Desaru resorts/parks.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Pick Up in JB for Johor Road Trips)

Flexibility Great for families Parking/insurance

• Overview: Cross by train/bus, then collect a rental car at JB Sentral/Larkin to explore Legoland/Iskandar, Johor Premium Outlets, Kota Tinggi waterfalls, or Desaru.
• How to book (with price): From ~MYR 120–250/day for compact cars. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental (Johor Bahru) or Trip.com Car Hire. Scooters: BikesBooking.
• Pros: Door-to-door sightseeing. Cons: Parking/traffic at malls; check insurance/deposit terms.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive (JB Pickup)

1. Cross to JB Sentral by train/bus; walk to your rental counter or meet the provider.
2. Inspect the car, confirm insurance and deposit; photograph existing scratches.
3. Plan a loop: Legoland Malaysia → Johor Premium Outlets → Kota Tinggi → Desaru, returning to JB.

Getting to the main embarking points (JB Sentral & common stops)

• JB Sentral: Many agencies operate in/around the station/malls.
• Popular waypoints: Legoland Malaysia, Johor Premium Outlets, Desaru Coast.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Singapore to Johor)

When are the checkpoints busiest?
Weekends, public holidays, and weekday rush hours (morning SG→MY, evening MY→SG). Go early and avoid peak times if possible.

Do I need to alight at immigration on buses?
Yes. You’ll disembark with your belongings at both SG and MY checkpoints, then reboard the next bus heading onward.

Train vs. bus—which is faster?
The Shuttle Tebrau is usually the quickest if you can secure tickets; otherwise buses are frequent but subject to road queues.

Can I take a Singapore rental car into Malaysia?
Many SG rentals prohibit cross-border or require special insurance. Most visitors cross by train/bus then rent in JB.

Where should I stay?
For shopping/nightlife: JB Sentral/City Square area. For families: Legoland/Iskandar. For beaches: Desaru Coast. Compare options on Booking.com (Johor Bahru).