Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia’s southern jewel, with its vibrant local food scene and theme parks, is an ideal weekend getaway destination. It is the city that connects Singapore (SG) to Malaysia, and is full of fun and exciting things to do, such as visiting shopping malls and party zones. However, if you prefer a more relaxed vacation, you can also visit the city’s historical and cultural sites. Many Singaporeans visit JB for a day trip to the Legoland Theme Park. People also use the Singapore-Johor Bahru border crossing on their way to Kuala Lumpur.
There are several modes of transportation available for you when travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru or vice versa. These include travelling from SG to JB by bus, taxi, train, private vehicle, or charter van/bus. However, flying is not an option because there are currently no direct flights from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Johor Bahru Senai Airport.
In this travel guide, let us take a closer look at each mode of transportation and the information related to travelling to Johor Bahru.
TRAVEL CHECKLIST
To avoid any disruptions to your trip to JB, make sure you have all of your travel necessities in order before you begin packing. In addition to a valid passport, the following documents will be necessary for you to travel to Malaysia successfully.
Vehicle Insurance
If you are driving to Johor Bahru, make sure your vehicle insurance is up to date, as all vehicles entering Malaysia are required to be insured. Examine whether it covers your time in Johor Bahru and, in the case of an unexpected event, whether the coverage amount is adequate. Before you travel, go over your insurance policy and make any necessary changes.
Travel Insurance
Even though travel insurance is no longer required to visit Malaysia, it can provide peace of mind, especially since unforeseen circumstances can disrupt your travel plans. You can purchase an annual insurance plan or a single-trip plan based on your travel needs. In any case, this purchase can be cost-effective in the long run.
Touch ‘N Go Card
When driving to Johor Bahru (JB), you can use the Touch ’n Go card to pay for highway and checkpoint tolls. For Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia, it is a dual-currency cross-border contactless smart card.
These cards feature two electronic wallets with SGD and MYR funds that are non-transferable between them. However, top-up opportunities are available in both countries at various locations.
Whether you’re travelling from SG to JB by bus or any other mode of transportation, this card will prove useful. It can be used to pay for MRT fees and parking, as well as for retail and dining, in order to earn reward points.
Vaccination
All visitors are allowed to enter Malaysia, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
There are no COVID-19 tests or quarantine requirements upon arrival or prior to departure.
Vehicle Entry Permit
Anyone travelling to Johor Bahru in a private vehicle (foreign-registered) will require a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). You can apply for one via the VEP-JPJ portal, and downloading a PDF of your log card from the LTA (Land Transport Authority) can help with the registration process.
Until your VEP RFID tag is ready for collection, you can use the VEP confirmation slip or TNG card as a substitute. Once you have successfully registered for a VEP account, you can use it indefinitely.
BORDER CHECKPOINTS
Whether you are travelling from SG to JB by bus or using any other mode of transportation, you will pass through two border checkpoints. Woodlands CIQ and JB CIQ are the main and oldest checkpoints and are commonly referred to as the ‘First link’.This checkpoint’s building is known as ‘Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI)’.
The second and newer border checkpoints are SG Tuas CIQ and JB Second Link CIQ, which are commonly known as ‘Second Link’ or ‘Tuas.’ The building name for this checkpoint is ‘Sultan Abu Bakar.’
Both checkpoints are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and your travel destination will decide which checkpoint you will pass through on your way to Johor Bahru.
If you are travelling to Johor Bahru City Square, JB Sentral Bus Terminal, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Jalan Dhoby, and Komtar JBCC, your bus will use the first link. These locations are ideal for food hunting, café hopping, shopping, and hanging out at malls.
However, if you want to go to Legoland, Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri, or Johor Premium Outlet, your bus will travel through the second link.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO JOHOR BAHRU FROM SINGAPORE
Self-Driving and Private Taxi
Taking your own private vehicle or a private taxi to JB is one of the most flexible modes of transportation, because you can choose your own route and travel time. However, while both are more convenient than other modes of transportation, they are also more expensive, either due to fuel costs or service fees. Depending on the route, travel time could range from 30 minutes to an hour.
Train
The railway is a fast and convenient way to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru, allowing you to travel comfortably while avoiding the frequently congested causeway traffic. The Shuttle Tebrau, a KTM high-speed train, takes only 5 minutes to travel from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral. However, keep in mind that train tickets should be purchased as soon as possible because they are limited in availability.
Charter Van or Bus
There are numerous companies that provide dependable charter van and bus services between Singapore and JB. They offer personalised services such as luggage assistance, as well as tours of Johor Bahru. The vehicles are air-conditioned and spacious, and they will take you to the most popular destinations in JB throughout your journey.
Bus
Travelling from SG to JB by bus is one of the most popular ways for visitors to travel between these two locations, as it is the most cost-effective option. The bus fare is reasonable, and the journey takes up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, travel times can be influenced by weather, traffic, and travel seasons. Unless there is a delay owing to one of the aforementioned factors, the bus should reach its destination within 2 hours. The bus fare is also affected by the operator, the type of bus chosen, and the season of travel.
Cross-border service by Transtar Cross Border offers comfortable and convenient cross-border experience as you will get to sit throughout the journey and does not need to stand in a packed bus. Passengers can plan ahead of time by comparing bus prices and schedules. Buses run from 8 in the morning to 10:35 at night, and their pick-up and drop-off locations vary depending on the route they take.
Check schedule for bus to JB from Singapore »
Check schedule for bus to Singapore from JB »
TRAVEL FROM SG TO JB BY BUS WITH BUSONLINETICKET
If you want to travel to Johor Bahru in a cost-effective but comfortable manner, then travelling from SG to JB by bus is your best option. You can choose which bus to take on this journey based on your destination and level of comfort.
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