Heading from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB) soon? This quick, weekend getaway from Singapore is an all-time favourite with locals – and rightly so! If you’re lucky, it only takes 30 minutes to get there. And once you’ve arrived, there’s a whole new directory of food and shopping spots to enjoy away from the tiny island of Singapore.
So if you’re looking for a way to escape for a mini holiday, here are the best ways to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore.
Disclaimer: all prices are accurate as of writing date (April 2023).
1. Bus from Singapore to JB
Although one of the cheapest ways to travel to Johor, taking a bus from Singapore to JB can seem complicated, especially with the myriad of choices available. Fortunately, it’s simpler than it looks!
If you’re heading to JB from Singapore via bus, start by boarding a bus straight to Woodlands Checkpoint. There are several locations around the island that take you to Woodlands Checkpoint, where you can travel across the causeway to Johor Bahru.
Buses & Boarding Locations To Woodlands Checkpoint
- From Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub: Board bus 950, 856, 856A, 903, 911, 912 or 912B
- From Kranji MRT: Buses 170 and 170X or Walk to Opp S’pore Turf Club and board bus 160
- From Bugis MRT: Walk to Fu Lu Shou Cplx and board bus 170
Although only the main locations are listed here, if you’re anywhere in Singapore where these buses are available, you’ll be able to get to the checkpoint easily!
Fortunately, once you’re past Singapore’s immigration, you’re halfway there. Now, all you have to do is head onto any of the SMRT or SBS buses available within the compound heading to JB’s immigration checkpoint. There are plenty of signs for you to follow, so you won’t get lost!
Things To Note:
1. Once you’re at Woodlands Checkpoint, the entire journey from Singapore to JB can take as fast as an hour during non-peak periods. However, during peak periods, travel can take up to 4 hours due to the Singapore-Malaysia causeway’s infamous traffic jams. So be sure to plan your time well! Beyond traffic, peak hour travel also means bracing the peak hour crowds and long waiting times, before eventually squeezing into a sardine-packed bus and standing for the entirety of the journey.
2. Prices for bus rides range from $1-$3 per entry, and can be paid by an Ez-Link card. Remember to have at least $15 in value for a trip there and back before heading over!
2. Train from Singapore to JB
One of the fastest ways to get to Singapore from JB, taking the train guarantees you’re at your destination in approximately 5 minutes (from the moment the train takes off)! No jams, no fuss, and no standing in line for buses.
You can purchase your tickets online via the KTM website or over the counter at the train station. They cost SGD5 if you’re buying them from Singapore over the counter, or RM5 if you’re purchasing them in advance on KTM’s website. However, do note that a return ticket to Singapore costs RM16 (remember to buy it together with your ticket to JB so it’s cheaper!). A return ticket can cost up to RM32 if you don’t buy it together with your ticket to JB.
Things To Note:
1. While this might be the fastest way across the border, taking a train requires proper planning. Remember to book your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance. This is especially if you’re catching the train on the weekends or on Friday nights. Trains are often booked to maximum capacity with Singaporeans looking for a quick getaway and Malaysian workers heading home.
2. Seats are not always guaranteed if you’re purchasing your ticket over the counter. If you decide to buy a train ticket this way, be sure to have a back up plan.
3. While the trains do have overhead storage compartments, they are not equipped for large amounts of luggage. Travellers with lots of luggage might have to sacrifice comfort to hold their luggage. So while a train ride over might be the best option for quick, travellers may want to consider packing light, or doing research on the train’s storage areas before proceeding.
Fortunately, the best part of the train ride to JB from Singapore is that once you’ve purchased your tickets and boarded the train, the train ride to JB from Singapore is definitely worth the advanced planning. Cheap, fast rides that avoid the traffic jams? Count us in!
3. Taxi From Singapore To JB
Not willing to navigate the crowds and long waiting times? Grabbing a taxi from Singapore to JB might just be the option for you. Depending on where you’re hiring your taxi and where in JB you’re hopping off, prices for taxi rides into JB range from $60-$140 per ride. Each taxi can take up to 4 passengers too, which means it’s pretty affordable per person to head over via a taxi!
There are 2 ways to get a taxi to Johor Bahru. Most locals just head to Ban San Street Taxi Terminal, where there are plenty of taxis and drivers ready to make the trip across the causeway. However, you can also make a call for a cab from any location in Singapore.
Things To Note:
1. Luggage space is almost guaranteed with taxis. However, if you have lots of luggage, grabbing a cab over might become a gamble for space. Taxi sedans may only have space for 2 bags and 4 passengers. Perhaps less, if you’re carrying bigger luggage.
2. Remember to do your research and plan your trip and route in advance to avoid peak hour travel conditions heading into JB, or you might just find yourself stuck in a traffic jam!
4. Private Limousine Rentals
There’s nothing better than travelling in comfort, and private limousine rentals in Singapore afford you just that. Imagine traversing through causeway jams in spacious cabins. Breathe comfortably, stretch out your legs, and enjoy the snugness of cosy captain seats!
Probably the most value for money option here (that also avoids the fuss of public transport), private limousine rentals from Singapore to JB go at about $250 per ride. The best part? That’s the cost for at least 4 people per vehicle. Hesed Limousine’s rides to JB from Singapore can carry up to 7 passengers, not including luggage!
Speaking of which, if you’re planning to bring lots of luggage for the trip, Hesed Limousine’s limousines’ rides to JB have 616 litres of trunk space (3 30” luggage bags and 1 26” luggage bag). This way, you don’t have to lug your bags into a train or carry them for hours while waiting for a bus.
Things To Note:
1. Hesed Limousine’s services come with pre-planning for your trip from Singapore to JB. Should you wish to avoid peak hours as much as possible, Hesed Limousine’s experienced planners can suggest the best time and way to travel to JB.
2. Be sure to be aware of any extra charges that can be incurred (eg. extra waiting times, or extra stops).
3. While general limousine services allow for pick up and drop off anywhere in Singapore and JB, do make sure to plan your pick up and drop off locations ahead of time.
So whether it’s a quick getaway or a long trip to Malaysia, travelling to JB from Singapore is pretty easy! And with the variety of options to choose from, you can always pick and choose based on your budget, needs, and schedule.
About Hesed Limousine
Starting off in 2005 with just one limousine, Hesed Limousine has since grown, expanding from Singapore to Malaysia. Now, with over 10 limousines under our wing and a strong network of limousine drivers, we focus on providing you with comfort, safety and other excellent transport services. Book your vehicle of choice now with Hesed Limousine.
Heading to Malaysia? Check out our guide to travelling in luxury from Singapore to Genting Highlands or Singapore to Kuala Lumpur!
