How to get from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore by train: full guide

Tired of all the traffic you have to face on the Causeway every time you head to Singapore? The train from Johor Bahru to Singapore is so quick you might barely finish a song before it’s time to get off. KTM Shuttle Tebrau takes around five minutes to cross from JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, which makes it a welcome alternative when the Causeway is crawling. And it’s cheap too. For eligible Malaysian passengers, a one-way ticket costs RM5. 

But there’s something first-timers often don’t realise. Woodlands Train Checkpoint isn’t Woodlands MRT, and getting through immigration can take longer than the train ride itself. If you’re heading over for a day of food, shopping or exploring Singapore, here’s how to make the whole journey work, from catching the right train to reaching the city. 

Train from Johor Bahru to Singapore at a glance 

The Shuttle Tebrau is a cross-border KTM service rather than a train that continues into central Singapore. It connects JB Sentral with Woodlands Train Checkpoint, where you’ll complete Singapore entry checks before continuing your journey. 

The five-minute journey excludes boarding and immigration. Check KTMB’s Shuttle Tebrau guidance and published train schedules before travelling. 

How to book KTM Shuttle Tebrau tickets 

Book ahead for weekends, school holidays and popular commuting times, when seats may be limited. 

Buy your train ticket online 

1. Visit KTMB’s official ticketing website or use its mobile app. 
2. Select JB Sentral as your departure station and Woodlands as your destination. 
3. Choose your travel date and an available departure time. If you’re returning the same day, check the return service before paying. 
4. Enter your name, passport number and passport expiry date exactly as shown in your passport. 
5. Review the fare and complete payment. Keep your booking details available, but remember that your passport is used for boarding verification. 

KTMB limits online purchases to six tickets per transaction and counter purchases to four. Ticket amendments are not allowed. 

How much is the JB to Singapore train ticket? 

KTMB lists the fare for Malaysian citizens as RM5 from JB Sentral to Woodlands and RM5 for the return journey, making a return train fare RM10 per person. Malaysian citizenship verification is required for the applicable fare. KTMB instructs customers to register for KITS and verify their original MyKad at a ticket kiosk or counter. Counter tickets depend on availability, and sales stop 20 minutes before departure. Check current KTMB fare rules. 

JB to Singapore train schedule 

KTMB’s published timetable lists 18 daily services departing from JB Sentral. The earliest leaves at 5am and the last at 10:45pm. Below are the listed departure times, grouped to make choosing a train easier. 

For the opposite direction, the timetable lists 13 daily departures from Woodlands at 8:30am, 9:45am, 11am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 3pm, 4:15pm, 5:30pm, 6:45pm, 8pm, 9.15pm, 10.30pm and 11.45pm. If you are returning after dinner, it’s better if you secure your ticket early rather than assuming the last train will have seats. 

These are scheduled times, not live availability, so you should also confirm your train times when booking. 

How to take the train from JB Sentral to Woodlands 

The simplest way to avoid confusion is to treat this as an international rail journey, even though the train ride itself is only a few minutes. 

Get to JB Sentral before boarding begins 

JB Sentral is in central Johor Bahru, connected to the surrounding city centre and near Johor Bahru City Square. Head to the Shuttle Tebrau departure area rather than assuming every KTM platform is for Singapore-bound trains. According to KTMB, the JB Sentral boarding gate opens 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before departure. Arriving around 45 to 60 minutes early gives you a more comfortable margin to find the right entrance and complete the required checks, especially on your first trip. 

Clear Malaysian immigration and board the train 

Scan the passport used for your booking at the gate. A booking screenshot alone is not enough to serve as a boarding pass, so print out your boarding pass. Complete Malaysian departure immigration before boarding and follow staff directions. The crossing takes about five minutes with no intermediate stops. 

Complete Singapore immigration at Woodlands 

After arriving at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, follow the signs to Singapore immigration and customs. You are now entering another country, so the short journey doesn’t remove the usual entry requirements. For Malaysian short-term visitors, Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) generally requires a passport with at least six months’ validity. Eligible visitors must also submit the free SG Arrival Card within three days, including the arrival date, before entering Singapore. Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders entering through the land checkpoints have different SG Arrival Card exemptions. Submit the card through the official ICA SG Arrival Card service. Don’t confuse KTMB’s minimum passport validity for ticketing with Singapore’s separate entry requirement. For a Malaysian tourist, the stricter six-month entry requirement is the one to plan around. 

How to get from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Singapore city 

One mistake first-time travellers make is assuming the train stops at Woodlands MRT station. Woodlands Train Checkpoint and Woodlands MRT are different places. You’ll need another connection after clearing Singapore immigration. For an economical onward journey, follow the signs towards the public bus stops on Woodlands Centre Road. Bus 911 serves the Woodlands Train Checkpoint stop and connects with Woodlands Bus Interchange, where you can reach Woodlands MRT. Singapore’s official SimplyGo bus guide lists the checkpoint stop as 46069. 

From Woodlands MRT, you can use Singapore’s rail network to continue towards places such as Orchard, City Hall or Marina Bay. Check the best route for your destination before travelling, as transfers and journey times vary. If you’re carrying bulky luggage or travelling with small children, a taxi or private-hire car from the checkpoint may be easier than a bus transfer. Avoid booking a timed attraction immediately after the train’s scheduled arrival. 

Taking the train back from Singapore to Johor Bahru 

The return trip uses the same Shuttle Tebrau service, but the boarding arrangements aren’t identical. Start at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, not Woodlands MRT. The KTM boarding gate at Woodlands opens 40 minutes before departure and closes 20 minutes before departure. Arrive with enough time for the required immigration checks, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the checkpoint. At Woodlands, travellers complete the relevant Singapore departure and Malaysian entry clearance before boarding the train to Johor Bahru. After the approximately five minute ride, you’ll arrive at JB Sentral. This differs from the JB-to-Singapore direction, where Singapore entry clearance takes place after arrival at Woodlands. 

For a day trip, book the return ahead and allow time to reach Woodlands before gate closure. 

What about the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link? 

You may also have heard about the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, but it is not the same service as Shuttle Tebrau. The separate RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar with Woodlands North. Singapore and Malaysia announced on 2 October 2026 that passenger service is targeted for February 2027, subject to certification and approvals. 

For a journey before the RTS Link begins operating, book the existing KTM Shuttle Tebrau. If you’re travelling in 2027 or later, verify which service is available rather than assuming the project has opened on its target date. 

Prepare mobile data and payments for your Singapore visit 

Once your train and immigration arrangements are sorted, think about what you’ll need after crossing the border. Mobile data can help you check bus routes, view a map or contact someone who’s meeting you. If your Malaysian mobile plan doesn’t include suitable Singapore roaming, you can compare Singapore packages for Travel eSIM, offered by TNG eWallet. Buy through TNG eWallet, check device compatibility and install it before departure while you have reliable internet. TNG states that a purchased travel eSIM must be installed and activated within 30 days, and that the plan activates when it connects at the destination. Check the specific package conditions before buying. 

For shopping and meals, the TNG eWallet Visa Travel Card can be used at eligible merchants that accept Visa. You can also use overseas Scan & Pay with TNG eWallet at participating Singapore merchants supporting the relevant QR payment networks. These shopping payment methods should not be assumed to work for the KTM ticket counter or for every Singapore public transport fare gate. You can review Travel eSIM options, the TNG eWallet Visa Travel Card and overseas QR payments before setting off. For more destination information, the existing guide to travelling to Singapore from Malaysia covers wider travel preparation. 

Make your JB to Singapore train trip easier 

The train is a practical choice if you want a short Causeway crossing without travelling over the bridge by bus or car. But five minutes on the train doesn’t mean five minutes from JB Sentral to central Singapore. Book the correct departure, arrive before the gate closes, complete the SG Arrival Card if required and leave time for the connection from Woodlands. For a same-day return, secure your Woodlands-to-JB ticket before filling your itinerary with activities. Then prepare the essentials you’ll actually use in Singapore, whether that’s mobile data through Travel eSIM, offered by TNG eWallet, card payments with the TNG eWallet Visa Travel Card, or eligible Scan & Pay purchases with TNG eWallet. 

FAQs

How long does the train from Johor Bahru to Singapore take? 

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau is scheduled to travel from JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in about five minutes. Allow extra time for immigration, boarding and onward transport because the entire trip takes longer. 

How much is a train ticket from JB to Singapore? 

KTMB lists RM5 one way for eligible Malaysian citizens from JB Sentral to Woodlands, and RM5 for the return direction. Malaysian verification requirements apply. Check the official booking site for your actual fare. 

Can I buy KTM Shuttle Tebrau tickets on the day? 

Yes, subject to seat availability at the station counter. However, KTMB stops counter sales 20 minutes before departure, and your preferred train may be full. Advance booking is more reliable. 

Does the train stop at Woodlands MRT station? 

No. The Shuttle Tebrau arrives at Woodlands Train Checkpoint. You can take an onward bus, such as service 911, towards Woodlands Bus Interchange and connect to the MRT, or arrange another form of transport. 

Is the JB–Singapore RTS Link already open? 

Not as of November 2026. Authorities have targeted February 2027 for passenger services, subject to certification and approvals. The KTM Shuttle Tebrau remains the operating train option at the time of writing.