JB-Singapore RTS Link: Guide for First-Time Riders

• The JB-Singapore RTS Link connects Woodlands North (Singapore) to Bukit Chagar (JB) in about five minutes by train.
• Immigration is cleared once at the departure station — no double queuing on arrival.
• Fares are estimated at S$5–S$7 (MYR 15.50–21.70) per trip, with trains running every 3.6 minutes during peak hours.
• Operations are targeted to begin by end of 2026, replacing the KTM Shuttle Tebrau by mid-2027.

The JB-Singapore RTS Link is a 4 km cross-border train connecting Woodlands North station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru, with a ride time of roughly five minutes. Fares are expected to range from S$5 to S$7 per journey, trains run daily from 6 AM to midnight, and both countries' immigration is cleared in one go at the departure station — so you walk straight out when you arrive.

If you've ever sat in a Causeway crawl watching the minutes bleed into hours, you already know why this train matters. The 2 km stretch between Singapore and Johor Bahru regularly swells into a 45-minute to two-hour ordeal by car or bus — longer on weekends and public holidays. The JB-Singapore RTS Link is set to change that math entirely when it opens for passengers at the end of 2026.

Instead of battling traffic, you'll tap into Singapore's MRT network, transfer to Woodlands North, clear immigration once, and be in JB five minutes later. This guide covers every detail a first-time rider needs: how to reach the station, what happens at immigration, how much it costs, and what's waiting on the other side at Bukit Chagar.

What Is the JB-Singapore RTS Link?

The RTS Link is a bilateral rail project between Singapore and Malaysia designed to ease Causeway congestion and improve cross-border connectivity. It runs 4 km from Woodlands North station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru, crossing the Strait of Johor on a 25-metre-high elevated viaduct.

Unlike the existing KTM Shuttle Tebrau — which operates roughly once an hour and requires a bus ride to reach the checkpoint first — the RTS Link is a modern, high-frequency light rail system integrated directly into Singapore's MRT network.

Key Specs at a Glance

Who Operates the RTS Link?

The train service is run by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), a joint venture between Malaysia's Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Singapore's SMRT Corporation. RTSO handles everything from train ownership and maintenance to day-to-day operations. The civil infrastructure on each side is managed separately — Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) on the south and Malaysia's Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) on the north.

The first RTS Link train arrived at Woodlands North station in February 2026 for its scheduled demonstration, and system testing is underway ahead of the targeted launch.

How to Get to Woodlands North RTS Station

Woodlands North RTS station sits underground at 1 Woodlands North Coast Road, directly connected to the existing Woodlands North MRT station (TE1) on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Getting there from anywhere in Singapore is simple — you don't need a bus transfer or a trip to the Causeway checkpoint.

By MRT (Recommended)

Take the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) to Woodlands North (TE1), the line's northern terminus. The RTS Link station connects to the MRT station via an underground concourse, so you transfer without leaving the station complex. The TEL links directly to key areas including Orchard, Maxwell (near Chinatown), and Gardens by the Bay — making the RTS Link accessible from most parts of Singapore with a single MRT journey.

By Bus

SMRT Bus Service 856 serves the Woodlands North area, connecting to Marsiling, Woodlands, Sembawang, and Yishun. A dedicated bus interchange is planned for the station precinct as the Woodlands North Coast area develops further.

By Taxi or Grab

Taxi stands and pick-up/drop-off points are located near the station exits. If you're being dropped off, this is a quick option — but note that parking at Woodlands North is extremely limited. Public transport is the strongly recommended approach.

Step-by-Step Immigration and Boarding Process

The single biggest advantage of the RTS Link over existing border crossings is the co-located immigration system. Both Singapore and Malaysia customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) facilities sit under one roof at each station. You clear both countries' checks at your departure station and walk straight out when you arrive — no second queue.

Departing from Singapore (Woodlands North)

Here's the expected flow for Singapore-to-JB travellers:

• Step 1: Arrive at Woodlands North MRT (TE1) and follow signs to the RTS Link CIQ building, connected via an underground concourse.
• Step 2: Enter the CIQ building and clear Singapore exit immigration.
• Step 3: Proceed through Malaysia entry immigration (staffed by Malaysian officers stationed at Woodlands North under bilateral agreement).
• Step 4: Pass through security screening (10 security lanes, 18 baggage scanners, with dedicated lanes for luggage-free travellers).
• Step 5: Enter the departure platform and board the next available train. The platform uses a "Spanish Solution" design — you board from a central island platform and alight on side platforms, keeping passenger flow smooth.
• Step 6: Arrive at Bukit Chagar in roughly five minutes. Walk straight out — no further immigration checks.

The CIQ building at Woodlands North is approximately 10 times the size of a typical MRT station and is designed to handle high passenger volumes efficiently.

Departing from JB (Bukit Chagar)

The process works in reverse. At Bukit Chagar, the Integrated Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) facility features 100 AI-powered e-gates designed to clear each commuter in about seven seconds. QR-code passport clearance is also available, making the process faster than traditional manual counters.

• Step 1: Enter the Bukit Chagar ICQ facility.
• Step 2: Clear Malaysia exit immigration.
• Step 3: Clear Singapore entry immigration (Singaporean officers stationed at Bukit Chagar under bilateral legislation passed in February 2026).
• Step 4: Pass through security screening and proceed to the departure platform.
• Step 5: Board the train and arrive at Woodlands North in five minutes. Exit directly — no further checks.

What Documents Do You Need?

You must carry a valid passport for all JB-Singapore RTS Link journeys. This is an international border crossing — national identity cards alone are not accepted. Make sure your passport has sufficient validity for entry into both countries (typically six months for Malaysia). If you hold a visa for either country, carry the relevant documentation.

RTS Link Fares, Operating Hours, and Practical Details

Exact fares will be finalised in the second half of 2026, but the Malaysian transport ministry has indicated the expected price range. Here are the key numbers:

• Fare range: S$5–S$7 per trip (MYR 15.50–21.70 / approximately USD 3.70–5.20)
• Off-peak discounts: Expected, with season passes for regular commuters
• Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), daily
• Peak frequency: Every 3.6 minutes
• Off-peak frequency: Approximately every 6 minutes
• Operator: RTS Operations Pte Ltd (Prasarana + SMRT joint venture)

No government subsidies from either country are expected to apply to travellers from the other side — meaning fares reflect operational costs rather than subsidised public transport pricing.

RTS Link vs. KTM Shuttle Tebrau — What Changes

The existing KTM Shuttle Tebrau currently runs between Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral, and it is the only direct train between the two countries today. However, the experience is quite different from what the RTS Link offers.

Feature	KTM Shuttle Tebrau	RTS Link
Journey time	~5 minutes (train only)	~5 minutes
Frequency	~1 train per hour	Every 3.6 minutes (peak)
MRT connection	No — requires bus to Woodlands Checkpoint	Yes — direct link to Woodlands North (TE1)
Immigration	Clear twice (departure + arrival)	Clear once (departure station only)
Capacity	Limited seating	607–1,087 passengers per train
Estimated fare	~S$5	S$5–S$7

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau is expected to be phased out within six months of the RTS Link starting operations — likely by June 2027. If you currently rely on the shuttle, the transition to the RTS Link should be a significant upgrade in convenience and frequency.

What to Do Near Bukit Chagar Station in JB

Bukit Chagar station sits in the heart of Johor Bahru's city centre, right next to JB Sentral. Once you step off the train and exit the station, you're within walking distance of some of JB's most popular spots for shopping, food, and sightseeing.

Shopping

JB City Square Mall is the closest major mall — connected to the JB Sentral area via a pedestrian bridge. It has retailers, pharmacies, a cinema, and a basement supermarket. Prices are slightly higher than deeper into JB (it's the first stop for most Singapore visitors), but still considerably cheaper than Singapore for most goods.

KOMTAR JBCC sits right beside City Square, with fashion outlets, a Daiso, a Mr DIY, money changers, and restaurants. Between these two malls, you can handle most of a quick day trip's shopping needs without venturing far.

A new Bukit Chagar Integrated Development — a mixed-use project by MRT Corporation and Sunway Group — is also being built directly alongside the station, with a retail component expected to be completed by 2033.

Food

Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk is a short walk from City Square and serves as one of JB's most popular food streets. You'll find local coffee shops, hipster cafes, and heritage restaurants along the restored shophouse row. For a sit-down option closer to the station, Tea Room by Afters Pastry in the Kim Teng Park estate is about a five-minute walk and offers teas and light meals from around MYR 15–27.

Inside City Square Mall itself, food court options are available from early morning — useful if you arrive on an early train and want breakfast before shops open at 10 AM.

Sights

Skyscape Johor Bahru is an observation deck on the 34th floor of Menara JLand, just across the road from the station area. It offers views of downtown JB and Woodlands across the strait, along with a glass sky bridge 149 metres above ground, a VR area, and interactive floor activities. Tickets start from approximately S$11.60 per adult.

The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque and Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple are both within reach by a short taxi or Grab ride, and worth the detour if you have a few hours in JB.

Onward Travel from Bukit Chagar

Bukit Chagar is connected to JB Sentral, which functions as the city's main transport hub. From there, you can catch buses or Grab rides to further-out destinations:

• KSL City Mall: Shuttle bus from JB Sentral (~10 minutes)
• AEON Mall Tebrau City / Toppen / IKEA Tebrau: Bus from Larkin Sentral
• LEGOLAND Malaysia (Iskandar Puteri): ~30 minutes by taxi/Grab

An autonomous rail rapid transit (ART) system is also planned to integrate with Bukit Chagar station in the future, which will further improve last-mile connectivity within JB's urban core.

Tips for First-Time RTS Link Riders

The RTS Link is designed to be easy to use, but a few practical pointers will help your first trip go smoothly — especially if you're used to the slower rhythm of the existing Causeway crossing.

If you're visiting Singapore and want to add a JB day trip to your itinerary, the RTS Link makes it realistic even on a tight schedule. A morning departure gets you to Bukit Chagar by mid-morning, with enough time for lunch, shopping, and an afternoon return — all without the unpredictability of Causeway traffic.

For ideas on what to see and do on the Singapore side of your trip, check out the top 20 things to do in Singapore or explore specific attractions like Gardens by the Bay — both directly accessible via the Thomson-East Coast Line that connects to the RTS Link at Woodlands North.

When Does the RTS Link Open?

The RTS Link is targeted to commence passenger service by the end of 2026 — specifically around December 2026. Construction on both sides has progressed steadily, with overall completion surpassing 77% by mid-2024. The first train arrived at Woodlands North in February 2026 for demonstration and system testing.

Structural works at the Woodlands North CIQ facility were largely completed by April 2026, with station systems testing scheduled to begin as early as September 2026. Trial runs will follow, ahead of the public launch.

Once the RTS Link begins operations, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau is expected to cease service within six months — likely by June 2027. However, the Malaysian government has expressed interest in maintaining some form of KTM rail service to Singapore alongside the RTS Link.

Making the Most of Your JB-Singapore RTS Link Trip

The JB-Singapore RTS Link removes the biggest friction point of cross-border travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru — the wait. Five minutes of train time, a single immigration clearance, and direct MRT connectivity on the Singapore side mean that a JB day trip no longer requires blocking out half a day for transport alone.

Whether you're after cheaper groceries at City Square, a seafood lunch on Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk, or a proper weekend exploration deeper into Johor, the RTS Link puts JB within easy, predictable reach.

Planning a wider Singapore trip? Start exploring activities, tours, and experiences across the city on Travjoy's Singapore page — where every option has been reviewed and selected by local experts to help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the good parts.