Travel Tips Travelling to Singapore

How to take train from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore: Complete guide

Nicholas Chia

27.01.25

Read time 3 minutes

If you’re thinking of taking the Malaysia to Singapore train you’re probably planning on hopping on the train from JB to Singapore, for a quick, affordable, and convenient journey over the border.

This guide looks at how to book and ride the JB Sentral to Woodlands train, including the Malaysia to Singapore train ticket price, so you can plan your trip. We’ll also touch on a great way to pay for public transport and more when you’re travelling in Singapore: Wise.

Table of contents
Can I take a train from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore? Ticket price Travel time How to take the train from JB to Singapore? When to buy a ticket? Pay for public transport, food and more across the border with the Wise card

Can I take a train from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore?

Yes. You can take the JB Sentral to Woodlands train (Shuttle Tebrau) which then allows you to easily pick up the MRT or bus for onward travel into Singapore. On your return, simply reverse the process - get handy public transport to Woodlands and hop on the shuttle for the journey home.

When you travel from Malaysia to Singapore you’ll need to provide your passport, which must have at least 30 days validity¹. You’ll be asked to provide your passport information when you book your ticket. There are limits to the number of tickets you can book - get up to 4 at the counter in the station, or up to 6 online.

Malaysia to Singapore train ticket price

The costs for the journey from JB to Singapore by train can vary depending on your route and nationality. If you want to take advantage of the preferential prices for Malaysians, you’ll need to register with KITS and show your Mykad at the counter, or upload an image of it when you book online.

Here’s an overview of the Malaysia to Singapore train price:

Route	Malaysian price	Non-Malaysian price
JB Sentral - Woodlands	5 MYR	5 MYR
Woodlands - JB Sentral	5 MYR	5 SGD (payable in MYR)
JB Sentral - Woodlands - JB Sentral	10 MYR	5 MYR + 5 SGD (payable in MYR)
Woodlands - JB Sentral - Woodlands	10 MYR	10 SGD

*Data correct at time of writing - 7th January 2025

JB Sentral to Woodlands train travel time

The actual journey time from JB Sentral to Woodlands is only about 5 minutes. This can be far easier than getting across the border by car, which is subject to more variation due to peak hour traffic. Bear in mind that you’ll need to be at JB Sentral at least 30 minutes before your train leaves. Gates open 30 minutes before departure but you’ll then need to clear immigration and customs, so make sure you leave a good amount of time.

✈️ Wondering about restrictions and requirements when travelling to Singapore? Check out our handy guide on visiting Singapore from Malaysia

How to take the train from JB to Singapore?

The basic steps to take the train from JB to Singapore are extremely simple. Here’s a quick overview:

Make your ticket booking - either online or at a ticketing counter in the station. Trains leave every 30 minutes or so white services are running
The gate for your train will open 30 minutes before your train leaves, and close 10 minutes before the train departs. Southbound trains usually go from Gate A
When you arrive at the gate, you’ll need to scan your passport which acts as your boarding pass
You’ll go through immigration and clear Malaysian customs before boarding your train, ready for your journey
On arrival at Woodlands in Singapore you’ll need to complete customs and immigration formalities again

When to buy a ticket for the JB to Singapore train?

You can book your train ticket on the KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) website², or at a counter at the train station before you depart. Bear in mind, ticket sales stop 20 minutes before departure, and you’ll need to be on the train before the doors close - 10 minutes before departure.

Learn more about the best Singapore tourist SIM cards so you can stay connected.
For even more convenience in Singapore, consider using the Wise card to spend like a local.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Pay for public transport, food and more across the border with the Wise card

Manage your money easily and cheaply when you travel to Singapore and beyond, with the Wise card.

Wise offers a handy digital account which can hold 40+ currencies including MYR and SGD, and international card services to spend as you travel. Get a physical or virtual card, add your preferred Wise card to a wallet like Apple or Google Pay, and make contactless and mobile payments when you’re in Singapore. While cashless payments are prevalent in Singapore, you can also use your physical card to make up to some fee-free ATM withdrawals when you’re in Singapore and 150+ other countries.

To add to the convenience, the Wise card can be a super handy option on Singapore’s public transport system, simply use your physical Wise card, or add your card to Apple Pay to tap in and out of buses and the MRT. Rest assured that your MYR will be converted to SGD using the mid-market rate and low fees³, so your money may go further when you’re there, too.

💳 Get your Wise card today

Sources:

KTMB - shuttle FAQ
KTMB website
Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.