Bus to JB from Singapore 2026: Routes, Fares, Timings & Border Guide

Michelle Alyssa

Taking a bus to JB from Singapore? The best route depends on where you are starting.

From Kranji, consider CW1 or 170X. Bus 950 serves Woodlands, while CW2 and CW5 provide options from central Singapore. Travellers arriving at Changi Airport can also take Transtar TS1.

This guide compares the main Singapore to JB bus routes, fares and boarding points, plus what to expect at immigration and how to pay for your journey.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Singapore to JB bus options at a glance

These five routes cover the main options from Kranji, Woodlands and central Singapore. Other cross-border services are covered later in the guide.

BusWhere to boardCheckpointJB stopFare from SingaporeBest for
CW1Kranji MRTWoodlandsLarkin SentralUp to SGD 2.60Kranji and north Singapore
170XOpposite Kranji MRTWoodlandsJB SentralDistance-based public bus fareKranji
950Woodlands Temporary Bus InterchangeWoodlandsJB SentralDistance-based public bus fareWoodlands and Marsiling
CW2Queen Street TerminalWoodlandsLarkin Sentral via JB CIQUp to SGD 4.80Bugis and central Singapore
CW5Newton Hawker Centre car parkWoodlandsLarkin SentralUp to SGD 4.60Newton and central Singapore

Causeway Link operates several cross-border services from Singapore, including CW1, CW2, CW3, CW4, CW5, CW6 and CW7.¹ LTA also lists services including 160, 170, 170X, 950, AC7, SJE and Transtar TS1, TS3, TS6 and TS8.²

Information checked on 9 September 2026. Routes, fares and timings can change, so check the operator’s current information before travelling.

Which bus to JB should you take?

Start by choosing the boarding point that is most convenient for you. A lower fare may not save money or time if you need to travel across Singapore first.

Bus to JB from Kranji

If you are near Kranji MRT, consider CW1 or SBS Transit 170X.

  • CW1: Travels from Kranji MRT to Larkin Sentral
  • 170X: Leaves from opposite Kranji MRT and travels to JB Sentral

Bus 170X uses Woodlands Checkpoint. Its first and last bus times vary by day, so check the current SBS Transit timetable before leaving.³

Choose based on whether JB Sentral or Larkin Sentral is more convenient for your plans.

Bus to JB from Woodlands and Yishun

If you are around Woodlands or Marsiling, SMRT bus 950 travels from Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange to JB Sentral. You can also board opposite Marsiling MRT at bus stop 46529.⁴

From Yishun, AC7 leaves from Yishun Integrated Transport Hub and travels to Larkin Sentral.² Check the operator’s current timetable and payment options before travelling.

Bus to JB from Bugis

For Bugis and central Singapore, head to Queen Street Terminal.

The main cross-border options are:

  • Causeway Link CW2
  • SBS Transit 170
  • Singapore-Johore Express

CW2 travels through Woodlands Checkpoint and JB CIQ before continuing to Larkin Sentral.

Causeway Link currently lists CW2 as operating 24 hours between Queen Street and JB CIQ. Its late-night service runs at wider intervals, so check the current timetable rather than arriving without confirming a departure.¹⁰

Bus to JB from Newton

CW5 leaves from the car park at Newton Hawker Centre and travels through Woodlands to Larkin Sentral.

This may be convenient if you are starting around Newton, Novena or another part of central Singapore.

Confirm the boarding point before travelling, as it is not inside Newton MRT station.

Bus to JB from west Singapore

Travellers starting in western Singapore can use services through either Woodlands or the Second Link.

BusWhere to boardMalaysia destination
160Jurong Town Hall Bus InterchangeJB Sentral via Woodlands
CW3Jurong Town Hall Bus InterchangePerling Mall via the Second Link
CW4Jurong Town Hall Bus InterchangeSutera Mall via the Second Link
CW6Boon Lay MRTPerling Mall via the Second Link
CW7Tuas Link MRTGelang Patah via the Second Link

CW3 and CW4 now use Jurong Town Hall Bus Interchange rather than their older Jurong East boarding point.² Check where the Malaysia stop connects with your final destination before choosing a service.

Bus to JB from Changi Airport

Transtar TS1 travels directly from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru, so you do not need to enter central Singapore first.

The current timetable includes nine daily departures, with pickups from:

  • Terminal 1 Arrival Hall Coach Bay
  • Terminal 4 Arrival Hall Coach Bay
  • Selected stops near Expo, Upper Changi and Woodlands

The adult fare from Terminal 1 or Terminal 4 to Johor Bahru CIQ is currently SGD 11. The service can continue to Larkin Terminal, but Transtar asks passengers to inform the bus captain before getting off at JB CIQ.⁹

Check the live timetable if your flight is delayed, as departures are not continuous throughout the day.

CW bus to JB: routes, fares and payment

Here are the current maximum fares from Singapore for the main Causeway Link services.

BusSingapore boarding pointMaximum fare from Singapore
CW1Kranji MRTSGD 2.60
CW2Queen Street TerminalSGD 4.80
CW3Jurong Town Hall Bus InterchangeSGD 5.00
CW4Jurong Town Hall Bus InterchangeSGD 5.00
CW5Newton Hawker Centre car parkSGD 4.60
CW6Boon Lay MRTSGD 5.00
CW7Tuas Link MRTSGD 4.50

These are maximum fares from Singapore and may change. Check the current route, destination and fare before boarding.

Causeway Link cashless payments

Causeway Link is moving its cross-border and feeder buses to fully cashless payments.⁵

The transition works as follows:

  • Until 30 September 2026: Cash is still accepted, although passengers are encouraged to use a cashless method
  • From 1 October 2026: Cash will no longer be accepted onboard Causeway Link cross-border and feeder services

Accepted options include:

  • ManjaLink card
  • Contactless Visa or Mastercard
  • EZ-Link where applicable
  • A single-journey QR ticket purchased through the LUGO app
  • A ticket purchased from a ManjaLink kiosk using an accepted cashless method

If using LUGO, buy the journey in the app and keep the generated boarding QR code available on your phone.

How to take a bus from Singapore to JB

The journey involves clearing immigration twice. You must get off the bus at both checkpoints.

  1. Travel to your Singapore boarding point. Arrive with enough time to find the correct bus or bay
  2. Take the bus to the Singapore checkpoint. Most central and northern services use Woodlands, while selected western routes use Tuas
  3. Clear Singapore immigration. Get off the bus and take your belongings with you
  4. Reboard towards Malaysia. Follow the signs to the cross-border bus bays and your operator’s instructions
  5. Clear Malaysian immigration. Get off again with your belongings at the Malaysian checkpoint
  6. Continue to your JB stop. Reboard the appropriate service or leave JB CIQ if JB Sentral is your destination

You may not return to the same physical bus after immigration. Keep your ticket or use the required payment method when reboarding, following the operator’s rules.

Keep your passport, ticket and payment method somewhere easy to reach.

What happens at Woodlands Checkpoint?

At Woodlands, passengers get off the bus and take their belongings through Singapore immigration.

Eligible bus travellers can use a QR code generated in the MyICA mobile app instead of presenting their passport for Singapore immigration clearance. First-time foreign visitors entering Singapore and travellers using a different passport from their previous visit must present their passport.⁷

Bring your passport even if you intend to use MyICA QR clearance. You will still need it for Malaysia and must meet the entry requirements that apply to your nationality and immigration status.

After clearing Singapore immigration, follow the signs to the cross-border bus bays. Keep your ticket or payment method ready and follow the operator’s reboarding instructions.

Do you need a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

If the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card applies to you, submit it through the official MDAC website.

The registration page only accepts journeys within three days of submission, including the day you submit the form.⁸ Exemptions may apply depending on your nationality and immigration status.

Use the official Malaysia Immigration website and avoid unofficial sites that charge for submitting the form.

How long does the bus from Singapore to JB take?

There is no fixed journey time.

The complete trip depends on:

  • Your Singapore boarding point
  • Traffic approaching Woodlands or Tuas
  • Immigration queues on both sides
  • The day and time you travel
  • Singapore and Malaysia public holidays
  • School-holiday traffic
  • The location of your final JB stop

The bus journey may be relatively quick when traffic and immigration queues are light. During peak periods, waiting at the checkpoints can add considerably more time.

Leave a generous buffer before restaurant bookings, appointments or onward transport in Malaysia.

When is the Causeway busiest?

Woodlands and Tuas can experience particularly heavy traffic during weekends, public holidays and school-holiday periods.

ICA advises travellers to consider non-peak periods, such as early mornings or late evenings, and to check the current traffic situation before starting their journey.¹¹

Early or late travel does not guarantee a short wait. Border traffic can change quickly, so avoid relying on a fixed arrival time.

Tips for reducing waiting time

  • Check the current checkpoint traffic before leaving
  • Choose a boarding point close to where you are starting
  • Travel outside peak periods where possible
  • Keep your passport and ticket ready
  • Use eligible MyICA QR clearance
  • Travel light, as you must carry your belongings through immigration
  • Avoid scheduling a tight connection after your expected arrival

How do you pay for the bus to JB?

Payment options depend on the bus operator.

Operator or servicePayment options
SBS Transit and SMRTSimplyGo EZ-Link or an accepted contactless bank card
Causeway LinkManjaLink, contactless Visa or Mastercard, EZ-Link where applicable, LUGO QR ticket or kiosk ticket
Transtar TS1EZ-Link or cash; prepare the exact fare when paying with cash
Other operatorsCheck directly before travelling

SimplyGo accepts contactless American Express, Mastercard, NETS and Visa cards. Supported cards in mobile wallets may also be used.⁶

A daily administrative fee may apply when using a foreign-issued Mastercard or Visa contactless card on SimplyGo services. Check the current fee before travelling.

For Causeway Link, remember that cash will no longer be accepted on cross-border and feeder services from 1 October 2026.⁵

Bus vs train to JB: which should you choose?

The bus offers more boarding points and flexibility. KTM Shuttle Tebrau avoids Causeway road traffic once you have secured a ticket.

DetailBusKTM Shuttle Tebrau
BookingGenerally more flexibleAdvance booking is recommended
TrafficCan be delayed by road congestionAvoids Causeway road traffic
Singapore departure pointsSeveral locations across SingaporeWoodlands Train Checkpoint
ScheduleMultiple operators and routesFixed departures
Best forFlexibility and convenient boarding pointsA short, scheduled crossing

Choose the train if you can secure a suitable ticket and want a more predictable crossing. Choose the bus if you need more departure options or a boarding point outside Woodlands.

Taking the bus from JB back to Singapore

The return journey follows the same general border process in reverse:

  1. Clear Malaysia immigration.
  2. Reboard the cross-border bus.
  3. Cross into Singapore.
  4. Clear Singapore immigration.
  5. Continue to your chosen Singapore stop.

Return routes include services towards Kranji, Woodlands, Queen Street, Newton, Jurong Town Hall, Boon Lay and other parts of Singapore.

CW2 currently operates 24 hours between JB CIQ and Queen Street Terminal.¹⁰ Other services have their own operating hours, so check the last departure before leaving Singapore.

Foreign visitors returning to Singapore should also check whether they need to submit the Singapore Arrival Card.

Get the most out of your SGD to MYR conversions on your holiday with Wise

Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit, so you will switch from SGD to MYR after crossing the border.

With Wise, you can use the Wise card where cards are accepted. You can also open the Wise app and scan a supported DuitNow QR code to pay participating merchants in Malaysia—without needing a Malaysian bank account or separate local wallet.

To scan and pay:

  1. Open the Wise app and tap Scan on the Home tab.
  2. Scan the merchant’s supported DuitNow QR code, or import it from your phone.
  3. Enter the payment amount if required.
  4. Review the payment details and any fees.
  5. Confirm the payment in the app.

Wise converts your money using the mid-market exchange rate and shows the applicable fee before you confirm. This gives you more ways to pay in JB while keeping your currency-conversion costs visible.

Here’s how Wise can help you manage your money and payments during your trip:

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as free ATM withdrawals up to the value of 100 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

Plus, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your SGD and other currencies, meaning your travel money could be growing right up until you spend it.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

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Before taking the bus to JB: checklist

  • Choose the route closest to your starting point
  • Check the current fare and timetable
  • Confirm the exact boarding location
  • Bring your passport and required entry documents
  • Complete the MDAC if it applies to you
  • Keep your ticket or payment method ready for reboarding
  • Take your belongings through both immigration checkpoints
  • Check current traffic before leaving
  • Confirm your return route and last-bus time
  • Prepare a cashless payment method for Causeway Link services from 1 October 2026
  • Set up the Wise app before travelling if you want to scan supported DuitNow QR codes in Malaysia

Frequently asked questions about taking a bus to JB

How much is the bus from Singapore to JB?

The fare depends on the service and boarding point. Current Causeway Link maximum fares from Singapore range from SGD 2.60 for CW1 to SGD 5.00 for several western routes. SBS Transit and SMRT fares are distance-based.

Can I pay for the bus to JB with EZ-Link?

You can use a SimplyGo EZ-Link card on SBS Transit and SMRT buses. Causeway Link accepts EZ-Link where applicable, so prepare another supported payment method.

Does Causeway Link accept cash?

Cash is accepted until 30 September 2026. From 1 October 2026, Causeway Link’s cross-border and feeder buses will be fully cashless.⁵

Do I need to get off the bus at immigration?

Yes. You must get off and take your belongings through immigration at both the Singapore and Malaysia checkpoints.

Do I need to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card?

It depends on your nationality and immigration status. If the MDAC applies to you, submit it through the official website within the permitted three-day period.⁸

What is the last bus from JB to Singapore?

There is no single last-bus time for every route. CW2 currently operates 24 hours between JB CIQ and Queen Street Terminal, while other services follow their own timetables.¹⁰


Sources:

  1. Causeway Link — Singapore cross-border bus routes, fares and schedules
  2. Land Transport Authority — Cross-border bus services
  3. SBS Transit — Bus service 170X
  4. SMRT — Cross-border bus service 950
  5. Causeway Link — Cashless payment information
  6. SimplyGo — Contactless bank cards
  7. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — QR code immigration clearance at Woodlands and Tuas
  8. Immigration Department of Malaysia — Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
  9. Transtar Travel — TS1 timetable and fares
  10. Causeway Link — CW2 timetable
  11. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — Land-checkpoint traffic advice

*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.

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