Who doesn’t love a quick weekend getaway across the Causeway? Taking the bus from Singapore to Johor Bahru remains one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to get your fix of cheap groceries, late-night lok lok, and affordable massages.
But navigating the various bus operators, fluctuating cash fares, and changing immigration rules can feel overwhelming. When you’ve got a tight schedule, you do not want to be stuck at the wrong bus stop or fumbling with the wrong payment card.
We have broken down everything you need to know about crossing the border by bus. This guide covers the latest routes, updated fares, and the newest QR code immigration requirements so you can reach your destination with zero fuss.
What are the best bus routes from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
The route you pick depends entirely on where you live in Singapore and where you plan to go in JB. You will cross either via the Woodlands Checkpoint (First Link) or the Tuas Second Link.
Choose the Woodlands Checkpoint if your final destination is JB Sentral, City Square Mall, or Larkin Terminal. Choose the Tuas Second Link if you want to visit Bukit Indah, Legoland, or Gelang Patah.
Which buses go through the Woodlands Checkpoint?
The Woodlands crossing is the most popular route, bringing you straight into the heart of JB city. You have multiple options here across different operators:
- SBS Transit 170: Departs from Queen Street Terminal and goes all the way to Larkin Terminal.
- SBS Transit 160: Departs from Jurong Town Hall Interchange and ends at JB Sentral.
- SMRT 950: Departs from Woodlands Temporary Interchange and loops at JB Sentral.
- Causeway Link CW1: Departs from Kranji MRT and terminates at JB Customs (CIQ).
- Causeway Link CW2: Departs from Queen Street Terminal and goes directly to JB Customs.
If speed is your priority, choose the Causeway Link CW2. It functions as an express service via the PIE and BKE, skipping the numerous bus stops that the SBS Transit 170 serves along Bukit Timah Road.
Which buses go through the Tuas Second Link?
For those living in the west of Singapore, the Tuas Second Link is usually less congested and drops you closer to the western suburbs of Johor.
- Causeway Link CW3: Departs from Jurong Town Hall Interchange to Perling Mall.
- Causeway Link CW4: Departs from Jurong Town Hall Interchange to Pontian.
- Causeway Link CW6: Departs from Boon Lay MRT straight to CIQ Second Link.
- Causeway Link CW7: Departs from Tuas Link MRT to CIQ Second Link.
How much do cross-border buses cost?
Public bus fares adjust periodically, and depending on your payment method, your trip can cost slightly different amounts. Singapore bus operators like SBS Transit and SMRT charge distance-based fares when you tap your EZ-Link or bank card. Conversely, Causeway Link charges a flat fare depending on your boarding location.
Here is a quick breakdown of the most popular routes and their maximum fares:
| Bus Operator & Service | Boarding Location | Drop-off Location | Estimated Fare |
| SMRT 950 | Woodlands Temporary Int | JB Sentral | S$2.30 (Cash) / Distance-based (Card) |
| SBS Transit 170 | Queen Street Terminal | Larkin Terminal | S$3.00 (Cash) / Distance-based (Card) |
| Causeway Link CW1 | Kranji MRT | JB Customs (CIQ) | S$2.60 |
| Causeway Link CW2 | Queen Street Terminal | JB Customs (CIQ) | S$4.80 |
| Causeway Link CW6 | Boon Lay MRT | CIQ Second Link | S$5.00 |
If you are taking Causeway Link buses, you can pay using cash, a ManjaLink card, Visa, or Mastercard. EZ-Link cards are also accepted on Causeway Link buses, but only at specific boarding points like Kranji MRT, Queen Street, and Boon Lay. For SBS Transit and SMRT buses, you can use your standard EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay, or contactless bank cards.
What are the immigration clearance requirements?
Getting to the checkpoint is only half the battle. Clearing immigration quickly requires you to have the right documents prepared beforehand.
How does Singapore ICA QR code clearance work?
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has rolled out QR code clearance for travellers departing and arriving at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints. Instead of handing over a physical passport, bus travellers can generate a QR code via the MyICA mobile app. Simply scan the QR code at the automated counters for faster clearance.
Do I need to submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)?
Yes. All foreign citizens travelling to Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online. You need to submit this form within three days before your arrival date. The process is completely free, so avoid third-party websites that try to charge you a submission fee.
For Singaporeans entering Malaysia via land checkpoints, Malaysia is progressively rolling out its own QR immigration clearance system. This will further reduce queue times at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex.
Ready for your JB weekend?
Taking the bus to JB does not have to be a stressful ordeal. By choosing the right bus route for your location, keeping your payment cards ready, and settling your MDAC early, you save yourself hours of waiting. The next time you find yourself craving a quick getaway, skip the expensive private hires and hop on a cross-border bus.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my EZ-Link card on Causeway Link buses?
Yes, but with limitations. You can use an EZ-Link card on Causeway Link buses only when boarding at major Singapore stops like Kranji MRT, Queen Street, Newton Circus, Jurong Town Hall, Boon Lay, and Tuas Link. For trips starting in Johor, you will need a ManjaLink card, a contactless bank card, or cash in Ringgit.
Do Singapore to JB buses operate 24 hours?
No, the public cross-border buses do not operate 24 hours a day. Most services start around 5:00 AM and end between 11:30 PM and midnight, matching the operating hours of the MRT network and the peak crossing times.
Which bus is the fastest from Singapore to JB?
The Causeway Link CW2 from Queen Street Terminal and the Singapore-Johore Express (SJE) are typically the fastest routes via the Woodlands Checkpoint. They function as express services, utilising the PIE and BKE to bypass the multiple traffic lights and bus stops along Bukit Timah Road.
