The worst way to start out a trip to JB is being stuck in long queues at the Causeway or at customs, especially with the kiddos in tow... here are the best options on how to get from Singapore to JB and how to avoid long waits!
Whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway or a full-blown holiday, travelling across the border to JB is always a hit amongst Singaporean families. Great food, plenty of shopping deals, amusement parks– there’s so much to do in JB especially for the kiddos. But getting there can be a bit tricky with the littlies so here are the best travel options to get to JB plus some tips and tricks to ensure a smooth journey for everyone!
Best travel options from Singapore to JB
1. KTM Shuttle Tebrau
Let’s face it, most kiddos will throw a fit if they have to wait for hours in line at the Causeway or customs, and eventually so will the adults. That’s the beauty of taking the KTM from Woodlands – you get to skip the Causeway jams and it only takes five minutes to reach JB Sentral! With a total of 13 rides to JB Sentral and 18 rides back to Singapore daily, you’ll have a lot of flexibility to plan your trip. Here’s a pro tip: get your tickets online, at least a week before the actual date to secure your tickets as they do sell out fast. Another plus point is that kids below the age of four get to travel for free – the tickets are only S$5 one way but hey, save wherever you can!
2. Public buses
Did you know you can take a public bus from Singapore to JB? There are several options to choose from after clearing the customs at Woodlands Checkpoint including SBS Transit bus 160, 170, 170X & SMRT 950. Causeway Link also offers cross-border bus services, but do note they use ManjaLink as their mode of wireless payment. There are several stations in Singapore that you can purchase these from – if you already own one, you can simply top up the card using the LUGO app. Bring some form of entertainment like books and toys or load up some movies on your smart devices to keep the kiddos entertained if there are long queues at customs or on the Causeway and remember to factor in waiting time when planning for your trip!
3. Coach
If the kids aren’t too fond of crowds, coaches are a great alternative way to travel to JB without breaking the bank. Transtar Travel‘s cross-border service is a great option with many pick-up points across Singapore and tickets that start as low as S$3. Combined with the comfort of the seats and storage for luggage if necessary, taking a coach to JB could be a game-changer, especially if you’re planning for a longer stay in JB.
4. Singapore to JB taxi
While normal taxis are unable to cross the border, there is a Singapore-Johor taxi stand at Queen Street (in Bugis) that operates round the clock. It is surprisingly affordable at S$12/person or S$48 for the entire vehicle, the only downside being it only has one drop-off point at the Johor Bahru Taxi Terminal at Larkin. If that’s close to your ultimate destination in JB, this is definitely an option to consider if you don’t have a car yourself as it has all the perks of driving in without actually having to drive. You won’t need to leave the vehicle to clear customs, have a place to store luggage, and still have the privacy that public transport doesn’t offer.
5. Private hire
Getting a private hire vehicle would be the most recommended to families, especially with younger children or the elderly. You can schedule them to pick you up at your convenience and drop you off right at your hotel or lodging, hassle-free! The only thing you’d need to worry about is the timing so you can avoid the jam on the Causeway. However, this is the most costly option so far with prices averaging around S$80 for one-way trips but it’s worth it for the comfort and peace of mind.
6. DIY (Do It Yourself)
If you already have a car then you can always just drive the family in and your only concern would be ensuring there’s enough gas and the Causeway traffic. But did you know you can also walk across the Causeway? This would definitely not be recommended for families with young children as the walkway is a little narrow. But for the older kids and families who enjoy a good trek, you can actually take a 30-40 minute walk from the Woodlands Checkpoint to get from Singapore to JB – just like that. Just remember to bring all your documents and water to keep hydrated!
Tips and tricks when travelling to JB
1. Apply for E-Gate
Great news for Singaporeans – it’s easy to skip the snaking queues at the JB customs! Just like at the airport, you can now just scan your passport and you’re good to go. First-timers were previously required to fill up the MDAC form beforehand but as of 1 Jan 2024, this is no longer necessary – you’re all set to use them right away. Parents take note that only kids above 120cm can use the E-Gates so unfortunately they’ll have to stick to the traditional method until they’re tall enough.
2. Check the traffic and customs queues online
There are several platforms where you can get live updates on the Causeway traffic, all in the palm of your hand. Apps like Checkpoint.SG have live cameras so you can check the traffic conditions at both the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints. There’s also an active Telegram group that gives updates on both the customs queues as well as traffic at the Causeway so you can decide what would be a good time to make your trip!
3. Drivers, remember to top-up!
Drivers of the family, remember to top-up your Touch ‘n Go card that’s required for payment of road charges, checkpoints, and highway tolls. Also, remember to adhere to the three-quarter tank rule before entering (we get it, but rules are rules).
4. What you can and can’t bring back across the border
Shopping is an essential part of any trip to JB, especially for groceries. However, do note there’s a limit on how much you can bring back – you can refer to the full list with details on the amounts on the Singapore Food Agency website. Other items like e-cigarettes, tobacco products, and even fire-crackers are on the no-no list as these products are either banned or under regulations in Singapore. Remember to look it up if you’re unsure if it’s allowed before heading back and avoid getting into any unnecessary trouble.
5. Always expect the unexpected
Even after preparing to your best abilities, sometimes unforeseen circumstances may throw your plans into disarray. Don’t worry, it’s not your fault – these things happen! Unfortunate incidents like the attack at a Johor police station in May 2024 have caused increased security checks at checkpoints, which was impossible to see coming if you were making plans to go to JB at the time. The only thing you can do is factor in at least two to three hours of waiting time and adjust accordingly, it’s important to be flexible and understanding.
Have a safe trip across the border!
