Singaporeans love a good weekend getaway to Johor Bahru (JB) – whether it’s for late-night lok lok suppers, affordable shopping, or relaxing massages. If you don’t drive, taking a bus to JB from Woodlands is the most budget-friendly and accessible option. Even if you’re new to crossing the Causeway by public transport, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with step-by-step tips to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.
Bus from Woodlands to Johor Bahru
Most people start their JB trip via the Woodlands route, as it’s the shortest way across the Causeway. The journey typically begins at Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange, right next to Woodlands MRT. From here, you have a few bus options to reach the border:
| Bus Service | Boarding Point | Checkpoint Drop-off | Frequency | Highlights |
| SMRT 950 | Woodlands Temporary Interchange | Woodlands Checkpoint (main) | Every 10 – 15 mins |
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| SMRT 856, 903, 911/911T | Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) | Woodlands Train Checkpoint | Varies |
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| SBS 160, 170, 170X, 178 | Opposite Kranji MRT | Woodlands Checkpoint / JB CIQ | 170X: every 2 mins (peak) |
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| Causeway Link CW1 | Every 15 – 30 mins |
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What to expect at Woodlands Checkpoint and the bus transfer to JB
Once you’re on board a bus from Woodlands Interchange or Kranji, here’s how the estimated 30 to 45-minute journey to JB is usually like, if traffic conditions are good:
Pro Tip: If you really can’t deal with traffic, I’d recommend heading in at about 1 pm. It’s late, yeah, but you can always return slightly later in the evening, when the crowd starts to thin out!
Bus from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru
What if you’re landing at Changi Airport and want to head straight to JB? Good news – you can catch a bus from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru, though it’s not as direct or frequent as the Woodlands route.
Transtar TS1 is the only direct Changi-to-JB bus; mainly a cross-border coach service for airport passengers heading to Johor Bahru. It departs from Changi Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 4, and drops passengers off at JB CIQ/Sentral, right after the Malaysian immigration.
Note: While it’s a direct cross-border coach, TS1 may make a few stops in the city before heading to the checkpoint. Travel time varies, depending on traffic, number of stops and customs clearance time.
| Details | Transtar TS1 Bus Info |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 8.15am – 9.15pm |
| Departure Frequency | Every 2 to 4 hours |
| Fare | SGD$11 per person |
| Payment Methods | Cash or EZ-Link |
| Boarding Locations | Coach and bus pickup areas:
Terminal 1 (Arrival Hall) Terminal 4 (Arrival Level) |
| Signage to Look For | “JB Bus” signs or ask the information counter |
| Ride Type | Coach-style, may include city stopovers before border crossing |
| Drop-off Point | Johor Bahru CIQ / JB Sentral |
Bus from Jurong East to Johor Bahru
For those living in the west, there are convenient bus options from the Jurong area to JB as well. You can take a bus from Jurong East to Johor Bahru, mainly via the Tuas Second Link route. The hub for this is the Jurong East (Jurong Town Hall) Bus Interchange where the Malaysian Causeway Link company operates a few cross-border services:
| Bus Service | Route & Destination | Operating Hours | Frequency | Highlights |
| CW3 (Causeway Link) | Jurong East
➝ Tuas Second Link ➝ JB CIQ ➝ Larkin Terminal |
7.30am – 11.30pm | Every 20 – 30 mins |
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| CW4 (Causeway Link) | Jurong East
➝ Tuas Second Link ➝ JB CIQ ➝ Pontian (via Gelang Patah) |
Till ~6.20pm | Limited service |
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| CW4S (Causeway Link) | Jurong East
➝ Tuas Second Link ➝ JB CIQ ➝ Sutera Mall (Skudai) |
Till ~11.30pm | About once per hour |
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| SBS Transit 160 | Jurong East
➝ Bukit Panjang ➝ Choa Chu Kang ➝ Woodlands ➝ JB Sentral |
5.25am – 12.00am (midnight) | Regular intervals |
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How do you pay for the JB bus fare?
Paying for your bus ride from Singapore to Johor Bahru is easy – whether you’re a regular commuter or a first-timer. Here’s how the fare system works:
| Transport type | Details | Estimated fare (one-way) |
| SBS Transit & SMRT Buses |
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| Causeway Link & Coaches |
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| Airport Coach |
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Is there a 24-hour bus from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
Yes, if you’re heading to JB after midnight, take the Causeway Link CW2.
The cross-border Causeway Link CW2 route (the yellow bus from Queen Street Bus Terminal near Bugis) operates 24 hours daily. This means even if it’s past midnight and the public trains and buses have stopped, you can still catch CW2 to Johor Bahru. At night (11pm – 5am), the CW2 buses depart roughly every 45 minutes. So, if you need to travel at 2am or 3am, head to Queen Street. The bus will be there; just be prepared to wait a bit for the next departure in the wee hours.
| Direction | Fare | Accepted payment methods | Notes |
| From Singapore | ~SGD$4.80 |
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Keep your ticket if you pay by cash or stored-value card |
| From Johor Bahru | ~RM4.80 |
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Same rules apply: show ticket or re-tap card on connecting bus if needed |
Next stop, wanderlust after buses from Woodlands to JB
Taking the bus to JB from Woodlands is almost like a rite of passage for Singaporeans seeking a quick escape. With a bit of planning, you’ll be across the Causeway, enjoying spicy nasi lemak and megamall shopping before you know it. Before you head off, consider grabbing a travel eSIM to stay connected on both sides of the border. Also, if JB has whetted your appetite for adventure, why stop there? You could drive on a Malaysia road trip from Singapore for a change of scenery, or explore other short getaways from Singapore during the long weekends. Just make sure you’re free of these prohibited food items from Malaysia when you’re coming back!
