The Best Times to Travel Between Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB)

If you’re planning a trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB), you’re probably already familiar with the all-too-familiar headache of Causeway traffic. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re heading over for a shopping spree, a food-filled adventure, or a quick weekend getaway, knowing the best times to travel can help you avoid the dreaded traffic jam. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for smooth sailing between Singapore and JB!

Also read: How to Take the Train from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB)

Why Is Causeway Traffic Such a Nightmare?

The Causeway sees more than 300,000 travellers daily, and this massive flow of people naturally leads to congestion, especially during peak times. A combination of factors contributes to the snarl-up:

• Shift workers commuting between Singapore and JB for their jobs.
• Weekend and public holiday tourists heading to JB malls and attractions.
• The time-consuming immigration checks at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

Best Times to Cross the Causeway

Weekdays: The Smoothest Ride

If you’re travelling on a weekday, aim to leave during these golden hours:

• Best Times (SG → JB): 6am-8pm, 12pm-4pm
• Peak Hours to Avoid: 5pm-8pm

Why the rush? Those peak hours are when most commuters make their way home after a long day of work. So, if you can avoid the 5pm-8pm window, you’ll save yourself quite a bit of frustration.

Fridays: The Weekend Rush Begins

Fridays can be a bit of a mixed bag. While many people head to JB for the weekend, there’s still a bit of a rush before the clock hits 9am. Here’s the breakdown:

• Best Times (SG → JB): Before 9am, After 10pm
• Peak Hours to Avoid: 5pm-10pm

Friday evenings are particularly bad as everyone heads over for the weekend. Try to plan your departure around the earlier or later times to avoid the traffic jam.

Saturdays: Early Birds Catch the Best Traffic

Saturdays are usually the busiest days, with many people heading over for some weekend fun. The key to success here is to travel either very early or later in the evening:

• Best Times (SG → JB): Before 8am, After 10pm
• Peak Hours to Avoid: 12pm-10pm

The midday and evening periods can be packed with people heading to JB malls and attractions, so plan accordingly.

Sundays: A Chill Afternoon Crossing

Sundays are the best day to travel back to Singapore, with lighter traffic for most of the day. However, there is one small hiccup:

• Best Times (SG → JB): Before 8am, After 2pm
• Peak Hours to Avoid: 3pm-4pm (only for JB → SG)

This short window in the afternoon sees a spike in Singaporeans heading back to Singapore, but it’s nothing compared to the madness of the weekdays.

Also read: How to Go to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore for the Newbies

Woodlands vs. Tuas: Which Checkpoint Is Faster?

So, you’ve got your timing sorted, but now the question is: Woodlands or Tuas? Here’s what you need to know:

• Woodlands: If you’re heading to JB city centre, Woodlands is your best bet. It’s the most popular crossing point, so it can get crowded, but it’s the most convenient if you’re heading to the malls like City Square. Expect more buses heading this way.
• Tuas: If you’re venturing towards Legoland or Desaru, Tuas is your golden ticket. It’s less crowded, although fewer buses operate here, so plan accordingly if you’re using public transport.

Timing is Everything!

When it comes to navigating the Causeway, Singaporeans know that timing is everything. By avoiding the peak hours and using the right checkpoint, you can make your trip to JB much smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re in it for the shopping, the food, or just a quick getaway, planning ahead will ensure you spend more time enjoying your trip and less time stuck in traffic. All the best, and safe travels across the border!

Also read: 7 Family-Friendly Activities in Johor Bahru (JB) for Singaporean Families