Chow Cheng YangJohor Bahru is the perfect destination for Singaporeans to find affordable food and shop! However, massive jams along the causeway dissuade many travellers from making the journey across the land border. Thankfully, the return of the KTM railway service, a train from Singapore to Johor Bahru makes the trip much easier!
The KTM Shuttle Tebrau, introduced in 2015, enables travel from Singapore to JB in just five minutes. With a capacity of up to 320 passengers and a short waiting time between trains, it offers hassle-free travel between the two locations. Here’s what you need to know!
Also read: 13 Best Islands in Johor for a Weekend Getaway
Go to Woodlands CIQ
Image credit: w:ja:User:Amy00
The KTM Shuttle Tebrau starts at Woodlands Train Checkpoint and terminates at Johor Bahru Sentral. The easiest way to get to Woodlands Train Checkpoint is to walk out Exit C at Marsiling MRT and cross the overhead bridge to the bus stop on the other side.
Image credit: Singapore Buses
Hope onto Bus 856 for three stops before reaching Woodlands Centre Road bus stop. Upon alighting, the many handy signs will guide you on your short walk to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Other buses that alight at this stop include 170, 178, 903, 911, 912, 913, 950, and even the NightRider bus service – NR2.
Buy your tickets
You can either purchase your tickets in advance via the KTM website or at the KTMB counter!
Online tickets
Image credit: KTMB Official Website
For those who’ve planned their trip in advance, purchasing tickets online is recommended. Tickets are released on the KTM website one month in advance. Make sure your purchase them ASAP as they sell out quickly! Purchases are also limited to six per transaction.
Prepare your passport as you’ll need to key in your passport number and expiry date. Payment can be made via Visa or Mastercard, or even with Malaysian e-wallets like KYM Wallet, Boost, and Touch ‘n Go eWallet. If you want to collect points, GrabPay is available as well!
Once you’ve made the transaction, you’ll be presented with an e-ticket for the train ride.
Ticketing Counter
If you’re taking a spontaneous trip to Johor Bahru, or you didn’t manage to book an e-ticket, fret not! Physical tickets are available at the KTMB counter. These tickets are limited to 4 per translation and close 20 minutes before the departure time.
KTM timings and prices
Here’s the daily schedule for the KTM Shuttle Tebrau:
Woodlands CIQ to JB Sentral: 8.30am | 9.45am | 11am |12.30pm | 1.45pm | 3pm | 4.15pm | 5.30pm | 6.45pm | 8pm | 9.15pm | 10.30pm | 11.45pm
JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ: 5am | 5.30am | 6am | 6.30am | 7am | 7.30am | 8.45am | 10am | 11.30am | 12.45pm | 2pm | 3.15pm | 4.30pm | 5.45pm | 7pm | 8.15pm | 9.30pm | 10.45pm
With 13 train rides daily from Singapore to Johor Bahru and 18 rides vice versa, KTM Shuttle Tebrau is no slouch when it comes to frequency. The timings also cater to students and working adults, with trains departing JB Sentral as early as 5am.
Whether you book them online or at the ticketing counter, tickets are priced at S$5 for a one-way trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru and RM5.00 (~S$1.54) for a return trip. Register at the ticketing counter for free tickets for children below the age of four.
In stark contrast to the hassle of exiting and reboarding the bus at the customs and immigration checkpoint, KTM Shuttle Tebrau allows you to clear immigration at the train station. This streamlined process, coupled with the friendly and helpful officers, makes it the perfect start to your trip!
Some things to note
1. Tickets sell out fast
The convenience of the KTM Shuttle Tebrau makes it a popular option among travellers. As such, tickets often sell out quickly, especially on the weekends and the holidays. Book an online ticket on the KTM website to prevent any mishaps!
2. Arrive early to clear customs and immigration
The train opens for boarding 30 minutes before departure and closes 10 minutes before departure. Make sure you reach the station earlier so you have enough time to clear customs and immigration!
3. No photography allowed
While it may be tempting to whip out your camera to document your journey to Johor Bahru, there is a strict no photography policy at the station. For security reasons, pictures of the station and the trains are prohibited. However, pictures inside the train are allowed!
Travel from Singapore to JB
Image credit: Gaudi Renanda
Upon entering the train, you’ll be greeted by spacious cabins filled with many comfortable seats. Pick your favourite spot as it’s free-seating!
Unlike the unpredictable bus ride across the causeway, trains depart at their scheduled timings. Enjoy the view of the sea as you cruise along the train tracks.
If you think you might be hungry, food and drinks are permitted on board! The trains also come equipped with toilets in case you’ve had a few too many drinks.
Reaching Johor Bahru
Image credit: Johor Bahru City Square Official Facebook Page
Upon arriving at JB Sentral, you’ll have to clear a dedicated customs separate from the causeway folks. Hence, queues are far shorter and you’ll pass through the immigration in no time!
This is where your shopping and eating spree begins. City Square Mall (not to be confused with the one in Singapore) is packed with many restaurants and shopping options. If you’ve yet to convert your money, there’s a nearby money changer as well. For those looking to explore Johor Bahru ASAP, there are plenty of transport options, from taxis to buses.
Also read: The Ultimate 6-Day Singapore-Malaysia Itinerary For First-Timers
Definitely consider taking the KTM Shuttle Tebrau the next time you’re planning a getaway to Johor Bahru. At only S$5 per ticket, the service has made travelling between the two countries so much easier. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and enjoy the perfect start to your trip!
