Crossing the Causeway in 5 Minutes: Your 2026 Guide to the Singapore-JB RTS Link
If you’ve ever spent three hours of your life staring at the brake lights of a bus on the Johor Causeway, wondering if you’ll ever make it to your favorite bak kut teh spot, the wait is finally over.
As of February 2026, the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is no longer a distant dream—it is the new heartbeat of cross-border travel. This 4km shuttle is a total game-changer, slashing travel times between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North to a mere five minutes.
Here is everything you need to know about using the RTS Link in 2026.
What is the RTS Link?
The RTS Link is a high-frequency, driverless light rail system designed to move up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. It replaces the aging KTM Shuttle Tebrau and serves as a seamless bridge between the two nations.
Malaysia Station: Bukit Chagar (near JB Sentral)
Singapore Station: Woodlands North (connected to the Thomson-East Coast Line)
Travel Time: 5 minutes (excluding immigration)
Frequency: Every 3.6 minutes during peak hours; every 6 minutes off-peak.
The "Single Clearance" Magic: How Immigration Works
The biggest innovation of the RTS Link is the Co-located Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facility. Forget the days of clearing immigration twice.
With the "Single Clearance" concept, you only clear immigration once at the point of departure.
From JB to Singapore:
Arrive at Bukit Chagar Station.
Pass through Malaysian Immigration (Exit).
Immediately walk to the Singapore Immigration counters (Entry) within the same building.
Board the train. When you arrive at Woodlands North, you simply walk out into Singapore.
From Singapore to JB:
Arrive at Woodlands North Station.
Pass through Singapore Immigration (Exit).
Proceed to the Malaysian Immigration counters (Entry) in the same terminal.
Board the train and disembark at Bukit Chagar, ready to shop and eat.
Pro-Tip: The new stations feature over 100 AI-enabled e-gates and QR-code clearance. If you are travelling without luggage, look for the "Express Lanes" to breeze through in under 10 seconds.
Ticket Prices and Fares (2026 Update)
While fares were finalized in late 2025, the 2026 pricing reflects a commercial model designed to keep the service sustainable.
| Trip Type | Estimated Price (MYR) | Estimated Price (SGD) |
| One-Way Ticket | RM 15.50 – RM 22.00 | S$ 5.00 – S$ 7.00 |
Fares are integrated across both currencies, meaning you pay roughly the same value regardless of which side you buy from. You can pay using EZ-Link, Touch ‘n Go (NFC), or most major contactless credit cards.
Getting to the Stations
The RTS Link is designed to be a "Transit-Oriented Development," meaning it connects perfectly with existing transport.
1. Bukit Chagar (Johor Bahru)
Located in the heart of JB, Bukit Chagar is connected to JB Sentral via a 400m covered walkway. If you’re coming from other parts of Johor, the new Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) and local bus networks feed directly into this hub.
2. Woodlands North (Singapore)
The Woodlands North station is an underground marvel. It is directly linked to the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). From here, you can reach Orchard Road or Marina Bay in about 35–40 minutes without ever leaving the MRT system.
Why the RTS Link is Better Than Driving
With the Singapore Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees rising and Causeway traffic remaining unpredictable, the RTS Link offers something cars cannot: certainty.
Cost: No tolls, no VEP, and no petrol burned in traffic.
Reliability: Trains run from 6:00 AM to midnight with clockwork precision.
Comfort: The 4-car trains are spacious, air-conditioned, and feature "Spanish Solution" platforms (boarding and alighting on different sides) to prevent passenger crushes.
Summary Checklist for Travelers
[ ] Valid Passport: Ensure at least 6 months validity.
[ ] Digital Credentials: Have your MySejahtera (if required) or SG Arrival Card (SGAC) submitted online before arriving at the station.
[ ] Payment: Ensure your Touch 'n Go or EZ-Link card is topped up, or use a Visa/Mastercard.
[ ] Plan Your Connection: Check the last TEL train if you are heading deep into Singapore late at night.
The RTS Link has officially ended the "Causeway Crawl" era. Whether it's for work or a weekend getaway, the border has never felt closer.