How to Take the RTS Link from Singapore to Johor Bahru
Planning to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru by RTS Link? Learn where to start, how the journey works, immigration steps and what to do after arriving in JB.
How to Take the RTS Link from Singapore to Johor Bahru
Travelling from Singapore to Johor Bahru will have another option with the introduction of the RTS Link.
The cross-border rail service connects Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
The train journey itself is expected to take around five minutes, but your complete journey will also include getting to the station, immigration and customs procedures, boarding and continuing to your final destination.
Passenger service is currently targeted for the end of December 2026.
Your Singapore to JB Journey at a Glance
| Step | What You Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Travel to Woodlands North |
| 2 | Enter the RTS station |
| 3 | Complete the required departure and immigration procedures |
| 4 | Board the RTS Link |
| 5 | Travel towards Bukit Chagar |
| 6 | Arrive in Johor Bahru |
| 7 | Continue to your hotel, attraction or rental car |
The two RTS stations are Woodlands North in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
Step 1: Get to Woodlands North RTS Station
Your journey begins at Woodlands North.
The RTS station is integrated with Singapore's existing Thomson-East Coast Line, making it possible to connect to the MRT network.
This means travellers can plan their journey from other parts of Singapore before transferring towards Woodlands North.
If you are staying in central Singapore, allow enough time to travel to Woodlands North rather than planning around the five-minute RTS train journey alone.
Before Leaving Your Hotel
Check:
- Your passport
- Entry requirements for Malaysia
- RTS ticket or booking information
- Station location
- Your onward transport in Johor Bahru
- Your return journey, if travelling for a day trip
Step 2: Enter the RTS Station
Once you arrive at Woodlands North, follow the signs for the RTS Link.
The RTS is a dedicated cross-border rail service, so don't confuse the RTS station with the existing Woodlands land checkpoint.
Your destination is:
Woodlands North RTS → Bukit Chagar RTS
Step 3: Complete Immigration and Customs Procedures
One of the key differences between the RTS and an ordinary domestic train is that this is an international journey.
The RTS Link will have co-located Singapore and Malaysian CIQ facilities.
Passengers travelling from Singapore to Malaysia will complete the relevant clearance procedures at the departure station before boarding the train.
In simple terms:
Woodlands North
↓
Singapore + Malaysia clearance
↓
RTS train
↓
Bukit Chagar
This means you should not treat the five-minute train ride as the entire border-crossing process.
What Documents Should You Bring?
For international travel, your passport is essential.
You should also check the latest entry requirements before travelling because requirements can depend on nationality and immigration status.
For example, foreign visitors entering Malaysia may have additional requirements such as the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), subject to applicable exemptions.
If you're travelling from Singapore into Malaysia, check the latest official Malaysian immigration requirements before your trip.
For your own journey, prepare:
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Passport | International travel document |
| RTS ticket | Required for the train journey |
| Malaysia entry requirements | May vary by nationality |
| Accommodation details | Useful for your arrival planning |
| Return ticket | Important for same-day or short trips |
| Travel information | Helps with onward transportation |
Step 4: Board the RTS Link
After completing the required procedures, proceed to the designated platform and board the train.
The RTS rail connection is approximately 4 kilometres long, with a train journey of around five minutes between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar.
That makes the actual rail journey relatively short.
However, your total travel time will depend on factors outside the train journey itself.
Step 5: Arrive at Bukit Chagar
Your destination in Malaysia is Bukit Chagar RTS Station in Johor Bahru.
This is where your Johor Bahru trip begins.
From Bukit Chagar, you can continue your journey depending on where you're going.
| Destination Type | Possible Transport |
|---|---|
| Nearby JB destinations | Walking / local transport where practical |
| City attractions | E-hailing / taxi |
| Hotels | E-hailing / taxi / transfer |
| Shopping areas | E-hailing / taxi |
| Wider Johor | Rental car / private transport |
The most suitable option depends on your destination.
What Can You Do After Arriving in JB?
You don't necessarily have to stay around Bukit Chagar.
Your trip can continue into different parts of Johor.
For example:
Bukit Chagar
→ Johor Bahru City Centre
→ Iskandar Puteri
→ Desaru
→ Kota Tinggi
→ Mersing
If you're planning to explore destinations outside central JB, having your own transport may be more convenient.
RTS + Car Rental in Johor Bahru
For travellers from Singapore, one option is to use the RTS for the international journey and arrange a Malaysian rental car separately after arriving in Johor Bahru.
The concept is simple:
| Journey | Transport |
|---|---|
| Singapore → Johor Bahru | RTS Link |
| Bukit Chagar → rental pickup | Local transport |
| Explore Johor | Malaysian rental car |
| Return to JB | Rental car |
| Johor Bahru → Singapore | RTS Link |
This can be useful if your trip goes beyond the city centre.
For information about renting a Malaysian car as a Singaporean traveller, see Car Rental in Johor Bahru: What Singaporeans Need to Know.
Example: Singapore to JB Day Trip
If you're planning a simple day trip, your journey could look like this:
| Stage | Example |
|---|---|
| Morning | Leave your accommodation in Singapore |
| Morning | Travel to Woodlands North |
| Morning | Complete RTS and immigration procedures |
| Morning | Travel to Bukit Chagar |
| Late morning | Continue into JB |
| Afternoon | Food, shopping or attractions |
| Evening | Return towards Bukit Chagar |
| Evening | RTS back to Singapore |
This is only an example.
Actual train schedules and ticketing arrangements should be checked once the RTS passenger service begins.
How Long Should You Allow for the Journey?
The train itself takes approximately five minutes.
But your overall journey is longer.
Think about your trip as:
Hotel → Woodlands North → CIQ → RTS → Bukit Chagar → Final destination
Each stage takes time.
If you have a flight, appointment or other fixed commitment, don't plan your schedule based solely on the five-minute train journey.
What Should You Prepare Before Taking the RTS?
| Before Leaving Singapore | Check |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid travel document |
| Entry requirements | Malaysia requirements for your nationality |
| Ticket | Current RTS ticketing arrangements |
| Station | Woodlands North |
| Immigration | Required clearance procedures |
| Transport in JB | Taxi, e-hailing, rental car or other option |
| Return trip | RTS timing and arrangements |
| Accommodation | Hotel / destination address |
Can You Take a Rental Car from Singapore Instead?
That is a separate travel option.
If you're already using a Singapore-registered vehicle, your journey and border requirements will be different from travelling as an RTS passenger.
The RTS provides an alternative where you can cross the border as a train passenger and arrange your transportation separately after reaching Johor Bahru.
For travellers considering a Malaysian rental car, make sure you understand the rental company's cross-border rules.
Senjalan's self-drive rental vehicles are intended for travel within Malaysia and are not available for self-drive entry into Singapore.
RTS Link vs Driving from Singapore to JB
The choice depends on your trip.
| Consideration | RTS Link | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-border transport | Train | Private vehicle |
| Parking in JB | Not required for RTS journey | Must plan parking |
| Onward travel | Need local transport | Vehicle already available |
| City trip | Can be convenient | Depends on traffic and parking |
| Wider Johor | Need onward transport | More flexibility |
| Border process | RTS CIQ | Road checkpoint |
There is no single option that works for every traveller.
Someone visiting central JB for a short trip may have different needs from someone planning a multi-day road trip around Johor.
Before You Travel
RTS passenger service is currently targeted for the end of 2026, so travellers should check the latest official information before making plans.
In particular, verify:
- Official ticketing arrangements
- Fares
- Operating hours
- Immigration procedures
- Entry requirements
- Station access
- Service announcements
Avoid relying on old social media posts or unofficial websites for final travel information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take the RTS from Singapore?
The Singapore RTS station is at Woodlands North.
Where does the RTS arrive in Johor Bahru?
The Malaysian RTS station is at Bukit Chagar.
How long is the RTS journey from Singapore to JB?
The train journey is expected to take approximately five minutes.
Do I need to clear immigration?
Yes. The RTS includes Singapore and Malaysian CIQ facilities, with clearance carried out at the departure station.
Can I use the RTS for a day trip to JB?
Yes, the RTS is designed for cross-border passenger travel. However, check the actual operating schedule and ticketing arrangements once passenger service begins.
Can I rent a car after arriving at Bukit Chagar?
You can arrange Malaysian car rental separately, subject to the rental company's pickup locations and requirements.
When will the RTS Link start operating?
Passenger service is currently targeted for the end of December 2026.
Need a Car After Arriving in JB?
The RTS Link gets you from Singapore to Johor Bahru, but your journey can continue beyond Bukit Chagar.
If you're planning to explore more of Johor, a Malaysian rental car can give you more flexibility to travel between cities, attractions, food spots and weekend destinations.
Explore Car Rental
www.senjalan.com
OFFICIAL LINKS
Singapore LTA — RTS Link
RTS Link official information
Singapore ICA
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
Malaysia Immigration — MDAC
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card