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If you’re living in Singapore (or just visiting long enough to say “lah” naturally), you’ve probably heard someone say:
“Bro, let’s go JB this weekend, petrol, massage, makan!”
And if you’ve never crossed the border, let me tell you — going Johor Bahru (JB) is like unlocking a whole new level of life. Cheap food, shopping, massage, haircuts, car wash, even dentist. And yes, way cheaper than Singapore.
As a local who’s gone JB more times than I’ve done my laundry (shhh), I’ve tried every way to get there — by bus, train, car, even carpool — and I’m gonna break it down for you.
Option 1: By Bus (The Budget King’s Choice)
This is the cheapest way to go JB. If you’re okay with crowds and some light queueing (okay sometimes long queue lah), this is for you.
Popular Bus Numbers:
- 170X – from Kranji MRT
- Causeway Link CW1 – also from Kranji MRT
- CW2 – from Queen Street Terminal (Bugis area)
- SG-JB Express – from Bugis MRT Exit C
Price:
- From Kranji: Around S$1.50 (SG to Woodlands Checkpoint)
- From there, continue via Causeway Link to JB for around RM2–RM3 (~S$1)
Total: S$2–S$3 only!
Time taken:
- Off-peak: Around 45 min to 1 hour
- Peak (weekends or holidays): Can be 2–3 hours (bring snacks, or better, your whole dinner)
Special Tip :Go early morning (before 8am) or late night (after 9pm) to avoid crowds. And use Kranji MRT route, it’s faster and has more buses.
You’ll see so many people queuing at Kranji, you might wonder if JB giving out free Birkin bags.
Option 2: By Train (The VIP Shortcut – Super Fast)
Want to skip the jam and get to JB in 5 minutes? No joke. Take the Shuttle Tebrau Train.
Where to Board:
Woodlands Train Checkpoint (different from the usual Woodlands MRT!)
Ticket Price:
- S$5 from SG to JB
- RM5 from JB to SG
How to Buy:
Book online at KTM Berhad’s website
IMPORTANT: Tickets sell out fast, especially weekends. Book a few days earlier.
Time taken:
Literally 5 minutes ride. You’ll feel like you blinked and boom — JB already
Special Tip:Use this when you have tight plans — like dental, movie, date. You’ll skip all the long immigration queues.
First time I took this train, I thought the ride was over before I sat down properly. Blink once: Woodlands. Blink twice: JB Sentral.
Option 3: Drive Your Own Car (Freedom Mode)
If you’ve got a car and a few kakis, this is comfortable and convenient.
What You Need:
- Autopass Card
- Touch ‘n Go Card (for Malaysia tolls)
- Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) – technically required, but not strictly enforced yet
- Enough fuel (and patience)
Fees:
- SG toll (ERP + checkpoint fee): Around S$5–S$10
- Malaysia toll: RM3–RM20 depending where you go
- Parking at malls: RM2–RM5 per hour
Time taken:
Can be 30 mins or 3 hours,depending on traffic. (Weekends = jam jam jam)
Special Tip : Use Checkpoint.sg or BeatTheJam.co app to check traffic before you leave. Avoid Friday evenings and Saturday mornings if possible.
Driving to JB during peak hours is like proposing to your crush at a funeral — not the best timing.
Option 4: Grab or Private Car (Sit Back and Chill)
If you got a bit of budget and don’t want to squeeze with uncles and aunties on bus, this is for you.
Options:
- Grab (SG to JB): Usually S$30–S$70, depending on timing
- Private drivers / Facebook carpool groups: Can be S$10–S$15 per pax
Time taken:
Around 1 hour, off-peak
During jam? You might get to know your driver very well.
Special Tip : Book with friends and share the fare. Also, book return ride early — Grab JB to SG can be hard to get at night.
Once I carpooled with a guy who brought durians back… Let’s just say my shirt smelled like D24 till the next National Day.
My Personal Favourite Combo:
- Come back by bus (cheap, and you can slowly digest all the nasi lemak, lok lok, and A&W root beer).
- Go by train (fast, no stress).
Bonus: Money & Time Saving Tips
- Change Ringgit in Singapore before going, but not at the mall money changers — use places like The Arcade at Raffles Place (better rates).
- Bring Touch ‘n Go card already topped up — saves queuing in JB.
- Use apps like Klook for JB massages, cafes, and fun spots with discounts.
- Weekdays = heaven. Everything’s cheaper and faster. If you can go on Tuesday, you’re basically a JB VIP.
First Thing First
Going JB from Singapore is like unlocking a secret cheat code in life. It’s not just a city across the border — it’s a lifestyle. Once you figure out your way in and out, you’ll be going there for everything from dental to durians.
So pick your transport, grab your passport, and enjoy la bro/sis. Just don’t forget to come back!
