Bus Travel Between Singapore and Malaysia: Complete Guide

Bus travel is the most popular and economical way to cross between Singapore and Malaysia. This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right bus service to navigating immigration efficiently.

Why Choose Bus Travel?

Advantages

Affordable:

• Total cost: SGD 2-5 for cross-border journey
• Much cheaper than private car (fuel, tolls, VEP)
• No parking fees

Convenient:

• Frequent departures (every 5-15 minutes during peak hours)
• Multiple routes and operators
• No need for vehicle maintenance or permits

Environmentally Friendly:

• Lower carbon footprint than individual cars
• Reduces checkpoint congestion
• Supports public transportation

Stress-Free:

• No driving in traffic
• No navigation needed
• Can rest or work during journey

Disadvantages

Immigration Process:

• Must disembark and re-board twice
• Carries luggage through immigration
• Can take 30-90 minutes total

Fixed Routes:

• Limited to specific pick-up/drop-off points
• Less flexible than private car

Shared Space:

• Crowded during peak hours
• Limited luggage capacity
• Dependent on other passengers (bus waits for all)

Weather Exposure:

• Walking between bus and immigration hall
• Outdoor waiting areas at some stops

Main Bus Services

Singapore to JB Routes

SBS Transit 170

Route:

• Singapore: Queen Street Bus Terminal (near Bugis MRT)
• Malaysia: JB Sentral (Larkin Terminal for some trips)

Operating Hours:

• 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM daily

Frequency:

• Peak hours (Mon-Fri 6-9 AM, 5-8 PM): Every 8-12 minutes
• Off-peak: Every 15-20 minutes
• Weekends: Every 10-15 minutes

Fare:

• Singapore leg: ~SGD 1.50 (pay with EZ-Link/SimplyGo)
• Malaysia leg: ~RM 2.50 (cash to driver)
• Total: ~SGD 2.50 one-way

Journey Time:

• 45-90 minutes (highly dependent on immigration wait)

Pros:

• Most frequent service
• Starts from central Singapore
• EZ-Link card accepted (Singapore leg)

Cons:

• Long route through Singapore before checkpoint
• Can be crowded during peak hours

Causeway Link CW1

Route:

• Singapore: Kranji MRT Station
• Malaysia: JB Sentral

Operating Hours:

• 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily

Frequency:

• Every 8-12 minutes throughout the day

Fare:

• Singapore leg: ~SGD 1.20 (pay with EZ-Link/SimplyGo)
• Malaysia leg: ~RM 2.80 (cash to driver)
• Total: ~SGD 2.40 one-way

Journey Time:

• 30-70 minutes (faster route than 170)

Pros:

• Shorter route (starts from Kranji, near checkpoint)
• Very frequent departures
• EZ-Link accepted (Singapore leg)

Cons:

• Must get to Kranji MRT first (outer area of Singapore)
• Cash needed for Malaysia leg

Causeway Link CW2

Route:

• Singapore: Kranji MRT → Larkin Sentral (JB)
• Continues beyond JB Sentral to Larkin Bus Terminal

Similar to CW1 but extends to Larkin Sentral:

• Good if heading to long-distance bus terminal
• Slightly higher fare than CW1

WTS Travel & Tours

Route:

• Singapore: Golden Mile Complex, Beach Road
• Malaysia: JB Sentral, Larkin Sentral

Operating Hours:

• 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM

Frequency:

• Every 15-30 minutes

Fare:

• ~SGD 3.30 one-way

Pros:

• Starts from central Singapore (Lavender MRT area)
• Air-conditioned coaches

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive
• Less frequent than SBS 170 or CW1

Other Operators:

• Transtar Travel
• Five Stars Tours
• Grassland Express
• Similar routes and pricing

Tuas/Second Link Services

Causeway Link CW3, CW4

Route:

• Singapore: Boon Lay MRT
• Malaysia: Gelang Patah, Pontian (via Tuas Second Link)

Operating Hours:

• 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Frequency:

• Every 30-60 minutes

Fare:

• ~SGD 4-6 one-way

Best For:

• Destinations in western Johor
• Avoiding Woodlands congestion
• Tuas checkpoint users

Step-by-Step: Taking the Bus

Boarding in Singapore

Step 1: Get to Bus Terminal

• Queen Street (Bus 170): Near Bugis MRT
• Kranji MRT (CW1, CW2): North-East Line
• Golden Mile Complex (WTS): Near Lavender MRT
• Boon Lay MRT (CW3, CW4): East-West Line

Step 2: Check Bus Bay

• Look for bus number on overhead displays
• Wait at designated bay
• Buses clearly marked with route number

Step 3: Board Bus

• Allow passengers to alight first
• Tap EZ-Link card or pay cash (depends on operator)
• Find seat (no reserved seating, first-come-first-served)
• Store luggage in overhead racks or under seat

Step 4: Ride to Singapore Checkpoint

• Duration: 15-45 minutes depending on starting point
• Air-conditioned buses
• Can rest, read, use phone

Singapore Immigration (Woodlands)

Step 5: Disembark at Singapore Checkpoint

• Bus stops at immigration complex
• IMPORTANT: Keep your bus ticket! (needed to re-board)
• Take all belongings (valuables, phone, bags)
• Can leave large luggage on bus (at own risk - not recommended)

Step 6: Enter Immigration Hall

• Follow “Departure” signs
• Join queue for immigration

Step 7: Clear Singapore Exit Immigration

• Present passport to officer OR use automated gate
• Officer stamps exit chop
• QR code clearance available for enrolled travelers
• Process time: 5-30 minutes (depends on crowd)

Step 8: Re-board Same Bus

• Exit immigration hall
• Look for your bus number (buses parked in holding area)
• Show bus ticket to driver or attendant
• Bus waits for all passengers - but don’t dawdle

Pro Tip: Note your bus’s physical appearance (color, distinctive marks) to find it easily

Crossing the Causeway

Step 9: Ride Across Causeway

• Bus continues journey
• Duration: 5-10 minutes to cross 1.056 km causeway
• Enjoy view of Johor Straits

Malaysian Immigration (JB Sentral)

Step 10: Disembark at JB Sentral

• Bus arrives at Malaysian immigration complex (ground level of JB Sentral)
• Take ALL belongings including luggage
• This is the final stop for most buses

Step 11: Clear Malaysian Immigration

• Follow “Ketibaan” (Arrival) signs
• Join immigration queue
• Present passport
• Officer asks: Purpose, duration (answer: tourism, shopping, etc.)
• Stamps entry chop
• Process time: 10-45 minutes

Step 12: Customs (If Applicable)

• Green channel: Nothing to declare
• Red channel: Dutiable goods
• Random inspections possible

Step 13: Exit to JB Sentral Arrival Hall

• You’ve arrived in Malaysia!
• Proceed to onward transportation or destination

Returning to Singapore (Reverse Process)

At JB Sentral:

1. Go to Departure Level (escalator up from ground)
2. Purchase bus ticket at counter OR use stored-value card
3. Clear Malaysian exit immigration first
4. Board bus at designated bay
5. Ride to Singapore checkpoint

At Woodlands (Singapore):

1. Disembark with all belongings
2. Clear Singapore entry immigration
3. Customs declaration if carrying dutiable goods
4. Re-board same bus
5. Bus takes you back to Singapore terminal

Total Time (Return): 45-90 minutes

Fare Payment Options

Singapore Leg

Accepted Payment:

• EZ-Link card (SBS Transit, Causeway Link)
• SimplyGo (credit/debit cards)
• Cash (some operators, exact change preferred)

How to Use EZ-Link:

• Tap card on reader when boarding
• Fare deducted automatically
• Ensure sufficient balance (minimum SGD 3)

Malaysia Leg

Accepted Payment:

• Cash (Malaysian Ringgit)
• No card payment for most services
• Driver provides change (but have small notes if possible)

Typical Fare:

• RM 2.50 - RM 3.50 depending on operator
• Some operators accept Singapore dollars (poor exchange rate)

Touch ‘n Go Card:

• Malaysian stored-value card
• Accepted on some services
• Worth getting if frequent traveler

Luggage Guidelines

Allowed Luggage

Typical Limits:

• 1 cabin-size bag per person
• 1 small backpack/handbag
• No excessive or oversized luggage

Storage:

• Overhead racks (for bags)
• Under seat (for smaller items)
• Some buses have luggage compartment (limited)

Best Practice:

• Pack light for bus travel
• Use backpack rather than wheeled suitcase (easier to carry through immigration)
• Avoid fragile items (luggage handling can be rough)

Carrying Luggage Through Immigration

Be Prepared:

• Must carry all bags through immigration halls
• Stairs and escalators (some lifts available)
• Can be tiring if heavy luggage
• Consider luggage trolley (may not be available at all points)

Tips for Efficient Bus Travel

Minimize Immigration Time

Singapore Exit:

• Travel during off-peak hours (Tue-Thu 10 AM - 3 PM best)
• Enroll in QR code clearance (MyICA Mobile app)
• Use automated gates if eligible
• Have passport ready before reaching counter

Malaysia Entry:

• Have passport ready
• Know your answer: “Tourism/Shopping” for purpose
• Keep customs declaration in mind (declare if needed)

Avoid Peak Hours

Worst Times:

• Mon-Fri 7-9 AM (MY → SG)
• Mon-Fri 5-8 PM (both directions)
• Friday 5-10 PM (SG → MY)
• Sunday 4-10 PM (MY → SG)

Best Times:

• Tue-Thu 10 AM - 3 PM
• Late night 10 PM - 6 AM
• Early morning 5-7 AM (SG → MY)

Comfort Items

Bring:

• Water bottle
• Snacks (long waits possible)
• Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
• Tissue paper
• Mobile charger/power bank
• Light jacket (air-conditioning)
• Umbrella (rain, sun)

Technology

Download:

• Google Maps (offline maps)
• Grab app (for onwards travel in Malaysia)
• Bus operator app (if available)
• MyICA Mobile (QR code immigration)

Ensure:

• Phone fully charged
• Roaming enabled OR Malaysian SIM card
• Important contacts saved

Special Situations

Traveling with Children

Infants/Toddlers:

• Can sit on lap (no separate seat needed)
• Bring snacks, entertainment for wait times
• Stroller can be challenging (stairs at immigration)

Children (5-12 years):

• May need separate seat (operator policy varies)
• Keep children close during immigration
• Bring passport (children need own passport)

Traveling with Elderly

Considerations:

• Long walks through immigration (wheelchairs available at checkpoints)
• Stairs/escalators (lifts available but may be distant)
• Standing queues (allow extra time)

Tips:

• Travel during off-peak (less crowded, shorter waits)
• Request assistance at immigration if needed
• Consider taxi/Grab for door-to-door convenience instead

Large Groups

Coordination:

• Designate leader to keep group together
• Share bus ticket details (in case someone boards wrong bus)
• Agree on meeting point after immigration

Immigration:

• Family/group can queue together
• Don’t split up when re-boarding bus

First-Time Travelers

Common Concerns:

“What if I lose my bus ticket?”

• Inform driver/attendant immediately
• May need to purchase new ticket
• Keep ticket in safe, accessible place

“What if the bus leaves without me?”

• Buses wait for all passengers
• But don’t be the last one - drivers may get impatient
• Typical wait: 10-15 minutes after last passenger

“What if I board the wrong bus after immigration?”

• Check bus number before boarding
• Ask driver to confirm
• Worst case: Explain to driver, take next bus (may need new ticket)

Bus Operators Contact Information

SBS Transit:

• Website: sbstransit.com.sg
• Hotline: +65 1800-287-2727

Causeway Link:

• Website: causewaylink.com.my
• Singapore: +65 6513-1318
• Malaysia: +60 7-226-1000

WTS Travel & Tours:

• Golden Mile Complex
• +65 6292-1166

Transtar Travel:

• Website: transtar.travel
• +65 6299-9009

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I buy bus tickets in advance? A: Most services don’t require advance booking (pay when boarding). Some premium services allow online booking.

Q: Do I need exact change? A: Preferred but not always necessary. Drivers provide change, but have small notes to speed up process.

Q: Can I bring food on the bus? A: Yes, but avoid smelly or messy foods. Drinking water is fine.

Q: What if I miss the bus after immigration? A: Take the next available bus (same number). May need to purchase new ticket.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi on buses? A: Most cross-border buses don’t have Wi-Fi. Use mobile data or download content beforehand.

Q: Can I use the bus to transport large items? A: Limited luggage space. Oversized items may not be allowed. Consider alternative transport for bulky goods.

Cost Comparison

Bus vs Other Modes

Bus:

• One-way: ~SGD 2.50
• Return: ~SGD 5
• Daily commute (20 trips/month): ~SGD 100/month

Private Car (Malaysian):

• Fuel: ~RM 60-80/week (depending on mileage)
• VEP: SGD 35/month (if frequent) or SGD 35/day
• Tolls: ~RM 10/day
• Parking: Varies
• Insurance: ~RM 2,000-3,000/year
• Monthly cost: ~RM 1,500-2,000 (SGD 400-600)

Taxi/Grab (Cross-Border):

• One-way: SGD 50-80
• Not economical for regular travel

Takeaway: Bus is by far the most economical option, saving hundreds of dollars monthly for commuters.

Summary Checklist

Before Boarding:

• Check bus schedule and route
• Bring sufficient cash (RM for Malaysia leg)
• Have EZ-Link card ready (if using)
• Pack light, manageable luggage
• Charge phone fully

During Journey:

• Keep bus ticket safe (need for re-boarding)
• Note bus appearance (color, number)
• Have passport ready before immigration
• Bring belongings when disembarking

At Immigration:

• Follow “Departure” signs
• Clear immigration with passport
• Return to same bus promptly
• Don’t be the last passenger

Key Reminders:

• Bus waits for all passengers, but don’t dawdle
• Keep ticket to re-board after Singapore immigration
• Bring cash (RM) for Malaysia leg payment
• Total journey: 45-90 minutes depending on immigration wait
• Travel off-peak for faster clearance

Bus travel between Singapore and Malaysia is affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly. With proper preparation and timing, it’s the smartest way to cross the border.