RTS Link: Singapore-JB Train Opening 2026

Introduction

The RTS (Rapid Transit System) Link, scheduled to open in 2026, will revolutionize cross-border travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru. This high-speed shuttle train will cut crossing time from 60+ minutes to just 5 minutes, serving 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the RTS Link - from station locations and journey details to ticketing, fares, and how it will transform Singapore-Malaysia connectivity.

What is RTS Link?

Full name: Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link

Type: Cross-border electric shuttle train

Route: Woodlands North (Singapore) ↔ Bukit Chagar (Johor Bahru city center)

Distance: 4 km

Journey time: 5 minutes (station to station)

Capacity: 10,000 passengers per hour per direction

Frequency: Trains every 90-100 seconds during peak hours

Opening: 2026 (target completion)

Operators: Joint operation by SMRT (Singapore) and Prasarana Malaysia

RTS Link Stations

Singapore Side: Woodlands North Station

Location:

Woodlands North, near Woodlands Checkpoint
Connected to Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Woodlands North MRT station
Seamless transfer between Singapore MRT and RTS

Facilities:

Integrated customs and immigration clearance (clear both countries at Singapore side)
Shopping and dining options
Ticketing counters and machines
Waiting areas
Accessibility features (lifts, ramps)

Malaysia Side: Bukit Chagar Station

Location:

Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru city center
Near JB Sentral (existing bus/train terminal)
Walking distance to City Square Mall

Facilities:

Immigration facilities (pre-cleared on Singapore side for entry)
Retail and food options
Bus interchange for onward travel in Malaysia
Taxi and Grab pick-up points
Parking facilities

Journey Details

Travel time breakdown:

Station to station: 5 minutes
Immigration clearance: 10-15 minutes (integrated at Singapore side)
Ticketing and boarding: 5-10 minutes
Total journey: 20-30 minutes (Singapore MRT to JB city center)

Compare with current options:

Car via Woodlands: 45-120 minutes (depending on traffic)
Bus 170: 60-90 minutes
Walk + bus: 75-120 minutes

Time savings: 30-90 minutes compared to existing options

Immigration Clearance

Unique feature: Joint Checkpoints

Singapore side (Woodlands North):

Clear BOTH Singapore exit AND Malaysia entry at Woodlands North station
Similar to Eurostar model (clear destination country before boarding)
One-stop immigration processing

Malaysia side (Bukit Chagar):

No immigration clearance needed if entering Malaysia
For return to Singapore: Clear Malaysia exit only (Singapore entry cleared at Bukit Chagar)

Benefits:

No double immigration queues
Faster overall crossing
Integrated clearance reduces bottlenecks

Requirements:

Valid passport (6+ months)
No visa required for visa-exempt nationals
Autogate/MACS enrollment still beneficial for faster processing

Fares and Ticketing

Expected fares (estimated):

Adult: ~SGD 1-2 or RM 3-6 (official pricing TBD)
Concession (student/senior): ~50% of adult fare
Child (under 7): Free

Ticketing options:

SimplyGo/EZ-Link cards (Singapore)
Touch ‘n Go cards (Malaysia)
Contactless credit/debit cards
Single-journey tickets (ticket machines)
Mobile app (RTS-specific app expected)

Payment integration:

Same card can be used for Singapore MRT and RTS Link
Seamless journey from anywhere in Singapore to JB

Frequency and Operating Hours

Peak hours (estimated):

Trains every 90-100 seconds
6:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM weekdays

Off-peak hours:

Trains every 3-5 minutes

Operating hours:

5:30 AM - 12:30 AM daily (estimated, subject to confirmation)

Capacity:

10,000 passengers/hour/direction
30,000 passengers/day initially
Expandable to 100,000 passengers/day

Connection to Singapore MRT

Woodlands North TEL Station:

Direct connection to Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
Interchange station for RTS Link

Journey times from key Singapore locations:

Orchard: ~35 minutes (TEL to Woodlands North + RTS to JB)
City Hall: ~40 minutes
Changi Airport: ~60 minutes (via TEL transfer)

Seamless integration:

Single fare card for entire journey
No need to exit MRT network before boarding RTS
Weather-sheltered connections

Benefits of RTS Link

For daily commuters:

Predictable journey times (no traffic jams)
Cheaper than driving (fuel, tolls, VEP, parking)
No need for vehicle ownership
Can work/rest during commute

For leisure travelers:

Fast access to JB shopping and dining
No traffic stress
Affordable weekend trips
Environmentally friendly

For businesses:

Enhanced connectivity promotes cross-border commerce
Easier talent mobility
Reduced logistics costs

Environmental impact:

Reduced vehicle emissions
Lower carbon footprint vs cars
Promotes sustainable transport

Comparison: RTS Link vs Current Options

Option	Time	Cost	Pros	Cons
RTS Link	20-30 min	~SGD 2	Fast, predictable, cheap	Opens 2026 only
Car (Woodlands)	45-120 min	SGD 10+ (fuel, tolls)	Door-to-door	Traffic jams, parking
Bus 170	60-90 min	SGD 2.50	Direct, cheap	Traffic delays
Walk + Bus	75-120 min	SGD 2.50	Cheapest	Long walk, weather

Winner: RTS Link for speed, reliability, and cost once operational.

Impact on Border Crossings

Reduced road traffic:

Expected to reduce vehicle crossings by 20-30%
Less congestion at Woodlands Checkpoint
Faster crossings for remaining drivers

Shift to public transport:

More travelers choose RTS over driving
Parking demand in JB decreases
Lower emissions from reduced vehicle use

Economic boost:

Easier access to JB encourages shopping/dining trips
Promotes integrated economic zone
Supports tourism growth

Current Status (2026)

Construction progress:

Singapore side: Advanced construction
Malaysia side: Ongoing
Expected completion: 2026
Testing and commissioning: Late 2025/early 2026

Updates:

Check LTA website (Singapore) for latest construction updates
Prasarana (Malaysia) for Bukit Chagar station progress

Quick Tips for Using RTS Link (When Operational)

Link SimplyGo/EZ-Link card to phone for easy top-up
Arrive 15 minutes early during initial months (teething issues)
Have passport ready for immigration
Enroll in autogate/MACS before RTS opens (faster clearance)
Plan onward transport from Bukit Chagar (Grab, bus)
Avoid peak hours for most comfortable journey
Download RTS app when available (real-time train info)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will RTS Link open? Target completion is 2026. Exact opening date to be announced closer to completion.

Q: Will RTS replace existing bus services? No, bus services will continue. RTS provides an additional, faster option.

Q: Do I need VEP for RTS Link? No, VEP is only for vehicles. RTS is a train service requiring only passport.

Q: Can I bring luggage on RTS Link? Yes, luggage is allowed. Expect storage areas similar to MRT trains.

Q: Will RTS operate 24/7? No, expected operating hours are approximately 5:30 AM - 12:30 AM daily.

Q: How much will RTS fare cost? Official fares not yet announced, estimated ~SGD 1-2 or RM 3-6.

Q: Can I use the same card for Singapore MRT and RTS? Yes, SimplyGo/EZ-Link cards will work for integrated journey from Singapore MRT to RTS Link.

Q: Will RTS be affected by traffic jams? No, RTS is a train on dedicated tracks, completely unaffected by road traffic.

Check our live traffic dashboard for current checkpoint conditions while waiting for RTS Link to open.