Traveling by cross border bus and train Singapore Malaysia is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to move between the two countries. Whether you’re heading for a quick shopping trip to Johor Bahru, a weekend in Kuala Lumpur, or connecting further into Malaysia, buses and trains are the most popular options. The downside? You may need to deal with queues at the immigration checkpoints, especially during weekends and holidays.
If you plan your journey well, cross border bus and train Singapore Malaysia routes can save both money and time compared to flying, while giving you a smooth and scenic ride across the Causeway.
🚍 Bus Travel: Singapore ↔ Malaysia
Buses are the most common choice for cross-border travel.
- Singapore → Johor Bahru
- Price: SGD $2–$4
- Timing: 30–60 mins (depending on Causeway traffic)
- Operators: Causeway Link, SBS Transit, SMRT
- Boarding: Kranji MRT, Queen Street Terminal, Woodlands Checkpoint
- Drop-off: JB Sentral, Larkin Sentral
- Singapore → Kuala Lumpur / Malacca / Penang
- Price: SGD $20–$50
- Timing: 4–9 hours (depending on city)
- Operators: Aeroline, Transtar, StarMart, KKKL
- Boarding: Golden Mile Tower, Harbourfront, Bugis
- Drop-off: KL TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan), Malacca Sentral, Penang Sungai Nibong
🚆 Train Travel: Singapore ↔ Malaysia
Trains are a comfortable alternative, especially if you want to skip traffic.
- Singapore → Johor Bahru (Shuttle Tebrau)
- Price: SGD $5
- Timing: 5 minutes ride (plus customs clearance)
- Boarding: Woodlands Train Checkpoint
- Drop-off: JB Sentral
- KTM ETS (Malaysia Domestic Routes)
- From JB/KL → Ipoh, Penang (Butterworth), Padang Besar
- Price: RM 50–120
- Timing: 2–8 hours depending on route
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Route | Mode | Price | Timing | Boarding | Drop-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore → Johor Bahru | Bus | SGD $2–$4 | 30–60 mins | Kranji MRT, Queen Street | JB Sentral |
| Singapore → Johor Bahru | Train | SGD $5 | 5 mins + customs | Woodlands Train CP | JB Sentral |
| Singapore → Kuala Lumpur | Bus | SGD $20–$40 | 4–6 hrs | Golden Mile, Bugis | KL TBS |
| KL → Penang | Train (ETS) | RM 70–90 | 4 hrs | KL Sentral | Butterworth |
✨ Travel Tips
- Peak Hours & Best Time to Travel:
Avoid crossing the Causeway on Friday evenings (5pm–10pm) and Saturday mornings (7am–10am) when many Singaporeans head into Johor Bahru. Sunday evenings (6pm–11pm) are the worst for return traffic. If possible, travel on weekday mornings before 9am or weekday afternoons after 2pm, when queues at immigration are lighter. - Public Holidays & Long Weekends:
Expect very long queues during Singapore and Malaysia public holidays (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Christmas, etc.). If you must travel, plan to leave a day earlier or later than the peak holiday date. - Booking:
Reserve tickets early on platforms like Easybook or 12GoAsia—buses and the Shuttle Tebrau train often sell out days in advance, especially for weekends. - Comfort Choice:
Trains have more legroom and avoid traffic jams, while buses are more frequent and flexible for short trips. For a quick hop to JB, the bus may be faster; for longer distances like KL or Penang, the train is more comfortable. - Money-Saving Tip:
Consider overnight buses or trains—you save on hotel costs and wake up at your destination ready to explore. - When to Visit JB for Culture & Experience:
- Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) – Lion dances, night markets, and festive food.
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri (dates vary by Islamic calendar) – Special bazaars and traditional Malay celebrations.
- Deepavali (Oct–Nov) – Colorful lights and Indian sweets in JB’s Little India.
- Johor Bahru Arts Festival (usually Sept) – Music, theater, and art events showcasing local talent.
- Weekday evenings are also great for exploring JB’s street food scene, especially around Meldrum Walk and Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
✅ Conclusion
Using cross border bus and train Singapore Malaysia options is cheap, easy, and a favorite among travelers. While queues at immigration are common, you can avoid the worst rush by planning around the holiday calendar. Public holidays and long weekends in both Singapore and Malaysia—such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, National Day, and school breaks—see the heaviest traffic at the Causeway. If you travel on off-peak weekdays or outside these busy dates, your journey will be smoother. Whether you’re making a quick hop to Johor Bahru or venturing further into Malaysia, buses and trains remain the most budget-friendly and flexible way to cross the border.
