RTS Link between Johor Bahru & Singapore
While there are already a bunch of travel options when it comes to crossing the border, the upcoming RTS Link between Singapore and Johor Bahru is set to change things up for us Singaporeans, whose idea of a short getaway is always “let’s go to JB”.
So if you haven’t been following the updates, here’s the lowdown on the train that’ll bring you from SG to JB, and vice versa. You’re welcome.
What is the RTS Link?
Image credit: MRT Corp
In short, the RTS Link is a joint project between Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), officially signed off in 2020. It’s a 4km train line designed to make our Causeway crossings less of a headache.
Once it’s up and running, you’ll be able to zip from the RTS Link Woodlands North Station in SG to Bukit Chagar RTS Station in JB.
The trains are estimated to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with 4-car trains travelling at speeds of up to 80km/h.
How long is the RTS Link train journey?
Image credit: LTA
Each RTS Link journey will take about 5 minutes one-way – that’s faster than deciding where to eat in JB.
Where to take the RTS Link from Singapore?
Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t the KTM Shuttle Tebrau also just a 5-minute train journey?” True, but here’s the main difference: you don’t have to first take a bus from Woodlands MRT to get to the checkpoint before hopping on the train.
Just transfer from Woodlands MRT to Woodlands North MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line. The RTS Link Woodlands North Station will be directly connected to Woodlands North MRT, so you can expect a seamless transfer.
Unlike the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, with trains running every hour or so, the RTS Link will have trains running every 3 to 6 minutes during peak hours.
What is the immigration clearance process like?
Image credit: LTA
Here’s another win: you won’t have to clear immigration twice like you usually do when taking the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, car, or bus.
With the RTS Link, you’ll clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration at the point of departure. That means no more queuing up again or scanning your passport at the e-gates once you arrive.
Time is money, and this new route to JB will help you save both.
How much do RTS Link tickets cost?
Artist’s impression of the RTS Link Woodlands North station.
Image credit: LTA
Ticket prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but according to SMRT, they’ll be “competitively priced”. What we do know is that there’ll be off-peak fares and season passes, which is great news for those who need to cross the border regularly.
As for whether the fares will be the same in SGD and MYR – that’s still up in the air – but we can expect more deets closer to launch day.
When will the RTS Link be ready?
CIQ facilities from both countries will be housed under 1 roof at each departure point.
Image credit: LTA
If all goes according to plan, construction and testing should wrap up by Q3 of 2026. Trial runs will begin after that, with passenger service expected by the end of 2026.
We’re keeping our fingers and toes crossed that there won’t be any delays!
Soon, JB will just be a stop away
For now, we’ll still have to brave the jam, fight for space on the bus, and play human bumper cars. But hang in there – come 2026, all that will hopefully be a thing of the past. Just 1 stop to JB sounds like a dream we’re willing to wait for.
Handy transport guides for when you’re across the border:
Cover image adapted from: MRT Corp, LTA