Taking the bus to JB is one of the most common ways to travel to Singapore.
But for those of you who aren’t seasoned pros, taking a bus to cross the border into another country can be pretty intimidating.
We’re here to give you the lowdown on how to take bus to JB from Singapore.
Expect to find everything from bus operators to expert tips, step-by-step instructions, and even FAQs.
1. Causeway Link Bus (My preferred way)
2. SBS Bus
3. SMRT Bus
4. Transtar Bus
5. Singapore Express Bus
6. Where To Catch Your Express Bus In Singapore
7. Step-by-Step Guide: Singapore & Malaysia Customs & Immigration When Taking the Bus
8. Singapore to JB by Bus: Advantages & Disadvantages
FAQs
Overview
Before we start, you should first pinpoint your destination in JB.
If you’re heading to the town, hitting spots such as Mid Valley JB, KSL, JBCC, or Komtar, then you should choose a bus that uses the Woodlands-JB CIQ First Link route.
If you plan on visiting Legoland Malaysia, Sunway Iskandar, Puteri Harbour, or Aeon Bukit Indah, then choose a bus that uses the Tuas-JB CIQ Second Link route.
Now with that out of the way, let’s dive in.
Read Also: 5 Ways To Get To JB From Singapore
1. Causeway Link Bus (My preferred way)
Causeway Link is a popular option because they offer convenient pick-up locations across Singapore as well as routes via both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.
Furthermore, these buses don’t make any stops, only heading straight for the checkpoint once you get on.
Where To Catch Your Causeway Link Bus In Singapore
CW1: Kranji MRT
CW2: Queen Street Terminal
CW3 & CW4: Jurong East Bus Interchange
CW5: Newton Circus (near Newton MRT Exit B)
CW6: Boon Lay MRT bus stop (outside Boon Lay MRT)
Read Also: Bus From Jurong East To Legoland Malaysia
| Causeway Link Bus Schedule & Route: You can view the schedule and route here. Simply click on any of the bus routes to see the next scheduled bus. |
Causeway Link Bus Fare
Depending on the route, the bus fare can cost SGD 2.60 to SGD 6.00 one way.
Notes:
- You can pay for the fare with Manjalink card or Visa card.
- Only tap when boarding the bus—no need to tap when alighting.
2. SBS Bus
Travellers going to JB can catch a SBS bus via Woodlands from Singapore.
The 170X is the most popular SBS bus since it’s the most frequent (every 2-3 minutes) and has the least stops.
Read Also: How To Take Bus From Woodlands To JB
Where To Catch Your SBS Bus In Singapore
170X: Opp Kranji Station (near Kranji MRT Exit C)
170: Queen Street Terminal (near Bugis)
160: Jurong Town Hall Interchange
| SBS Bus Schedule & Route: You can view the schedule and route here. To do so, choose your bus service in the search function. |
SBS Bus Fare
The bus fare costs SGD 2.30 to SGD 2.80 one way.
Note:
- You can pay for the fare with EZ-Link card or by cash.
- If paying by cash, prepare the exact amount as change won’t be given.
- You will receive a ticket after you pay in cash. Keep this ticket with you until you reach your destination in JB.
- Remember to tap whenever you board and alight the bus.
3. SMRT Bus
Some people might prefer to take the SMRT bus to JB from Singapore, which goes through Woodlands Checkpoint.
This is another popular option, so be prepared to see long queues. Don’t worry, though—the buses are quite frequent (every 9-13 minutes).
Where To Catch Your SMRT Bus In Singapore
950: Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange (near Woodlands MRT Station) or Marsiling MRT Station bus stop (46529).
| SMRT Bus Schedule & Route: You can view the schedule and route here. |
SMRT Bus Fare
The fare is SGD 2.10 one way.
Note:
- You can pay for the fare with EZ-Link card or by cash.
- Paying with EZ-Link is cheaper, at SGD 1.19 one way.
- If paying by cash, prepare the exact amount as change won’t be given.
4. Transtar Bus
Transtar is a private cross-border coach that travels to JB through Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint.
Since this is a private company, tickets will be more expensive compared to public buses. Booking in advance is also required to secure your seat on the bus.
Where To Catch Your Transtar Bus In Singapore
TS1: Changi Airport (Terminal 1 (Arrival Hall Coach Bay Lot B/C))
TS3: Pan Pacific Hotel bus stop (bus stop code: 02089)
TS6: Buona Vista
TS8: Resort World (coach bay)
| Transtar Bus Schedule & Route: You can view the schedule and route here. Booking can also be done on easybook.com. |
Transtar Bus Fare
The fare ranges from SGD 3.00 to SGD 11.00, depending on the bus service and route.
Note:
- You can pay for the fare with EZ-Link card or by cash.
- If paying by cash, prepare the exact amount as change won’t be given.
5. Singapore Express Bus
Looking for a non-stop transfer to a specific destination in JB? Then a Singapore express bus might be up your alley.
Take note, though: these buses only travel to a limited number of locations in JB, usually popular tourist spots. Pick-up times are limited, too, as well as its departure locations.
6. Where To Catch Your Express Bus In Singapore
WTS Bus: Suntec City Mall Tower 2, Jurong East Venture Ave No:5 Bus Bay
Superior Coach: Lavender MRT, Jurong East Venture Ave No:5 Bus Bay
Leo Express: Hotel Boss, Suntec Convention Centre
| Singapore Express Bus Schedule & Route: You can view the schedule and route of each available bus here after entering your details, such as departure location and date of travel. |
Singapore Bus Express Fare
Tickets can cost from SGD 13.00 to SGD 27.00.
7. Step-by-Step Guide: Singapore & Malaysia Customs & Immigration When Taking the Bus
Read Also: How To Cross The Border From Singapore To Malaysia
Step 1: Board Your Desired Bus To JB
Choose a bus to JB and board the bus.
Step 2: Arrive At Singapore Checkpoint For Immigration Clearance
Your bus will stop at the checkpoint (either Woodlands or Tuas). This is where you’ll have to get off—with your luggage, if any—and proceed inside the building for immigration clearance.
Tip:
- Those who are eligible should use the automated e-gates for a quick and smooth process at immigration.
Step 3: Walk To The Bus Bay To Re-Board The Bus To JB
Follow the signs that will lead you to the bus bay. Queue and board the bus bound for JB.
Reminder:
- Make sure you board a bus from the same operator as before. For example, if you were on a CW bus, get on a CW bus. This ensures you won’t get charged for a new trip.
Step 4: Arrive at JB Checkpoint For Immigration Clearance
Once the bus arrives at the JB Checkpoint (either Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) or Sultan Abu Bakar), disembark the bus to proceed to immigration clearance.
Tip:
- Singapore passport holders can use the e-gates, which are located on the left. First-time registration must be done over-the-counter.
- Don’t forget to fill up MDAC—though some groups are exempted. More details here.
Step 5: Resume Your Journey In JB
After you’re done with immigration and customs, you can go ahead and explore JB! Get on another bus or get a Grab car.
8. Singapore to JB by Bus: Advantages & Disadvantages
If you’re debating whether or not to take the bus to JB, we broke down the pros and cons..
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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If some of these cons are deal breakers for you, you can always consider taking a private taxi to JB from Singapore.
Sure, they cost more, but you’ll be paying for comfort, convenience, and ease of travel. If you need a recommendation, we had a good experience with JBTAXI.SG taxi.
FAQs
Q1: Which bus service is the cheapest to JB?
A1: The most economical option is taking Singapore public buses (170X, 950) which costs around $2.37 per trip. Causeway Link buses are slightly more expensive, ranging from $2.60 to $6.00 depending on your boarding point.
Q2: How long does the bus journey to JB take?
A2: During normal hours, the journey typically takes 30-45 minutes. However, during peak periods like weekends and holidays, expect the journey to stretch between 1-3 hours due to heavier immigration queues.
Q3: Where can I catch a bus to JB in Singapore?
A3: You can board buses to JB from several convenient locations across Singapore, including Queen Street Terminal, Kranji MRT, Woodlands MRT, Boon Lay, Jurong East, and Newton Circus. Each location serves different bus services, so choose the one closest to you.
Q4: How do I pay for my bus fare to JB?
A4: You can pay your bus fare using Visa Paywave or cash, though exact change is preferred. For public buses, you can also use your EZ-Link card. For Causeway Link buses, remember you only need to tap once when boarding as they charge a flat rate.
Q5: Are there overnight buses to JB?
A5: Yes, but only the CW2 service from Queen Street Terminal operates 24 hours. During the day, buses run frequently, while after midnight, the CW2 operates every 45 minutes.
Q6: What bus should I take after clearing immigration?
A6: After clearing immigration at Woodlands, you can take any Causeway Link bus to JB for $1.80. If you're heading to Larkin terminal, you can use your CWL ticket for a free shuttle service.
Q7: What do I need to bring for my bus journey to JB?
A7: For your bus journey to JB, you'll need to bring your valid passport, bus ticket (if taking express buses), and some small change for connecting buses. Sometimes you might need to complete an arrival card, which is available at the checkpoint.
Q8: Which bus service to JB is most convenient?
A8: Causeway Link offers the most convenient service with direct routes, though it's slightly more expensive. Public buses are cheaper but make more stops, while express buses provide more comfort but require advance booking.
Q9: When is the best time to take a bus to JB?
A9: The optimal time to take a bus to JB is early morning before 7am when queues are shortest. It's best to avoid Friday evenings and weekends when waiting times can be significantly longer. Public holidays are especially crowded.
Q10: What if I miss my connecting bus to JB?
A10: If you miss your connecting bus, don't worry. For Causeway Link and public buses, you can simply wait for the next available service. If you're taking an express bus, check with the operator about the next available seat.
