🚄6-Min Border Crossing! Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link [Opening 2026]
- Erik & Aya
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Note: The train photo shown was taken in Kuala Lumpur and does not depict the actual RTS Link train. It is for illustrative purposes only.
🚆【Scheduled to Open in 2026】New Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS: Only 6 Minutes Travel Time!
The upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, scheduled to open in 2026, is an international high-speed rail shuttle connecting Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru, Malaysia with Woodlands North Station in Singapore. The total length is just 4 km, and the entire journey takes only 6 minutes.
✅ A New Way to Cross the Border
According to a report by Shin Min Daily News (Singapore) on June 21, 2024, Malaysia’s MRT Corp announced on Facebook:
“Ever wondered how fast it will be to cross the border with the new RTS? Just 6 minutes!”
The RTS is expected to significantly ease congestion at immigration checkpoints by offering a high-capacity and efficient transport system that can carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
RTS Link Overview (Based on Official Info from MRT Corp)
Item | Details |
Route Length | Approx. 4 km (2.7 km in Malaysia, 1.3 km in Singapore) |
Travel Time | Around 6 minutes |
Number of Stations | 2 stations (Bukit Chagar Station [JB], Woodlands North Station [SG]) |
Max Speed | Up to 80 km/h |
Train Formation | 4-car train sets |
Capacity | Up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction |
Estimated Ridership | About 40,000 passengers per day |
Service Frequency | Every 3.6 minutes during peak hours |
Operator | RTS Operations Pte Ltd (Joint venture of Prasarana Malaysia & SMRT Singapore) |
Train Depot | Located in Wadi Hana, Johor Bahru |
Planned Opening | End of 2026 (subject to construction progress) |
🛃 Immigration Clearance at the Departure Station Only!
A major feature of the RTS Link is the co-location of immigration facilities for both Malaysia and Singapore at the departure station. This means:
✅ You complete both countries' immigration procedures before boarding.
✅ Upon arrival, you can simply exit the station — no further checks!
Unlike the current system, there's no need to queue for immigration after arrival. This enables a truly seamless border-crossing experience.
✅ JB–SG Border Crossing: RTS vs Current Transport – Comparison of Time & Stress
🚍 A. Bus (as of 2024)
Route: Larkin Bus Terminal (JB) → Queen Street Bus Terminal (SG), various lines available
Travel Time: Typically 1.5–2+ hours (up to 2.5+ hrs during peak hours)
Cost: Around RM3–RM5 (excluding MRT fare in Singapore)
Note: Immigration waiting time is the biggest bottleneck (can exceed 1 hour)
🚶♂️ B. Walking + MRT (via Causeway)
Route: Walk across Causeway → Woodlands Checkpoint → board MRT
Travel Time: 20–40 min walking + total ~1–1.5 hrs
Cost: MRT fare only (~SGD1.20)
Note: Heat, congestion, vehicle fumes, and safety concerns on foot
🚗 C. Car or Grab
Route: Private car / Grab / Taxi
Travel Time: Normal: 45 min – 1 hr / Peak: 1.5+ hrs
Cost: Grab ~RM30–70 (depends on time and route)
Note: Consider immigration queues, parking, VEP tolls, etc.
🚉 D. Current Train: Shuttle Tebrau (KTM)
Route: JB Sentral ↔ Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Travel Time: ~5 min ride + border clearance
Frequency: ~1 train per hour (can sell out early during peak periods)
Cost: JB to SG: RM5 / SG to JB: SGD5
Note: Advance booking recommended; limited runs; no early morning/late night trains
🚄 RTS Link (Opening in 2026)
Travel Time: ~6 minutes ride + immigration at departure station only
Frequency: Every 3.6 minutes during peak hours
Cost: To be announced (expected around SGD5)
Note: Immigration done before boarding; just exit on arrival. Reliable, fast, and convenient.
Note: This comparison is based on public transport data, media reports, and user experience as of 2024. Actual travel time and cost may vary depending on conditions, peak hours, or policy changes.
🌍 Summary: A 6-Minute International Rail That’s Redefining Borders
The RTS Link is more than just a mode of transport — it's infrastructure that transforms Johor Bahru and Singapore into a seamlessly connected daily living zone.
From business and education to commuting and tourism, this project is expected to significantly strengthen ties between Malaysia and Singapore in every aspect of life.
👉 At Tabiniko, we provide comprehensive support for your life in Malaysia — from real estate investment to relocation, educational migration, and MM2H assistance. Feel free to contact us!
📚 Sources
MRT Corp Official Page
Official Facebook post by MRT Corp – “RTS Link JB–SG” (June 20, 2024) https://www.facebook.com/share/1c34Tre4iT/
Official Facebook post by Shin Min Daily News (新明日报), June 21, 2024
【马国】新柔地铁全程 仅需6分钟... - Shin Min Daily News 新明日报 | Facebook
