20.05.2026

7 Things You Must Know Before It Opens | Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link)

Image Source: Star

Crossing the Causeway is not easy. Hours in traffic. Long queues at immigration. You never know if you will be stuck for 30 minutes or 3 hours.

But guess what? Those days are almost over.

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is a dedicated train that will zip you across the strait in ± 5 minutes.

Here are 7 things you absolutely must know before this game-changer opens.

Quick Facts: RTS Link at a Glance

Aspect	What You Need to Know
Launch Date	End of 2026
Journey Time	Approximately 5 minutes
How Often?	Every ± 3.6 minutes during peak hours
How Many People?	~10,000 passengers per hour each way
Where?	Bukit Chagar (JB) ↔ Woodlands North (SG)
How Much?	Projected SGD 5 – 7 per trip
Best Part?	Clear immigration ONCE before you board

1. The 5-Minute Crossing You Have Been Waiting For

Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link)

Image Source: channelnewsasia

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) will connect Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North Station in Singapore. The actual train ride? approximately 5 minutes. This is not just an improvement. It is a complete game-changer.

2. Trains Every ± 3.6 Minutes

Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link)

Image Source: paultan

Ever waited 45 minutes for a bus at the checkpoint? Frustrating, right?

The RTS Link is designed to run every ± 3.6 minutes during peak hours. Miss one? No problem. The next train arrives before you finish checking your phone.

Each train carries up to 600 passengers (and up to 1,000 at peak capacity). With 8 trains operating, the system can move ~10,000 people per hour across the border.

3. Here is the Best Part: Clear Immigration Once

This is the feature everyone is excited about.

With the RTS singapore malaysia link, you clear immigration for both countries at your departure station.

Board at Bukit Chagar? You clear Malaysian AND Singapore immigration there.
When you arrive at Woodlands North? You just walk off the train.

No second queue. No waiting again. Just walk out and go.

That alone saves you 30 to 60 minutes every single trip.

4. Open by The End of 2026

Image Source: sgtrains

The Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link is scheduled to begin passenger operations by the end of 2026.

Here is where things stand right now (May 2026):

Milestone	Status
High-speed train trials	✅ Completed April 2026
220 e-gate lanes	✅ Installed
Baggage scanners	✅ Installation began April 2026
Testing phase	🔄 Currently underway
Final Field Readiness	🔜 Expected September 2026

5. Ticket Price: What You Will Pay

How much is the RTS Link ticket?

The official price has not been announced yet. The projected fare is SGD 5 to SGD 7 per one-way trip.

The operator is conducting a final market study, and the price will be revealed closer to launch.

What about payments? The Malaysian government is pushing for an open payment system. Expect to use contactless cards, mobile wallets, and stored value cards.

6. Where Are the Stations?

Image Source: landtransportguru

Bukit Chagar Station (Johor Bahru)

Right in the heart of JB city centre
Integrated immigration complex
Easy to reach by taxi, bus, or ride-hailing

Woodlands North Station (Singapore)

Direct connection to the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
Seamless transfer to Singapore's MRT network

What about the KTM Shuttle Tebrau? Under the current agreement, the Shuttle Tebrau must end within 6 months of the RTS Link launch. However, Malaysia is negotiating with Singapore to keep it running temporarily. A final decision is pending.

7. What This Means for You

For day-trippers from Singapore: You can leave your home, take the MRT to Woodlands North, clear immigration, ride around 5 minutes, and be in downtown JB in under an hour. That is a game-changer for weekend shopping and food trips.

For commuters: Your daily commute just got predictable. No more waking up at 5 AM to beat traffic. No more getting stuck for hours on Sunday evening.

For families: Less waiting means less stress. Less stress means happier kids. Happier kids means better trips.

RTS Link: FAQ (Your Questions Answered)

Is there a train from Johor Bahru to Singapore?
Yes. The RTS Link is a dedicated train connecting Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North Station in Singapore. The journey takes approximately 5 minutes. Passenger service begins by the end of 2026.

How much is the RTS Link ticket?
The projected fare is SGD 5 to SGD 7 per one-way trip. The official price will be announced closer to the launch date.

What time does the RTS Link operate?
The RTS Link will operate during set hours (not 24/7). Full operating hours will be announced closer to launch.

Do I need to clear immigration twice?
No. This is the best feature. You clear immigration for both countries at the station where you board. When you arrive, you simply walk off the train.

Is the RTS Link automated?
Yes. The system is fully automated and driverless – similar to Singapore's MRT.

Will the KTM Shuttle Tebrau still run?
Under the current agreement, the Shuttle Tebrau must end within 6 months of the RTS Link launch. However, Malaysia is negotiating with Singapore to keep it running temporarily. A final decision is pending.

How many people can the RTS Link carry?
The system can carry ~10,000 passengers per hour in each direction – that is 40,000 passengers daily.

Where can I buy tickets?
Ticketing details will be announced closer to launch. Expect multiple payment options including contactless cards and mobile wallets.

Your Journey Starts Here

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is almost here. Approximately 5 minutes across the strait. No more traffic jams. No more unpredictable waits.

But here is the truth. Once you arrive at Bukit Chagar Station, you still need to get around Johor.

Public transport is limited. Taxis add up fast. Waiting for rides takes time away from your trip.

The best solution? Rent a car and explore Johor at your own pace.

Explore Johor Your Way with WAHDAH

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Self-Drive or With Driver: Total freedom or total relaxation – your choice
Unlimited Mileage: Drive from JB to Desaru, Malacca, or Kuala Lumpur without extra fees
Cross-Border Island Travel: Need to explore beyond Johor? We can help
Family-Friendly: Child seats available, spacious vehicles for luggage, comfortable waiting area