Some friends have been asking why we’ve been going to Johor Bahru (JB) so often.
Besides the strong S$ that is in our favour, another reason is the door to door transportation ever since we got a driver’s contact from a friend for a return trip of $150. This worked out well for us since we’ve sold our car and we get to avoid the frustrating long jam at the causeway.
On our recent trip last month, we decided to take the Shuttle Tebrau, which is is operated by Malaysia’s Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) and to my utmost surprise, it takes only a grand total of 5 minutes!
Yes, you heard me right. Just 5 minutes from Singapore to JB.
No more frustrating traffic jams at the checkpoints and causeways where you have to deal with another, Mummy, are we there yet?!
Well, how did the journey go? Here’s our experience on how the train ride went from Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle.
Tickets for the KTM Shuttle
Tickets for the KTM Shuttle can be bought online. And because we were planning to get tickets for a Friday morning, we had to purchase them one month in advance online, here.
Alternatively, you can also purchase your tickets directly at the KTM office at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint building. But do note that if you’re planning to take the train on a weekend, chances are you probably may not get tickets.
I’ve heard that since the shuttle service opened, it’s been popular to commuters who need to make their daily commute from Singapore to JB which is faster than the bus which can take anything from half an hour to 2 hours.
Train schedule
Train Schedule Woodlands to JB: 8:00am, 10:00am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 8:00pm, 8:45pm, 10:00pm and 11:15pm
We choose the 10am train as the timing would be just nice for us to drop our luggage at the hotel and head out for lunch. Just in case you’re wondering, we stayed at Doubletree by Hilton which is close to JB Sentral and just across Komtar Mall and a mere 5 minutes walk away from City Square Mall.
Comparing ticket prices
- Tickets for KTM – $5 from Singapore to JB and $5 from JB to Singapore.
- Tickets for bus – $2 from Singapore to JB
- Hired car – $150 return trip from Singapore to JB
The marked savings we enjoyed on our transport means more shopping for my JB trip. More assessment story books for Sophie from Popular!
READ ALSO: Getting to Johor Bahru from Singapore by Bus
Journey to JB on the KTM Shuttle
The KTM has a very strict no photography policy and we saw multiple notices that photography is prohibited. We didn’t want to risk flouting any rules so no photos on the blog to walk you through the experience.
To get to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint, we took an Uber from our home as we had luggage with us. It’s recommended that you arrive at Woodlands checkpoint 30 mins before your designated boarding time.
There was a jam due to heavy traffic in the morning and we nearly wanted to get off the cab and get there by foot. Thankfully, we still had 10 minutes before boarding and the queue moved pretty fast after a short wait.
Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Singapore to JB by the KTM Shuttle
After we presented our tickets and passport for boarding, we had to go through immigration for both Singapore and Malaysia as well as Customs at Woodlands Train Checkpoint. This is how they speed up the clearance for passengers on the KTM so you don’t have to repeat it once you’re in JB.
There were about 5 lanes opened and we were onto the train platform in about 20 minutes. I also found out from the officer that Sophie can start using the automated line after she turns 7 years old, so I’m definitely making a new passport for her soon.It’s all free seating but if you want to get out of the train fast, then go for the middle cabin.
On our journey there, our cabin was the ‘older’ and more run down section and the seats looked rather shabby. Which gives it a very retro and nostalgic vibe. I’m just thankful that the train ride is no more than 5 minutes.
Thankfully on our journey back, we managed to get seats in the revamped section of the train which didn’t look so grubby. Anyway, photos are okay inside the train so we decided to snap some photos while waiting for the rest of the passengers to board.
Fooling around while waiting for other passengers to board
Return trip with nicer looking seats
Sun setting as we headed back home
As promised, we arrived in JB Sentral in 5 minutes without any long jams. Overall we were satisfied by the pleasant journey via the KTM Shuttle and would definitely take it again especially if we plan to put up at Doubletree by Hilton given the proximity to the train station.
Anyway the reason for us taking a trip up this time was to celebrate Sophie’s 7th birthday. But the poor birthday girl fell ill on the first night and we didn’t go to many places which we planned.
Thankfully, the little tropper was still in good spirits and we managed to go to the malls where she got to buy more Geronimo Stilton storybooks where it was going at a good discount at Harris bookshop’s relocation sale in Jusco Tebrau City Shopping Center.
If you’re heading to JB, don’t miss these posts where I share some of my shopping finds and places to go cafe hopping across the causeway as well.
READ ALSO: Newly opened AEON Mall Bandar Dato’ Onn even bigger than KSL!
Getting to JB
- Beat the causeway jam – Getting to Johor Bahru from Singapore by Bus
- Our stay at Somerset Medini service apartment
- Amari Johor Bahru, just 10 minutes from JB Sentral
- Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Johor Bahru, Review
What to do in JB
Tagged: family friendly, JB, Johor Bahru, Road trip
I might try this soon too! There’s probably still the usual immigration queue but skipping the crazy jam is certainly something to look forward to!
Clearing immigration was also quite fast. I would say less than 15 minutes for sure.
hi susan , thank you for all the posting and info . i booked tomorrow train to jb , but can i know where or which building i need to board the train .
thank you.
You have to board the train at the Woodlands Checkpoint. Be there at least 20 mins before departure as you have to clear immigration first.
This sounds good! Will try this! Found a url abt this http://thesmartlocal.com/read/ktm-shuttle-guide
Cool, thanks!
We just went to the Angry Bird Park via this train. It’s so convenient and sheltered all the way 🙂
Yes, super convenient if you’re planning to go to City Square Mall or Komtar.
Woo my colleagues and I are going to JB too, can consider this mode of transport! =)
Thanks babe for the tips! Was trying to find an easy yet interesting way to go JB as I haven’t been there for about 3 years + bringing foreigner friends over 🙂 I’ll check out the train tixs soon (getting for next weekend and hope they have some!) Will share with you on our experience x
Hi Susan,
I will be going JB legoland with my family this coming Dec. And will be staying in Somerset Medini Nusajaya. We are a group of 4 adults and 1 kid.
Can I have your contact of the driver who ferries you and your family from Singapore to
JB and back to singapore? Thanks
Hi Li Theng, I’ve sent you his contact via email.
Hello
can I know the driver contact number from singapore to johor?
thank you so much!!
Hi Jamie, I’ve sent you his contact via email.
Thank you Susan for your post. I tried it about 10 days ago. It is very convenient now to cross Woodlands JB. Even when not peak times it is preferable to use the shuttle then car or bus IMHO.
It’s a shame that the tickets can’t be purchased online from Dec 2016 onwards and you have to purchase them in person one day in advance.
[…] Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle – Our best kept secret! […]
Hi, can I have the contact number for the driver please
Hi Farah, I’ve sent it to you via email 🙂
[…] Woodlands train station, Singapore – photo by Susain via Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle […]
Hi,
The reason you cannot take pictures at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, is because it is not a train station but a CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) checkpoint. So, it’s not a KTMB policy, but Singapore Customs policy
Hello
Can I know the driver contact number?
Thanks. 🙂
Hi Mei Foong,
I’ve dropped you an email with the driver’s contact.
I see a website easybook.com which allows us to book train tickets still. Have a look.
I saw too but it is real? did u try purchase online? from JB to woodlands?
Hi susan, can i have a contact for the driver as ill be travelling with 2 elderly and a toddler, thanks
Sure, I’ve dropped you an email.
Hi susan..buy tickets require a passport?
Yes passport is required.
Hi Susan, can I have the driver contact please? Thanks!
I’ve emailed my driver’s contact to you May. Do check our mailbox.
Hello ! Good read here,
Yknow, I heard that KTM have shut down their online ticketing option..
So does your link actually still work to buy their tickets ?
They have resumed the online ticketing, so the link works 🙂
[…] Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle – Our best kept secret! […]
Hi Susan, i like reading your blog and especially love exploring Malaysia (easier on my pocket for a family of 4). Both my kids love taking train too. May i know usually how do you explore other areas like going to Jusco Tebrau City or going to legoland from double tree hilton?
We have been taking Grab in JB. Just need to get data and then change it to a local Malaysian number for it to work in JB. Pretty good experience so far and hubby feels it’s safer too as everything from journey and price is tracked on the app as we need horror stories of getting a cab.
Thanks for sharing Susan
Hi Susan, can I have the driver contact please? Thanks!
Hi Joey,
I’ve dropped you an email of the driver’s contact.
[…] developing and changing without doing all the work all alone. When visitors set up accounts on your ktm ticket website, they can then make use of the forum to discuss with others a wide range of topics which […]
Hi is the immigration area for those taking trains and bus different?
Yes, they have a separate immigration for buses and trains. So in this sense, it’s a lot faster for those taking the train as it’s a dedicated immigration.
Hi Susan, came across this useful blog while searching for ways to go to JB from Singapore! Would be cool to use train instead of bus!
Would you have any idea if foreigners (holding an employment pass in Singapore and have a valid Malaysia visa) can use the train? Or is it only for Singaporean/Malaysian citizens?
Regards
Vinay
It shouldn’t be restricted to Singaporeans and Malaysians only. Do try it and let me know your experience.
Hi Susan, just read your nice blog. Can I have the driver contact please? I will travel to JB from sing on this beginning of june with my husband,kiddos (4 and 6yr old) and my parents (in total 4 adults and 2 kids).
I’ve emailed the driver’s contact across 🙂
hi susan could u pls share with me ur regular driver contact to JB,tq
Hi Jane,
I’ve emailed the contact to you 🙂
Hi Susan, stumbled upon your blog. Thanks for the info. Really helps! Can you pls send me the info on your driver? Also, just wondering, in your opinion, do you think the train is easy for old folks who cannot walk fast? Thanks Susan!
Can anyone share how to travel from JB Sentral to LARKIN by bus? Thanks in advanced.
hi susan..planning to go batucaves..can send me the diver details?
Also can i just to ciq woodlands to buy the ticket on the of travel?
I’ve emailed you the driver’s contact. And yes you can purchase the tickets on the date of travel. But do take note that if you’re planning to go on a weekends, tickets may be very limited or even run out as online booking can be done 3 weeks in advance.
Hi Ms. Susan, we’re planning to go to Hello Kitty from Singapore. Can you help me out on where to book the train ticket. Thanks in advance!
The link to book the train tickets is at this URL, https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/e-ticket/login.aspx. You’ll need to register as a user. Hope this helps.
Hi Susan,
I’m planning to go JB next week thurs. I have been planning to take the ktm train but was still hesitant . Now that I stumbled upon your blog, think I am convinced. I will be going there with my mum who is elderly but loves shopping . If you don’t mind can you share with me the local driver’s contact so that I can just hop on a car to woodlands . Can you let me the fate of the driver as well . Thank you so much .
Cheers
Santhi
So sorry for the late reply Santhi. I’ve emailed the driver’s contact to you.
Dear Susan, would you be able to share with me your driver contact? Thanks a lot !!! I ma planning a short trip to JB and also staying in Doubletree, will be exploring KTM.
Hi Kit, I’ve emailed you the driver’s contact.
hi Susan for all the useful tips. can i have the contact of the driver? thank you
I’ve sent it to your email.
Hi Susan ,can i have the driver contact please? Thanks
Hi Lay Lay, I’ve emailed it you 🙂
hello susan. do we need to pay for visa on arrival from singapore to JB? husband and i are from the Philippines.
Hi Gail, Visa is not required from that I see from this website 🙂 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Philippine_citizens
Hi Susan, thanks for the useful tips! Could you let me know the driver’s contact? Could you share with me his cost too? Thanks very much!
Hi Veron, I’ve emailed the driver’s contact to you 🙂
[…] in frustration the next time you get caught in another insane traffic jam to JB. Try the buses or train and don’t forget to look for Gong Cha at City Square Mall […]
Hi Susan,
I’m planning to go to JB with my wife and 18 months baby. So,do I need to buy the KTM tickets 1 day earlier? No more online booking? Is the train convenient if you are traveling with big luggage?
Advance booking of ticket is recommended and you can do it online. If you’re planning to travel on a weekend you may have to book 3-4 weeks in advance. For us, we travel with a luggage about 24″ and it’s okay. You can choose a seat at the first row of the cabin of the train where there is more leg room.
Hi Susan,
Can you please provide your driver’s contacts? Thank you.
Hi Alex, I’ve emailed the contact to you.
[…] Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle – Our best kept secret! […]
Hi Susan.
Enjoyed and benefited from your informative post
May I have the Malaysian driver’s contact number for future use?
Many thanks for your sharing
Hi Mandy, I’ve emailed the contact to you.
Hi Susan, good day to you. Just want to say thank you. Your blog is most informative and useful. Best regards. Looi
Thanks for dropping by Looi. It’s so encouraging to hear that I’m able to provide helpful content to readers like yourself 🙂
Hi Susan! Can you share the contact of your regular driver? Can you review shopping at Jusco Tebrau City?
Many thanks
Amanda
[…] Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle – Our best kept secret! […]
Hi Susan! I stay in Bedok. I will take the mrt to Woodlands station. From there how do I get to Woodlands train station to JB Sentral? Is it walking distance or must I take a bus? I booked 1000 am train. I must be there by 0930 am correct?
Hi Bee Leng,
From the Woodlands train station, you can take the KTM train to reach JB Sentral. Yes it’s advisable to reach the train station at least 20 mins ahead of departure to buffer time at the immigration.
Hi, for the train that you took, is there 4 level? Do you know which level is/are the new one/s? Thank you!
There is only 1 level of seats available 🙂
Hi Susan, can share your regular driver contact? Planning a trip to UK farm JB
Hi susan read the above. May i have the driver’s number. How much does it cost to reach the ktm post. Thks
My driver picked me from my home and drove us to our hotel into JB. I’ve emailed you his contact and charges 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience ! Appreciate the info!
Hi Susan, can pm me your driver contact and charges. Thank You
Hi Karen, I’ve dropped you an email for the driver’s contact.
Hi Susan
Enjoy reading your post.
Greatly appreciate if you could share the driver’s contact.
Thank you
Hi JT, I’ve emailed the contact to you 🙂
Hi Susan, love your posts, can you send me your driver’s contact? Planning to go to JB next week. Thanks very much.
Hi Toni, I’ve dropped you an email for the driver’s contact.
Hi, thank you for sharing.
Is it possible to send me your driver contact and charges?
Hi Fanny, I’ve emailed the info to you.
Hello Susan, may I have the contact of driver too? Thank you in advance.
Hi there, I’ve sent you the contact.
Hi Susan, I enjoyed reading your blog. Could you please share the driver’s contact number?
Hi Yusof, I’ve dropped you an email with the driver’s contact.
Dear Susan,
Much Tks for sharing the most useful info about easy travel to JB. I have tried to book online train shuttle to JB and back, but noticed that the train services (at least via train website) are not available after 1230pm on Sundays. Is this correct pls ? If not, how do I purchase train tickets sceduked for late Sunday afternoons pls ?
Tks much !
Derek
Tickets for Sunday afternoon are always snapped up quickly. You need to book them as early as one month in advance. In the event, we cant get train tickets back, we end up going back by bus.
Hi can you share the driver’s contacts with me? Thank you in advance.
Hi Sara, I’ve dropped you an email with the contact.
Hi Susan, Very informative post. Could you kindly share the driver’s contact details and charges please ? Many thanks.
Hi Sha,
I’ve emailed you the contact and charges.
can u email me your driver contact and charges too?
I’ve emailed it to you 🙂
Hi Susan, thanks for your useful information. Would you mind share the driver contact and how much the charges ?
I’ve emailed the info to you 🙂
Hi, this is helpful! may I get your driver’s contact and the cost to get to Legoland? Thank you!
Contact with cost sent 🙂
Hi Susan, can you kindly share the driver’s contact details n charges pls ? Thanks !
Hi, I’ve emailed the contact to you.
Hi Susan! We’re planning to go to JB in May, which train cabin has that nice red printed seats? Thanks.
I can’t recall which section it is, but it’s all free seating on the train.
hi susan! Thanks for this very useful information. Anyway, if I may ask how much is the ticket from SG to JB train station for a 5-year old kid? Thanks.
The train tickets are priced at $5 flat for adults and kids. S$5 from Singapore to JB and $5 MYR from JB to Singapore.
Hi Susan, can I get from you the driver contact no, details and charges. Thank you.
Sorry for the late reply. I’ve emailed it to you.
Hi Susan, thanks for detailing your trip. Can i check for directions of how to walk from the JB Sentral Train station to Doubletree Hilton?
Hi Mic,
You can refer to the map on this post where I’ve indicated the route from the JB Sentral to DoubleTree by Hilton, https://ajugglingmom.com/amari-hotel-johor-bahru-review/.
Dear Susan, can I get from you the driver contact no, details and charges. Thank you.
I’ve emailed the contact to you Jim.
Hi Susan, thanks a lot for sharing your experience in detail.
Here I like to visit Legoland, JB with a group of a family.
We are Bangladeshi tourists with valid Singapore & Malaysian Visas.
Can you confirm us that we could entry JB through this Woodlands Train Checkpoint upon purchasing KTM tickets?
Can you suggest me a transport for a group of 7-8 persons to Woodlands Train Checkpoint from Singapore city!
I also request you to give me the Driver’s contact number.
Best regards.
Hmm, I don’t think it’s a problem since you have valid visas. I’ve emailed you the driver’s contact to drive into JB. As for taxi service from Spore city to Woodlands, you can try any of these services, https://www.taxisingapore.com/limousine-taxi/space-mpv-taxi/.
hi which website can i book the train tickets?
From this website, https://intranet.ktmb.com.my/ktmb_ui
Hi Susan,
I write to you yesterday, but I’m not sure if you have received it or not. anyway you have a nice wonderful blog with useful information that I have read especially in regards on how to go to Johor from Singapore. I’m planning my first time visit in my life to singapore and really need your help as I’m travelling with my wife and 2 kids. Due to the short time we have in Singapore, we would like to know what is the fastest available transportation to go to Johor from Singapore? As per to the posts I can see that the train is the best option to beat the traffic jam. Also, if you can shre the contact of the driver in Malysia it would be much appreciated.
In addition, if we are planning to stay for a night as we want to visit Legoland and Johor Premium Outlet, which area or hotel do you recommend?
Thank you so much,
God bless you and your family.
Regards,
Talal
Hi Talal, the fastest mode of transport to get to JB is via the KTM train. But if you’re driving in during off-peak, not weekends or in the morning, you can try the driver. I’ve emailed you his contact. The Premium outlet is about 20-25 mins drive away from Legoland. I’ve never been to the Premium outlet and many have reviewed that it’s not really worthwhile. But if you want somewhere near to Legoland, you can try Jen hotel or Somerset service apt, which you can read about here, https://ajugglingmom.com/somerset-medini-nusajaya-johor-review/.
Hi Susan,
Thank you very mu8ch for the useful information. May I know how much time takes in immigration approximately when using KTM train? and do you recommend early morning like 8:30 AM? As I’m planning to go and come back on the same day.
Hi Susan
Can I check where & how to collect the train tickets? From Singapore as well as from JB when returning. Thanks!
If you’ve booked your train tickets online, you can print the email and exchange your tickets at the ticket counter on level 1, near the lift.
[…] Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle – Our best kept secret! […]
Hi Susan, do you know if I can purchase advance tickets at KTM counter from CIQ at Woodlands, Can’t seem to be able to book tickets for the next couple of weeks
You can do that, but there is always a risks that the tickets may be sold out on that day too. I suspect that many folks are either going back for CNY or heading there for CNY shopping.
[…] Singapore to JB in 5 minutes by the KTM Shuttle – Our best kept secret! […]