Need to make a quick trip to Johor? Taking the train to JB is a breeze especially if you know what to expect!
Firstly, it’s incredibly affordable at (~SGD $10 for a return trip) considering the exchange rates between Singapore and Malaysia!
But the greatest advantage is the time you can save! As everything including immigration clearance and the ride can be done in 30 minutes!
Want to know more? Keep reading!
KTM Train Schedule (Singapore To JB)
The train to JB from Woodlands, Singapore takes just 5 minutes. There are multiple departures for this service (Shuttle Tebrau) every day!
KTM Train Schedule (From JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint)
From JB Sentral, the train starts at around 5am until close to 11pm with 15 to 75 minute intervals between!
Note: Intervals are less frequent towards the later part of the day (i.e. after 8am).
| Station | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| ST61 | 5:00am | 5:05am |
| ST63 | 5:30am | 5:35am |
| ST65 | 6:00am | 6:05am |
| ST67 | 6:30am | 6:35am |
| ST69 | 7:00am | 7:05am |
| ST71 | 7:30am | 7:35am |
| ST73 | 8:45am | 8:50am |
| ST75 | 10:00am | 10:05am |
| ST77 | 11:30am | 11:35am |
| ST79 | 12:45pm | 12:50pm |
| ST81 | 2:00pm | 2:05pm |
| ST83 | 3:15pm | 3:20pm |
| ST85 | 4:30pm | 4:35pm |
| ST87 | 5:45pm | 5:50pm |
| ST89 | 7:00pm | 7:05pm |
| ST91 | 8:15pm | 8:20pm |
| ST93 | 9:30pm | 9:35pm |
| ST95 | 10:45pm | 10:50pm |
Read also: 7 Ways To Get To Tioman Island (The Complete Guide: Travel Tips Included)
KTM Train Schedule (From Woodlands Train Checkpoint To JB Sentral)
On the other hand, trains start around 8:30am from Woodlands until midnight with 75 minute intervals.
| Station | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| ST72 | 8:30am | 8:35am |
| ST74 | 9:45am | 9:50am |
| ST76 | 11:00am | 11:05am |
| ST78 | 12:30pm | 12:35pm |
| ST80 | 1:45pm | 1:50pm |
| ST82 | 3:00pm | 3:05pm |
| ST84 | 4:15pm | 4:20pm |
| ST86 | 5:30pm | 5:35pm |
| ST88 | 6:45pm | 6:50pm |
| ST90 | 8:00pm | 8:05pm |
| ST92 | 9:15pm | 9:20pm |
| ST94 | 10:30pm | 10:35pm |
| ST96 | 11:45pm | 11:50pm |
Note: Times shown here are subject to changes by the train operator.
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KTM Train Ticket Cost From Singapore To JB
Tickets are cheap and often sell out fast as the weekends approach!
So, it’s definitely better if you book them in advance as early as you can!
Tip: Better still, book your trips separately as this can save you up to ~SGD $3 (RM10)!
You can buy tickets for the train to JB from the respective counters at either JB Sentral or Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
JB Sentral KTM Ticket Counter
But to take full advantage of the currency exchange rate, you should book online from the KTM website or at the JB Sentral counter!
Read also: Singapore To Tioman Package: Fuss-free Package To Tioman Island
KTM Train Ticket Pricing Table
Refer to this table below and you’ll notice the loophole you can avoid by not booking a return trip for the train to JB!
| Ticket Platform | Singapore to JB | JB to Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Online (KTM website) | RM16 | RM5 (one-way) |
| RM16 (Return trip price) | ||
| Woodlands counter | SGD $5 | SGD $5 |
| JB Sentral counter | RM16 | RM5 |
How To Take The Train To JB From Singapore
Follow these steps for a foolproof way to getting over the border with the KTM train to JB!
Read also: Best Option From Singapore To Tioman Island: Includes Bus, Self-drive & Car
Step 1: Buy Your KTM Train Ticket To JB Online
With the recent upgrade in Oct 2019, it’s now easier than ever to get a ticket for the train to JB online on the official KTM website!
- From the first page, you just choose the direction you want to go. Singapore to JB and vice versa.
Just click the double arrow to toggle between the directions!
Select your departure date (and return date if applicable) and the number of adults and children that will be travelling.
- Click the “Search” button when you’re done!
- When the search results have loaded, choose your preferred departure time (and return time where applicable).
Note: you’ll be able to filter out the times with sliders at the top of the page.
- A green button will pop up at the bottom of the page together with the total price and departure (and return) times you have selected. Click it to proceed.
- At the confirmation page, log in with your Facebook or Google account. Or sign up for a new account with your email.
- You will also have to enter all passenger details like your name, passport number and contact details.
- Before payment, read through the terms and conditions. Tick the box when you are satisfied.
- The final step is to choose a mode of payment. This is where you can also cancel your booking. Credit cards are now accepted.
Notes:
- Ticket sales for each time slot close 15 minutes before the stated departure time.
- If you choose to get your tickets over the counter, you will need sufficient cash as well as your passport.
- Tickets are often sold out at the counter whenever there is an approaching weekend, public holiday or school holiday.
- In case tickets do sell out, you can still take the alternative bus to JB from the Woodlands Checkpoint.
Read also: How To Go To Tioman Island From Johor Bahru
Step 2: Head Over To The Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Woodlands Train Checkpoint is at the northern tip of Singapore. Next door to the main Woodlands Checkpoint and well-connected to other areas of Singapore.
You can get there by bus or by taking the MRT. There is a bus stop that conveniently close to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint!
Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Photo credits: Jeffrey Grenfell@flickr)
Depending on which area you’re starting from, you can take the MRT to any of these 3 MRT stations. Followed by the respective available buses listed below.
Marsiling MRT Station [NS8] (Red Line / North-South Line)
Available Buses: 856, 950
Woodlands MRT Station [NS9] (Red Line / North-South Line)
Available Buses: 178, 903, 911
Kranji MRT Station [NS7] (Red Line / North-South Line)
Available Buses: 170, 170A, 178
Note: None of the buses listed here are direct buses to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint so be sure to stay alert so you don’t miss your stop!
Step 3: Check-in With Your Passport
Assuming you have your ticket already, you can go up to level two and get into the queue for the train at the departure gate.
The gate opens 30 minutes before the actual departure time and they will close the gate 10 minutes before the train leaves.
KTM Train Departure Gate At Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Photo credits: livefreewithlianne.com)
Be sure to come at least 30 minutes before to give yourself enough time to complete immigration at both sides of the border!
You will need your passport to get through immigration clearance! They have self-service machines (i.e. auto gates) where you can scan your passport to get through!
Note: With the new system, you should not need a boarding pass. Your passport will be enough!
Just in case:
Ticket Validation At The KTM Counter (Upon request)
Sometimes, you may be requested to get your online booking validated!
This will be at the ticket counter on the ground floor of the Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
KTM Ticket Counter At Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Photo credits: asiaone.com)
Your booking slip or number should be enough to complete the validation.
Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island From Changi Airport
Step 4: Take The 5-Minute Border Train Into JB From Singapore
Much like boarding a flight, staff at the Malaysian side will check and stamp your passport after the immigration process.
And after that, all passengers will load their bags onto a conveyor belt through a scanning machine before being allowed to board the train.
Easy, right?
KTM Train To JB FAQs:
Have questions about taking the train to JB from Singapore?
Read these first before you book your tickets!
Question 1: Where can you board the train from Singapore to JB?
Answer 1: Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Question 2: Where can you buy train tickets to JB?
Answer 2: KTM official website or at the KTM ticket counters at Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral.
Question 3: What is the cheapest train ticket option from Singapore to JB?
Answer 3: Buy one-way tickets instead of a return ticket!
Details:
- Buy a one-way ticket from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral for SGD $5 either online (KTM Shuttle Tebrau Ticketing System) or at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint Ticket Counter.
- Buy another one-way ticket from JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint for RM5 online (KTM Shuttle Tebrau Ticketing System) or at the JB Sentral Ticket Counter.
Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island From Singapore
Question 4: How do you book train tickets from Singapore to JB?
Answer 4: You can book tickets online or at the KTM ticket counter at Woodlands Train Checkpoint. See more details how to do this.
Question 5: Can you book a train ticket to JB in advance?
Answer 5: Yes, and the earliest you can book is 30 days before your intended departure date and before 8.30am.
Question 6: Where can you board the train from JB to Singapore?
Answer 6: JB Sentral.
Question 7: How do you book a train ticket from JB to Singapore?
Answer 7: Book tickets online or at the KTM ticket counter at JB Sentral. See the step-by-step guide.
Question 8: When does the last KTM train to JB from Singapore leave?
Answer 8: 11:45pm.
Question 9: How early should you be at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint before the train departs?
Answer 9: Allocate 30 to 45 minutes before the stated departure time.
Question 10: Is there assigned seating in the train?
Answer 10: Officially, yes. But since it’s just a short ride (5 minutes), most passengers just sit where they like.
Question 11: Can you bring luggage onto the Shuttle Tebrau?
Answer 11: Yes.
Question 12: What are the available luggage facilities on Shuttle Tebrau?
Answer 12: No. Mind the wide gap between the train and platform.
Question 13: How do you board the KTM train (Shuttle Tebrau) with an E-Ticket from JB Sentral to Singapore?
Answer 13: Your passport will serve as your ticket. Use it to enter immigration by scanning it at the gate.
Note: If you are boarding the train from Woodlands Train Checkpoint, then you may need to have your ticket validated first and another printed out at the KTM ticket counter.
Read also: How To Go To Tioman Island From Singapore
Question 14: How can children travel for free?
Answer 14: Children under 4 just have to be registered at the ticket counter with no applicable fees charged.
Note: You have to purchase tickets for children over 4.
Question 15: What is the passport expiry policy between JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint?
Answer 15: At least 30 days validity.
Question 16: How much is the KTM ticket for children under 4 years old?
Answer 16: Free.
Question 17: Can you get a refund if you cancel before the train depart time?
Answer 17: 50% within 72 hours, 75% if more than 72 hours. Claim your refund at the physical ticket counters.
Conclusion
Taking the train to JB from Woodlands is by far, the quickest way to get across the border. It only takes 30 minutes including immigration for both sides of the border!
As long as you book your tickets early, this is a reliable mode of transport!
As it bypasses the traffic that typically comes with taking a bus or driving over from Singapore into JB!