Causeway Crossing Guide for Backpackers: Bus, Ferry, and RTS Link (2026)

Three Ways Across the Border

Singapore and Johor Bahru are connected by two crossings: the Causeway (land, Woodlands–JB) and the Second Link (land, Tuas–Tanjung Kupang, mostly used by drivers). For backpackers without a car, the Causeway bus routes are the default. There's also a ferry option via Batam if your route runs through Indonesia. This guide covers each in detail.

Bus: Causeway Link CW1, CW2, CW5

The most common backpacker route is the bus from Woodlands Checkpoint (Singapore side) to JB CIQ or onward to Larkin Sentral bus terminal. Causeway Link operates the CW1 (to Larkin Sentral), CW2, and CW5 services. Fares are flat regardless of whether you disembark at JB CIQ or ride further to Larkin — reported around RM2.60 (CW1), RM4.80 (CW2), and RM4.60 (CW5) heading into JB, with Singapore-side fares similarly low¹. As of late 2026, CW2 and CW5 have gone cashless, with CW1 following on 1 October 2026 — check the operator's current payment requirements before you travel¹.

The process is the same for every route:

1. Board the bus at Woodlands Checkpoint (reachable by MRT to Woodlands, then a short walk, or bus 160 from Kranji station).
2. Exit the bus, clear Singapore immigration on foot, re-board the same bus.
3. Cross the Causeway itself — about 5 minutes without traffic.
4. Exit again at JB CIQ, clear Malaysian immigration, re-board or continue on foot.
5. Arrive at JB Sentral (connected to City Square Mall) or continue to Larkin Sentral.

SBS Transit 170 and 170X

Bus 170 is a regular Singapore public bus route that also crosses into JB, terminating near JB Sentral. It uses the same immigration-clearing procedure as the Causeway Link services and is often cited as a slower but very cheap alternative, useful if you're already near a 170 stop in Singapore rather than at Woodlands Checkpoint.

The RTS Link (Under Construction)

A dedicated rail crossing — the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) — is being built to connect Woodlands North MRT station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station in JB, with a targeted crossing time of about 5 minutes. Singapore's Land Transport Authority has stated the service is targeted to begin passenger operations by the end of 2026², though system testing means the date could still shift. Until it is confirmed open and running, treat the bus as your reliable option and check official LTA/KTMB announcements before assuming the RTS Link is operating on any given date.

Immigration Essentials

• Passport validity: at least 6 months remaining from your date of entry into Malaysia.
• Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): most nationalities must complete this online before or on arrival — check imi.gov.my for current requirements for your passport.
• Keep the departure card: Malaysian immigration issues a small card on entry — don't lose it, you'll need it to exit.
• Peak-hour warning: Friday evenings (Singapore to JB) and Sunday evenings (JB to Singapore) can turn a 30-minute crossing into 2–3 hours. Weekday mornings are consistently the smoothest.

Ferry Option: Via Batam

If your route includes Indonesia, ferries run roughly hourly between Singapore's HarbourFront terminal and Batam Centre, with the first sailing around 6:00 AM and the last around 8:35 PM, taking about an hour each way³. This is a separate crossing from the JB Causeway and requires its own ticket and, for many nationalities, an Indonesian visa-on-arrival or eVOA — see our Batam day-trip guide for the full route from a JB base.

Cost Comparison

Where to Base Yourself

Most backpackers doing repeated Causeway crossings base themselves in JB, where a bed costs a third of Singapore's rate. Pelangi Capsule Hostel in Taman Pelangi is a 15-minute Grab ride from JB CIQ, with 24/7 self check-in — useful when your crossing timing is unpredictable. See Singapore on a Budget: Why Backpackers Stay in JB for the full cost breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bus should I take from Woodlands to JB?

CW1 to Larkin Sentral is the most common choice for backpackers heading further into Malaysia; if you only want JB Sentral / City Square Mall, any of the Causeway Link services or bus 170 will drop you close by.

Is the RTS Link open yet?

Not as of this writing — it is under construction with a targeted opening by the end of 2026, according to Singapore's LTA. Check official RTS Link or LTA announcements before planning a trip around it.

Can I pay for the Causeway Link bus with cash?

CW2 and CW5 have already gone cashless (as of August 2026); CW1 is scheduled to go cashless from 1 October 2026. Carry a contactless card or the relevant transit app to be safe.

How busy is the Causeway on weekends?

Very. Friday evening and Sunday evening are the worst windows in both directions. If your schedule is flexible, cross on a weekday morning instead.

Sources: (1) Causeway Link CW1, LandTransportGuru; (2) RTS Link, LTA Singapore; (3) Batam Centre–HarbourFront ferry schedule, Direct Ferries.

Crossing the Causeway often? Book a capsule at Pelangi and make JB your base camp.