Larkin Sentral Now Charges RM2 to Board Singapore Buses: How to Avoid It in JB

The Short Version

Passengers boarding Singapore-bound buses at Larkin Sentral pay a RM2 facility charge from 1 July 2026, up from RM1. The fee is separate from the bus fare. We read the report on 10 November 2026; it comes from one transport blog, and we could not find an official notice from Larkin Sentral to confirm it (see below).

What We Read

• Who pays: "all passengers boarding Singapore-bound bus services from Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal", per Land Transport Guru (published 26 June 2026, checked 10 November 2026).
• Amount: RM2, double the RM1 fee that has applied since 15 February 2023 according to the same page.
• Services listed: bus 170 (Queen Street), Causeway Link CWL (via JB CIQ) and the Singapore-Johore Express (SJE, Queen Street). The SJE page on the same site also says Larkin boarders pay the RM2 facilities charge, effective 1 July 2026 (page updated 28 June 2026).
• Where it is collected: at turnstile gates at the Singapore Departure Hall entrance. The page lists contactless card payment (Visa / Mastercard / MyDebit), a physical Touch 'n Go card, and cash (RM1 notes only).
• Not charged: passengers arriving from Singapore, and passengers using JB local buses at Larkin.
• How to skip it: board a cross-border bus from any other boarding point in Johor Bahru.

Background: Where the Fee Came From

The Larkin charge is not new. Mothership reported on 2 January 2023 that Singapore-bound passengers at Larkin were being charged RM1 from 1 January 2023, on services such as 170, CWL and SJE. That article does not tell us whether the fee was still RM1 in 2026; the July 2026 increase comes only from the Land Transport Guru pages above.

What We Could Not Confirm

• No official notice. The Land Transport Guru page says the fee is collected by Larkin Terminal but names no authority and cites no primary source. We did not find a Larkin Sentral announcement. Check at the terminal before you rely on the exact amount.
• Payment method. Some reader comments say the RM2 is cashless only. That is not stated by the article, so carry a card or Touch 'n Go to be safe and do not assume cash works.
• Bus fares. The page lists CWL fares of RM2.60 to Kranji MRT (CW1), RM4.80 to Queen Street (CW2) and RM4.60 to Newton Circus (CW5). Other guides disagree on fares, so treat these as indicative and check the operator.

Related: Cross-Border Taxis

If you take a taxi instead, The Star reported on 25 June 2026 that from 1 January 2027 Malaysian-registered taxis entering Singapore will pay S$15 per trip, up from S$2 a month. The article gives no figure for the effect on passenger fares. LTA's advice in that report: use only licensed taxis for cross-border travel, as only these have valid insurance coverage.

Practical Tips

1. If your plan is the cheapest bus, compare the RM2 charge against the bus fare itself: at RM2.60 for CW1 the charge is close to the fare.
2. Check other boarding points in JB; the article says boarding elsewhere avoids the Larkin fee.
3. Keep a card or Touch 'n Go ready for the Larkin turnstile.
4. See our Causeway crossing guide and transport and scams guide.

Stay Near the Border at Pelangi Capsule Hostel

Pelangi Capsule Hostel is at 26A Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru. A capsule is RM35 per night, and RM30 for the first night if you are a first-time guest booking direct on our website. Check-in is from 2:00 PM. We accept payment in MYR and SGD. Book direct, see rooms, or contact us for directions from your bus stop.

FAQ

How much is the Larkin Sentral boarding charge?

RM2 per passenger from 1 July 2026, according to Land Transport Guru; previously RM1.

Do I pay when arriving from Singapore?

No, per the same page: passengers arriving from Singapore are not charged.

Can I avoid the fee?

The page says you can board cross-border buses from any other boarding point in Johor Bahru.

Is there an official announcement?

We did not find one. Verify at the terminal.