RTS Link JB–Singapore: Fares, Stations, and What Changes When It Opens

The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is the most significant cross-border infrastructure project between Malaysia and Singapore in decades. When it opens — targeted for December 2026 or January 2027 — it will reduce the physical crossing time between the two countries from 30–90 minutes by bus to approximately 5 minutes by train. Here is every confirmed detail you need to plan your JB trip around it.

What Is the RTS Link?

The RTS Link is a light rail transit line connecting Woodlands North MRT station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru. It runs entirely on an elevated viaduct across the Strait of Johor — a separate crossing from the existing Johor-Singapore Causeway. The 4 km line takes approximately 5 minutes from platform to platform.

Both stations double as integrated immigration, customs, and quarantine (CIQ) facilities. You clear both countries' passport control inside the station — no more walking between checkpoints in open air, no more bus transfer.

Confirmed Details as of Mid-2026

Fares have not been finalised at the time of writing. The S$5–S$7 range comes from official briefings and press reports through mid-2026. Confirm current fares on the Singapore Ministry of Transport website before you travel.

How the Immigration Process Changes

Currently, crossing by bus requires two stops: Singapore departure (Woodlands Checkpoint) and Malaysian arrival (Sultan Iskandar CIQ, JB Sentral) — two queues, two buildings, sometimes two buses. The RTS Link consolidates this into a single, climate-controlled station experience at each end.

Both the Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar stations are designed with AI-assisted e-gates that process biometric data and scan passports in a target of 7 seconds per traveller. For context: the current manual counter average runs 30–120 seconds per person. At scale, this could reduce total crossing time — including immigration — to under 20 minutes on a busy day.

The MyNIISe app (Malaysia's official immigration QR code system) is expected to remain the standard method for pre-generating your travel document on the Malaysian side. Register before you travel.

What Does Not Change

The Causeway bus options — Causeway Link CW1 from Kranji, bus 170 from Queen Street, MyLink coaches — are not going away. For budget travellers, the bus at SGD3.30 one-way will remain cheaper than the RTS fare. The RTS Link is fastest and most convenient, not cheapest.

Cross-border Grab and taxis also continue operating via the Causeway for those with luggage, families, or door-to-door requirements.

Getting to Bukit Chagar Station (JB Side)

Bukit Chagar is in central Johor Bahru, near City Square Mall and JB Sentral. From there, Grab to Taman Pelangi (where Pelangi Capsule Hostel is located) takes approximately 10 minutes and costs RM8–12 — the same as arriving at JB Sentral today. The routing does not change significantly for hostel guests.

Should You Wait for the RTS Before Planning Your JB Trip?

No. The bus crossing works perfectly well for most travellers. The RTS Link will add a faster, premium option — it will not make bus crossings worse. Book your JB trip now, use the bus, and upgrade to RTS once it is running.

If you are specifically planning a day trip optimised for speed (crossing quickly, spending maximum time in JB, crossing back), the RTS Link will be worth the higher fare once it opens. For an overnight or weekend stay, the marginal time difference matters less.

Plan Your JB Stay

However you cross, Pelangi Capsule Hostel at 26A Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi is a 10-minute Grab from both JB Sentral and the future Bukit Chagar station. Capsule pods start at RM35/night — private pod, air-conditioning, hot shower, fast WiFi, and 24/7 self check-in. No minimum stay.

Check availability and book direct. WhatsApp us at +60 12-708 8789 for any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the RTS Link open?

The target is December 2026, with some official sources citing January 2027. The date has not been locked in at the time of writing. Follow Singapore's Ministry of Transport and Malaysia's Ministry of Works for the final announcement.

How much does the RTS Link cost?

The expected fare is S$5–S$7 one-way for adults. Official pricing has not been confirmed. For comparison, the Causeway Link CW1 bus costs SGD3.30 one-way.

Do I still need to clear immigration on the RTS Link?

Yes. Both the Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar stations include full immigration, customs, and quarantine facilities. The difference is that you clear both countries at the station rather than at separate standalone checkpoints.

Can I still use the bus after the RTS opens?

Yes. Bus services across the Causeway will continue operating. The RTS Link is an additional option, not a replacement for existing transport.