Free JB shuttle bus service
JB lovers, especially those who don’t drive, we have got some amazing news for you. A free shuttle bus service is set to launch in early 2026, as part of Johor’s tourism campaign. The bus will ferry visitors on a route of 8 stops, all of which are notable landmarks as well as prime starting points for further exploration. And get this: it will be absolutely free.
The free JB shuttle bus service will stop at the following destinations: Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC), Mercu Tanda 0 Km, Komtar JBCC, Galleria @ Kotaraya, Sultan Ibrahim Building, Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, Johor Zoo, and Kota Jail. Don’t worry, the last one’s a former prison turned lifestyle hub, you’re not getting sent to jail for real!
Here’s the lowdown on the bus service, and more on each of the destinations so you can start planning your trip itinerary:
What to know about the free JB shuttle bus service
Although an exact date has not been released yet, the Visit Johor 2026 tourism initiative did announce that this free JB shuttle bus service is set to launch in early 2026. Simulation runs have already been conducted, to ensure that the planned route will run smoothly.
Image credit: Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor via Facebook
Fingers crossed that it comes sooner rather than later, and we might very well get to take advantage of this complimentary shuttle service come CNY period! If not, it’ll still be a strong incentive to schedule a JB getaway during one of the many public holidays in 2026.
The operating hours will be 8am to 8pm daily, so you can make a full-day outing of it. When you’re done, hop aboard to be shuttled back to the Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC) or Komtar JBCC, both of which are a short distance from the Woodlands Checkpoint.
Image credit: Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor via Facebook
At launch, 3 buses will be deployed, each with a capacity of 20 pax. Demand is likely to be high, so expect to wait for the next bus if it’s full. The good news is, this shuttle bus service is jointly rolled out by Tourism Johor, the Johor Bahru City Council, and the Public Transport Corporation of Johor, which will be monitoring the operations and deploying more buses as necessary to meet the demand.
Where will the free JB shuttle bus service be stopping?
Now, here’s an overview of the 8 stops along the free JB shuttle bus route:
Image credit: @wilkylow via Instagram
Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC): A starting point for visitors to JB, as well as the greater Johor area. This is where you’ll be able to pick up maps and brochures for informative guides to the city centre and beyond.
Mercu Tanda 0 Km: A historical monument marking the traditional zero-kilometre point of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s an iconic landmark and very cool photo stop, especially for geography and history buffs.
Komtar JBCC: Located a stone’s throw from the JB Customs, this is probably the most accessible and oft-frequented shopping mall in JB for Singaporeans. 4 floors’ worth of shopping and dining, including a 2-storey cat cafe called Chucky Cat Cafe.
An atrium sale at Galleria @ Kotaraya.
Image credit: Galleria via Facebook
Galleria @ Kotaraya: Formerly known as Plaza Kotaraya, this 5-storey shopping centre is more of a hidden gem, although it’s just down the road from Komtar JBCC. Swing by for casual eateries and unique boutiques. They also hold atrium bazaars, a good chance for you to stock up on souvenirs and tidbits to lug home. Just make sure you don’t accidentally pick up illegal items to bring from JB to Singapore!
Fun fact: the Sultan Ibrahim Building held the title of tallest building in Malaya during the pre-independence era. Only in the 1970s was it dethroned by the Merlin Tower.
Image credit: @centralfudosan_jb via Instagram
Sultan Ibrahim Building: Another enriching stop for history junkies. This heritage landmark was built in 1940, close to 90 years ago. Although access is usually restricted as the building now serves as hosting grounds for occasional festivals and events, it’s worth a visit just to marvel at the architecture IRL, which marries colonial and Malay styles.
Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex: A must-visit for those who want to immerse themselves in JB’s culture and heritage, instead of the typical Singaporean itinerary of cafes and malls. Check out the stunning architecture and interiors, plus a gallery for you to browse exhibits showcasing art and artefacts.
See Malayan Tapirs, native to Malaysia, at Johor Zoo.
Image credit: u/grateful_tapir via Reddit
Johor Zoo: No itinerary of tourist attractions is complete without a zoo trip! Housing close to 300 species of wildlife, Johor Zoo makes for a fun outing for all ages. It was reopened in 2024 after an extensive 3-year-long renovation, so definitely give it a visit to see the new digs.
You can even see former inmates’ doodles on the Kota Jail cell walls, offering a unique “museum” experience.
Image adapted from: Roving Light Travel Photography Imran Azmi via Facebook
Kota Jail: Having operated as a prison from 1882 to 2005, the former Johor Bahru Prison was renamed to Kota Jail and now functions as an event space. Think trendy happenings like lifestyle bazaars, live music performances, and F&B pop-ups serving the likes of baked goods, coffee, and matcha.
Explore hidden parts of Johor with the free JB shuttle bus service
Admit it, the typical JB day trip comprises cafes, malls, seafood restaurants, and some leisure activities like KTV and go-karting.
With the soon-to-be-launched JB shuttle bus service, you’ll get the opportunity to venture to notable tourist spots that you might otherwise not even know of, much less plan to visit. The low, low price of zero dollars to take the bus certainly sweetens the deal too!
While you’re there, fill your JB itineraries with these:
Cover image adapted from: Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Johor & Galleria via Facebook, u/grateful_tapir via Reddit