RTS Link between Johor Bahru & Singapore
While there are already a bunch of travel options when it comes to crossing the border, the upcoming RTS Link between Singapore and Johor Bahru is set to change things up for us Singaporeans, whose idea of a short getaway is always “let’s go to JB”.
So if you haven’t been following the updates, here’s the lowdown on the train that’ll bring you from SG to JB, and vice versa. You’re welcome.
What is the RTS Link?
Image credit: MRT Corp
In short, the RTS Link is a joint project between Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp), officially signed off in 2020. It’s a 4km train line designed to make our Causeway crossings less of a headache.
Once it’s up and running, you’ll be able to zip from the RTS Link Woodlands North Station in SG to Bukit Chagar RTS Station in JB.
Image credit: @ltasg via Instagram
There’ll be 8 trains in total, each with 4 carriages and speeds of up to 80km/h. Together, they’re expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Fun fact: the train’s design was inspired by the colours of the Malaysia, Johor, and Singapore flags – a little nod to the cross-border collab.
Image credit: @ltasg via Instagram
The first trains will depart from both ends bright and early at 6am, and the last ones will chug off at 12am. Each train can hold over 600 passengers, with fully automated, driverless systems to keep things running smoothly.
How long is the RTS Link train journey?
Image credit: LTA
Each RTS Link journey will take about 5 minutes one-way – that’s faster than deciding where to eat in JB.
Where to take the RTS Link from Singapore?
Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t the KTM Shuttle Tebrau also just a 5-minute train journey?” True, but here’s the main difference: you don’t have to first take a bus from Woodlands MRT to get to the checkpoint before hopping on the train.
Image credit: @ltasg via Instagram
Just transfer from Woodlands MRT to Woodlands North MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line. The RTS Link Woodlands North Station will be directly connected to Woodlands North MRT, so you can expect a seamless transfer.
Unlike the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, which only comes about once an hour, the RTS Link will run way more frequently – we’re talking every few minutes, with the shortest wait time being just 3.6 minutes. Even if you missed a train, the next one’s not far behind.
Another thing to take note of is that the KTM Shuttle Tebrau service will be phased out in 2027, within 6 months of the RTS Link kicking off operations.
What is the immigration clearance process like?
Image credit: LTA
Here’s another win: you won’t have to clear immigration twice like you usually do when taking the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, car, or bus. With the RTS Link, you’ll clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration at the point of departure.
You’ll first pass through auto fare gates that accept a variety of payment methods. Then, you’ll go through immigration and customs checks at the station you’re departing from. You’re good to go once you arrive at your destination – that means no more queuing up again or scanning your passport at the e-gates once you arrive.
Time is money, and this new route to JB will help you save both.
How much do RTS Link tickets cost?
Artist’s impression of the RTS Link Woodlands North station.
Image credit: LTA
Ticket prices haven’t been confirmed yet, but according to SMRT, they’ll be “competitively priced”. What we do know is that there’ll be off-peak fares and season passes, which is great news for those who need to cross the border regularly.
As for whether the fares will be the same in SGD and MYR – that’s still up in the air – but we can expect more deets closer to launch day.
When will the RTS Link be ready?
CIQ facilities from both countries will be housed under 1 roof at each departure point.
Image credit: LTA
If all goes according to plan, construction and testing should wrap up by Q3 of 2026. Trial runs will begin after that, with passenger service expected by December 2026.
We’re keeping our fingers and toes crossed that there won’t be any delays!
Soon, JB will just be a stop away
Image credit: @ltasg via Instagram
For now, we’ll still have to brave the jam, fight for space on the bus, and play human bumper cars. But hang in there – come 2026, all that will hopefully be a thing of the past. Just 1 stop to JB sounds like a dream we’re willing to wait for.
Handy transport guides for when you’re across the border:
Cover image adapted from: MRT Corp, LTA, @ltasg via Instagram
Last updated on 1st July 2025.