Singapore to JB taxi

Planning a trip to JB is a tale as old as time. You’ve got your trusty bus routes, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, and that upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link. But maybe you prefer to take it easy by sitting in a car and crossing the Causeway without the whole up-and-down dance at customs. That’s where the licensed Singapore to JB taxis come in.

– FAQs – 

1. What is the cross-border taxi scheme? 

Image credit: Taxi Singapore 

The cross-border taxi scheme allows legal taxis to drive you from Singapore to JB, but they’re only allowed to drop passengers off at 2 designated points: Larkin Sentral in JB and Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore.

For example, a Singapore-licensed taxi can pick you up from anywhere in Singapore, but it can only drop you off at Larkin Sentral. On the flip side, Malaysia-registered taxis can bring you into Singapore, but they’ll only drop you off at Ban San Street Terminal. Most pick-ups in Singapore are at Ban San Street Terminal anyway, since those taxis don’t require pre-booking.

Find more FAQs about the cross-border taxi scheme on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) website.

2. Is it illegal to use private hire cars to enter JB? 

Image credit: Hesed Limousine

Yes, it’s illegal, and Singapore- and Malaysia-registered taxis are the only legal providers of cross-border services.

Even if you’re hitching a ride to JB with official ride-hailing operators like Grab, it’s still illegal since these apps don’t have the license for cross-border travel. If you have your fingers crossed that this might change anytime soon, tough luck – there are currently no plans to legalise these ride-hailing apps for Singapore to JB trips in the near future.

TBF, private hires have become so normalised in the past few years that it’s easy to assume they’re legit. But “normal” doesn’t mean “legal”; these vehicles are not properly insured and licensed, which leaves you in a sticky situation in the event of an accident. Plus, with the government’s recent clampdown on illegal operators, the last thing you’d want is a hiccup derailing your next JB trip.

3. What is the government doing about the illegal operators? 

1 of the 19 drivers caught providing illegal ride-hailing services during patrols at a land checkpoint on 5th August 2025.
Image credit: LTA via Facebook 

The LTA has been stepping up patrols at tourist spots like Gardens By the Bay and Changi Airport to catch illegal cross-border operators. Case in point: during one patrol on 5th August 2025, officers nabbed 19 unlicensed drivers in a day.

If caught, offenders can be fined up to $3,000, jailed for up to 6 months, or both. The vehicle used may also be forfeited.

4. What are the consequences for riders using these illegal private hires?

With doorstep pick-ups and flexible drop-offs, these private operators might seem like an obvious choice for your JB getaway, but they actually pose more risks than you’d think.

For one, most of them don’t have proper insurance – so if anything happens on the road, you’re basically on your own. They also affect the livelihoods of licensed Singapore-to-JB taxi drivers, making it harder for them to earn a fair living.

5. Which taxi operators are licensed to travel from Singapore to JB?\

Here’s a breakdown of licensed Singapore to JB taxi operators to contact. Reviews online recommend calling the operators for bookings, since some of their apps are not as updated.

6. What are the fares for licensed Singapore to JB taxis? 

Instead of charging by the meter, fares are fixed and regulated. Most taxi operators offer rides from Ban San Street Terminal to Larkin Sentral at $60, and each taxi can take up to 4 passengers per trip.

Pre-bookings can be made by contacting taxi operators directly or using their official apps. Note that all pre-bookings to JB must be made at least 3 days in advance; with ComfortDelGro, bookings can only be made 24 hours in advance.

If you don’t want to travel to Ban San Street, you could also get picked up from anywhere in Singapore for $80. Meanwhile, trips from Changi Airport and Seletar Airport are possible too, and cost $120.

– How to take the Singapore to JB taxi –

From Ban San Street to JB

Image credit: Chu Ted via Google Maps 

First, you’ll have to get to Ban San Street Terminal, just a 7-minute walk from Bugis MRT station. You won’t have to book ahead to get a taxi since the rides are available for walk-ins 24/7. If you’re coming from elsewhere, Jalan Besar MRT and Rochor MRT on the Downtown Line are also within walking distance.

For more wallet-friendly fares, consider carpooling with fellow waiting passengers at the pick-up. Instead of paying the full $60 fare, you and your new buddies only need to chip in $15 each. But note that drop-offs are still only allowed at Larkin Sentral, and carpools are strictly walk-ins only.

Alternatively, there’s the doorstep option where drivers pick you up from your home and drop you directly at Larkin Sentral. But this option goes for a higher fare and must be booked in advance.

From Larkin Sentral to Singapore  

Image credit: Kiyo Horimoto via Google Maps 

Larkin Sentral is about a 12-minute drive from KSL City Mall. You know the drill – the easiest way to the terminal is by booking a Grab.

Or hop on buses T22 or T13, which stop at Larkin Sentral from a bus stop near KSL City Mall. For more information about public buses in JB, check out our guide to taking public transport in JB.

Once you’re at the terminal, head to Bay 1 – that’s the official pick-up point for passengers headed to Singapore. A ride back to anywhere in Singapore with STRIDES Premier and TransCab costs $60.

What are other legal alternatives to travel to JB from Singapore?

Besides these licensed taxis, here’s a roundup of other legal modes of transport you can take to travel from Singapore to JB.

Car rentals

If you prioritise travel flexibility during your JB trips, renting a car could be a great option. You won’t have to wait for your Grab driver to arrive, and you’ll have more control over your itinerary schedule.

But be prepared to fork out steeper rental fees for your car. There’s also the logistical headache of collecting your car in SG, and finding parking while you’re in JB.

Excursion buses

Image credit: Vortex via Tripadvisor  

For my fellow passenger princesses, excursion buses may be more your style. There are plenty of tour operators who run cross-border buses from Singapore to JB.

Depending on your itinerary, this may be an even better option than taxis since the buses usually stop at major attractions in Malaysia, like LEGOLAND and even as far as Desaru.

However, these buses operate on fixed schedules and may be slightly inflexible. Check out our guide to Singapore-Johor buses for more information.

Support our licensed Singapore to JB taxi operators on your next trip

The lure of private hire transport to JB is admittedly tempting, but think about the risks and spare a thought for the livelihoods of law-abiding, licensed Singapore to JB taxi drivers.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to JB – you’ll travel with peace of mind, and actually enjoy the journey instead of stressing over sketchy private hires.

Other JB content:

• Things to do near the new JB train station 
• Hacks to make the most out of your JB trip
• Guide to taking the KTM train to Kulai 

Cover image adapted from: Kiyo Horimoto & Chu Ted via Google Maps
Originally published on 25th August 2025. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 24th September 2025.