Heading to Johor Bahru for short shopping, makan, and pampering sessions is a classic pastime for many Singaporeans. While there are many ways to go to JB, such as via the KTM Shuttle, frequent travellers can also rely on buses to take them across the border, such as the CW bus.
Today, we’re bringing to light a similar method to get you to JB in no time at all – the Transtar Cross Border bus, and it starts from only S$3. Here’s a breakdown of all the nitty gritty:
First things first, we know you’ve clicked on this article because you’re intending to take a bus to JB, but it’s always good to know your options. There are various JB transportations available, including train, ferry, bus, and car.
Perhaps the most known transport would be the SG-JB cross-border bus services. Bus fares start from S$2, and there are plenty of departure timings to choose from. Some of these buses drop you directly at popular places like KSL City Mall and LEGOLAND Malaysia, so you can save time and money travelling.
Alternatively, some may prefer to drive into JB. If you haven’t heard the news, all cars require a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) by 1st October 2024. After which, choose the best time to enter JB to avoid the crazy jam and proceed on your mini road trip.
If the bus service’s name rings a bell, that’s because you used to be able to book seats for them via Grab, but the ride-hailing app has since ceased this service. However, you’re still able to make bookings via the Transtar Travel website and the Transtar Travel app (App Store | Google Play).
Regardless of which one you choose to book your tickets with, the process is pretty straightforward. Choose Singapore as your departure destination and Johor Bahru as your arrival destination, pick a date, and you’ll be brought to a page to choose your timing and pick-up location. Afterwards, make payment, and your booking details will be emailed to you.
Curiously, much like travel eSIMs, you are also able to buy tickets for the bus via Shopee. Simply go on the app, hit “See more” on the home page, select “Digital Products” and then “Bus & Shuttle”. Indicate that you’re travelling from Singapore to JB, and you’ll be able to see the plethora of timings and pick-up spots available.
The good news is, there are multiple pick-up points available when taking the Transtar Cross Border bus. Individuals residing in the East or West can enjoy a hassle-free journey to JB from their corner of the island.
They’ve got pick-up points scattered all over the island; some of these include ones at Expo MRT station, Changi Airport Terminal ,Woodlands Civic Centre, Outram Park MRT station, Cantonment Link, and Great World City to name a few.
As for drop-offs, most offer JB CIQ Checkpoint as a stop, but there’s also the option to get off at various JB landmarks. This includes popular tourist spots such as R&F Mall, JB Larkin Terminal, New York Hotel, and KSL Resort.
The prices for these rides will vary based on your chosen pick-up and drop-off locations. For example, a ride from either Expo MRT station or Changi Airport to JB CIQ Checkpoint will cost you S$11. It’s quite reasonable, considering the convenience it offers without the hassle of multiple MRT and bus transfers in between.
Now, on to our actual experience of taking the service from Singapore to JB. We booked a 9am ride from Marsiling MRT Station 3 days in advance, which cost us S$3/pax for a 1-way trip.
We were advised to be at the pick-up point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and 20 minutes in advance during peak hours. Being typical kiasu Singaporeans, we arrived 30 minutes in advance.
The Transtar cross border buses have been noted to be quite punctual, so make your way to your designated pick-up point on time to avoid missing your bus. Soon, a red Transtar bus pulled up right in front of the bus stop. Your bus might differ in colour – we’ve seen ones with a yellow paint job instead – but keep an eye out for a bus with the Transtar logo, and you won’t go wrong.
Do note that seats on the bus are first come first serve; even those who have purchased a ticket online are not guaranteed one. So, if you’d rather not stand for the duration of the journey, arrive earlier like we did to secure a seat.
Once you board the bus, the driver will check your booking and hand you a ticket. Make sure you keep this safe with you, as it will serve as verification for when you board the bus again after clearing Singapore’s customs.
With just a few dedicated pick-up locations, the bus service saves a considerable amount of time compared to taking public buses that make multiple stops along the way. We think it’s a more streamlined and efficient journey, ensuring you get to skip unnecessary stops to reach your destination more quickly.
The bus will bring you straight to Woodlands Checkpoint. Then, it’ll wait for about 15 minutes while you go through the customs process. At this point, other travellers who didn’t book a seat via Shopee or the Transtar website and app can also hop onto the bus by paying a fee.
With the large crowds that visit JB each weekend, we understand if you’re worried about missing the bus after customs. But don’t panic, you can always catch the next Transtar bus. Just use your ticket as verification to avoid any additional charges.
As we went on this adventure at an off-peak time – Monday morning – traffic and immigration was pretty smooth. One of us cleared customs within 5 minutes through the E-gates, while the other went through the manual counters, which took an additional 10 minutes.
Besides riding into JB from Singapore, you can also book a return trip with prices starting from S$3.07 on Shopee or the Transtar website and app as well. The pick-up location is at the bus terminal after you clear Malaysia’s customs. If you’re unsure where to head, look out for a yellow Transtar TS | AC sign – that’s where you wanna queue up at.
The bus will arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time and it will depart promptly as scheduled, so make sure to plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss your ride back.
Since travellers without a booking can also hop onto the bus if there’s space, having a ticket does not guarantee you a seat. If you prefer to have a seat for the long journey back, do the kiasu Singaporean thing and head to the bus terminal early to join the queue.
The earliest bus departing from Singapore is at 5am, while the last bus sets off at 8pm. We’ve heard that buses leaving JB towards the latter part of the day tend to be packed to the brim on weekends, and there may not be seats for everyone. If you prefer to beat the rush and avoid the crowd, consider heading back earlier in the evening.
Our answer is absolutely, especially if you’re coming from the East or West since there’s no need to worry about transfers. Plus, there’s a dedicated bus lane so you can skip the jam on the Causeway.
To plan for your itinerary in JB:
Photography by Alvin Wong.
Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 10th October 2024.
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