The idea of walking across the SG-JB Causeway to siam the traffic jam on a crowded day sounds pretty tempting, especially considering that, on paper, it sounds doable. A 1km link between Woodlands and CIQ that takes under 30 minutes to walk across doesn’t sound too bad. That’s faster than being stuck for hours in a bottleneck. The question is, can it be done?
Table of Contents
Technically, both Singapore and Malaysia officially allow pedestrian crossing via the Causeway. The land-border checkpoints operate 24 hours, and access to the stairs and immigration area is also open 24/7.
Image credit: Cavin Teo via Blogspot
In 2018, CNA documented the commute of Jason Han across the border during heavy traffic. Then, parts of the Causeway were not paved, and there was no proper pedestrian path along the link. In fact, those who have experienced crossing the SG-JB Causeway on foot have claimed that it is quite dangerous without any designated footpath or pedestrian crossings. They have to make a run for it, with cars and motorcycles zooming past.
Apparently, not much has changed in terms of infrastructure even today. On the Singapore side, you’ll find a pedestrian walkway up to and through the Singapore immigration checkpoint. On the Malaysian side, however, the infrastructure becomes patchy: there is little or no dedicated pedestrian sidewalk in some segments, and in parts, you share space with vehicle or motorcycle traffic.
Ah Tee S, a reviewer on TripAdvisor, recently wrote a review on 23rd August 2025 about his experience. He described the walk: “About three-quarters of the walking journey … very safe to walk as the pedestrian walkway was wide enough… The dangerous part … when you walk up the motorcycle lane at the flyover at the Malaysian side.”
Screenshot adapted from: Tripadvisor
And Reddit users underscore this risk: “Apart from what the other user is saying … you’ll also need to cross the road essentially to switch to other lanes during the walk over, so it can be quite dangerous since there isn’t a fully connected path.”
So, is it possible to walk across the border? Can is can, but the path is not a smooth, dedicated pedestrian-only promenade from start to finish. You should treat it more like a manageable adventure, equipped with awareness of the gaps and risks.
In conclusion, due to the dangers, it is not really recommended to walk across the SG-JB Causeway, no matter how bad the traffic is.
Having said that, there are plenty of commuters who abandon their buses stuck in traffic and decide to walk on days when the jams result in waits that are just too long.
So, if you still want to give it a shot, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to walk your way to JB.
Let’s walk you through a real-life, recent account of crossing on foot from Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore into JB, based on the detailed experience of Cavin Teo. This will help you visualise exactly what you’ll face so you’re fully prepared.
Image adapted from: Calvin Teo via Blogspot
Launching from Singapore’s side, you begin by heading to the lane used by AC7/Transtar buses at Woodlands. Instead of boarding a bus, you walk straight ahead through the same general terminal area. The writer notes that if asked by a police officer, it’s enough to say you’re “walking over” and you’ll be pointed in the correct direction.
After entering through the metal revolving gates at the checkpoint, you’ll reach a spiral staircase that leads down. The blogger emphasises going all the way down the spiral staircase and following signage, though it may be minimal.
Once you’re on the lower level, you follow the path alongside the Causeway. The author warns that this section is largely unsheltered, so bring an umbrella or raincoat because Singapore-Malaysia weather can flip fast.
Image adapted from: Calvin Teo via Blogspot
As you continue, you will spot the “I <3 Johor” sign, and it is around here that the proper pedestrian pathway ends. According to Cavin Teo, “No more pathway! Hence, please exercise extra caution as at this point, people on foot would have to cut across the motorbike lane.”
At this juncture, you must look carefully; the motorcycles may be vrooming past on a one-way lane, and there is no zebra-crossing. You’ll cross the motorbike lane, then carry on walking along the car lane shoulder. The writer recommends staying as far to the left of the shoulder as possible to minimise the risk of passing traffic.
Shortly thereafter ,you’ll need to cross yet another barrier, this time into the bus-lane shoulder. The blog describes locating a gap in the red-and-white plastic barricades before proceeding. Once past that, the path is even narrower, and buses travel very close by, so caution is critical.
Finally, you reach the JB checkpoint building, climb an escalator, and go through the Malaysian e-gates.
If you’re considering walking across, timing is a key factor. Reports vary depending on direction, queues, weather, and your walking pace. Irving, a Malaysian, reportedly walked the entire length of the Causeway in about 20 minutes, albeit starting very early at 5.45am.
In the writer’s case, Cavin Teo recorded the walk taking about 26 minutes from Singapore to JB on foot. In a recent news piece, travellers walked across in 36 minutes on a Friday night in heavy monsoon rain, apparently choosing to walk instead of waiting in horrendously long bus queues.
More generally, you can assume that walking via the Causeway now takes an average person about 30 to 40 minutes, with faster times during non-peak periods. Of course, this is assuming you aren’t dragging any luggage – factor in more time if you are doing so.
In practical terms, you should budget 5-10 minutes for clearance at Singapore immigration; around 15-30 minutes for the actual walk across the causeway span and immediate lanes; then perhaps another 5-15 minutes once you hit the Malaysian side, where you may have to navigate less ideal pedestrian paths.
There are plenty of first-hand accounts, both positive and cautionary. A Reddit thread in r/askSingapore warns, “If you have big luggage, don’t recommend walking … walkway is tight and is a bit dangerous if you’re slow.”
Catching the sunrise while walking across the Causeway.
Image credit: Shawn Ahh Fann via Facebook
Another Reddit discussion noted, “I walked over at about 5pm. No sun, strong breeze. If not raining, highly recommended walking vs waiting for the bus.”
But elsewhere, a more serious warning about the risks has surfaced, where a pedestrian was hit by a car while walking on the Causeway in heavy rain.
So the pattern is clear: people do walk it, and many report it’s faster than waiting in heavy queue times for buses. But that faster time comes with discomfort, risk, and the need for light baggage and ready shoes.
If you’re weighing whether to walk rather than take the Causeway Link bus, here are the pros and cons you should consider.
Image credit: Chun Wai via Facebook
When walking might make sense:
When walking doesn’t make sense:
When it comes to doing a feasibility check, walking across the SG-JB Causeway is doable. It’s legit in the sense that pedestrian crossing is permitted, and many travellers have done it. If conditions align – you’re light on baggage, it’s not pouring rain, you’re comfortable with a somewhat unconventional pedestrian experience – then you might save time and have a memorable little crossing.
That said, it’s not for the faint-hearted or the ill-prepared. Unlike a dedicated pedestrian bridge with full amenities, this is part-pedestrian, part-shared-space with vehicles. The Malaysian side in particular has a stretch where you’ll walk alongside motorcycles or cars, on road shoulders or narrower margins. If safety, comfort or easy logistics are your priorities, then taking the bus or another mode of transport might be the better default.
More JB transport guides:
Cover image adapted from: Cavin Teo via Blogspot, HONG Travel 生活•旅行 via Facebook
Play Merry-Poly too.
Technically, this is the second time Singapore has qualified for the Asian Cup.
This is your call to get up earlier for work.
As if we need another reason to visit the mall.
Look forward to free model-building workshops.
Earn some extra money on the side.