Want to go from Singapore and cross the border into Malaysia using public transportation? Or are you wanting to get from Singapore to Legoland in Malaysia by public transport? We have encountered these questions multiple times. Singapore is a major Airline hub, and when we wanted to take our family to Legoland, it was easiest to fly into Singapore. However, we wanted to do it without having to hire a private driver. So, what are the options to take public transportation from Singapore into Malaysia? Luckily, taking the bus to Johor Bahru from Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore’s is a good option for families.
Where is the Border Between Singapore and Malaysia?
Johor Bahru is the city directly across from Singapore and if you are leaving Singapore you will have to go into Johor Bahru. From Johor Bahru you can get to the rest of Malaysia, although there is plenty in Johor Bahru to do if you so choose. Legoland is by far the main attraction, and it brings many people over from Singapore every day.
Our family has done the crossing from Singapore into Malaysia by using public transportation multiple times. Even as a family of 6 getting on and off buses to do the border crossing is not difficult. Both Singapore and Malaysia have invested in the process to make this option efficient and timely. Many people commute through this border every day for work, so efficiency is very important and they have done a good job.
One Friday evening we were returning to Johor Bahru after a day in Singapore. The traffic crossing the border was crazy! The line to wait to get on the bus was wrapping around the building, yet with Singapore’s efficiency, buses were coming every 2 minutes. As soon as a bus filled up and left for the border a new bus would pull up and start filling up. What should have been a long wait ended up only taking a few minutes.
Yes, it took longer than at a slow time of day, however when we saw the line for self-driving across the border at a standstill, we were so happy we had chosen to take the bus and not drive.
Bus Versus Car Crossing
There is a separate lane on the road designated for the public buses to cross the border. This means that it does not matter how backed up the road traffic is, the public buses can get through on schedule.
That being said, you do have the option to hire a private vehicle to take you across the border. In the car lane you do Immigration from inside your vehicle at both Singapore and when you get to Malaysia. This means you do not have to get out of your car as you cross the border, but that makes the traffic back up a lot.
So while taking a private vehicle to cross the border may have its benefits, using public transportation to cross the border, even with a family, is doable and we highly recommend doing this to avoid the traffic.
What is Woodlands Checkpoint
There are two main crossings that you can drive or take public transportation from Singapore to Johor Bahru: Woodlands Checkpoint and Tuas Checkpoint. This post will focus on the Woodlands crossing. Woodlands is an area in the northern part of Singapore. The other bridge is Tuas and it is on the Western Side of Singapore.
On the Singapore side it is called Woodlands Checkpoint and the checkpoint ends on the Malaysian side in what is called Johor Bahru CIQ (connected to Johor Bahru Central Station). The whole crossing complex is referred to as Woodlands Checkpoint.
So when you are in Singapore you will need to make your way to Woodlands Checkpoint. However, you need to be careful because that whole area of Singapore is called Woodlands. If you are new to Singapore, this can be confusing to know where to head to get to the border. We will explain a few of the other Woodlands stops that are not to be confused with Woodland Checkpoint.
Other Key Woodlands (so You Don’t Get Confused)
As we just mentioned, you will be needing to make your way to Woodlands Checkpoint. But to do so, you may first need to make your way to one of the other Woodlands stops. Or you will at least be going by a few things called Woodlands. Don’t worry, we will explain what they all are and which ones you are looking for. The last thing you want is to be confused when you are trying to navigate a trip with kids!
Woodlands Interchange
Woodlands Interchange is the main bus transport hub in the Woodlands area. This bus station connects to the Woodlands MRT with a walkway. You can get to Woodlands Interchange by taking a bus or by arriving via the MRT system. You can walk between the Woodlands Interchange (bus) and Woodlands (MRT) as they are connected
Woodlands North MRT
This is the terminal station of the Brown Line. You do not want to go to this Woodlands MRT stop.
Woodlands MRT
Woodlands is an MRT station. It is the second to last station of the Brown Line and it connects to the Woodland Interchange. It is also a stop on the Red Line. You can walk between Woodlands (MRT) and Woodlands Interchange (bus). This is the best stop to go to transfer over to the border.
Woodlands South MRT
Woodlands South is the 3rd MRT station before the end of the Brown Line. It is located in the southern part of the Woodlands area.
Public Bus Option from the Woodlands to the Woodlands Checkpoint (and onto Johor Bahru)
Bus SMRT 950 is the only Singapore public bus that will take you to Woodlands Checkpoint. It starts in the Woodlands Interchange and take you to Singapore Immigration, then will go over the bridge into Malaysia and drop you off on the Malaysian Immigration.
You can catch the SMRT 950 from the Woodlands Interchange. So, you may go to Woodlands MRT and walk to Woodlands Interchange. It will only take a few minutes to walk between the two as it is all one large complex.
To find the Bus SMRT 950 you will make your way to Berth 2 on Level 1 of the Woodlands Interchange. You will expect to pay Singapore $1.70 to just the Woodlands Checkpoint only and Singapore $1.90 if you end up using it all the way to the Johor Bahru CIQ. Check updated prices on the website. You can pay the Bus SMRT 950 with the Singapore EZ-Link Card, or cash. Physical credit cards and tapping your card from your phone are allowed.
Tip
You can tap a physical card and the EWallet version of the same card on the same trip, so two people can use the same card to travel.
The other option is there are many buses that will take you to the Woodlands Checkpoint, but they will not take you onto the Malaysian side of Johor Bahru. You can go to the Woodlands Interchange Basement Level and look for Bus SMRT 856 (Berth 11), SMRT 903 (Berth 4) or SMRT 911 (Berth 12). These will take you to a train checkpoint that is close to the Woodlands Checkpoint, maybe a 10 minute walk from where the SMRT 950 bus will drop you off. So it is not as convenient with kids but is convenient to have the option.
We recommend finding the Bus SMRT 950 from Woodlands/Woodlands Interchange.
SMRT 950
Woodlands Interchange - Woodland Checkpoint
Operation Hours
5:30am - 11:30pm
Frequency
Every 10 minutes
Other Options to Get to the Woodlands Checkpoint
Our Go-to Bus to Johor Bahru from Singapore
It is important to note that you do not have to go to one of the Woodland MRT stops or Woodlands Interchange to get to Woodlands Checkpoint.
Our go-to station that we like to get a bus to Woodlands Checkpoints is from Kranji MRT Station. Kranji Station is a stop on the Red Line. (Kranji Station is also referred to as NS 7 on the route maps).
From Kranji Station you can catch the CW1 (Causeway Link Bus #1) which will take you to Woodlands Checkpoint. The CW1 bus starts from Kranji MRT, and it is easy and convenient to catch it here with kids. The CW1 costs Singapore $2.60 to start at Kranji MRT.
The CW1 bus runs from 6:30am to 11:30pm from Kranji MRT Station, running buses approximately every 15-30 minutes. We have experienced them sending buses every 2 minutes on high volume times, so they do keep an eye on the number of people and send the correct number of buses to get everyone to the border in a timely manner.
CW1 (Causeway Link Bus 1)
Kranji MRT - Woodlands Checkpoint
Operation Hours
6:30am - 11:30pm
Frequency
Every 15-30 minutes (increased frequency in peak hours)
You can actually continue on the CW1 bus past the Malaysian Immigration into downtown Johor Bahru to Larking Sentral Bus Station. Or you can choose to stop riding at the checkpoint.
Why we like to take the bus to Johor Bahru from Kranji Station in Singapore
The first is that Kranji is a smaller station which just services the Red Line. This means that there are less people waiting for the bus and so the lines are shorter. Also this gives kids the opportunity to get seats on the bus. Singaporeans are very nice about giving seats to kids and the elderly, but if you get on when the bus is at its emptiest it just makes things easier!
The second is that Kranji station is quite close to the Woodlands Checkpoint. This makes the bus ride only about 15 minutes, so it is quick and convenient to get from Kranji to Woodlands Checkpoint.
Thirdly, we like doing the crossing with a Causeway Bus over the SMRT 950, is because once you get to the crossing, regardless of the bus you take, you will have to alight from the bus to go through immigration, then hop onto another bus to get you to the Malaysian side of immigration. If you use a Causeway Bus to cross the bridge, you may hop on any other Causeway bus (not just the CW1) to take you to the Malaysian side.
There are other Causeway bus routes leaving from other points in Singapore that cross the Woodlands Checkpoints. You can hop on any of the buses to take the final leg to the Malaysian side. This means you don’t need to wait for the same bus number at Woodlands Checkpoint. This makes it faster.
Some of the locations where you can get on other Causeway Buses that will take you to the Malaysian side are from Queen Street Terminal (CW2), and Newton Circus Bus Stop (CW5). If you are close to those destinations you can alight a bus there that will take you to the border. As a family we have always enjoyed taking the MRT to get closer.
CW 2 (Causeway Link Bus 2)
Queen Street Terminal - Woodlands Checkpoint
Operation Hours
24 hours
Frequency
Every 15-30 minutes
CW 5 (Causeway Link Bus 5)
Newton Circus Bus Stop - Woodlands Checkpoint
Operation Hours
6:45am - 11:30pm
Frequency
Every 45 minutes
Steps to Take to Get to Johor Bahru CIQ from Woodlands Checkpoint
1. Get Dropped off at Singapore Side of Woodlands Checkpoint
Any bus you choose will drop you at Woodlands Checkpoint, and you must exit Singapore here before crossing into Malaysia.
Take all your belongings with you when you get off the bus. Even if you get on the same company bus to Johor Bahru CIQ later, you will NOT be getting on the same vehicle you got off from. Always take your things with you and never leave them on the bus.
2. Make Your Way to Singapore Immigration
Follow the other passengers upstairs to immigration. Once you get off the bus on the Singapore side you will be making you way up to the Singapore Immigration. Everyone else will be doing this also, so it is super easy to follow the crowd.
3. How To Go Through Singapore Immigration
Next you will be going through Singapore Immigration. Singapore has many e-gates set up to make Immigration fast and easy. Pass through the e-gates. If you cannot go through an e-gate for any reason, they have some counters open with Immigration officers to assist you. Once completed, follow the crowds and walk down to get back onto a bus to take you to the Malaysian side.
4. Get Back on a Bus to Drive to Malaysian Immigration
Follow signs for your method of transport. If you took the SMRT 950, you must get in that line. If you took one of the Causeway buses, follow the Causeway signs (bright yellow with a smiley face) and enter any causeway link line.
At this point, you don’t need to be too careful. Get on the same company bus and you are fine. Every bus is going to the same place – Johor Bahru CIQ (Malaysian immigration)!
Take the bus across the causeway. You will have to tap your payment method again on this leg, but it calculates it based on your previous leg also.
5. Get Dropped off for Malaysian Immigration
The bus will have just taken you across the water onto the Malaysian side. Here you will, along with everyone else, alight for Malaysia immigration. Follow the other passengers up to immigration.
At this point, you need to make sure you have done THIS:
Filled out the Malaysian immigration e-form. If you fail to do this ahead of time they have QR codes to scan there. They provide Wi-Fi if you need the data to do this. You will have to fill one out for each member of your family. We like to do it ahead of time. You can do it up to 3 days before you arrive. Doing it early saves time not having to fill it out when you get to Malaysia.
Having the e-form completed beforehand will help processing your passport with the e-gates.
6. Go Though Malaysia Immigration
Watch signs at immigration for your country’s lines. Many nationalities can go through the e-gates. If you have young kids, they will have to go through an immigration officer as the camera can’t see them on the e-gate.
7. Exiting into Malaysia!
To exit, stay to the left after you clear customs. Exiting here from Johor Bahru CIQ will take you directly into Johor Bahru Sentral Station. You have successfully crossed the border from Singapore into Malaysia.
Johor Bahru Central Station is a large bus station on the Malaysian side. However, your border bus trip is complete, and if you wish to continue on a Malaysian bus then it is not connected, and you will have to get a new ticket.
Cost of taking Bus to Johor Bahru from Woodlands
It is important to know how much you will expect to pay when crossing with a bus to Johor Bahru from Woodlands, or Kranji Station.
Crossing the bridge itself with the SMRT 950 costs approximately Singapore $1.90 using your Singapore EZ-Link card and Singapore $2.10 with cash to cross over to Johor Bahru CIQ. You can pay with EZ-Link, cash, and you can also use credit card and tapping of credit card via EWallet.
Bus SMRT 950 is the cheapest option.
CW1 costs Singapore approximately $2.60 to start at Kranji MRT and cross over to Johor Bahru CIQ. You can pay with Malaysia’s Manja, EZ-Link card, cash, and you can also use credit card and tapping of credit card via ewallet.
However, the cost difference between the two options are rather small, and when you are travelling with kids, we recommend taking the bus that best fits what location you are coming from.
How to Pay for Bus Rides to Cross from Singapore to Malaysia
There are several different ways to pay for the bus to Johor Bahru from Woodlands.
The easiest is for everyone in the family to have Singapore transport cards. With these you can pay by tapping when you get on each bus. They are called EZ-Link Cards. You can buy them at many MRT Stations throughout Singapore.
The other card option for the adults in the group is to tap your credit card or tap your apple pay on your phone.
The last option is to pay by cash. Bring exact money to pay; though with multiple kids, they will allow you to pay the total price in one lump sum.
Be aware that paying cash on the public bus SMRT 950 is more expensive than using a Singapore transit card.
We recommend the cards if at all possible. With a large family passing out cards to tap each time you enter the bus makes the process smooth and efficient. It is quicker, and cheaper.
Payment Methods
SMRT 950: EZ-Link, cash, Credit/Debit Card, E-wallet credit card tapping
CW1: EZ-Link, Cash, Credit/Debit Card, E-wallet credit card tapping, Manja
Using a Singapore Transport App to Help Schedule your Trip
We have tried several public transportation apps while in Singapore and we highly recommend the Citymapper app.
You insert your starting and ending locations and it will give you all the options of how to get there on public transportation.
Citymapper is able to show a mix of transport options. You can choose to use the bus only or you can ask for the MRT and bus together, and it will give you the best options. You can then decide if you want a faster route or a more direct route.
For example, we wanted to get from Changi Airport to Woodlands Checkpoint, so we fed the data into the app.
There is a direct bus to do this but there was traffic, and the MRT was much faster. The direct bus does not come as frequently and has to deal with traffic. We wanted to get there faster. So we choose to take the MRT to Kranji MRT and take the CW1 Causeway bus across the border. It was only slightly more expensive, but got us there much faster.
The buses from the airport to the Woodlands Checkpoint are run by independent companies. You can check the website for a timetable and fares if you wish to depart directly from the airport.
Overview of How to Cross the Border from Singapore to Malaysia
Choose between public bus SMRT 950 (starting from Woodlands Interchange) or a Causeway link bus (we prefer CW1 which starts from Kranji MRT)
Go through Singapore Immigration and customs and get back on the same company bus that you used to get there.
Cross the causeway bridge on the bus
Get off bus at Johor Bahru CIQ and go through Malaysia Immigration and customs.
Exit by walking into Johor Bahru Sentral Station.
Continuing on to Legoland Malaysia, or Elsewhere in Malaysia
Many families will be wanting to leave Singapore to visit Legoland Malaysia. Once you have crossed into Malaysia, your next step is to figure out how to get from Johor Bahru Sentral Station (where you are when you exit from Malaysian Immigration) to Legoland Malaysia. There are 2 ways to do this from Johor Bahru Sentral Station.
The first and easiest way to get there is to use the Grab App. Grab taxi is a ride-hailing service that is the Southeast Asia equivalent to Uber.
When you exit Malaysian immigration, use the Grab app to request a taxi to Legoland Malaysia.
You can choose where to meet the taxi. If you have a bigger family, there is a choice for a 6-seater taxi or mom and dad can each hail a taxi from their own Grab App. We prefer to get one large vehicle, but sometimes in heavy traffic days it is easier and quicker to hail two small vehicles and go separately.
It will cost RM20-RM50 depending on the size of the taxi you take to take a Grab taxi from Johor Bahru Sentral Station to Legoland Malaysia.
The second way to get to Legoland Malaysia is to take a Causeway link bus. Causeway link buses operate on both sides of the border. If you want to take a Causeway bus to Legoland you will look for the CW 7. To get to Legoland you will be looking for the Mall of Medini stop. This is the mall directly outside of Legoland.
You can catch the CW 7 bus from below immigration. Once you exit immigration you will head downstairs following signs for the buses. There are several stops on this bus, so if you haven’t been there before, ask the driver to tell you when you arrive at the Mall of Medini stop. Mall of Medini is normally the 5th stop. It will cost around RM4.5 a person to take the bus to Legoland from Sentral Station.
You can read all about our complete guide to Legoland Malaysia with kids. Now that you are in Malaysia, if you would like to explore around more there are some amazing things to do in Malaysia with Kids. You can explore Melaka, or the cooler weather in the Cameron Highlands. Kuala Lumpur has the amazing Batu Caves, or you can make your way to the east coast of Malaysia and hit up one of our favorite beaches in Malaysia to go with kids.