How To Go JB From Singapore By RTS

RTS (Rapid Transit System) is a 4 km-long railway shuttle link between Singapore (Woodlands North Station) and Johor (Bukit Chagar Station).

It will have a frequency of 3.6 minutes during peak hours, and can service 10,000 passengers each hour per direction.

By its completion at the end of 2026, the construction of RTS aims to alleviate the massive congestion at the checkpoint.

Our post will dive deep into the RTS Link, and how this new transport option will ease the future of travel between Singapore and Malaysia.

1. What Is The RTS Link Between Singapore And JB?

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 Causeway crossings easier and faster.

Key Features:

Direct connection between Woodlands North Station (Singapore) and Bukit Chagar Station (Johor Bahru)
No intermediate stops
Journey time: Approximately 5-6 minutes between stations
Capacity: Up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction

Station Connectivity:

The future RTS station in Singapore will be connected to Woodlands North MRT Station (TE1).

It will also interchange with the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), and you will be able to make the transfer underground, without needing to exit the station.

RTS Transport To JB From Singapore Route

The train will transport passengers between the underground Woodlands North Station and the above-ground Bukit Chagar Station—without any intermediate stops.

RTS Transport To JB From Singapore Satelite View

2. What Trains Does The RTS Use?

The RTS will operate a fleet of 8 trains, each consisting of 4 carriages and capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h.

Train Specifications:

Total fleet: 8 trains
Carriages per train: 4
Maximum speed: 80km/h
Capacity per train: Over 600 passengers
System: Fully automated, driverless operations

Design: The train’s design was inspired by the colors of the Malaysia, Johor, and Singapore flags – a tribute to this cross-border collaboration.

3. What Time Does The RTS Operate?

Operating Hours:

First train departs: 6:00 AM (from both stations)
Last train departs: 12:00 AM (midnight)

Train Frequency:

Peak hours: Trains every 3.6 minutes
Regular hours: Trains every few minutes
Even if you miss a train, the next one arrives shortly

This frequent service is a significant improvement over existing transport options like the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, which only runs once per hour.

4. How Does RTS Immigration Clearance Work?

To speed up arrivals, both RTS stations in Singapore and Malaysia will conveniently include CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) facilities, where immigration clearance will be done at the departing station.

Single-Clearance Process:

At your departure station: Pass through automated fare gates
Complete immigration: Clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration and customs at departure
Board your train
Arrive at destination: Exit directly – no need to queue again or scan passport

Key Advantage: Unlike traditional border crossings where you clear immigration twice, the RTS uses a “clear on departure” system that saves significant time and eliminates double-clearance hassle.

5. How Much Do RTS Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices have not been officially announced yet. However, SMRT has confirmed that fares will be “competitively priced” to make cross-border travel affordable.

What We Know:

Off-peak fare discounts will be available
Season passes will be offered for regular commuters
Multiple payment methods accepted at automated fare gates
Pricing details will be released closer to the launch date

6. When Does The RTS Start Operating?

Construction Timeline:

Construction and testing completion: Q3 2026
Trial runs: After Q3 2026
Expected passenger service launch: December 2026

Important Note: The existing KTM Shuttle Tebrau service will be phased out within 6 months after the RTS Link begins operations in 2027.

Project Operator: This project is operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), a joint venture between Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and SMRT Corporation Ltd of Singapore.

7. Why Choose RTS Over Other Transport Options?

RTS Link Benefits:

Only 5-6 minutes journey time
Trains every 3.6 minutes during peak hours
Single immigration clearance (at departure only)
Direct connection to Woodlands North MRT (TEL)
No waiting in traffic or at checkpoints
Fully automated, reliable service
High capacity: 10,000 passengers per hour each direction

8. RTS Singapore To JB Site Construction Progress Images

Here are some photos of the progress at the RTS construction site.