Forget about queuing at customs for two hours just to get your passport stamped.
A few months back, the Seedly Team went to Johor Bahru (JB) for a team bonding session via the KTM – and the whole journey took us under 15 mins.
(Uh huh, crossing the border really is the most exciting thing to do.)
Our train departed Woodlands Checkpoint at 9:45 am, and we reached JB around 10am. Yep, including time taken for passport stamping* and looking for seats on the KTM (it’s free seating, by the way).
*Update: The process has since been streamlined; passport verification is now automated!
How Much Does a KTM Train Ticket Cost?
On Oct 1, 2019, rail operator KTM Berhad launched its new train ticketing system and booking platform – Shuttle Tebrau.
Prices are as follows:
| Journey | KTM Website | KTM Counter (Woodlands) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore to JB | RM 16 / SGD 5.68 | S$5 | |
| JB to Singapore | RM 5 / SGD 1.77 (or RM16, if purchased as return ticket) | S$5 | |
| Insurance (Optional) | SGD 1 + SGD 2 (admin fee) | - | |
| Total Price | SGD 7.45 (without insurance) | SGD 10.45 (with ERGO TravelProtect Travel Insurance) | S$5 |
The revised ticketing system means those with Malaysian bank accounts, Visa-or Mastercard-supported cards can now book train tickets.
A few things to note:
- Book your ticket a few weeks in advance, especially if your trip is over the weekend, a public holiday or during the school holiday period.
- Reservations open only 1 month in advance
Read Also: Shopping online VS in Johor Bahru: Which is More Worth It?
The JB Train Schedule (Shuttle Tebrau)
Before booking your tickets, here’s a quick look at train timings.
From Woodlands CIQ to JB Sentral:
From JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ
Accurate as at Oct 17, 11.45am SGT. Timings are subjected to change.
For the latest timings, click this way.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Booking Your KTM Train Tickets to JB
Step 1: Go to https://ticket.ktmb.com.my and indicate your travel dates.
Step 2: Select your date of departure and return. The ride takes just five minutes!
PSST: It’s cheaper to book two one-way tickets, as opposed to return tickets (i.e. SG-JB and JB-SG tickets are cheaper than SG-JB-SG tickets).
In total, you’ll save RM11 – which is minuscule, but perfect for cheapos like me.
Step 3: Confirm your order; fill out your details.
Step 4: Select your mode of payment:
Step 5: Receive your email confirmation – aaand you’re all set!
Travelling To Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Woodlands Train Checkpoint is located right next to Woodlands Checkpoint.
Nearest MRT: Marsiling station (Red Line / North-South Line)
Available Buses: 170, 178, 856, 903, 911, 912, 913, 950.
Alight at Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Final Step: Immigration and entering into JB
Because your ticket is linked to your passport, there’s no need to have your passport manually verified. Here’s an overview of the revised process:
If all else fails (i.e. if somehow there’s a screw-up), you may need to show your e-ticket and do a manual passport check. So have it ready just in case!
Also, you’ll clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration on the same side before you board the train.
Though the queue may sometimes seem long, it’s honestly nothing compared to taking a bus or cab into JB.
Now that you are in JB, here are some things you can get cheaper in JB as recommended by our Community!
Read Also: Best Things To Do In Johor Bahru (JB): Based On Real User Reviews
This is the EASIEST way to enter JB without all the jam – human jam, traffic jam. I AM SOLD on travelling to JB with KTM. How about you?
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