KTM Train Singapore Guide: How To Travel to JB & Back via the KTM Train & Avoid Jams

Thinking of heading to Johor Bahru (JB) for a quick weekend getaway but dreading the ridiculous queues at immigration?

Well… not too long ago before COVID-19 was a thing, the Seedly Team went to JB for a team bonding session via the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train.

And guess what?

The whole journey took us less than 15 mins.

Our train departed Woodlands Checkpoint at 9:45 am, and we reached Johor Bahru (JB) around 10am.

Yep, that includes the time taken for passport stamping* and looking for seats on the KTM (it’s free seating, by the way).

And now that the KTM train service between JB and Singapore has been restarted last Sunday (19 June 2022) after it was stopped for two years because of the pandemic.

Here’s what you need to know about the ticket prices as well as a step-by-step guide on how to buy a ticket and take the train to JB!

TL;DR: How Much Does a KTM Train Ticket From Singapore to JB and Back Cost? 

On 1 October 2019, rail operator KTM Berhad launched its KTMB Integrated Ticketing System (KITS) for KTM Shuttle Tebrau train services servicing the Woodland Train Checkpoint (Woodlands CIQ) and Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station (JB Sentral) route.

The prices for tickets are as follows.

Pro-Tip: Instead of buying return tickets which will cost you RM32.30 (~S$10.30) in total, buy two one-way tickets separately so you pay RM21.15 (~S$6.70) ( SG-JB [RM16.15 (~S$5.10) + JB-SG RM5 (S$1.60)].

The revised ticketing system means that you can make payments with a Visa or Mastercard credit card as well as Malaysian bank accounts and e-wallets like the KTM Wallet, Touch ‘n Go eWallet and Boost.

Which is great news because this also means that you can use a cashback credit card and get some of that sweet credit card cash back!

A few things to note:

• Book your ticket online a few weeks in advance, especially if your trip is over the weekend, on a public holiday or during the school holiday period.  
• Reservations open only one month in advance
• The passenger’s Name, Passport Number and Passport Expiry Date are required (Passport expiry date must be at least 30 days before departure date)
• Ticket purchase via the counter is limited to four tickets per transaction
  • The counter will stop selling tickets 20 minutes before the train’s departure time
  • But, it is best to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment
• Ticket purchase online is limited to six tickets per transaction.
• Ticket amendment is NOT allowed.

The JB Train Schedule (Shuttle Tebrau)

Before booking your tickets, here’s a quick look at the current daily train timings (as of 23 June 2022). 

KTM Train Singapore to JB Schedule — From Woodlands CIQ to JB Sentral:

Source: KTM | Effective 19 June 2022. Timings are subject to change.

KTM Train JB to Singapore Schedule — From JB Sentral to Woodlands CIQ

Source: KTM | Effective 19 June 2022. Timings are subject 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://shuttleonline.ktmb.com.my/Home/Shuttle and click ‘Login / sign up’.

Step 2: Next you will have to create an account with KTM. You can choose between your Facebook account, Google account or your own personal email. If you already have an account, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Complete the signup process and/or log in after you have done so.

Step 4: Select your date of departure and choose ‘I AM TRAVELLING ONE WAY’ The ride takes just five minutes!

Pro-Tip: As mentioned above, instead of buying return tickets which will cost you RM32.30 (~S$10.30) in total, buy two one-way tickets separately so you pay RM21.15 (~S$6.70) ( SG to JB [RM16.15 (~S$5.10) + JB to SG RM5 (S$1.60)].

Step 5: Confirm your order; fill out your details and proceed to payment.

Step 6: Select your mode of payment and complete payment.

Step 7: Repeat the whole process to buy your SG to JB ticket and JB to SG ticket.

Step 8: If you have bought the ticket successfully, you will receive an email confirmation. You can also download the KTMB Mobile app on iOS and Android to check your tickets.

Travelling To Woodlands Train Checkpoint

Woodlands Train Checkpoint is located right next to Woodlands Checkpoint.

Address: 11 Woodlands Crossing, (S)738103

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.

This is the EASIEST way to enter JB without all the jams – human jams, traffic jams.

Perhaps you can even head to JB to buy some groceries too.

I AM SOLD on travelling to JB with KTM.

How about you?