How to Get to Johor Bahru by MRT and Bus via Woodlands Checkpoint
Quick answer: Take the MRT to Woodlands (NS9/TE2) and board bus 950 from Woodlands bus interchange to Woodlands Checkpoint and across the Causeway to JB Sentral. From Kranji (NS7) bus 170 does the same. There is no MRT across the border yet; the Johor Bahru RTS Link from Woodlands North (TE1) is due to open in early 2027.
Nearest MRT station to Johor Bahru via Woodlands Checkpoint
- Station: Woodlands (NS9/TE2)
- Lines: North South Line, Thomson East Coast Line
- Train times: see first and last trains by line
How to get to Johor Bahru via Woodlands Checkpoint from the airport, Orchard and the city
| Starting from | Route | Stops | Changes | Adult fare | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changi Airport | Take the East West Line (Changi Airport branch) to Tanah Merah. Change at Tanah Merah to the East West Line (towards Tuas Link) to Paya Lebar. Change at Paya Lebar to the Circle Line (towards Prince Edward Road) to Bishan. Change at Bishan to the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Woodlands. | 20 | 3 | S$2.55 | about 65 min |
| Orchard | Take the Thomson East Coast Line (towards Woodlands North) to Woodlands. | 11 | 0 | S$2.30 | about 30 min |
| City Hall | Take the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Woodlands. | 16 | 0 | S$2.43 | about 40 min |
| Jurong East | Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Woodlands. | 7 | 0 | S$2.11 | about 20 min |
Stops and changes come from the current network map. Fares are the adult card fare for the distance (50 cents less before 7.45am on weekdays). Times are estimates for the train ride only and do not include the walk at either end. Use the fare calculator for any other starting station.
From Woodlands station to Johor Bahru via Woodlands Checkpoint
At Woodlands station, leave towards the bus interchange and join the queue for bus 950. The bus stops at Woodlands Checkpoint, where everyone gets off with their luggage to clear Singapore immigration, then boards any 950 on the other side to cross the Causeway to Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, the Malaysian checkpoint beside JB Sentral. Causeway Link buses also run from Woodlands and Kranji. Keep your passport in hand and expect queues on Friday evenings, Sunday evenings and public holidays.
Tips for the trip
- Bus fares are paid in Singapore dollars with your MRT card or contactless bank card on the Singapore side.
- Weekday mornings and weekend evenings are the worst times at the Causeway. Mid-morning on a weekday is usually quickest.
- Woodlands North station (TE1) on the Thomson-East Coast Line is where the RTS Link to Bukit Chagar will start when it opens, replacing the bus for most travellers.
- Tuas Second Link is the other crossing, used by Causeway Link buses from Jurong East, but it is further from JB city centre.
Other places near Woodlands station
- Cantine by Kopitiam (Food centre, about 2 min walk): Visit Cantine by Kopitiam for a wide selection of local hawker-style cooked food.
- Woodlands Regional Library (Library, about 2 min walk): Visit Woodlands Regional Library to borrow books, use reading spaces or attend community programmes.
- STELLAR@TE2 (Shopping mall, about 2 min walk): Visit STELLAR@TE2 for shopping, dining and retail services in this mall beside the station.
- Food Republic (Food centre, about 2 min walk): Visit Food Republic for a variety of local and Asian food stall options.
- Causeway Point (Shopping mall, about 3 min walk): Visit Causeway Point for a large range of shops, restaurants and everyday retail needs.
- Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (Bus interchange, about 3 min walk): Use Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub to connect to bus services heading across the north.
Frequently asked questions
Which MRT station is closest to Woodlands Checkpoint?
Woodlands (NS9/TE2). The checkpoint is a short bus ride away on bus 950 from the Woodlands bus interchange. Woodlands North (TE1) will become the main station once the RTS Link opens.
Can I take the MRT all the way to Johor Bahru?
Not yet. The MRT ends at Woodlands North. You cross the Causeway by bus (950, 170 or Causeway Link) or by the KTM shuttle train from Woodlands Train Checkpoint. The RTS Link rail shuttle to Johor Bahru is planned to open in early 2027.
How long does it take from Orchard to Johor Bahru by MRT and bus?
Around 30 minutes on the North South Line to Woodlands, then anywhere from 30 minutes to over two hours for the bus and both immigration checks, depending on queues.
Do I need to get off the bus at the checkpoint?
Yes. Everyone leaves the bus with their bags at Woodlands Checkpoint, clears immigration, and boards the next bus of the same service to continue across the Causeway.
Plan the rest of the trip with the interactive Singapore MRT map, the fare calculator and the guide to paying for the MRT.
More places to reach by MRT
Changi Airport (which terminal) | Jewel Changi Airport | Marina Bay Cruise Centre
See the full list: how to get anywhere in Singapore by MRT, or find your nearest MRT station.