How To Take Train To JB From Singapore (2024): KTM Train Ticket Price & Schedule
This is The Ultimate Guide (updated in 2024) for those looking to go to/from Singapore and JB, Johor Bahru, Malaysia using the KTM Shuttle Tebrau Train.
So before you decide to take the KTM to JB, it’s highly encouraged that you read this article first as it’ll answer all your questions!
As I’m writing this post, I will concentrate on guiding tourists who are researching the best possible way or transport to cross the SG-JB Border.
If you are a regular traveller between these 2 countries, then this post might not be for you.
Now, first-timers: you might be doing a ton of research on Google right now.
However, don’t be fooled by clickbait articles claiming that it’s just a 5-minute train ride between SG and JB.
It’s certainly NOT TRUE at all!
Why? While the train ride might only take 5 minutes, the entire JOURNEY will take at least an hour. This is because of the time it takes to get on-board and clear customs.
If you look into the details below, you can read my personal experience taking the KTM train from Woodlands to JB, Malaysia.
1. Overview Of KTM Shuttle Tebrau Train To JB
2. KTM Shuttle Tebrau Schedule
3. How Much KTM Train Ticket Cost From Singapore To JB
4. Should Or Shouldn’t Take Train To JB
5. Reminder: E- Gate & MDAC
6. Woodland & JB Sentral: Gate Close / Custom Clearance
7. The Steps To Take The KTM Shuttle Train
8. Journey From SG Train Station To JB Sentral
9. What If Your Miss The KTM train to JB
10. My Final Thought
11. KTM To JB FAQs
1. Overview Of KTM Shuttle Tebrau Train To JB
On their official website: https://shuttleonline.ktmb.com.my/Home/Shuttle, it lists different trains going to different destinations.
So, only look for KTM Train Shuttle Tebrau, which is the one and only train heading to JB from Singapore.
The train ride starts at Woodlands Train Checkpoint (location on Google Map) and brings you to JB Sentral (location on Google Map), and vice-versa.
2. KTM Shuttle Tebrau Schedule
Here is their train rides schedule:
| Departure Time (Morning Session) | Departure Time (Afternoon Session) | Departure Time (Night Session) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlands Train Station To JB | 8:30am 9:45am 11:00am | 12:30pm 1:45pm 3:00pm 4:15pm 5:30pm 6:45pm | 8:00pm 9:15pm 10:30pm 11:45pm |
| JB To Woodlands Train Station | 5:00am 5:30am 6:00am 6:30am 7:00am 7:30am 8:45am 10:00am 11:30am | 12:45pm 2:00pm 3:15pm 4:30pm 5:45pm | 7:00pm 8:15pm 9:30pm 10:45pm |
3. How Much KTM Train Ticket Cost From Singapore To JB
It only cost me SGD10 for a to and fro journey for the train ride to Johor (which later I found out that I could get it cheaper! I’ve shared my “secret” in the FAQ Question No.3 at the end of this article)
It seemed like a really good deal considering how much time (and energy) I could save compared to driving my car to Johor.
Train to JB ticket can be purchased at Woodlands Train Checkpoint KTM counter, JB Sentral KTM counter or KTM Website.
The table below shows you how much train tickets cost:
| KTM Train Website | Woodlands Train Checkpoint KTM Counter | JB Sentral KTM Counter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore To JB (One Way) | RM16 | SGD5 | RM16 |
| Singapore To/From JB (Two Way) | RM32 | SGD10 | RM32 |
| JB To Singapore (One Way) | RM5 | SGD5 | RM5 |
| JB To/From Singapore (Two Way) | RM10 | SGD10 | RM10 |
There are a few tips that will come in handy when you want to purchase your tickets:
- Make sure you bring sufficient cash (SGD for tickets at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint counter or MYR for tickets at JB Sentral) if you want to purchase your tickets at the ticketing counters.
- The counters will STOP selling tickets 20 minutes before departure time.
- If you want to travel over the weekend, public holidays or school holidays, do book your tickets in advance! (their tickets sells out extremely FAST during these periods)
- However, if the tickets are fully sold out, you can still board a bus to Johor from Woodlands CIQ.
Also read: How To Take Bus From Singapore T0 JB
4. Should Or Shouldn’t Take KTM Train To JB
KTM train
Based on my experience as a local, there is no strong reason to take the train to cross the border between Singapore and JB. You might think it’s strange that I said that.
This is because I have personally experienced the entire journey, from buying a ticket to boarding the train to reaching JB Sentral.
And there are a few reasons why I don’t think it’s such a good idea:
- It’s a bit like taking the plane. You have to arrive earlier (boarding time) to wait in front of the gate. Once the gate closes, you can’t get in.
- The trains are less frequent compared to the buses.
- Whereas for the bus, you can arrive anytime you want to wait. There is no boarding time required.
- It is also easier taking the CW1 or 170x to the checkpoint than it is taking a bus to Woodlands train station.
The ONLY reason why I would take this KTM Shuttle Tebrau train is just to **experience** it.
If you hate hating the bus and have the flexibility of time, then, by all means, try out the train.
It can have its advantages. For instance, the train is arguably better than the bus if you have a baby and stroller with you.
But it’s important to note that all train tickets are usually sold out within minutes after it is released.
For those who are planning to go to work during office hours, you can see that the available time slots are just not suitable for your needs.
5. Reminder: E- Gate & MDAC Registration
If you are a foreigner and do not regularly travel from Singapore to Malaysia, please only register for MDAC.
Steps To Register MDAC
Step 1: Visit Malaysia Immigration’s official MDAC website.
Step 2: Initiate submission by clicking the “Register” button at the bottom of the page.
Step 3: Fill in your details accordingly and accurately (i.e. personal information, travel information, passport details).
Step 4: Submit the form. There is no fee incurred.
Few Things To Note:
- Please take note of your submission deadline. You need to apply for MDAC three (3) days prior to your arrival in Malaysia. This is very important.
- Save a copy of your MDAC submission. Make sure you have it on you (print or digital) when you travel.
- First-timers in Malaysia won’t be able to use the autogate. You will have to manually verify your passport at the counter instead.
- To use the autogate in the future, you’ll need to register for E-gate.
Steps To Register E-gate (Encouraged For Local Singaporean Citizen)
Step 1: Register and submit for MDAC.
Step 2: If you’re a first-timer, your passport won’t be registered for E-Gate yet. You’ll have to manually verify your passport at the immigration counter first.
Step 3: Present your passport and receive your verification stamp.
Few Things To Note:
- To use E-Gate, you need to be at least 120cm. Parents will have to accompany their kids through the manual lanes.
- You must obtain the verification stamp for an immigration officer before you can use the E-Gate. This is a one-time registration process.
- It’s highly encouraged that you use the E-Gate for your subsequent travels to Malaysia!
- Your e-passport needs at least 3 months of validity.
6. Woodland & JB Sentral: Gate Close / Custom Clearance
Please take this part seriously because it’s no joke! I have missed the train before because of this. I ended up walking from the Woodlands train station to Woodlands Checkpoint.
6.1 Train Gate Close
| Woodlands Train Station |
JB Sentral Train Station |
|
|
The gate closing time is the main reason why I don’t prefer taking the train to JB. I would prefer to take the bus instead.
6.2 Singapore – Malaysia Custom Clearance
Woodlands to JB Sentral Direction:
Both Singapore & Malaysia immigration clearance are done at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, so there’s no need to do it again in JB CIQ!
JB Sentral to Woodlands Direction:
You will have to pass immigration customs clearance at JB Sentral, Malaysia
Once you arrive at Woodlands train station, you will have to go through customs clearance again at immigration.
7. The Steps To Take The KTM Shuttle Train
Let me share with you a complete step by step guideline on how to take the train to JB from Singapore.
Step 1: Purchase KTM Train To JB Tickets Online (Counter/Web/App)
I was able to purchase my tickets online without any glitches, which was great!
I purchased my tickets through the KTM Shuttle Tebrau Train Service online ticketing at https://shuttleonline.ktmb.com.my/Home/Shuttle
The process of getting my tickets was smooth and easy if you are using APP as below.
KTM KITS ticketing System mobile app
Sounds easy right?
Things to take note:
- With Shuttle Tebrau newly implemented scanning system, your passport is actually your boarding pass. So much more advance now, isn’t it?
- However, I would advise you to keep a copy of your email confirmation in your electronic device in case of any complications.
Also read: How To Get To JB Sentral From Singapore
Step 2: Go To Woodlands Train Station & Checkpoint bus Station (Bus Stop ID: 46069)
The day of my journey to board the train to JB Sentral from Woodlands Train Checkpoint arrived.
I being the “planner me” have studied in advance on the ways I can get to Woodlands Train Checkpoint station.
With the combination of MRT rides and one bus trip, I was able to get to Woodlands Train Checkpoint easily.
Don’t worry, when you have arroved at the Woodlands bus interchange, you will see a signboard of the buses going to Woodlands train station as below
Woodlands Train Station Bus Service From Woodlands Bus Interchange
Bus 950 From Woodlands to JB CIQ
IMPORTANT to take note that whichever option you choose, do stay alert on your bus ride because it is only a few stops away to the bus stop near Woodlands Train Checkpoint (I am speaking from my experience *sob*)
Step 3: Scan Your Passport as Physical Ticket To Board The Train
All I needed was to scan my passport by KTM staff at the gate to board the train (Shuttle Tebrau).
KTM Train to jb passport as a ticket for onboarding
- Make sure that your passport has at least 30 days validity period before you travel.
- The gate doesn’t open earlier than 30 minutes before train departure time.
- Important to take note that the boarding gate closes 10 minutes before train departure time.
- You’re only can check-in using your passport when you taking the train from JB to Singapore instead of Singapore to JB
- I strongly suggest for you to be here 30 minutes before your departure time in case for whatever complications that might arise (better earlier than late right?)
- Don’t panic if you have any trouble during the process of scanning your passport. Just head on to the KTM office located on the ground floor and they will help to solve your problem.
Step 4: Take The 5 Minutes Train Ride To JB From Singapore
The whole process after I scanned my passport reminded me of being in an airport.
KTM Train passenger ready for departure.
Staff at the Malaysian side checked and stamped on my passport after the immigration process.
All the passengers will then need to load their bags onto a conveyor belt through a scanning machine before being allowed to board the train.
Step 5: Walk JB Sentral Hall (No Custom Clearance Is Needed)
Tips:
- Although you might see a seating number on your ticket, be well prepared on NOT getting that exact seat.
- Since it is just a 5 minutes ride, people normally just sit on any available seats.
- Worst case scenario is that you would need to stand (which is not a big deal because it is just for 5 minutes)
Passenger From Train Walk to JB Sentral in 5 mins
8. My Journey From SG Train Station To JB Sentral (Photos)
- Woodlands Bus Interchange (walk from MRT Station)
Walk to the woodlands Bus Interchange
- Queue at the correct berth number
Woodland train Checkpoint Bus Berth Number
- Crowded in the bus
The bus is crowded
- Reached to the Woodlands Train Station bus stand
Woodlands Train Station Bus stop to train station
- Walk for 5 mins to get into the building
KTM Train to Woodlands arrived at Train Station
- Signboard for queueing
- Wait for the gate to open, don’t be late
Woodlands train station walk to woodlands checkpint walk way
- Remember to fill in the MDAC if you are not Singaporean or Malaysian
MDAC fill in reminder
- Scan passport as you KTM ticket
KTM Train to jb passport as a ticket for onboarding
- Start custom clearance for both SG & MY officers
woodland train checkpoint clearance
- Walk Inside the train
KTM Train Interior Walk Way
- 5 mins journey to reach to JB
KTM Train to JB in 5 mins
- Reach to the JB sentral
Passenger From Train Walk to JB Sentral in 5 mins
9. What If Your Miss The Train To JB (It Happens)
If you are not able to reach the Woodlands train station in time before the gate closes, or you notice that the officer has already closed the gate, don’t despair.
There is a better alternative!
Just follow the signboard (as below) and walk to Woodlands Checkpoint and complete the customs clearance in 5 minutes. Then, follow the crowd to take your bus to JB CIQ/ Sentral.
Woodlands train station walk to woodlands checkpint walk way
It’s pretty easy to get a bus (unless you’re travelling during the holidays).
10. Conclusion – My Final Thought Of Taking Woodlands KTM Train To JB
Here are some of my opinions:
- Take the bus instead of the train if you are not familiar with the place.
- Go for the KTM train if you just want to experience it.
- If you go by bus, you won’t have to pre-book the bus ticket and wait for customs clearance.
- Unless you have already planned your trip in advance, you can try to purchase a train ticket and escape the bus congestion during holiday peak season.
- For non-peak seasons, the train ticket is always available since it’s not really a preferred choice. (Millions of people cross the border, most of them by bus or by car)
KTM Train Woodlands to JB
If you are a foreigner or Singaporean who wants to visit JB, Malaysia, and budget is not a concern, travelling by car would always be the best option.
This is especially true for business trips, group trips, and family trips.
An even better option? Get a private car hire instead. It’s hassle-free, comfortable, and affordable when you split the cost amongst yourselves in a group.
KTM Train To JB FAQs:
Do you still have questions lingering in your mind about taking the train to JB from Singapore?
I have prepared a list of common FAQs that might clear up your mind before you make your ticket bookings.
Q1: Where to take/board train from Singapore to JB?
A1: Woodlands Train Checkpoint
Q2: Where to buy train tickets to JB?
Q3: What is the cheapest train ticket combination I can buy from Singapore to JB?
A3: To get the best deal, buy one-way tickets instead of a return ticket!
Details:
1. Buy a one-way ticket from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral for SGD $5 either online (KTM Shuttle Tebrau Ticketing System) or at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint Ticket Counter.
2. Buy another one-way ticket from JB Sentral to Woodlands Train Checkpoint for RM5 online (KTM Shuttle Tebrau Ticketing System) or at the JB Sentral Ticket Counter
Q4: How to buy/book train tickets from Singapore to JB?
A4: Please refer to “Step 1: Purchase KTM Train To JB Tickets Online (Counter/Web/App)” OR you may purchase at the Woodlands Train Checkpoint KTM Ticketing Counter.
Q5: How early can I buy train ticket to JB?
A5: 6 months inclusive of date of travel (book early especially over the weekends/public holidays/school holidays)
Q6: Where to take/board train from JB to Singapore?
A6: JB Sentral (same as the arrival destination from Singapore).
Q7: How to buy/book train ticket from JB to Singapore?
A7: Please refer to “Step 1:Purchase KTM Train To JB Tickets Online (Counter/Web/App)” OR at the JB Sentral KTM Ticketing Counter.
Q8: What is the last departure time for KTM train to JB from Singapore?
A8: 11:45pm (Refer to “KTM Shuttle Tebrau Schedule”).
Q9: How long should I arrive at Woodlands Train Checkpoint in advance before train departures?
A9: At least 40 minutes before departure (gate closes 20mins before departure).
Q10: What do I do if I can’t find a seat?
A10: Even though the train has assigned seats, the passengers boarding this shuttle train normally sits at their own chosen seats (or stand) since it is just a 5 minutes ride.
Q11: Are luggages allowed on the train?
A11: Yes.
Q12: Does the train have any designated luggage facilities or racks?
A12: Yes.
Q13: How to board KTM train (Shuttle Tebrau) for E-Ticket Holders Travelling from JB Sentral to Singapore?
A13: Scan your passport at the gate (Your passport serves as the boarding pass. However, do print your E-Ticket or have it saved in your electronic device in case of any issues that might occur)
Q14: Does my child require a ticket?
A14: Children 4 years to 12 years old will be required to buy a ticket (children below 4 years old travels for FREE but will need to be registered at the counter before departure)
Note: There are no discounted or concession tickets.
Q15: What is the minimum validity period needed for my passport?
A15: At least 30 days validity
Q16: What is the KTM ticket price for child under 4 years old?
A16: FREE! (However, you will need to register your child at the counter before departure)
Q17: Any refund if I made the cancellation before the train depart?
A17: 50% refund for cancellation made within 72 hours before the train departs.
75% refund for cancellation made more than 72 hours before the train departs.
0% refund for cancellation made after train departure time
Do take note that all refunds can only be made at the ticketing counters.
