Wan Xin NgYou just wanted a quick Johor Bahru (JB) day trip — some banana cake, a massage, maybe a late-night lok lok feast. But somehow, you ended up stuck in traffic on the Causeway for 2 hours, questioning every decision that led to this moment. Yeah, we’ve all been there.
That’s why the new RTS (Rapid Transit System) Link is a total game-changer.
Image Credit: MRT Corp Official Website
Slated to launch by end-2026, this 4km cross-border shuttle will connect Woodlands North MRT in Singapore with Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru, and it only takes 6 minutes!
Here’s everything you need to know before it opens.
Also read: Johor Bahru (JB) Weekend Trip Itinerary for Singaporeans: Things to Do on a 2D1N Trip
Where does the RTS start and end?
Image Credit: Land Transport Authority Official Website
The RTS will begin at Woodlands North MRT Station (TE1), on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). You won’t even have to exit the station — just transfer straight to the RTS Link underground.
From there, the train travels non-stop to Bukit Chagar Station in JB, which will be above ground and centrally located near City Square Mall. Great for food, shopping, or rushing to your hair appointment.
How fast and frequent is it?
The RTS Link promises to be fast. Like, you’ll barely have time to scroll two TikToks.
It’ll take just around six minutes to get from Woodlands North to Bukit Chagar. No stops, no traffic. And during peak hours, trains will be arriving roughly every 3.6 minutes, moving up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Basically, you might spend more time choosing what to eat in JB than actually getting there.
Also read: 25 Shopping Malls in Johor Bahru (JB) Every Singaporean Must Visit
What about immigration?
Image Credit: dinopix via Canva Pro
So if speed isn’t enough of a game-changer enough for you, how about this: immigration checks will be done at the departure station.
That means if you’re leaving from Singapore, you clear Singapore and Malaysia customs at Woodlands North, and once you arrive in JB, you’re free to go.
No second queue, no passport stamping déjà vu. Just hop off and hit the malls. Truly we are entering the next phase of the age of efficiency.
Who’s building it, and when can we ride?
Image Credit: MRT Corp Official Website
The RTS is operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd, a joint venture between SMRT (Singapore) and Prasarana (Malaysia). Construction is well underway, with visible progress on both ends.
If all goes to plan, the line will be operational by the end of 2026.
Also read: How to Go to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore for the Newbies
Why this actually matters for all of us
Image Credit: Johor Bahru City Square Mall Official Website
Let’s be real, the JB Causeway has become a love-hate relationship. We love what’s on the other side, but the journey? Not so much.
With the RTS Link, JB becomes a quick hop instead of a half-day expedition. It could mean spontaneous supper runs, easier commutes for those working across the border, and finally making that dental appointment on time.
