Darren YeohAfter several months since its launch, most of us are now familiar with the Singapore – Malaysia VTL. Hence, we’ve drawn up a relative estimate of a Singapore – Malaysia VTL cost you’ll need to prepare, especially if you are already planning your trip!
Before we dive into that, remember that the current VTL flights are being serviced by the following airlines: AirAsia, Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines.
On the other hand, Land VTL service providers include Transtar and Causeway Link.
Note: The following budget calculation is based on the information available as of 1 March 2022
From Singapore to Malaysia
Image credit: Malaysia Airport
Land VTL
A one-way ticket for adults on the Land VTL bus costs about S$15 (RM50), while tickets for children start from S$8 (RM25).
Apart from fare prices, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test two days before your trip. This can be either an RT-PCR swab test or an Antigen Rapid Test (ART).
An RT-PCR test costs between S$100 to S$200 (RM300 to RM600), while an ART at a Quick Test Centre costs S$15 (RM45).
In addition, you arrive at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru, you will need to undergo an RTK Antigen test, which costs about S$20 (RM60).
Air VTL
A single-journey flight ticket starts from S$150++ on average (RM450). Like travelling on the Land VTL, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test (RT-PCR ONLY), which costs between S$100 to S$200 (RM300 to RM600).
Upon arrival, you will need to undergo an RTK-Antigen Test within 24 hours. If you choose to do this at the airport, the cost will depend on your nationality.
Malaysian citizens can expect to pay between S$40 (RM120) while foreign nationals will need to fork out between S$53+ (RM160).
Image credit: BP Healthcare Group Official Facebook Page
Other things to take note of in Malaysia
Starting 3 March 2022, you will no longer be required to take daily RTK Antigen self-tests. However, if you would like to buy some test kits, a COVID self-test kit in Malaysia typically costs between S$2 to S$5 (RM6 to RM16).
In addition, all short-term visitors to Malaysia (non-citizens) will need to purchase mandatory travel insurance with coverage of at least S$32,5000. According to Money Smart, this will cost you between S$18 to S$100 in general (RM60 to RM300).
Travelling from Malaysia to Singapore
Image credit: Darren Nunis
Land VTL
A one-way ticket for adults on the Land VTL bus costs about RM20 (S$6.50), while tickets for children start from RM10 (S$4).
Apart from fare prices, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test two days before your trip. This can be either an RT-PCR swab test or an Antigen Rapid Test (ART).
An RT-PCR test costs between RM250 to RM400 (S$80 – S$130), while an ART (RTK-Antigen in Malaysia) costs about RM60 (S$20).
In addition, you arrive in Singapore, you will need to undergo an ART test, which costs about RM45 (S$15).
Air VTL
A single-journey flight ticket starts from RM300 on average (S$100). Like travelling on the Land VTL, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test.
An RT-PCR test costs between RM250 to RM400 (S$80 – S$130), while an RTK Test costs about RM60 (S$20).
Upon arrival in Singapore, you will need to undergo an ART within 24 hours. It does NOT need to be a supervised ART which costs about RM45 (S$15).
Image credit: shawnanggg
Other things to take note of in Singapore
Similarly to Malaysia, you will no longer need to undergo daily ARTs. However, a COVID self-test kit in Singapore typically costs about RM15.50 (S$5) while a professional ART test, at an accredited medical facility, costs around RM45 (S$15).
In addition, all short-term visitors to Singapore will need to purchase mandatory travel insurance with coverage of at least S$30,000. This will cost you between RM60 to RM300 in general (S$18 to S$100).
Disclaimer: The above budget calculation is based on the cheapest options (such as choosing an ART pre-departure test over a PCR test).
