Key Takeaways:
- The RTS Link is a new train to JB service between Woodlands North in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
- The RTS Link is scheduled to open in 2027 and will carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with an expected ridership of 40,000 per day.
- The 4 km journey will be completed in about five to six minutes, with a train frequency of 3.6 to 6 minutes.
- Woodlands North RTS Station will be linked to Woodlands North MRT Station, while Bukit Chagar RTS Station in JB will be connected by a pedestrian bridge to JB Sentral.
- Immigration checks for both countries can be completed at the point of departure, eliminating the need to go through them again upon arrival—a convenient, time-saving perk.
Going to Malaysia is about to get easier! The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, an upcoming 4 km train track between Woodlands and Johor Bahru, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
The RTS Link will be able to serve up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and is expected to have a ridership of 40,000 per day.
The RTS Link has the potential not only to make the Woodlands-JB trip more convenient for its own passengers, but also to alleviate congestion at both checkpoints. RTS passengers will clear immigration at dedicated e-gates, thus freeing up space at the checkpoints used by those travelling by road.
This guide will take you through how to use the RTS Link so you’ll be ready to make the trip once it opens.
RTS Link at a Glance
| Route | Woodlands North Station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar Station in JB |
| Distance | 4 km |
| Ticket fare | S$5 to S$7 (expected) |
| Train frequency | 3.6 to 6 minutes |
| Operating hours | 6am to 12am |
| Journey time | 5 to 6 minutes |
| Ticketing | Contactless payment |
| Train capacity | 600 to 1,000 |
What Is the RTS Link?
The RTS Link is an upcoming Light Rail Transit (LRT) system running between Singapore and JB.
It will travel between Woodlands North RTS Station in Singapore and Bukit Chagar Station in JB, completing the 4 km route within just five to six minutes. Woodlands North Station will be seamlessly linked to the MRT station of the same name.
The RTS Link will be operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), a joint venture between Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and SMRT Corporation Ltd.
The JB-Singapore RTS Link aims to offer a speedier way to travel between Singapore and JB, with not only shorter journey times but also faster immigration clearance.
It is hoped that the RTS Link will speed up travel between Singapore and JB and relieve congestion at the Causeway. By offering a quick and easy way to make the Singapore-JB trip, the RTS Link could potentially reduce the number of people crossing the Causeway by road. The dedicated RTS immigration e-gates could also relieve congestion at the Causeway customs and immigration checkpoints.
Passengers will be served by eight driverless trains consisting of four cars each, with each train having a normal passenger capacity of 600, although capacity can be stretched to a maximum of over 1,000.
The RTS Link will run every day from about 6 am to 12 midnight. The wait time for trains is expected to be 3.6 minutes during peak hours and 6 minutes during off-peak hours—reasonably short in our honest opinion.
The official launch is expected to be in January 2027. Around June 2027, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, which currently runs between Woodlands Checkpoint and JB Sentral, will cease operations.
RTS Link Train to JB Ticket Fares
Ticket fares have yet to be finalised. The details will be jointly announced by both Singapore and Malaysia’s transport authorities in due time.
A one-way train to JB ticket is expected to cost approximately S$5 to S$7.
Tickets can be purchased conveniently from ticketing machines at the stations.
While the details have yet to be finalised, rumour has it that contactless payment via bank cards and stored-value cards will also be accepted.
When paying on the Malaysian side, you can use Mari Credit Card, which earns 1.5% cashback on foreign currency spending with no overseas transaction fees, up to the S$1,500 cap. If you’re a miles chaser, pay with the Chocolate Finance Card to earn 1 Max Miles per S$1 spent overseas (no FX fee).
RTS Link: Train Stations and RTS Map
The RTS Link will run from Woodlands North Station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar Station in JB.
The Woodlands North RTS Station will be linked to Woodlands North MRT station, so passengers can just hop on the Thomson-East Coast Line to Woodlands North MRT station and then walk to the RTS Link station in minutes!
The RTS Link terminus at Woodlands North will be underground and consist of three storeys, including two basement levels and a linkway that connects to the CIQ building where passengers will complete customs and immigration clearance before boarding the RTS Link.
Bukit Chagar Station, the RTS terminus in JB, will be located above ground. The RTS Link will thus move from underground to above ground, crossing the Straits of Johor on a 25 m-high bridge.
RTS Link: Facilities, Immigration and Clearance
The RTS Link trains and stations will be equipped with the following amenities:
- Four fold-up seats in each train car to accommodate wheelchairs, prams and luggage
- Escalators and wheelchair-accessible lifts at both stations
- Fully air-conditioned departure and arrival halls
- Family-friendly facilities such as nursing rooms at the Bukit Chagar terminus
- Co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities at each terminus enabling passengers to clear both countries’ CIQ checks at the point of departure
- Immigration clearance processes that can be completed in seconds
- Smart lanes at Woodlands North that enable immigration clearance to be completed using QR codes or passport scans
- 100 facial recognition e-gates at each terminal, allowing travellers to complete immigration clearance using QR codes or passport scans
- Body scanners and luggage scanners at Bukit Chagar that can detect suspicious objects efficiently
- Dedicated lanes for passengers without baggage
RTS Link Connectivity
The RTS Link terminus at Bukit Chagar Station will enjoy good connectivity, with an upcoming 450 m sheltered pedestrian bridge offering a seamless link to JB Sentral, enabling passengers to transfer easily to KTM Komuter and ETS trains.
In the future, the Malaysian government intends to boost access to public transport to ease traffic flow in the area, including the addition of more than 250 additional buses by 2027.
They also intend to facilitate connections to bus services at the Jalan Jim Quee roundabout, as well as a taxi stand on the same road. Other connections to Komtar JBCC Mall and JB Sentral are also in the works.
On the Singapore side, the Woodlands North RTS Station connects directly to Woodlands North MRT Station via an underground walkway, from which passengers can easily connect to the Thomson-East Coast Line, which offers access to MRT stations such as Orchard and Marina Bay.
In case you’re wondering, there are currently taxi stands and pick-up points positioned near the Woodlands North MRT station exits. In addition, an upcoming bus interchange is being planned in the vicinity.
Pro tip: When shopping in Malaysia, using a travel card such as Wise or Revolut can help you save money on foreign currency conversion and transaction fees. Both cards also offer free overseas ATM withdrawals (subject to plan terms).
How to Take the RTS Train to JB From Woodlands North to Bukit Chagar
1) Go to Woodlands North RTS Station. If coming by MRT, you can walk directly from Woodlands North MRT station to the Woodlands North RTS Station via the underground linkway after tapping out.
2) Enter the RTS Link fare gate.
3) Go through departure clearance by ICA.
4) Go down one level in the same building and clear Malaysia’s security checks and immigration clearance.
5) Go through security screening.
6) Proceed to the departure platform and board the RTS Link train.
7) Alight at Bukit Chagar Station. There is no further immigration clearance, so you can proceed directly to your desired destination in JB.
How to Take the RTS Train From Bukit Chagar to Woodlands North
1) Go to Bukit Chagar RTS Station in JB.
2) Enter the RTS Link fare gate.
3) Go through Malaysia’s security checks and departure clearance.
4) Proceed to Singapore’s ICA security checks and immigration clearance, located in the same building.
5) Go through security screening.
6) Proceed to the departure platform and board the RTS Link train.
7) Alight at Woodlands North RTS Station. There is no further immigration clearance.
RTS Link vs KTM Shuttle Tebrau
You can take a train to JB either via the RTS Link or KTM Shuttle Tebrau. Here is how the upcoming RTS Link compares to the KTM Shuttle Tebrau, which will be replaced by it in 2027.
| RTS Link | KTM Shuttle Tebrau | |
| Stations and route | Woodlands North to Bukit Chagar | Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral Railway Station |
| Ticket fare | S$5 to S$7 (to be confirmed) | Woodlands to JB – S$5
JB to Woodlands – RM5 (S$1.57) |
| Capacity | 10,000 per hour in each direction | Less than 10,000 per day |
| Frequency | 3.6 to 6 minutes | 30 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Connectivity and convenience | Singapore terminus connects to Woodlands North MRT Station.
JB terminus connects to JB Sentral by pedestrian bridge. |
Singapore terminus is at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, which is not directly accessible by MRT.
JB terminus is at JB Sentral. |
| Operating hours | 6am to 12am | 8:30am to 23:45 (departing from Woodlands)
5am to 10:45pm (departing from JB) |
| Immigration clearance | Immigration clearance for both countries at station of departure | For Singapore-JB trip, immigration clearance for both countries is done at station of departure.
For JB-Singapore trip, immigration clearance must be done at points of departure and arrival |
When shopping in Malaysia, Touch ‘n Go is one of the most convenient cashless payment systems you can use. You can register for a Touch ‘n Go wallet with a Singapore mobile number and passport.
Conclusion
The upcoming RTS Link will offer a faster and more convenient way to travel between Singapore and JB, relieving traffic congestion on the road and at the checkpoints.
It will operate from Woodlands North Station in Singapore to Bukit Chagar Station in JB. The trip takes about five to six minutes, and immigration clearance will be completed at the point of departure, removing the need to go through it again at the point of arrival.
With modern facilities at the stations and great connectivity to surrounding transport nodes, the RTS Link promises to give connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia a big boost.
If you’re planning to use the RTS Link for frequent trips across the border, a multi-currency card with competitive exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees can be really handy in helping you save on overseas spending.
Besides Wise, Revolut, and Mari Credit Card, two other popular options for overseas spending include the Trust Freedom Card and YouTrip. Read our review for a breakdown of their exchange rates, fees, and other features to help you choose the right card for your trips to JB and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTS Link?
The RTS Link is an upcoming LRT train to JB track between Woodlands North in Singapore and Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
Do I need a passport to use the RTS Link?
Yes, you need a passport as the RTS Link runs between Singapore and Malaysia.
Will the JB-Woodlands KTM train service end in 2027?
Yes, the KTM Shuttle Tebrau is scheduled to end in 2027; it is to be replaced by the RTS Link.
Where in Singapore does the RTS Link go?
The Singapore terminus of the RTS Link is in Woodlands North. The Woodlands North RTS Station connects seamlessly to Woodlands North MRT Station.
Is there parking at the RTS stations?
At Bukit Chagar in JB, there is a park-and-ride facility with 1,500 parking spaces that offers standard and premium parking. At nearby Coronation Square, there are also 700 RTS-designated parking lots. At Woodlands North in Singapore, parking is limited.
