Convenient Singapore To Johor Bahru By Bus 2025: Local Guide No Stress

Updated January 2025

If you’re planning a quick escape from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB), and you’re all about that adventure without burning a hole in your pocket, you’ve hit the jackpot with this read. Sure, there’s a bunch of ways to cross over to JB, but we’re zoning in on a favorite: Singapore to Johor Bahru by bus, specifically bus 170X from Kranji Bus Stand.

Now, why do I specially only recommend this route? Easy connection from anywhere in Singapore to Bus 170X, most economical rides (MRT & Bus), bus stops at JB Central Bus Terminal, and lots of fun in a crowded bus. Definitely free and easy, your trip, your time!

Please note, I am a local Singaporean who has visited Johor Bahru, Malaysia numerous times. The guidelines below will give you the exact details for your bus rides to Johor Bahru.

Singapore To Johor Bahru By Bus

How to get to Kranji Bus Stand?

Getting to Kranji Bus Stand is relatively easy. From anywhere in Singapore, navigate your way to the nearest MRT station, hop on the train and switch to the North-South Line (red line), heading towards Jurong East Station direction, alighting at the Kranji MRT Station.

Exiting the station and turning right towards the road, you’ll find the Bus Stand just ahead, a quick 5-minute walk away. Join the line for bus 170X there. Depending on the time, the queue might seem long and overwhelming, but don’t worry – it moves swiftly. During my last visit, despite a queue of about a hundred people ahead of me, I boarded the 170X within 15 minutes.

What to expect when taking Bus 170X?

Outbound To Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia

Bus 170X offers an express service connecting Kranji Bus Stand to Johor Bahru CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) Complex directly. Let’s outline the journey to ensure you’re well-informed about the process.

1. Board Bus 170X at the bus stand outside the Kranji MRT Station (exit the MRT station on the right). Bus arrival, depending on the time of the day, is between 2 – 11 mins interval.
2. There are 5 bus stops before the bus reaches the Woodland Checkpoint. However, generally, the bus does not stop at these stops. Travel distance to Woodland Checkpoint is about 2.7km, about 10-12 mins depending on traffic.
3. Alight at Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint for immigration and custom procedures. Ensure your passport has 6 months minimum validity. Foreigners shall use the “All Passport” platform.
4. Exit the Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint after immigration and customs. Proceed to the bus parking bay to catch your bus. You can board any 170X bus (not necessarily the same one you arrived on) or opt for Bus 950 or Bus 160. Your next destination is the Johor Bahru Checkpoint. This ride will take about 10 mins.
5. Disembark at JB Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex. Proceed to immigration clearance. You may wait in line at any counters marked with “All Passports” signs. Avoid queuing at counters 1 & 2, as they are meant for senior citizens and other specific visitors.
   The queues can be lengthy. Depending on the time, there might be a significant wait. During my last trip to JB, it took me 45 minutes to complete customs clearance.
6. Upon clearing passport control, opt for the Green Lane customs clearance if you have no items to declare.
7. From here, you have 2 options:
   Option 1: Exit the CIQ and walk across the overhead bridge to City Square Mall, located opposite the CIQ. A short stroll away lies Komtar JBCC, renowned as one of the top malls in JB.
   Option 2: Head to the bus parking bay and catch the 170X bus to JB Sentral Bus Terminal (6.5km). From there, you can easily travel to various parts of Malaysia using the available bus services.

Inbound From Johor Bahru To Singapore

If you are returning from JB to Singapore, the procedures are the same.

1. Board the bus at JB Sentral Bus Terminal (170X) heading to JB CIQ. Disembark, go through immigration and customs procedures, then board the bus for your transfer to Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint.
   If you’re coming from JB City Square Mall, simply follow the signs for CIQ within the mall and head towards CIQ. The walk may be rather long.
2. After finishing immigration and customs clearance at Woodlands Checkpoint, head to the bus parking bay. For bus 170X, go down the staircase and turn around to reach the bus parking area.
3. Board the 170X for Kranji MRT station, and from there, you board the North South Line (Green Line) and navigate to your final destination.

Planning For Your Trip Essentials

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Average exchange rate SGD to MYR 1.00 : 3.29
(SGD to USD 1.00 : 0.73)
Mobile eSIM Card: Stay connected wherever you travel with Instant Connectivity. Airalo offers global coverage at affordable rates, no physical SIM card needed, ensuring hassle-free communication.
Travel Insurance: Travel with peace of mind—SafetyWing offers affordable, flexible travel insurance for today’s travelers. From unexpected accidents to travel delays, SafetyWing has you covered every step of the way.
Coach To Johor Bahru: Travel comfortably by coach—perfect for groups and families. Focus on enjoying your journey and book your tickets with Klook today! An alternative to Bus 170X.

Critical Informations You Must Know For Your Trip To Malaysia (Johor Bahru).

1. Both MRT and SBS Transit Buses (170X, 905, 160) accept contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, and stored value cards like ez-link card. The SBS Transit 170X Bus ride each way is between SGD$1.09 and SGD$1.56. Children below 0.9m in height accompanied by a fare-paying commuter travel free.
   If you are planning to travel by MRT & SBS Buses in Singapore, go for the ezlink Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides.It is cheaper.
2. Foreign travelers visiting Malaysia may need to apply for a Visa. I highly recommend you check out the requirement for Visa here. Please also note whether you are allowed to enter Malaysia by land (air only).
   Citizens from the USA, Canada, European countries, Australia, New Zealand (including other nations) can enter Malaysia without requiring a visa.
   Asean nationals, except those from Myanmar, staying in Malaysia for under one month do not need a visa for entry.
3. Foreign travelers (excluding Singaporeans) entering Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least three (3) days prior to arrival in the country. The completed form should be presented to immigration upon arrival.
4. Foreign travelers entering/returning to Singapore must submit the SG arrival card before arriving in Singapore. You can submit online at SG Arrival Card here.

Explore Johor Bahru, Malaysia

After successfully clearing customs and immigration procedures in JB, it’s time to explore the city! Johor Bahru is known for its cultural diversity and modern attractions. It is a great day trip Johor Bahru, with many tourist attractions and things to do. So, exactly, what to do in Johor Bahru?

Here are some must-visit places in JB and things to do in Johor Bahru:

1. Legoland Malaysia: A family-friendly theme park with numerous rides, shows and activities. This is probably one of the most visited places in JB. There are 3 parks within, the Theme Park, Water Park, and the Aquarium.
   In my opinion, 3 parks is probably too much for a day trip. I would suggest going for a 1-Day Double-Park. Entrance fee from RM279 and RM219 for adult and child/senior respectively.
   To avoid the queue there, you can choose your package and book your tickets online at Klook. There is even a round-trip coach transfer from Singapore.
2. Angry Birds Activity Park: A paradise for fans of the popular mobile game, with various interactive attractions and games. A park for the whole family, fully air-conditioned indoor playground. Prepare to experience a day of fun with the cutest, liveliest and angriest birds there.
3. Historical sites: Johor Bahru has a rich history and there are many historical sites with stunning architectural masterpiece such as the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Johore Old Chinese Temple, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, and the Istana Besar (Grand Palace) that are worth visiting.
   An alternative is to embark on a private guided Heritage Tour of Johor Bahru, Malaysia, departing from Singapore. Discover the rich culture and history of Johor Bahru. Book your tour on Viator.
4. Johor Premium Outlets: Shopaholics can indulge in some retail therapy at this outlet mall, with 150 outlets offering discounts on designer brands. It is about 25 mins by taxi ($20 – $25) or about an hour by bus ($1 – $2) from CIQ JB.
5. Visit Danga Bay: 14 mins from the Woodland causeway, visiting Danga Bay offers a delightful waterfront experience with vibrant entertainment, family-friendly attractions, and picturesque views of the Johor Strait. Together with its scenic waterfront promenade and vibrant night markets it provides a delightful escape for everyone.
6. Plenty of shopping malls in JB: Johor Bahru City Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Paradigm Mall, KSL City Mall, Komtar JBCC, and many more. With the attractive exchange rate for the Malaysian Ringit, it made shopping fun and very affordable.
7. Local food: Indulge in delightful local delicacies like nasi lemak, char kway teow, and laksa when visiting Johor Bahru. The fact that Singaporeans travel to JB specifically for its cuisine speaks volumes about the quality and affordability of the food there. Definitely nice food at Johor Bahru!

Tips for a smooth journey

1. Singapore Johor Bahru is one of the busiest border crossings in the world, with an average of 350,000 travelers daily. Plan your departure time according to peak traffic hours to avoid long delays at immigration checkpoints.
2. Check for any public holidays or special events that may affect traffic conditions, and plan accordingly. Singapore to Johor Bahru by bus is one of the most popular modes of transportation. Plan to avoid the crowd, if possible.
3. Have Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) ready to pay for transportation or purchases in Johor Bahru, as Singapore Dollars are not widely accepted.

Closing Thoughts: Enjoy yourself!

There you have it – a day trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru and back, all by bus. It’s economical, simple, and an adventure in its own right. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, this journey’s a great pick. So, go on, explore, and enjoy every bit of your trip. You have all the details for the trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru By Bus. Overall, it is a great option for both budget-conscious and adventurous travelers alike.

Happy travels!

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