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If you’ve ever sat in the Singapore Causeway crawl on the way to Johor Bahru, wondering if your life will ever resume, those days will soon be over. The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is gearing up to start operations by the end of 2026, promising a five-minute hop from Woodlands North MRT in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
The RTS Link is expected to serve 40,000 passengers daily at launch, potentially rising to 140,000 – around 30 to 40 per cent of current Causeway traffic. Passengers will clear immigration through Bukit Chagar Integrated Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ), which will feature 100 AI-powered e-gates to make border crossing even more tolerable and efficient.
It's no secret that Singaporeans love to cross the border for a quick and easy weekend getaway, so we expect this new train service will be hotly anticipated. Ahead of its opening, here's everything we know about the JB-Singapore RTS Link so far.
When will the RTS link open?
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS link is expected to begin passenger operations by the end of 2026. By June 2027, it will completely replace the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train service which currently runs between Woodlands Checkpoint and JB Sentral.
What do we know about the RTS link e-gates and border clearance so far?
The upcoming 100 AI-enabled e-gates by ICQ are said to clear commuters in about 7 seconds. Thanks to the single-clearance system and QR-code passport clearance, commuters can pass through both Malaysian and Singapore immigration at the Bukit Chagar ICQ in one go. There will also be 10 security screening lanes, 18 baggage scanners, and dedicated lanes for those travelling luggage-free.
How much will the RTS Link cost?
Each trip is expected to cost $5 to $7, set by RTS Operations – a partnership between Malaysia’s Prasarana and Singapore’s SMRT. However, fares won’t be finalised until the second half of 2026.
Is taking the RTS Link cheaper than driving?
In comparison, drivers pay RM20 at the Causeway, and Singapore’s VEP fees jump to $50/day for cars starting Jan 2027. So all things considered, yes, taking the RTS Link is likely to save your wallet.
How else will the RTS Link benefit daily commuters?
It’s not just about speed. The e-gates, QR-code passport clearance, and cross-border cooperation promise to deliver predictable, stress-free trips for commuters. And for nervous first-timers, you can actually head down to the Project Information Centre near Bukit Chagar, where interactive kiosks and virtual walkthroughs will allow you to explore the station, e-gates, and ICQ process before the RTS Link officially opens.
Stay tuned for more updates on the official opening date.
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