Once the RTS Link opens, is the train simply better than the bus? For a lot of journeys, yes. But not all of them — and the bus network is not going anywhere.
Here is an honest comparison to help you pick.
Quick comparison
| Factor | RTS Link | Cross-border bus |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | ~5 minutes | 20–60+ minutes |
| Expected fare | ~S$5–S$7 (unconfirmed) | S$2.50–S$5 |
| Immigration | Both countries at departure station | Disembark and queue at each side |
| Destinations | Central JB only (Bukit Chagar) | Across Johor |
| Second Link | Not served | CW3, CW7 |
| Predictability | High — fixed frequency | Low — depends on queues |
When the RTS wins
Daily commuting. This is the transformative case. If you cross for work every day, predictable clearance is worth far more than a dollar or two of fare difference. A journey that swings between 40 minutes and three hours becomes a reliable one.
Peak-period travel. Friday evening, Sunday night, the eve of a public holiday — exactly when the Causeway is worst, the RTS will be least affected.
Central JB trips. Bukit Chagar sits beside JB Sentral and City Square. For shopping, dining or a dental appointment in town, that is where you want to be.
Travelling light with children or luggage. Not having to unload, queue and re-board makes a real difference.
When the bus still wins
You are not going to central JB. Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri, Legoland, Senai Airport, Desaru — none are near Bukit Chagar. Taking the RTS then a Grab may cost more and take longer than a direct bus.
You live in the west or north of Singapore. Getting to Woodlands North from Jurong or Tuas is itself a trip. CW3 from Jurong Town Hall or CW7 from Tuas Link may be the more sensible choice.
You are counting every dollar. AC7 at S$2.50 will stay materially cheaper than the expected RTS fare.
You want the Second Link. The RTS does not serve it at all.
The combination most people will use
In practice, most regular travellers will not pick one permanently. The likely pattern:
- RTS for commuting, peak periods and central JB
- Bus for Second Link destinations, budget trips and anywhere outside the city centre
- Either off-peak on a weekday, when the Causeway flows and the bus is cheaper
One caution on capacity
The RTS is designed for up to 10,000 passengers per hour each way. That is a lot — but peak Causeway demand is larger still, and roughly 300,000 people cross the border daily. Expect the RTS to be busy from the start, and do not assume it will be empty just because it is new.
For full details on each option, see our RTS Link guide and our complete bus guide.
Written September 2026. RTS fares and opening date remain targets pending joint announcement by both transport ministries.
Leave a Reply