After years of construction, the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link is finally close to carrying passengers. For anyone who crosses the border regularly — whether for work, family or a weekend in JB — it is the biggest change to the journey since the Second Link opened in 1998.

Here is what is confirmed, what is still being finalised, and what it means if you currently take the bus.

What is the RTS Link?

The Rapid Transit System Link is a 4km cross-border rail shuttle connecting Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. It is a dedicated shuttle line, not an extension of the MRT network, though it connects directly to the Thomson–East Coast Line at Woodlands North.

• Length: approximately 4km, crossing the Straits of Johor on its own viaduct
• Journey time: around 5 minutes end to end
• Stations: two — Woodlands North (SG) and Bukit Chagar (JB)
• Capacity: designed for up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction

When does the RTS Link open?

Passenger service is targeted to begin from December 2026. Some reports have flagged a possible slip into early 2027 as systems testing continues, and the two governments have said the official start date will be jointly announced by the Malaysian and Singaporean transport ministries.

In short: expect it around the turn of the year, but do not book travel on the assumption that it is running until the joint announcement is made.

How much will it cost?

Fares have not been officially confirmed. Current expectations point to roughly S$5 to S$7 (about RM15.50–RM21.70) for a one-way trip, with pricing to be announced jointly by both transport ministers.

For comparison, a Causeway Link bus across the border is a flat S$5 today, so the RTS is unlikely to be dramatically cheaper. Its advantage is time and predictability, not cost. We break that trade-off down in our RTS Link vs bus comparison.

The real advantage: immigration clearance

The headline is not the five-minute ride — it is the clearance model. RTS passengers clear both countries’ immigration at the departure station before boarding. You do not queue again on arrival.

That removes the single worst part of the current journey: disembarking at the checkpoint, queueing, then finding your onward bus. Automated e-gates are expected to process travellers in seconds.

What this means if you take the bus

The RTS will not replace cross-border buses, for three practical reasons:

• It serves two points only. If you are heading to Bukit Indah, Senai Airport, Legoland or anywhere outside central JB, you still need onward transport — or a direct bus.
• It does not serve the Second Link. Tuas-side routes stay entirely on buses.
• Capacity is finite. 10,000 passengers per hour is substantial, but peak-hour Causeway demand is larger still.

If your destination is central JB — JB Sentral, City Square, Komtar — the RTS will almost certainly become your default. For everywhere else, the bus network remains the practical option. Our complete guide to buses from Singapore to JB covers every current route.

Frequently asked questions

Will the RTS Link replace the Causeway?

No. The road Causeway stays open for cars, motorcycles, buses and lorries. The RTS adds rail capacity alongside it.

Can I use an EZ-Link or Touch ‘n Go card?

Ticketing details have not been finalised. Expect an announcement alongside the fare structure.

How do I get to Woodlands North?

Woodlands North is on the Thomson–East Coast Line (TE1), so it is reachable directly by MRT.

Last updated September 2026. Opening date and fares are targets, not confirmed figures — we will update this page when the joint announcement is made.