MICCI: RTS Link a game changer giving businesses cross-border certainty
Speaking at MICCI Southern Region's monthly get-together in Johor Baru, held in partnership with Astaka Padu Sdn Bhd, chairman Lee Ting Kiat...
Last verified:
Targeted opening: end 2026 / Jan 2027
Woodlands to JB in five minutes.
The Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link is almost here. One site for the opening date, fares, how to cross, the latest news — and where to eat on both sides.
166days
00hours
00mins
NOT FINAL Counting to 1 Jan 2027 (Malaysia's framing). Singapore targets Dec 2026. No official date confirmed yet.
4kmroute length
~5minstation-to-station
10,000pax / hr / direction
607pax per train
3.6minpeak headway
6am–12amdaily service
Figures: LTA & MRT Corp, as of Jul 2026.
THE 4-KILOMETRE BORDER RUN
Two stations, no stops, both countries' customs under one roof
The RTS Link is a 4 km cross-border shuttle between Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North station in Singapore, crossing the Strait of Johor on a 25-metre-high marine viaduct. Two termini, no intermediate stops, about five minutes station to station.
It is run by RTS Operations (RTSO) — a Prasarana Malaysia and SMRT joint venture on a 30-year concession — while each government funds, builds and owns the civil infrastructure on its own side: LTA in Singapore, MRTS (an MRT Corp subsidiary) in Malaysia.
The point of it all: to absorb at least 35% of traffic off the Johor–Singapore Causeway, one of the world's busiest land borders at roughly 300,000–400,000 crossings a day.
- Stations
- Bukit Chagar (elevated) & Woodlands North (underground)
- Trains
- 8 driverless CRRC 4-car sets
- Signalling
- Siemens CBTC, GoA4
- Depot
- Wadi Hana, JB
Crossing today?
The RTS isn't open yet — use KTM Shuttle Tebrau or Causeway buses. Our guides mark what still applies now.
CO-LOCATED IMMIGRATION
Clear both borders before you board
The RTS's killer feature: clear Singapore AND Malaysia formalities at your departure station, walk straight out on arrival.
Clear out + in, once
Both countries' CIQ formalities happen at your departure station — Singapore exit and Malaysia entry at Woodlands North, mirrored at Bukit Chagar.
Ride 5 minutes
Eight driverless trains run 6am to midnight, as often as every 3.6 minutes at peak — up to 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction.
Walk straight out
No arrival queue — you're already cleared. Officers may run selective customs or security checks on arrival.
LATEST
The project, this month
Tharman frames RTS + JS-SEZ as economic alignment; study sees RM3.3b annual JB spending boost
Concluding his state visit to Malaysia (12–15 Jul), President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the JS-SEZ and RTS Link will deepen economic compl...
Woodlands Gateway tender: 5.66ha RTS-linked transport hub, completion ~2030
JTC Corporation tender documents reported by The Straits Times on 13 Jul 2026 detail a 5.66-hectare mixed-use transport hub at Woodlands Gat...
FROM SINGAPORE
Eat your way through JB
16 verified spots — banana cake queues, curry fish head, supper streets — timed from Bukit Chagar station.
- Warung Roti Canai Bukit Chagar — Roti canai from RM1.50; “bird's nest” roti...
- Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head — Curry fish head pot — rich and lemak; add...
- Medan Selera Meldrum Walk — Open-air hawker lane: oyster omelette, sat...
FROM MALAYSIA
Taste Singapore's icons
13 picks for visitors — north-side hawker gems near the RTS plus the Michelin-name classics.
- Marsiling Mall Hawker Centre — Yan Ji Seafood Soup (40-year stall, from ~...
- Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre — Yassin Kampung zi char, Yew Kee braised du...
- White Restaurant — Original Sembawang White Beehoon — The original white beehoon (from ~S$8)