Johor Bahru Day Trip from Singapore: Tickets, Prices & Hours | Homejourney

Planning a Johor Bahru day trip from Singapore and confused about tickets, prices and opening hours? As a Singapore-based platform focused on safety and verified information, Homejourney has bundled everything you need into one practical guide – from cross-border tickets and transport options to key attractions, timings, and money-saving tips for your Johor Bahru (JB) day out.

This cluster guide supports our main cross-border lifestyle and property pillar, showing how a quick Malaysia trip fits into your larger decision to live, invest, or stay long-term in Singapore. If you are evaluating homes in the North (Woodlands, Yishun, Sembawang) or West (Jurong, Clementi), understanding the JB commute and border routine can be surprisingly useful.

Essential Snapshot: Johor Bahru Day Trip from Singapore

Quick summary for first-time visitors: A typical JB day trip from Singapore takes 8–12 hours door-to-door, including immigration. You will need a valid passport, Singapore departure and Malaysian entry, and pre-arranged transport tickets (bus, train or private car). Most malls and attractions in Johor Bahru City open around 10:00–11:00 and close at 21:30–22:00 (10:00–22:00 for major malls), making late-morning to evening the most practical visiting window.[4]

1. Cross-Border Transport Tickets, Prices & Schedules

From Singapore, you have four main ways to reach Johor Bahru for a day trip: public bus, cross-border train, private car/driver, or tour packages. Each has different ticketing, prices and timing considerations.

1.1 Public Bus from Woodlands or Tuas

For most budget-conscious visitors, cross-border buses are the default option.

Key routes (Woodlands Checkpoint): SBS Transit 160, 170, SMRT 950 from Kranji/Woodlands MRT to Johor Bahru CIQ (JB Sentral area).
Tuas route: Causeway Link CW3, CW4, CW6 for those staying in Jurong or the West (useful if you also plan to visit industrial estates or the Second Link area).
Typical fares: Around S$1.50–S$2.50 per leg on the Singapore side (EZ-Link/SimplyGo), plus a short Malaysian side bus fare in ringgit.
Operating hours: Most cross-border buses start around 5:00 and run until roughly 23:00, with frequency dropping late night. Exact times vary by operator and should be checked before travel.

Insider tip (from frequent commuters): If you are staying near the North-South Line, aim for Kranji MRT instead of Woodlands during peak weekend mornings – the bus passenger queues are often more orderly, and you can usually board faster, though total journey time will still depend on immigration congestion.

1.2 KTM Shuttle Tebrau Train Tickets

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau between Woodlands Train Checkpoint (Singapore) and JB Sentral (Malaysia) is the fastest and most predictable way across when tickets are available.[4]

Ticket price: Typically around SGD 5–6 one way from Singapore to JB (charged in SGD) and around RM5 for the reverse leg (bought in Malaysia).
Journey time: About 5 minutes on the train, but you must clear immigration at both ends.
Frequency: Multiple departures daily (often every 30–60 minutes during busier periods).
Booking: Tickets are sold via KTM’s official system and can sell out during weekends and public holidays.

Insider tip: For a JB day trip focused on city-centre shopping and cafés, the Shuttle Tebrau is ideal because you arrive directly at JB Sentral, connected by bridges to Johor Bahru City Square and KOMTAR JBCC malls. This saves 20–40 minutes of bus traffic and walking time.

1.3 Private Car & Tour Packages (Door-to-Door)

If you are travelling with family, elderly parents, or business associates, a private Johor Bahru day tour from Singapore can be far more comfortable. Many operators run 4–10 hour itineraries including major landmarks, temples, malls and food stops.[1][2][3][6]

Typical duration: 4-hour half day to 10-hour full-day tours.[1][2]
Pickup: Direct from your Singapore hotel or residence in an air-conditioned vehicle.[1][2]
Price range: Commonly S$150–S$500 per group depending on group size, route and inclusions.[1][2][5][8]
What’s usually included: Transport, driver/guide, cross-border vehicle permits; attractions and meals may be separate.[1][2]

As a local, this is my preferred option when travelling with young kids or seniors – you avoid long standing queues at bus bays, and someone familiar with the crossing procedures can guide you on paperwork, queue selection and timing.[2]

2. Key JB Attractions: Opening Hours & Indicative Prices

Johor Bahru offers everything from heritage streets and mosques to mega malls and family attractions. Below are commonly visited places that fit a one-day itinerary from Singapore. Always double-check details on the official site before your trip as timings and prices can change.

2.1 Johor Bahru City Centre (Heritage & Shopping)

Area: Around JB Sentral, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street[4]
Opening hours: Streets are open 24/7; shops, cafés and malls generally operate from about 10:00–22:00.[4]
What to do: Heritage shophouses, cafés, street murals, local bakeries, and malls like JB City Square for fashion and mobile accessories.
Admission: Free to walk; you only pay for shopping and food.

Photo spots: The Tan Hiok Nee street murals and shophouse facades, plus sunset views near the waterfront and city square.[4]

2.2 Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque & Royal Area

Many private tours include Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, the Royal Mausoleum, and Royal Palace surroundings for a cultural angle.[1][2][3]

Location: Hilltop area overlooking the Straits of Johor, a short drive from the city centre.
Opening hours: Generally open in the day, but non-Muslim visitors may be limited outside prayer times; some areas may close on Fridays.
Admission: Usually free, but modest dress is required and donations are appreciated.

Insider tip: If you are planning to take wide-angle photos, visit in the late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures. It can be extremely hot on the exposed grounds at midday.

2.3 Family Attractions (LEGOLAND Malaysia, Zoo, Water Parks)

For families on a JB day trip, popular options include LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor Zoo and water parks.[4][5][7]

LEGOLAND Malaysia (Nusajaya/Iskandar Puteri): Full-day theme park and water park; opening hours are typically around 10:00–18:00 with ticket prices in the range of RM200–RM300 for adults depending on seasonal promotions.[5][7]
Johor Zoo: A budget-friendly stop with animal exhibits; recognised as a popular day-trip attraction.[4]
Other parks: Austin Heights Water Park and Desaru Coast parks can be combined into longer day trips but usually require private transport.[4][7]

Homejourney tip: If you are exploring JB regularly with kids, staying in the Northwest of Singapore (Woodlands, Admiralty) or West (Clementi, Jurong East) can reduce travel time. You can explore neighbourhoods and new projects using Property Search and Projects Directory .

2.4 Evening Firefly Tours

Some tours combine city attractions with a Kota Tinggi firefly experience later in the day, including a boat ride through mangroves to view fireflies in the evening.[1][3]

Typical start: City attractions in late morning, firefly park around sunset onwards.[1][3]
Duration: 8–12 hours for a full day from Singapore.[1][3]
Ideal for: Visitors who have already done city shopping in JB and want something more nature-focused.[3]

3. How Long to Spend in Johor Bahru & Best Time to Go

From experience, a realistic JB day trip from Singapore looks like this:

Border crossing (each way): 45–120 minutes depending on time of day, crowd levels, and checkpoint (Woodlands vs Tuas).
Time in JB: For city centre shopping and food, plan at least 6 hours on the Malaysia side.
Total day length: 8–12 hours door-to-door from a Singapore hotel.

Best time to start: If you want to avoid the worst queues, aim to cross after the early morning rush (around 09:30–11:00) and return before 20:00, or wait until after the post-dinner crowd.

Seasonal considerations: Weekends, school holidays, and long public holiday weekends (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, National Day, etc.) can see crossing times stretch much longer. If you must travel then, private car or train is strongly recommended over bus.

4. Practical & Safety Tips for a JB Day Trip (Singapore Perspective)

4.1 Documents, Money & Connectivity

Passport validity: Malaysia generally requires at least 6 months passport validity on entry; check your passport before booking.
Visa: Many nationalities do not need a visa for short stays, but always confirm with official immigration sources before travel.
Currency: Use Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Some JB malls accept card payments easily, but small eateries and street stalls often prefer cash.
SIM/Wi-Fi: For smooth ticket confirmations and map usage, pick up a Singapore tourist SIM or Wi-Fi device and keep roaming ready before you travel. See our dedicated connectivity guides: 游客电话卡和WiFi亲子游指南：家庭出行必读 | Homejourney and Homejourney游客电话卡和WiFi游玩攻略：新加坡行程规划贴士 .

4.2 Health, Safety & Personal Security

Homejourney prioritises user safety, so we recommend:

Keep valuables secure: Use a crossbody bag, keep phones out of back pockets, and avoid flashing large amounts of cash in crowded areas.
Transport safety: Only use licensed taxis, recognised ride-hailing apps, or reputable tour operators. Avoid unofficial solicitations at checkpoints.
Food & water: Most popular JB malls and established eateries are fine; if you have a sensitive stomach, stick to cooked food and bottled water.
Weather: JB shares Singapore’s hot, humid, often rainy climate. Bring a light poncho or compact umbrella, especially during monsoon periods.

For more detailed cross-border safety guidance, see our dedicated guide: Johor Bahru Day Trip from Singapore: Safe Cross-Border Guide by Homejourney .

4.3 What to Wear & Bring

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothes, with something modest if you plan to visit mosques or temples (covered shoulders and knees).
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for city streets and mall hopping.
Essentials: Passport, small umbrella, power bank, reusable water bottle, tissue/wet wipes.
With kids: Pack snacks, a small toy or book, and keep hand sanitiser accessible for immigration queues.

5. Money-Saving Ideas for Your JB Day Trip

Use public transport where possible: Buses and the Shuttle Tebrau are much cheaper than private transfers; ideal for solo travellers or couples.
Plan free or low-cost activities: Heritage streets, waterfront views, and mosque exteriors are free to enjoy. Johor Zoo and some parks are also very affordable compared to full-scale theme parks.[4]
Eat local: Instead of chain restaurants, try neighbourhood kopitiams and food courts in JB malls. Prices are typically lower than Singapore, especially for local dishes.
Bundle attractions via official partners: For big-ticket attractions like LEGOLAND Malaysia, look out for seasonal promotions or combo tickets on authorised channels or tours.[5][7]

For travellers juggling Singapore attractions, it may still make sense to allocate budget to key local experiences like hawker centres and signature dishes. Our food-focused guides such as Chilli Crab in Singapore with Kids: Family Guide | Homejourney and Chilli Crab Singapore Itinerary: Plan Your Visit | Homejourney can help balance your Singapore–Malaysia dining plans.