If you’re moving to Singapore from Malaysia, understanding how to get around both countries is crucial. This Moving to Singapore from Getting Around Malaysia: Transport: Expat Guide breaks down Malaysia’s transport options (ETS train, buses, Grab) and how they connect to Singapore’s world-class public system. We’ll show you how to travel safely, affordably, and efficiently between Malaysia and Singapore, so you can focus on settling in and finding your ideal home.
At Homejourney, we know that reliable, safe transport is a top priority for expats and investors. That’s why we’ve created this practical, experience-based guide to help you navigate Malaysia’s transport network and transition smoothly into Singapore’s MRT and bus system. Whether you’re commuting from Johor Bahru or planning weekend trips back home, this guide gives you the tools to move with confidence.
Why This Guide Matters for Malaysia–Singapore Expats
Many of our users at Homejourney are Malaysians or expats who frequently travel between Malaysia and Singapore. They care about:
- How to get from Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru to Singapore quickly and safely
- Which Malaysia transport options (ETS, buses, Grab) are most reliable
- How to connect from Malaysia into Singapore’s MRT and bus network
- Costs, travel times, and safety tips for cross-border trips
This cluster article supports our main pillar guide, Getting Around Malaysia: Complete Transport Guide by Homejourney, by focusing specifically on the Malaysia–Singapore cross-border journey and how it fits into your life as an expat in Singapore.
Getting Around Malaysia: Key Transport Options
Before you move to Singapore, it’s helpful to understand how to get around Malaysia efficiently. Most expats use a mix of trains, buses, and ride-hailing apps to travel within Malaysia and to the border.
ETS Train: Fast, Comfortable Rail Travel
The ETS (Electric Train Service) is Malaysia’s fastest and most comfortable intercity train, operated by KTMB. It connects major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Johor Bahru.
- Routes: KL Sentral to JB Sentral (about 5–6 hours), with stops in major cities
- Classes: ETS Gold (more spacious, power sockets) and ETS Silver (standard seating)
- Fares: From RM 100–180 one way (KL–JB), depending on class and booking time
- Booking: Via KTMB website or app; book early for best prices and seats
For expats moving to Singapore, the ETS to JB Sentral is a great option if you’re coming from central or northern Malaysia. From JB Sentral, you can easily cross into Singapore via the Causeway or Second Link.
Buses Malaysia: Affordable and Extensive
Malaysia’s bus network is extensive and affordable, with operators like Transnasional, KKKL, and Aeroline serving almost every town and city.
- Long-distance: From KL to JB (2–3 hours), Penang to JB, and many other routes
- Fares: Typically RM 30–80 one way, depending on distance and operator
- Terminals: Major hubs include TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in KL and Larkin Terminal in JB
- Comfort: Many buses are air-conditioned with reclining seats; some offer Wi-Fi
Buses are ideal if you’re on a budget or traveling with luggage. For expats, buses from KL or Penang to JB are a common first step before crossing into Singapore.
Grab Malaysia: Convenient Ride-Hailing
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Malaysia, similar to Uber. It’s widely used for short trips, airport transfers, and even intercity travel (via GrabCar or GrabTaxi).
- Coverage: Available in KL, Penang, Johor Bahru, and most major towns
- Fares: Dynamic pricing; KL city trip ~RM 10–30, KLIA to KL city ~RM 50–80
- Payment: Cash or card; app shows estimated fare before booking
- Safety: Licensed drivers, in-app tracking, and SOS features
For expats, Grab is especially useful for getting to and from train stations, bus terminals, and airports. It’s also a safe, convenient option for late-night travel or when you’re carrying heavy bags.
Crossing from Malaysia to Singapore
Once you’re in Johor Bahru, you’ll need to cross into Singapore. The two main crossings are the Causeway and the Second Link.
Causeway (Woodlands Checkpoint)
The Causeway is the older, busier crossing between JB and Woodlands in Singapore.
- Options: Walk, bus, taxi, or private car
- Bus: Causeway Link CW1, CW2, CW3 from JB Larkin or JB Sentral to Woodlands MRT
- Walking: Possible but not recommended with heavy luggage; can take 30–45 minutes including immigration
- Peak times: Mornings and evenings; expect long queues at immigration
From Woodlands MRT, you can take the North–South Line (red) into central Singapore. This is the most common route for Malaysians commuting to work or visiting Singapore.
Second Link (Tuas Checkpoint)
The Second Link is a newer, less crowded crossing between Gelang Patah (JB) and Tuas in Singapore.
- Options: Bus, taxi, or private car
- Bus: Causeway Link CW6 from JB Sentral to Tuas Link MRT
- Advantages: Shorter queues, less traffic, better for drivers
- Disadvantages: Farther from central Singapore; fewer transport options on the Singapore side
The Second Link is a good choice if you’re driving or prefer a smoother, less congested crossing. From Tuas Link, you can take the East–West Line (green) into the city.
Getting Around Singapore: MRT, Buses & Taxis
Once in Singapore, you’ll rely on the MRT, buses, and ride-hailing apps like Grab. Singapore’s system is clean, efficient, and very safe – perfect for expats and families.
Singapore MRT: Your Daily Backbone
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the backbone of Singapore’s transport. It’s fast, reliable, and covers most of the island.
- Lines: North–South (red), East–West (green), Circle (orange), North East (purple), Downtown (blue), Thomson–East Coast (brown)
- Fares: From S$0.90–3.00 per trip, depending on distance
- Payment: EZ-Link card, NETS FlashPay, or contactless bank card/phone (SimplyGo)
- Tips: Avoid peak hours (7–9am, 5–8pm) if possible; use apps like Google Maps or MyTransport.SG to plan routes
For expats, living near an MRT station is a huge advantage. Popular expat areas like Orchard, Tiong Bahru, and Punggol are all well-connected by MRT.
Singapore Buses: Extensive and Affordable
Buses complement the MRT by reaching areas not served by trains. They’re affordable and run frequently.
- Fares: Similar to MRT, from S$0.90–3.00 per trip
- Payment: Same as MRT (EZ-Link, contactless card/phone)
- Apps: Use Google Maps, Citymapper, or MyTransport.SG to check routes and arrival times
- Tips: Board at the front, tap in; alight at the back, tap out; avoid peak hours if possible
Buses are great for short trips, school runs, and reaching HDB estates or industrial areas. Many expats use a mix of MRT and bus for daily commuting.
Grab Singapore: Comfort and Convenience
Grab is just as popular in Singapore as in Malaysia. It’s convenient for late-night trips, family outings, or when you’re carrying heavy items.
- Fares: From S$5–20 for short trips; surge pricing during peak times
- Payment: In-app (card or e-wallet); no cash needed
- Safety: Licensed drivers, in-app tracking, and SOS features
- Tips: Book in advance during peak hours; use GrabShare for cheaper rides
At Homejourney, we recommend using Grab for occasional trips, not daily commuting, to keep transport costs manageable. It’s also a safe, reliable option for new arrivals who aren’t yet familiar with public transport.
Practical Tips for Expats Moving from Malaysia
Here are some insider tips to make your move and daily life smoother:
- Get an EZ-Link card or set up SimplyGo on your phone as soon as you arrive in Singapore
- Use the same Grab account in both Malaysia and Singapore (same app, different country settings)
- Plan cross-border trips outside peak hours to avoid long queues at immigration
