Going to Johor Bahru (JB) for food and shopping is a favorite weekend activity for many. However, nobody likes sitting in a bus or car for hours while stuck in traffic on the bridge.

The best way to skip the jam is to take the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train. It is a special train that zips across the water in just 5 minutes. Think of it like a “teleport” button that saves you from the long queues on the road.

Where Can I Buy JB Train Tickets?

The easiest and best way to buy your tickets is online. While there are ticket counters at the station, they are often sold out of tickets by the time you get there.

You have two main choices for buying online:

1. The Official Website: Visit the KTMB Integrated Ticketing System, also known as KITS.
2. The KTMB Mobile App: You can download this on your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Using the app or website is better because you can see exactly which times are still available. It also saves you a trip to the station just to check for seats.

Pro Tip: If you book a “Return” ticket (Singapore to JB and back), the system might charge you SGD 5 for each way. If you book them as two separate one-way trips, you can pay in Ringgit (RM) for the trip back and save some money!

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

The price of the ticket depends on which direction you are going.

• Singapore to JB: One-way costs MYR 16.10
• Singapore to JB and back: Two-way costs MYR 32.20
• JB to Singapore: One-way costs MYR 5.00

Because it is much cheaper to buy the return ticket from the Malaysia side, many people book two one-way tickets separately to save money.

How Often Does It Run?

The KTM Shuttle Tebrau is a very frequent service. On average, a train departs roughly every 30 to 75 minutes. While the journey itself only takes 5 minutes, the gaps between trains give passengers time to clear immigration on both sides.

Singapore to JB (Woodlands → JB Sentral)

There are 13 daily departures from Singapore. The first train starts in the morning, and they run late into the night.

Train service	Departure SG	Arrival JB
Shuttle Tebrau – 72	08:30	08:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 74	09:45	09:50
Shuttle Tebrau – 76	11:00	11:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 78	12:30	12:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 80	13:45	13:50
Shuttle Tebrau – 83	15:00	15:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 84	16:15	16:20
Shuttle Tebrau – 86	17:30	17:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 88	18:45	18:50
Shuttle Tebrau – 90	20:00	20:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 92	21:15	21:20
Shuttle Tebrau – 94	22:30	22:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 96	23:45	23:50

JB to Singapore (JB Sentral → Woodlands)

Returning from Malaysia is even easier, with 18 daily departures starting as early as 5:00 AM for commuters.

• Early Morning: Trains run every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 7:30 AM.
• Mid-day/Evening: After 8:45 AM, trains run every 60 to 90 minutes until the last train at 10:45 PM.

Train service	Departure JB	Arrival SG
Shuttle Tebrau – 61	05:00	05:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 63	05:30	05:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 65	06:00	06:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 67	06:30	06:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 69	07:00	07:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 71	07:30	07:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 73	08:45	08:50
Shuttle Tebrau – 75	10:00	10:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 77	11:30	11:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 79	12:45	12:50
Shuttle Tebrau – 81	14:00	14:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 83	15:15	15:20
Shuttle Tebrau – 85	16:30	16:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 87	17:45	17:50
Shuttle Tebrau – 89	19:00	19:05
Shuttle Tebrau – 91	20:15	20:20
Shuttle Tebrau – 93	21:30	21:35
Shuttle Tebrau – 95	22:45	22:50

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Ticket

Follow these simple steps to secure your seat:

1. Create an Account

Before you can buy a ticket, you need to sign up for a KITS account. You can use your email address or even link your Facebook or Google account to make it faster.

2. Search for Your Trip

On the main screen, choose your starting point and destination.

• Origin: Woodlands CIQ (Singapore)
• Destination: JB Sentral (Malaysia)
• Date: Pick the day you want to travel.

3. Choose Your Time

You will see a list of train timings. Some might be marked as “Sold Out” in red. Pick a time that works for you. Remember, the train leaves exactly on time!

4. Enter Passenger Details

This is a very important part. You must enter your Passport Number and the expiry date exactly as they appear in your passport. If the info is wrong, you might not be allowed to board the train.

5. Make Payment

You can pay using a credit card or a debit card. Once you pay, you will receive an e-ticket with a QR code. Save this on your phone or print it out.

What Should I Do on the Day of Travel?

The train leaves from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint. It is not the same as the regular bus checkpoint, though it is nearby.

• Arrive Early: Be there at least 30 to 45 minutes before your train departs.
• Clear Immigration: You will clear both Singapore and Malaysia immigration at the Woodlands station before you board the train.
• Gate Closing: The gates close 20 minutes before departure. If your train is at 10:00 AM, the gates close at 9:40 AM. If you are late, you cannot board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I buy a ticket at the station counter? Yes, but only if there are seats left. On weekends, the tickets are usually sold out long before the train arrives. It is much better to book online.

Do children need their own tickets? Yes. However, children aged 4 and below can travel for free. You must still go to the ticket counter at the station to register them before boarding.

Can I change my train time if I am late? No. Tickets are for a specific time only. If you miss your train, you will have to buy a new ticket (if available) or take a bus.Is my passport my boarding pass? In the new system, once you have booked your ticket online, scanning your passport at the gate often works as your “ticket.”

Conclusion

Buying a train ticket to Johor Bahru is the smartest way to travel. By using the KITS system and planning ahead, you can avoid the stress of traffic and start your holiday in just 5 minutes.

Ready to book but not sure which buttons to click? In our next blog, I will provide a Step-by-Step Visual Guide with Screenshots to walk you through the entire KTM app booking process.