For those planning to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru by train, your journey will start at Woodlands Train Checkpoint. This is where you can board the KTMB Shuttle Tebrau, which ferries passengers across the Singapore-Malaysia border.
Woodlands Train Checkpoint is more than just a train station; it also operates as a crucial immigration and customs point for both countries. Before you can proceed with your journey, you'll need to undergo security, immigration, and customs inspections at this checkpoint.
A common challenge for travelers is the lack of a direct MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) connection to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, which often leads to confusion regarding alternative transportation options.
To help alleviate this confusion, I'll be sharing several effective ways to reach the checkpoint, specifically focusing on combinations of MRT and bus travel.
The first step is head to Woodlands MRT Station. Situated on both the North-South Line, marked in red, and the Thomson-East Coast Line, indicated in brown, this station serves as a crucial transit point. Upon arrival here, we will switch from the train to a bus for the next leg of our journey.
Located at Singapore's northern suburbs, the station is a bit of a distance from the city center. Given this, it's important to allow sufficient time to align with the train departure times at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, so you can have a smooth and timely journey.
Once you reach Woodlands MRT station, find your way to the Woodlands Bus Interchange located within the same complex. Look out for signs featuring bus symbols or those marked "Bus Interchange," which will guide you to the bus terminal.
Though the bus terminal was so busy, it remains comfortable due to its expansive size and well-equipped facilities. Within the terminal, you'll find numerous berths or departure gates that are labeled with the number of the bus that stops there.
The terminal's directional signage is comprehensive, so you can be guided right from the moment you step off the escalator. You'll notice indicators of bus routes and numbers prominently displayed on the floor of the terminal, making navigation straightforward.
The next step is to decide which bus will take you to Woodlands Train Checkpoint. You have six options, each with its unique route and journey time:
Buses 911 and 911T can be found at Berth B12. These routes have the fewest stops, with only six before reaching the checkpoint. They are also quite prompt, arriving approximately every 2 to 7 minutes.
Bus 856 waits at Berth B11 and, like the previous option, makes only six stops. However, it takes slightly longer to reach its destination, with an estimated arrival time of 6 to 10 minutes.
Additionally, you can catch Bus 856 at a stop near Marsiling MRT station, one stop away from Woodlands MRT. The stop at this station is closer to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Nevertheless, boarding at Woodlands bus station is often more convenient, particularly in inclement weather. Also, be aware that Bus 856 tends to be crowded with passengers when boarding from Marsiling station.
Located at Berth B4, Bus 903 may not be the best choice if you're in a hurry. It makes ten stops before arriving at the checkpoint.
Finally, Buses 912 and 912B, also stationed at Berth B12, provide another viable option. These buses make 11 stops en route to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.
Next, wait at the designated Berth for that particular bus. Each berth is equipped with a specific queue line corresponding to different bus numbers, so it's important to ensure you're in the correct line.
Upon the bus's arrival, you can board through the front door, using your EZ-Link card to tap in. The boarding process is identical to that of other buses in Singapore. The buses here vary in style, with some being single-decker and others double-decker.
Once you're on the bus, feel free to take a seat if one is available. However, if you have large items like suitcases, it might be more practical to stand in the middle area of the bus, as there's no dedicated storage space.
The bus ride to Woodlands Train Checkpoint will take about 15 to 30 minutes. Upon reaching the bus stop near the checkpoint, you can disembark by tapping your EZ-Link card at the exit reader.
After getting off the bus, you can head straight into the station area if you already have your train ticket. If you need to buy a ticket, you can do so at the KTMB Ticketing Office, which is conveniently located at the station entrance.
Besides the six buses previously mentioned, there are two additional buses that can take you to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, albeit via different routes:
Bus 170 is one of these options. It travels through several MRT stations before reaching the checkpoint, including Rochor, Little India, Newton, Stevens, Botanic Gardens, Tan Kah Kee, Sixth Ave, King Albert Park, Beauty World, Hillview, Cashew, Bukit Panjang, and Kranji.
It's important to note that after stopping at Woodlands Train Checkpoint, Bus 170 continues its journey to Johor Bahru. If your plan is to cross into Malaysia by bus, this makes Bus 170 an ideal choice for a direct route.
Bus 178 is another option because it makes several stops near MRT stations on its way to the checkpoint. These stations include Hillview, Cashew, Bukit Panjang, and Kranji.
These buses provide additional choices for reaching Woodlands Train Checkpoint. Select the most convenient and nearest option from your current location to ensure you arrive at your destination promptly.
