[UPDATED JUNE’18]: The KTM Shuttle Tebrau To & Fro Johor Bahru

Ever since the SGD currency grew stronger compared to MYR currency to about S$1 to MYR3 in the last few months of 2015, my Johor Bahru (JB) day trips have become more frequent, even more than the trips I make to town these days haha. Some of you may think that it is a hassle to cross the usually-crowded causeway + clear the JB customs, especially on weekends and public holidays. But with the KTM Shuttle Tebrau in operation since 1 July 2015, going to JB need not be a tiring affair now.

In fact I have been approached by a handful of friends who were curious on whether I had tried this 5-min train ride after they read other popular lifestyle portals. So after some thoughts, I decided to write a post on the convenience of this train ride, so that you can refer to information from my blog, & not others. 😛

For about six months, there were limited trains plying between JB Sentral (station just beside the JB Customs) and Singapore Woodlands Checkpoint. But I’m glad that KTM finally decided to increase the frequency of its shuttle trains with effect from 17 January 2016! Here’s the latest schedule for your reference:

KTM Shuttle Tebrau wef 17/01/2016

Train tickets are priced at S$5 for Woodlands going to JB Sentral, and RM5 for JB Sentral returning to Woodlands. Yes, the price is higher compared to taking public bus to cross the causeway, but for a short 5-min ride on the train, you will reach your destination before you know it, isn’t that great? It also saves you the hassle of having to alight & join the long queue again to board the bus before you reach your destination.

Photos on top show the train platform at JB Sentral, while bottom photo is the train ticket + the view along the 5-min ride

To me, it is also much more comfortable than having to jostle with everyone else on the bus because you will definitely get a seat on the train. But just a recommendation that you should be at the station about half an hour before the train departs as it is free seating. If you prefer a seat with view, sit on the right side (for train heading back to Woodlands), just like what you see above. Maybe you can also have a “laugh” at those stuck along the causeway? Just kidding 😉 Remember the train does not wait for you, it will depart on time, so be punctual!

Recently, I found out that online booking of KTM Shuttle Tebrau tickets is available at http://www.easybook.com/train, with no minimum purchase required. I haven’t tried online purchase before as there was a minimum purchase required of $20 previously, but I usually go with group with less than 4 pax, so I have always been buying tickets over the counter at the station on weekdays. Weekend & public holiday tickets sell out fast so it’s OK to be kiasu to buy in advance! Time to try & plan the next fun day out at JB!

Hope the information I’ve provided helps 🙂

[UPDATES]

With effect from 1 July 2016, passenger’s name & identity card or passport no. will be printed on the train ticket. Therefore, you are required to present your identity card or passport for ticket purchase as well as before entry into the station for inspection of tickets.

Announcement at the KTM Shuttle Tebrau ticket booth

For those who purchase their tickets online, you’ll be asked to exchange for the original ticket at the counter with your e-ticket before you’re allowed to board. So do buffer some time for the ticket exchange.

As of MAY 2017, KTM Shuttle Tebrau has put in place gantries at the JB Sentral gate, where you need to scan the QR Code on your printed ticket to enter. In addition, you are also required to present your passport for purchasing ticket at the counter, as they will input your passport details on the ticket, just like how it goes when you make an online purchase. If you purchase your tickets online, you can use the QR Code of your mobile ticket to scan and enter. The entrance to the train checkpoint at Singapore side is still guarded manually though. I guess this would be replaced in future like the JB Sentral entrance to checkpoint.

Good news! With effect from 13 February 2018, KTM Shuttle Tebrau has further increased its train frequency to 17 times a day from JB Sentral to Woodlands & 14 times a day from Woodlands to JB Sentral. See below image for the updated train schedule. 🙂