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On our way back to Singapore, we took the KTM train back from Johor Bahru instead of the bus. We booked our tickets online in advance because we heard that train tickets can sell out quickly, especially during busy periods. The ticket price was only RM5 for adults, making it a very affordable travel option. This quick train ride was actually one of the final legs of our 9-day Singapore-Malaysia itinerary, where we explored the best spots across both Malaysia and Singapore.
Staying Connected Across the Border: Klook Southeast Asia eSIM
Before making the crossing from Malaysia to Singapore, ensuring you have continuous internet access is a must. If you are traveling between both countries, I highly recommend grabbing a Klook Southeast Asia eSIM.
Instead of dealing with physical SIM cards or buying separate plans for each country, this digital SIM gives you instant multi-country data access across Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- Instant Activation: You can purchase and activate it in under 5 minutes.
- Keep Your Original Number: Because it’s an eSIM, your physical home SIM card stays active in your phone, so you won’t miss important text messages or 2FA authentications.
- Flexible Data Plans: They offer budget-friendly options ranging from fixed data allocations to daily unlimited packages, completely eliminating costly data roaming fees.
Just make sure to check if your smartphone is eSIM-compatible before booking, and you’re good to go!
Boarding the Train
At JB Sentral, there are two platforms: Platform A and Platform B. The train heading to Singapore departs from Platform A. If you are unsure, you can always ask the staff at the ticket counter.
It is a good idea to arrive about 30 minutes before departure, so you have enough time to find your way around. There is also a waiting area in the middle of the station, which makes the process a little easier.
Instead of scanning a train ticket at the gate, I scanned my passport to enter the platform area. After that, we went down one level to clear Malaysian immigration. The process was fast and smooth for us, taking only about 5 to 10 minutes. There is also another small waiting area nearby.
I noticed there were security screening machines, but nobody seemed to be checking luggage at the time. Other passengers simply walked through without scanning their bags, so we did the same.
What It Was Like on the Train
The train has free seating, so there are no assigned seats. We noticed that many passengers were rushing to a certain part of the train, but we just got on and took the nearest available seats.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is limited space for large suitcases. The overhead storage is only suitable for small hand-carry luggage, so if you are traveling with large bags, this is something to consider before booking.
The train ride itself was very short, taking only about 5 minutes to arrive at Woodlands CIQ. When we got off, we realized we were at the far end of the station, and there was still a bit of a walk to the immigration entrance. That explained why some people were trying to choose specific coaches — they probably knew which ones were closer to the exit.
Before entering Singapore, we also filled out the SG Arrival Card (ICA form) online in advance. The immigration process was smooth, and we were able to use the e-gates, which made everything faster. Afterwards, we took Grab to V Hotel Bencoolen, where we will be staying. The hotel room is a bit small, but the location is unbeatable. It is within walking distance of two MRT lines (Downtown and Circle line), and direct buses to popular attractions.
Is the KTM train better than the bus?
Overall, I think taking the train is an excellent choice if you want a more predictable journey. The travel time is short, and you do not need to worry about traffic jams. That is a massive advantage, especially if you are crossing the border during a peak period.
The only downside is the luggage space. The train we took was quite spacious because there were only a few bags on board, but I am not sure how comfortable it would feel during rush hour or peak travel seasons.
So, if you are deciding between the bus and the train from Johor Bahru to Singapore, it really depends on what matters most to you. If you want more luggage space and a simpler boarding process, the bus may be better. If you prefer a predictable travel time and do not mind limited luggage space, the train is a great option.
For our bus experience, I wrote a separate post here.
Bus VS Train
If you are still torn between the two options, here is a quick breakdown of how they stack up against each other to help you decide what fits your travel style best.
Bus
- More luggage space; easier for bigger bags
- Travel time can be heavily affected by traffic jams
Train
- More predictable travel time, no traffic delay
- Limited space for large suitcases
