How To Cross From Singapore To JB Faster: 11 Tips For Speeding Through SG JB Customs

Lengthy queues and waiting time at SG and JB customs is the bane of every traveller’s existence.

So how to cross from Singapore to Johor Bahru faster?

As frequent travellers, we’ve discovered some tips and tricks to breeze both SG and MY checkpoints.

And we want to share them with you!

Because who wouldn’t want shorter queues?

 

Overview

The tips in this guide are for those travelling on public buses or coaches, as you would have to alight and undergo clearance at both Singapore & Johor Bahru customs. Read on to find out more!

Before Crossing Singapore to JB Customs

No one wants to waste precious hours just trying to cross SG to Malaysia customs. Here are a couple of pointers on how you can save time:

 

1. Avoid Peak Hours

Choosing to travel during peak hours and peak travel seasons means longer overall travel time.

You’ll be spending most of the time stuck in traffic jams. Expect to stand longer in lines at both SG & JB customs as well. Overall, it can take up to 2-4 hours just to cross the border!

Read Also: Best App To Check Causeway Traffic

 

2. Travel Light

After clearing JB immigration, you’ll have to undergo luggage checks. Any towed or big luggage bags will have to go through the X-ray scanner.

So unless you need to bring heavy luggage, try to pack only a small bag with the essentials.

But if you do have a lot to bring with you, taking a taxi from Singapore to JB would be less of a hassle compared to a public bus.

When you’re in a private taxi, all immigration and customs checks are done inside the car itself. There’s no need for you to get down with your luggage.

 

 

 

Transportation From Singapore Tips

While public transport is a favored option because of its low cost and accessibility, it can also get very crowded. But there are ways to work around that:

 

3. Skip Kranji MRT Station

Kranji MRT Station is a popular start-off point for those crossing the border. It’s where many travellers hop on the equally popular Causeway Link CW1 or SBS 170x buses.

But lines for these buses can snake around Kranji MRT bus stop during peak hours, resulting in long wait times.

Read Also: What Bus To Take From Kranji To JB

You can stay away from Kranji MRT station during peak hours by:

• Taking SBS 160/170 at bus stops before Kranji MRT.
• Using other bus services (e.g. CW2, CW5, SMRT 950, AC7) to get to Woodlands Checkpoint.
• Taking SBS 170 or SMRT 178 to Woodlands Train Checkpoint, then walking over to Woodlands Checkpoint.

 

4. Take The Train From Singapore To JB

Alternatively, to skip peak period traffic jams at the SG-MY border, catch the 5-minute KTM Shuttle Tebrau from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to JB Sentral.

Keep in mind, though, that using the KTM Shuttle Tebrau during off-peak hours might actually take longer to cross the border than public buses!

So it’s only worth taking the train to JB when you’re trying to avoid the rush hour congestion from SG to JB customs.

Read also: Train From JB To Singapore

 

 

5. Queue In The Left Lane (if taking Bus SBS 160 /170 /170X /SMRT 950)

After clearing Singapore immigration at Woodlands Checkpoint, head down to the bus bay.

For those taking SBS 160, 170, 170X, or SMRT 950, you will board the bus at the

1. i) left-most lane via the front entrance and
2. ii) the two right lanes via the back entrance.

 

Also read: How To Go JB From Woodlands

During peak hours, long queues build at all lanes. However, the queue in the left lane might be shorter than the others because it’s the only one boarding from the front entrance.

 

Immigration Clearance Tips At Woodlands Checkpoint

You might encounter hiccups at the SG checkpoint due to unfamiliarity with the rules. For Singaporeans with biometric passports, here’s how to cross Woodlands Checkpoint quicker.

 

 

Also read: How To Take Bus From Woodlands Checkpoint To JB

 

6. Use Automated Gantries Further to the Sides

It’ll be quicker to use Automated Clearance Systems (ACS) to go through immigration clearance instead of manual counters, which have longer queues.

Read Also: How To Use A QR Code To Clear Immigration At Singapore’s Land Checkpoints

At Woodlands, manual immigration counters are located in the centre of both arrival and departure halls. ACS can be found at the sides.

But don’t make the mistake of using only the gantries reading “Singapore Citizens”. You can use any gantry under “All Passports”, especially if it has a shorter queue!

 

7. Wait & Press Down Passport to Scan 

If you’ve never used ACS before, you might not know how it works and therefore will waste time trying to get it right.

To ensure a smooth process:

1. Wait until the machine tells you to scan your passport.
2. Then, press down the profile page of your passport against the flashing screen. Hold it down until the scanning is complete.

 

8. Understand the Biometric Verification System

Next, you’ll encounter biometric scanners. It will scan your iris and face, and if both fail, you’ll be asked to scan your thumbprint instead.

Here’s some advice on getting it right:

1. Stand where indicated. Follow the footprint stickers on the floor.
2. Remove any facial coverings, such as a mask or glasses.
3. Stand still for the machine to scan your face.
4. Make sure your eyes are open wide and that you look directly into the lens of the scanner. Don’t squint.
5. Do not wear colored contacts.
6. If you have to scan your thumbprint, wait until you’re told before doing so.
7. Follow any and all instructions carefully.

 

Immigration Clearance Tips At JB Checkpoint

After getting through the SG checkpoint, you’ve reached the final step before entering Malaysia: clearing JB customs and immigration! Here’s how to expedite things:

 

9. Use Autogate JB (a.k.a. “ACS”, “auto-gates” or “electronic gates”)

Skip the lengthy JB customs queue by opting to use ACS or e-gates. Singapore passport holders now get to use ACS without needing first-time registration or submitting MDAC!

Just make sure to follow the instructions closely to avoid any hold-ups or, worse, failures.

If for some reason you can’t use the e-gates at JB customs, you’ll have to do manual immigration clearance instead.

Find out How To Use Autogate JB for Singapore Passport Holders.

 

 

10. Head for Manual Counters in Back Row

The manual counters at JB CIQ are arranged in two rows. Depending on the time or day, the line for the back row counters moves faster—but only if all counters are fully manned.

Read Also: How To Use A QR Code For Immigration Clearance At JB’s Land Checkpoints

 

11. Avoid Queues with Many Foreigners

Foreigners will take a longer time to clear immigration at Johor Bahru customs. This is because they have to undergo extra processing, such as answering questions.

Try to keep an eye and ear out to see if you’re queuing behind any large groups of foreigners. If you are, aim to get to another queue.