Woodlands Train Checkpoint

Ever since living in Singapore, I always took trips via bus from Woodlands bus interchange to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and all those travel experience were often faced with horrible long queues.

Starting at bus interchange queue, then traffic jam on the way to Woodlands checkpoint, then at immigration checkpoints of both SG and JB immigration it easily takes 1-2 hrs, after exhausting all my patience and energy, another stressful queue awaits at the bus stop to cross the bridge.

So after hearing the advice from friends, I was excited to try the railroad train station.  I have booked my seat online at KTM website, priced at 5 Sgd.

From: Singapore > Woodlands CIQ
To: JB Sentral

Time available :

Planned my itinerary as:

Marsiling - Woodlands Train Checkpoint - JB Central
JB Checkpoint - Woodlands Checkpoint - Kranji

On the day of my trip, the day was gloomy with heavy rain downpour.  Good thing all the walkway from Marsiling MRT station until the bus stop across were fully covered.  Took bus 856 -

After 3 stops, I arrived at the train checkpoint!

Then after alighting the bus, just follow the sidewalk that leads to the train station. At the entrance, do not take the stairs yet, turn right at the ground floor and proceed to ticketing office to exchange your online printout ticket with the official train ticket.

Be sure to reach the entry point 30 minutes ahead of your train departure. I saw some passengers holding their online printed tickets with stamp on, because of the lack of time to queue for exchanging to office train stub.

After obtaining the ticket, proceed to the 2nd level, and lookout for the leftmost queue which is the entry point for the train departure hall.

I almost walk past this queue because several people are walking straight to the right turn, which leads to the Woodlands checkpoint (for those who want to cross via foot or bus).

After security check, just follow the arrow signs until you reach the Singapore immigration desks, then few meters away is the Malaysia immigration desk. Mandatory luggage scanning awaits after. Then the Grey/Black train awaits for you.

Once the horn sounds "Choo choo!" , the train starts to move slowly, then 5 minutes later you have reach the other side of the bridge. 

Apparently the train station at JB Sentral is near the Shopping mall, hence less walking distance.

New attractions at JB Sentral is the Angry Bird Theme Park:

Free entry for children less than 3 years old!

Another travel tip is, to cross the bridge after immigration, there are several alternatives: SMRT Bus, SBS Bus, Blue Buses, by Foot. Fastest mode of transport among these are the Blue Buses (just pay 2 MYR).  

If 5 SGD train fare is too much for you, and yet you still want to avoid heavy traffic, then I suggest you go during weekdays (monday to friday) on off peak hours.  

From Kranji MRT take bus 170X, to Woodlands Checkpoint is just a breeze 30 mins.
Hope this travel blog helped you in some sorts.  Write down your comments / feedback below.