The RTS Era is Coming: Here’s Why Johor Bahru Will Be More Than Just a Stopover
By the end of 2026, travelling between Singapore and Johor Bahru will change forever.
Check out the actual RTS progress here !
The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with the journey between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar taking only around 5 minutes. Combined immigration clearance at the departure station will also make crossing the border much smoother than today.
For many Singaporeans, that means spontaneous trips to Johor Bahru become easier than ever.
But here’s the interesting part.
The RTS isn’t just about getting into JB faster.
It’s about what happens after you arrive.
Johor Bahru Is No Longer Just About Shopping
For years, many visitors crossed the Causeway mainly for:
- Cafés
- Shopping malls
- Massage
- Local food
Those attractions remain popular, but Johor is rapidly becoming much more.
Today, visitors are exploring destinations well beyond the city centre:
- Mount Austin’s vibrant café scene
- Eco Botanic and Iskandar Puteri
- Johor Premium Outlets
- Desaru Coast
- Kota Tinggi
- Family attractions throughout Johor
The RTS makes reaching Johor easier.
Getting around Johor still requires good transport.
The “Last Mile” Matters More Than Ever
Imagine this.
You arrive at Bukit Chagar Station with:
- Two young children
- Four shopping bags
- Elderly parents
- A hotel reservation 25 minutes away
- Dinner booked across town
At that point, the journey isn’t over.
It’s just beginning.
Whether you’re heading to a hotel, a golf course, Legoland, Mount Austin, or even Desaru, comfortable transport becomes the difference between a relaxing holiday and a stressful one.
Many travellers will still need reliable transport for:
- Hotel transfers
- Day trips around Johor
- Multi-stop sightseeing
- Shopping itineraries
- Airport transfers
- Cross-border journeys
One Day. Multiple Destinations
One of the biggest advantages of travelling by private vehicle is flexibility.
Instead of rushing between buses or waiting for ride-hailing services, you can plan a day exactly the way you want.
For example:
Morning
- Pick up from RTS Bukit Chagar
- Breakfast at a local café
Afternoon
- Johor Premium Outlets
- Lunch
- Eco Botanic or Mount Austin
Evening
- Seafood dinner
- Return to RTS Station or hotel
No parking worries.
No carrying shopping bags around all day.
No figuring out unfamiliar bus routes.
Just enjoy Johor at your own pace.
Cross-Border Travel Still Has Its Place
While the RTS will transform daily commuting, not every journey starts or ends at the station.
Many travellers will still prefer direct transport for:
- Singapore hotels to Johor hotels
- Changi Airport to Johor
- Johor to Singapore attractions
- Business meetings
- Large families with luggage
- Elderly travellers seeking door-to-door convenience
For these journeys, direct private transfers remain one of the most comfortable options.
The Future of Travel Is About Choice
The arrival of the RTS is fantastic news for both Singapore and Malaysia.
Instead of replacing existing transport, it creates more choices.
Some travellers will take the train and continue with local transport.
Others will still prefer direct cross-border private transfers.
Many visitors may even combine both—taking the RTS into Johor before booking a private vehicle for a full-day adventure around the state.
The important thing is this:
Travelling becomes easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
And that’s good news for everyone.
Planning Your Johor Adventure?
Whether you’re arriving via the upcoming RTS Link or travelling directly between Singapore and Malaysia, having reliable transport lets you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your trip.
From city exploration to full-day itineraries across Johor, a comfortable private vehicle gives you the flexibility to travel on your own schedule—especially if you’re travelling with family, friends, or luggage.
At BookMyTaxi.my, we’re excited to welcome the next generation of travellers and help make every journey around Johor as smooth as the RTS promises to make the border crossing.
Ready to explore beyond the station? Your Johor adventure starts the moment you arrive. WhatsApp us to find out more on the reservation.


