Malaysia’s Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link tickets expected at US$4–5.5

Although they are unlikely to match the affordability of public transport in Kuala Lumpur, the cross-border rail service is expected to remain more cost-effective than driving to Singapore by car, Loke said, adding that final RTS fares will be announced in the second half of 2026, as reported by Channel News Asia.

Currently, Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia face a toll charge of RM20 (US$5.10).

Additionally, foreign-registered cars entering Tuas Checkpoint pay a toll of S$2.10, or S$0.80 when leaving via Woodlands Checkpoint, according to Singapore’s Land Transport Authority. A reciprocal charge of S$6.40 per entry is also levied on foreign vehicles entering Singapore.

The RTS Link is expected to commence operations by year end, with a direct connection to Woodlands North MRT station on Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast Line. However, Loke emphasized that the Malaysian government will not subsidize Singapore commuters, making the implementation of monthly passes or discounts “difficult.”

Reactions to the fare range have been mixed within the Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossers Facebook group, which mainly consists of Malaysians working in Singapore.

While some members find the S$5 to S$7 fare high compared to bus services, which offer more stop options in Singapore, others argue it is necessary to manage demand and compete with alternative options, such as personal vehicles. The cost of entering Singapore by car is expected to rise, particularly with higher vehicle entry permit rates for foreign-registered vehicles from January 1, 2027.

The RTS Link is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 commuters per hour in each direction during peak periods. On Feb. 12, the Malaysian Parliament passed the RTS Link Bill, which introduces a single immigration clearance concept designed to reduce travel time from Johor Bahru to Singapore to just five minutes.