Short answer: The RTS Link is a 4 km shuttle between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore, with a journey of about five minutes. On 2 October 2026 Malaysia’s Transport Ministry and Singapore’s LTA said passenger service is now expected in February 2027, later than the January 2027 target reported in August. Fares have not been officially announced; a minister’s earlier estimate was RM15 to RM22 per trip. Buy near the RTS only if the walking route, the border-crossing process and the price still make sense without relying on the opening date.

Last verified: 6 October 2026. This is a planning guide, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and prices change, so check the official sources.

No. As of 6 October 2026 it is not carrying passengers. The latest official position is a joint statement by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority on 2 October 2026 (reported by The Star, Malay Mail and Mothership): passenger service is now expected in February 2027. The operator, RTS Operations (RTSO), says it first needs to finish system tests and trial runs by 31 December 2026, then obtain independent safety certification, then approval from both governments.

This is a change from the earlier target. In August 2026 The Star reported a January 2027 launch, and Singapore’s Ministry of Transport said in June 2025 the target was December 2026. Mothership notes the project was originally scheduled for 2024. Treat any single opening date as a target, not a promise. Our general explainer is in RTS Link Johor Bahru to Singapore.

Where is the station on the Johor side?

The Johor station is Bukit Chagar, in Johor Bahru city. There are only two stations: Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North. Wikipedia describes a planned walkway of about 400 m from Bukit Chagar to JB Sentral, and The Star reported in August 2026 that the federal government approved a RM60 million link bridge to connect Bukit Chagar to KTM JB Sentral, expected to take about 12 months to build. Going by that timeline, the bridge would not be ready when the line opens.

Immigration is co-located at both stations, so passengers clear immigration at the departure station (Singapore MOT, June 2025). The Star reported in August 2026 that the Bukit Chagar complex is physically complete.

Fares are not official. In February 2026 Transport Minister Anthony Loke gave an estimate of RM15 to RM22 per trip (about S$5 to S$7) and said actual fares were expected in the second half of 2026 (as reported by Carz). Fares are set by RTSO on commercial principles. As of 6 October 2026 we could not find an announced fare.

Official capacity is up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, with eight four-car trains at the start (Singapore MOT). Malaysian officials have talked about roughly 40,000 passengers a day once operating (The Star, August 2026). That is a projection, not actual ridership.

How far are typical areas from the RTS station?

We have not verified exact walking or driving times from Bukit Chagar to individual projects, so measure them yourself on a map and walk the route at peak hours.

Our existing projects in the city centre include Exsim Causewayz Square (a short walk from JB CIQ) and R&F Princess Cove Phase 3 (about 650m from JB CIQ). Those distances are to CIQ, not to the RTS station. Ask us for the walking route to Bukit Chagar, and see the current price list on WhatsApp.

What should I check before buying a property near the RTS?

  1. The real walking route. Not the straight-line distance. Check crossings, slopes, shade and whether it is safe at night.
  2. Border crossing time. The RTS handles immigration at the station, but you still need to get to it. Compare it with the existing CIQ and Causeway route for your own schedule. See commute from Johor to Singapore.
  3. Noise and traffic. Stations and main roads bring traffic and noise. Visit at rush hour.
  4. Is the news already in the price? Compare asking prices and rents with completed buildings nearby. A rail link does not guarantee price growth or rental demand. See how to check a project.
  5. Supply nearby. Many serviced apartments are being built in Johor. A glut of similar units can hurt rent and resale.
  6. Your plan if the date slips again. Can you carry the loan and costs for an extra year without relying on the line?

Who can buy and what does it cost?

Foreign buyers in Johor face state minimum price rules, state consent and a levy. See foreigners buying property in Johor and foreign buyer costs. Singapore-based buyers may also want the guide for Singaporean buyers and the Johor-Singapore SEZ guide. For a lower-budget angle see condos under RM500k.

Frequently asked questions

Passenger service is now expected in February 2027, according to a joint statement from Malaysia’s Transport Ministry and Singapore’s LTA on 2 October 2026. It depends on test completion, safety certification and approvals, so it could move again.

Where is the RTS station in Johor Bahru?

At Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru city, connected across the border to Woodlands North in Singapore. The journey takes about five minutes.

Not officially announced as of 6 October 2026. In February 2026 the Malaysian Transport Minister estimated RM15 to RM22 (about S$5 to S$7) per trip.

Nobody can promise that. A rail link may help demand, but the price may already include the news and Johor has a lot of new supply. Compare with completed buildings nearby.

Is it better to buy near CIQ or near the RTS?

It depends on your route and daily routine. Test both at the time you would actually travel, and check the real walking route for each.

Do I still need a VEP if I drive to Singapore?

The RTS is a passenger rail service. If you drive a Singapore-registered car into Malaysia, vehicle rules still apply, so see our commute guide.

Sources