Short answer: The RTS Link is a cross-border rail line between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore. As of 7 October 2026, passenger service is expected in February 2027 (joint statement by Malaysia’s Transport Ministry and Singapore’s LTA on 2 October 2026), subject to safety certification and approvals. Fares have not been officially announced.
Last verified: 7 October 2026. Dates and fares can change, so check the official announcements from the Malaysian and Singapore governments before you plan around them.
What is the RTS Link?
It is a shuttle rail line of about 4 km that crosses the Johor Strait between two stations: Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore. Reports describe a journey of about 5 minutes between the stations.
Each station is planned to have customs, immigration and quarantine facilities. That means passengers clear checks at departure, instead of using the existing JB CIQ at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar.
When will it open?
- Reported target: February 2027, according to a joint statement by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport and Singapore’s LTA on 2 October 2026 (The Star; Malay Mail).
- Status: the Malaysian Transport Minister said the opening date and fare would be announced jointly with Singapore soon. We found no formal delay announcement and no official confirmation of the date.
- Earlier reports: earlier articles gave December 2026, and in August 2026 The Star reported 1 January 2027, so the date has moved more than once. Treat any date as a target.
What will the fare be?
Reports give a range of about S$5 to S$7 one way, roughly RM 15.50 to RM 21.70. The fare is not final: a proposal was still going through approval by both governments as of August 2026.
How many people can it carry?
Reporting cites a capacity of about 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction, with about 40,000 daily passengers expected at launch.
What does it mean for property buyers?
For buyers who work in Singapore, a short rail link at Bukit Chagar could make the commute simpler than the current CIQ route, and projects near Bukit Chagar and JB city centre are marketed on that basis. But:
- Check the walking distance from a project to the station, not just the straight-line distance in a brochure.
- Do not assume that a rail link guarantees price growth or rental demand. Compare the project’s price with nearby completed buildings.
- Check the opening date again before you rely on it for a commute plan or a rental projection.
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone has been announced alongside the RTS Link. Its published tax incentives are mainly for qualifying companies, not for individual home buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the RTS Link open yet?
Not as of 7 October 2026. The target is now February 2027 and could still change.
Where is the Johor Bahru station?
At Bukit Chagar, in Johor Bahru city centre. Reports say it links to JB Sentral and local transport.
How much will a ticket cost?
About S$5 to S$7 one way is the reported range, and the fare is still pending approval.
Will the RTS Link replace the Causeway?
No. It adds a rail option, and the Causeway and Second Link remain open.
Sources
- The Star, 18 August 2026: RTS Link fare and opening date to be announced jointly (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/18/rts-link-fare-opening-date-to-be-announced-jointly-by-malaysia-and-singapore-says-loke)
- Malay Mail, 3 April 2026: fare proposal (https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/04/03/rts-link-fare-proposal-to-be-presented-by-q3-says-loke/214955)
- Mothership, 15 February 2026: fare range (https://mothership.sg/2026/02/johor-singapore-rts-fares/)
- Johor-Singapore SEZ official site (https://www.js-sez.com.my/about-js-sez/)
Looking at projects near Bukit Chagar? WhatsApp us and we will send the walking distance and current availability for each one.
