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Table of Contents
▼If you’re traveling from Singapore to Malaysia, you’ll need to meet important entry requirements. This will help you avoid delays at the border.
In this guide, you’ll find information on how to travel from Singapore to Malaysia in 2025. You’ll learn about the required documents and the different transportation options available.
What Documents Do I Need To Travel to Malaysia From Singapore?
Before traveling, make sure you have the correct paperwork. To enter Malaysia, you’ll need a:
- Passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)*
- Visa for Malaysia (if required by your nationality)
- Currently, Singaporean citizens are exempt from the MDAC. However, almost all other foreign passport holders (including babies and children) must have one.
You might also need to present:
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Accommodation details in Malaysia
- Evidence of sufficient funds for their stay
How To Go to Malaysia From Singapore by Bus in 2025
For many travelers, taking a bus is a convenient way to travel from Singapore to Malaysia. You can buy tickets online or directly at the bus terminals.
The most popular bus departure points in Singapore are:
- Queen Street Bus Terminal
- Jurong East Bus Interchange
From here, bus routes go directly to Johor Bahru or further into Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Penang. The exact distance from Singapore to Malaysia by bus depends on your destination.
If you’re traveling by bus, you’ll go through two immigration checkpoints:
- Singapore immigration at Woodlands Checkpoint or Tuas Checkpoint
- Malaysia immigration at Johor Bahru Checkpoint or the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex
At both checkpoints, you’ll need to get off the bus with your luggage for immigration clearance. After you receive your exit and entry stamps, you’ll board the bus again to your final destination.
Can You Drive From Singapore to Malaysia?
Yes, you can drive from Singapore to Malaysia in 2025. The two main road links are:
- Johor-Singapore Causeway (via Woodlands Checkpoint)
- Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (via Tuas Checkpoint)
You must show your travel documents and the papers for your vehicle at both crossings. Immigration officers might also conduct a vehicle inspection. This process only takes a few minutes.
After you cross the border, you can easily continue your journey to other parts of Malaysia. Here’s an overview of the most popular destinations:
| City | Distance From Border | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| Johor Bahru | 3 miles (5 km) | 10-15 minutes |
| Malacca | 142 miles (230 km) | 3-4 hours |
| Kuala Lumpur | 217 miles (350 km) | 4-5 hours |
| Penang | 434 miles (700 km) | 8-9 hours |
What do you need to enter Malaysia with your car?
There are additional vehicle requirements if you’re driving from Singapore to Malaysia. All foreign drivers must have:
- Vehicle registration papers
- Proof of Malaysian vehicle insurance
- Driver’s license (or International Driving Permit)
- Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) with an RFID tag
Other Transportation Options To Travel From Singapore to Malaysia
You can also travel from Singapore to Malaysia by train, plane, or ferry. The best mode of transportation will depend on your travel plans.
Train from Singapore to Malaysia
The KTMB Shuttle Tebrau runs between Singapore’s Woodlands Train Checkpoint and Johor Bahru Sentral Station in Malaysia. One-way tickets cost SGD 5-10.
You complete immigration checks before boarding. From Johor Bahru, you can then take a long-distance train to other cities in Malaysia.
Plane
For longer journeys, flying is usually the quickest option. AirAsia offers direct flights to many Malaysian cities via Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu.
Flight times can vary. A flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur takes around 1 hour. Trips to East Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, typically last 2-2.5 hours.
Ferry
Ferry services connect Singapore with southern Malaysia. Common routes include Changi Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Belungkor and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to the Desaru Coast.
Fares are usually SGD 32-40 one way. Travel times vary by route, typically ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. Ferries are popular with visitors going to Johor’s beaches for a weekend getaway.
Can I Walk Across the Border Between Malaysia and Singapore?
Yes, you can walk across the border from Singapore to Malaysia via the Johor-Singapore Causeway. Keep in mind that you still need to complete immigration on both sides.
After clearing Singaporean immigration, follow the signs to the pedestrian exit. You’ll pass through a revolving gate and then descend a spiral staircase that leads to the Causeway.
The walk itself is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and usually takes around 30 minutes. Once you reach Johor Bahru and clear Malaysian immigration, you can catch a bus, train, or taxi to your final destination.
To avoid long queues, it’s best to cross during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or weekdays. There’s little shelter on the Causeway, so remember to bring an umbrella in case of rain.
