The Woodlands Checkpoint is a transition point between Malaysia and Singapore. It is a causeway made up of both railways and motorway bridges. The causeway connects Johor in Malaysian territory with Woodlands in Singapore. The most commonly found buses on this checkpoint carry passengers from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and vice versa. The checkpoint serves as one of the busiest border crossings in the world, accommodating 350,000 travellers daily.
It has a combination of bus services, trains, and immigration facilities, making it a central hub for cross-border transit. Whether you’re travelling for work, tourism, or family, navigating this checkpoint effectively is essential to ensure smooth travel.
The Woodlands Checkpoint is considered one of the busiest border crossings globally. While booking your online bus tickets, you can check if your bus will be crossing Woodlands Checkpoint. Earlier, the Woodlands Checkpoint was the only land connecting Malaysia and Singapore. Later, the Tuas Second Link was built.
Location of Woodlands Checkpoint
Located in the northern region of Singapore, Woodlands Checkpoint forms part of the border connecting Singapore with Johor Bahru in Malaysia. The checkpoint is situated near Woodlands Town, a suburban area home to a variety of amenities. The Woodlands Causeway, which forms the link between Singapore and Malaysia, is the main physical structure of the checkpoint. The checkpoint is crucial for daily commuters between the two countries, with road and rail transportation options available.
Woodlands Checkpoint has a rich history as the original crossing point between Singapore and Malaysia. Until the completion of the Tuas Second Link in 1998, it was the only land-based connection between the two nations. The checkpoint initially started as an essential customs and immigration facility but has since expanded into a multi-modal transit hub, offering services for buses, cars, motorcycles, and even trains. Its significance only grew with the economic and tourism ties between Singapore and Malaysia, prompting constant upgrades to handle the high traffic volume.
The Woodlands Causeway spans about 1.056 kilometres and typically takes 2-3 minutes to cross by bus or car under normal conditions. However, due to heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, crossing can take significantly longer. Commuters often face wait times of several hours, particularly during holidays and weekends. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare for potential delays and factor them into your travel schedule.
Transportation Modes at Woodlands Checkpoint
Woodlands Checkpoint is a multi-modal transit point with various options for travelers:
- Bus: Numerous buses operate between Singapore and Malaysia, including Transtar Travel and Causeway Link services. You can easily find buses from Woodlands Bus Terminal, which is adjacent to the checkpoint.
- Train: The KTM Shuttle Tebrau services between the Woodlands Train Checkpoint and JB Sentral. Trains offer a comfortable alternative for those looking to bypass the heavy traffic on the causeway.
- Cars and Motorcycles: Travelers using personal vehicles can cross via the road lanes, though they may experience delays depending on traffic conditions.
Traffic congestion at Woodlands Checkpoint can be particularly frustrating during peak hours. Morning and evening rush hours often see long queues as thousands of commuters cross into Singapore or Malaysia. To avoid the heaviest traffic, it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.
Things to know about the Woodlands Checkpoint
The Woodlands Checkpoint is also a train station. Therefore, make sure that you remember the following things about the checkpoint before booking your bus ticket online for a bus that travels via the Woodlands Checkpoint:
- Woodlands Checkpoint Causeway is about 1056 metres long. Therefore, the time taken to cross this checkpoint is around 2-3 minutes.
- The checkpoint is one of the busiest causeways in the world. So, expecting to cover the distance in 2-3 minutes is too ideal and only applies to normal roads. Due to a heavy rush on the Woodlands Checkpoint, you might also take hours to cross the causeway.
- The immigration process at Woodlands Checkpoint can be time-consuming due to the many travelers. Ensure you have your passport, bus ticket, or QR code (for eligible travelers) ready for quick processing. Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) manages the clearance procedures, and there are separate lanes for different types of travelers—whether you’re in a vehicle, on a bus, or traveling by train.
- The bus fare to the Woodlands Checkpoint depends on the bus operator and your source city. You can check the prices of online bus tickets before booking.
- To minimize waiting times at Woodlands Checkpoint, consider traveling during the off-peak hours. The best time to cross the Woodlands checkpoint by bus is typically around 1:30 PM, when the traffic is lighter. On the other hand, the busiest times are generally between 10:00-11:00 AM and during the evening rush hour.
- Woodlands Checkpoint is a small area with a railway station. Therefore, there is only one bus station in the area: the Woodland Checkpoint station.
- While travelling from Singapore to Malaysia or vice versa, you should check if there is a holiday season or a surge in tourists. This will determine the time you might take to cross the Woodlands Checkpoint.
- While at Woodlands Checkpoint, you can visit several other attractions, such as Marsiling Park and Old Woodlands Checkpoint.
- Several buses run from the Woodlands Checkpoint. The best part is that they drop you directly at the target destinations, such as Resort World Sentosa and Outram Park Station.
- If you want to travel to the Woodlands Checkpoint from popular cities like Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, etc., the average fare will be anywhere between 7.00 to 51.5 SGD. This fare depends on the source city and the bus stop that you choose in the source city.
- To travel between the two countries, you can choose from many bus operators, such as Transtar Travel Pte Ltd, 707 Inc, Supernice Grassland, Starmart Express, etc., that take the Woodlands Checkpoint route.
- For eligible travelers, the QR code system at Woodlands Checkpoint allows for quicker and more convenient immigration clearance. Using the MyICA mobile app, travelers can generate a unique QR code to present at the checkpoint, bypassing the need for a passport. This feature significantly speeds up the process, particularly for frequent travellers.
- The ICA has introduced special lanes for MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), especially during peak traffic periods. Be prepared for specific procedures when driving a large vehicle such as a Toyota Alphard or Hyundai Staria. Drivers of large MPVs are required to exit their vehicles for immigration clearance, but passengers can remain inside if they are elderly, young, or have mobility issues.
- While Woodlands Checkpoint is the more popular, Tuas Checkpoint offers a more serene experience with less traffic. However, Tuas is further away from Johor Bahru and may not be the ideal choice for those looking to visit the city quickly. Woodlands is the preferred option for most travelers due to its proximity to Johor and ease of access.
Also, read through some of the Tips to Cross the Singapore Land Borders
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to cross Woodlands Checkpoint?
Under normal conditions, it takes 2-3 minutes to cross the causeway, but due to traffic, it can take longer.
Q2: What is the best time to cross Woodlands Checkpoint?
The best time to cross is typically around 1:30 PM, when traffic is lighter.
Q3: Can I book my bus ticket online for the Woodlands Checkpoint?
Yes, several bus operators offer online booking options for buses passing through Woodlands Checkpoint.
Q4: Can I use QR codes for immigration clearance?
Yes, travellers with the MyICA mobile app can use QR codes for faster immigration clearance.
Q5: What attractions can I visit near Woodlands Checkpoint?
You can visit attractions like Marsiling Park and Johor Bahru’s City Square Mall.
Q6: What are the traffic conditions at Woodlands Checkpoint?
Woodlands Checkpoint experiences heavy traffic during peak hours, typically in the morning and evening.