Driving to JB is a classic activity during the weekends, holidays or on weeknights. Many head across the border for good food, shopping, groceries, attractions and of course petrol due to the inviting exchange rates.
It could be daunting for drivers due to the different rules and also occasional news about unwarranted traffic fines or incidences. However, it can be a fun road trip if you are prepared and ready to go on a Johor Bahru adventure.
Heading across the causeway or second link also takes travellers further up to places like Malacca, Ipoh, KL and even Penang.
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Here’s how to get ready for your drive to JB.
Guide to Driving to JB from Singapore
Before You Even Leave The House
Don’t forget the passport! Even with all the new QR code systems (more on that below), you still need your physical passport with you at all times. Don’t leave home without it.
3/4 Tank Rule
Singapore-registered vehicles must have at least ¾ of a full fuel tank when leaving Singapore. Yes, petrol is cheaper in JB, but rolling up with your fuel light blinking is asking for a fine at the checkpoint. Top up before you go.
We have heard of cases of vehicles being asked to turn back when their fuel tank is insufficiently filled.
VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit) & Touch N Go
If you’re driving a Singapore-registered car into Malaysia, you need a VEP with an RFID tag installed and linked to a Touch ‘n Go account — this is how the RM20 road charge gets auto-deducted when you cross. If you haven’t set this up yet, sort it out well before your trip; it’s not something you want to be Googling at the checkpoint.
Get the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app, not just the physical card. The plastic card might be useful, but the TNG eWallet app on your phone works just as well (arguably better) for the RM20 road charge that gets auto-deducted when you cross into Malaysia.
Just make sure your RFID tag is properly linked to your account in the app before you reach the checkpoint. The app also lets you check your balance and top up on the go, which beats scrambling for cash at a toll booth.
Keep at least RM50–100 loaded if you’re planning to hit a few tolls around JB too, since Touch ‘n Go covers most Malaysian expressway tolls, not just the checkpoint road charge.
One plus point is most stores and food stalls accept TNG payments.
Check Your Car Insurance
Most standard Singapore motor policies extend to Malaysia, but it’s worth a quick check with your insurer, especially if you’re planning to go further north than JB.
Timing Is Everything
If you prefer a smooth drive across the border without the traffic jams, here are some recommended timings.
Generally the golden hours are on weekday mornings after the school/work rush. The hours between 10 am to 4 pm are calmer.
Avoid Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings, and the eve of any public holiday. These are guaranteed jam-fest windows.
Consider crossing very early (before 7am) or quite late (after 9pm) if your schedule allows it. Always check live conditions before you leave.
Check The Traffic Before You Set Off
Checking the traffic before setting off is important. Look at the two land checkpoint options and decide which route to take if you’re in a hurry.
Use Beat the Jam app. This is probably the most well-known Causeway traffic app among regular JB-goers, and for good reason. It pulls real-time jam estimates from Google traffic data, live checkpoint CCTV cameras, and even a 24-hour (up to 6-day) forecast based on historical patterns, so you can plan which day to go.
You can also visit Checkpoint.sg. It gives live camera views and travel time estimates at both Woodlands and Tuas.One Motoring (LTA) — useful for a quick check of expressway conditions on the Singapore side before you even reach the checkpoint.
For JB traffic, the MBJB traffic cameras or Trafficiti tools are handy once you’re actually in JB, since roads around CIQ and Jalan Wong Ah Fook can jam up separately from the checkpoint itself.
Which Checkpoint: Causeway Or Second Link?
Woodlands Checkpoint (Causeway) connects directly into JB city, so it’s the more popular choice if you’re heading to places like City Square, Wong Ah Fook, or the older parts of town. It’s also almost always more congested.
Tuas Checkpoint (Second Link) connects to Tanjung Kupang / Gelang Patah on the Malaysian side. It’s a bit of a detour if your destination is central JB, but if you’re headed to Nusajaya, Bukit Indah, LEGOLAND, Eco Botanic or Mount Austin, this is often the smarter, less jammed route.
Check both routes on Beat the Jam before deciding. Sometimes the “further” route ends up being the faster one once you factor in queue time.
Clearing Immigration: The New QR Code System
This is probably the biggest change for anyone who hasn’t driven up in a while. Both Singapore and Malaysia now let you clear land checkpoint immigration with a QR code on your phone instead of physically handing over your passport — it’s genuinely one of the best upgrades to the whole JB-driving experience.
On the Singapore side: MyICA app
Download the MyICA app (App Store / Google Play) and create your profile using Singpass or by scanning your passport. From the homepage, generate either an individual QR code or a group QR code if you’re travelling with family (2–10 people).
Access your codes anytime under “QR Code Homepage” in the app. This works for cars, motorcycles, lorries, and buses at Woodlands and Tuas.
On the Malaysian side: MyNIISe app
For the Malaysian checkpoint, download the MyNIISe app (App Store / Google Play). This is Malaysia’s newer National Integrated Immigration System, which is gradually replacing the older MyBorderPass.
To set it up, register an account in the app. Then, scan your passport’s details page. Fill in your contact details and take a selfie for facial verification. Next, generate your individual or group QR code.
Add the travellers’ details so you can add them as group members if you are travelling as a group in the same vehicle.
At the checkpoint, just scan your QR code and hand over the passports for checking.
Malaysian officials have said this system will eventually expand to major airports and integrate with the upcoming JB–Singapore RTS Link too.
A few important caveats: This isn’t mandatory — you can still use autogates or manual counters with your physical passport if the QR system isn’t working or you’d rather not use it.
First-time foreign visitors to Singapore, or anyone re-entering on a different passport from their last visit, can’t use the QR code and will need manual clearance the first time. Always carry your physical passport anyway.
If you’re on a motorcycle, note that since March 2026, Woodlands’ automated motorcycle lanes use facial recognition. Just lift your visor or remove your full-face helmet (no masks or sunglasses) and look at the camera.
At The Checkpoint Itself: Windows down, QR code or passport ready
If it’s a manual lane, the officer will check your face against your passport (no caps or sunglasses covering your face). Keep calm, keep your documents handy, and don’t rush the car in front. Checkpoint officers notice tailgating or lane-cutting and it doesn’t get you through any faster.
Once You’re In JB
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight — take your cashcard/ERP unit out too. Pack anything you don’t need out of sight before you leave home, not after you park.
Park at mall basements or well-lit, secure carparks rather than random back alleys.
For your first few trips, stick to familiar, well-trodden areas like KSL City, Mid Valley Southkey, or Mount Austin — these are beginner-friendly, easy to navigate, and hard to get lost in.
Heading Back To Singapore
Sunday evenings and the last day of long weekends are notorious for backed-up queues on the Malaysia-to-Singapore direction.
Check Beat the Jam (or your traffic app of choice) again before you start heading back, and consider timing your return around dinner in JB instead of rushing straight after a shopping trip, so you’re not joining the peak exodus crowd.
The TL;DR Checklist
- Passport (physical, even with QR codes)
- Fuel tank at least ¾ full
- VEP with RFID tag set up and linked to Touch ‘n Go
- Touch ‘n Go topped up for Malaysian tolls
- Car insurance covers Malaysia
- MyICA app set up with QR code generated
- MyNIISe app set up with QR code generated
- Checked live traffic on Beat the Jam / Checkpoint.sg before leaving
- Picked Woodlands or Tuas based on your actual destination, not habit
The first drive over might feel nerve-wracking, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature — just another Saturday plan.
Plan your timing, get your documents (and QR codes) sorted, and don’t panic if you miss an exit. It happens to the best of us, and there’s always a next roundabout.
Note: Immigration systems and apps are being actively rolled out and updated. Double-check current requirements on the ICA and Malaysian immigration websites before your trip, especially if it’s been a while since your last crossing.
Check out our guides to JB haunts like Eco Spring & Eco Palladium, pickleball courts, Paradigm Mall, indoor playgrounds, Midvalley Southkey, Bukit Indah, Eco Botanic!
