We have all been there. You are catching up with friends over late-night prata in Singapore, and suddenly you look at your watch. Panic sets in. Have you missed the last transport back to Johor Bahru?
Crossing the Causeway late at night can be stressful if you do not know the schedules. Knowing exactly when the last bus departs from various points in Singapore saves you from expensive late-night taxi fares or being stranded at the checkpoint.
Whether you rely on the standard SimplyGo public bus routes or prefer private cross-border coaches, this guide breaks down the exact late-night schedules for SBS Transit, SMRT, Causeway Link, and Transtar Travel.
Public buses via Woodlands Checkpoint
Public buses are the most cost-effective way to travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru. They accept your standard EZ-Link, SimplyGo, or bank cards, making the boarding process completely seamless.
What time is the last SBS Transit 160, 170, and 170X bus?
SBS Transit operates three main cross-border public buses, each departing from different locations in Singapore.
- Bus 170: This route starts at Queen Street Terminal and heads to Larkin Terminal in JB. The last bus departs Queen Street at 00:10 daily.
- Bus 170X: A shorter variant starting from Kranji MRT. The final departure time depends on the day. On weekdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays, the last bus leaves Kranji at 23:37. On Saturdays, it extends slightly to 00:07.
- Bus 160: Originating from Jurong East, this bus drops you right at the checkpoint. If you are catching it directly from Woodlands Checkpoint towards JB, the last bus passes through at 00:48 on Mondays to Saturdays, and 00:46 on Sundays and Public Holidays.
When does the last SMRT 950 bus leave?
SMRT Bus 950 provides a crucial link for those staying in the north. It departs from the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange and loops at JB Sentral.
For late-night travellers, the last SMRT 950 bus leaves Woodlands Temporary Interchange at 23:45 every single day. Keep in mind that depending on the time of day, this bus operationally terminates at the Johor Bahru Checkpoint, meaning you will need to walk the rest of the way to JB Sentral.
Private cross-border buses
Private bus operators like Causeway Link (the famous “yellow buses”) and Transtar Travel offer point-to-point services. They often have fewer stops than public buses, getting you to the customs faster.
Is there a 24-hour bus from Singapore to JB?
Yes, there is! If you are a true night owl, the Causeway Link CW2 is your best friend.
Operating from the Queen Street Terminal directly to the JB CIQ and Larkin Terminal, the CW2 runs 24 hours a day. During the midnight shift (from 11:00 pm to 04:00 am), the bus operates at an estimated 30-minute frequency. You do not even have to pay a midnight surcharge; the standard flat fare applies.
What are the last bus timings for Causeway Link (CW1, CW3, CW5)?
Causeway Link operates multiple routes across the island. If you are not taking the 24-hour CW2, you need to catch these last departures:
- CW1 (from Kranji MRT): The last yellow bus leaves Kranji MRT at 23:00 daily.
- CW3 (from Jurong Town Hall): Heading via the Tuas Second Link, the last CW3 departs Jurong Town Hall at 23:30.
- CW5 (from Newton Circus): Convenient for those in the city centre, the last bus leaves Newton Circus at 23:30 daily.
When is the last Transtar TS1 and TS8 bus?
Transtar Travel offers premium cross-border services, heavily utilised by tourists and airport staff.
- TS1 (from Changi Airport): The last TS1 coach departs Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 19:15. If your flight lands late, you will need to take the MRT into the city and catch the CW2 instead.
- TS8 (from Resorts World Sentosa): Perfect after a day at Universal Studios, the final TS8 bus leaves RWS at 22:00.
Comparing Singapore to JB late-night buses
To help you make a quick decision, here is a breakdown of the last bus timings and estimated adult fares. Note that public bus fares (160, 170, 170X, 950) are distance-based, so the prices shown are the maximum standard card fares from the first stop.
| Bus Service | Departure Point in SG | Last Bus Timing | Estimated Fare (Card / Cash) |
| Causeway Link CW2 | Queen Street Terminal | 24 Hours | S$4.80 |
| SBS Transit 170 | Queen Street Terminal | 00:10 | ~S$2.30 |
| SBS Transit 170X | Kranji MRT | 23:37 (Sat: 00:07) | ~S$1.60 |
| SMRT 950 | Woodlands Temp Int | 23:45 | ~S$1.60 |
| Causeway Link CW1 | Kranji MRT | 23:00 | S$1.98 / S$2.60 |
| Causeway Link CW3 | Jurong Town Hall | 23:30 | S$4.95 / S$5.00 |
| Causeway Link CW5 | Newton Circus | 23:30 | S$4.55 / S$4.60 |
| Transtar TS8 | Resorts World Sentosa | 22:00 | S$9.00 (Online) |
Plan your cross-border journey wisely
Rushing for the customs checkpoint at midnight is not a fun experience. By familiarising yourself with these last SG to JB bus timings, you can enjoy your late-night activities in Singapore without the lingering anxiety of missing your ride home.
If all else fails, just remember that the Causeway Link CW2 at Queen Street Terminal has your back 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the last SBS or SMRT bus to JB?
If you miss the standard public buses, you can make your way to Queen Street Terminal in Bugis. The Causeway Link CW2 operates 24 hours a day, ensuring you always have a way back to Johor Bahru.
Can I use EZ-Link or SimplyGo on Causeway Link buses?
Causeway Link buses do not accept EZ-Link or SimplyGo bank cards. You must pay using cash (exact change is preferred), a ManjaLink card, or Visa payWave for selected routes.
Do cross-border bus schedules change on Singapore Public Holidays?
Most cross-border buses maintain their standard daily schedule on Public Holidays. However, routes like the SBS 170X slightly alter their last departure timings (e.g., 23:37 on Sundays/PH versus 00:07 on regular Saturdays). Always factor in heavier traffic during festive periods.
Can I pay for my bus ticket in Ringgit when departing from Singapore?
No. When boarding any public or private bus in Singapore, you must pay the fare in Singapore Dollars (S$). Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is only accepted when you are boarding the bus from the Johor Bahru side.
