CW Bus to JB 2026: Routes, Fares, 24-Hour Service & Tips

Anyone who’s crossed the Causeway knows the drill: long queues, packed buses, and the eternal question of which one to board. The CW buses from Causeway Link are a popular workhorse, but their varying routes, fares, and payment rules can trip up even frequent travellers, so this guide lays out the current routes, costs, 24-hour options, and what you actually need to pay with to help you cross smarter.

Number of CW routes: 6 (CW1, CW2, CW3, CW4, CW5, CW7) ·
Cheapest fare: RM 2.00 (CW1) / S$2.50 (AC7) ·
24-hour service: CW2 runs 24 hours daily ·
Payment accepted: Touch n Go or cash (MYR)

Here’s a quick reference for the essential details.

Can I take a CW bus to JB?

Yes, you absolutely can. CW buses are operated by Causeway Link (Malaysian cross-border bus operator) and run from various points in Singapore to Johor Bahru. You don’t need a reservation – just walk up and pay on board.

What is a CW bus?

• It’s a Malaysian-registered city-link bus that shuttles between Singapore and JB via the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints.
• Buses can u-turn at the checkpoint, which leads to higher frequency than comparable SBS Transit services, according to Reddit community (r/singapore discussions).
• Routes cover destinations like JB Sentral, Larkin, Bukit Indah, and others.

Do I need a Singapore or Malaysia card?

• You need a Malaysian Touch n Go card for most CW buses. Singapore’s EZLink is not accepted – see the payment section below.
• Cash in Malaysian Ringgit is also accepted on board.

The pattern: once you have the right payment method, crossing becomes routine.

How much does a CW bus ticket to JB cost?

Fares vary by route and payment method. Here’s what the data shows across four common services.

How much is a CW1 bus?

• The Smart Local lists CW1 at S$2.60 for a one-way trip from Singapore to JB.
• Using a ManjaLink contactless card reportedly reduces the fare to between S$1.80 and S$1.98, per JBBus.sg (community reference).

How much is a CW2 bus?

• From Singapore to JB: S$4.80 (Mothership; also confirmed by The Smart Local).
• From Johor to Singapore: RM 4.80 (Mothership).
• If you board at Woodlands Checkpoint, the CW2 fare drops to S$2.60 cash or S$1.80 contactless, per BusInterchange.net.

Are there any cheaper alternatives?

• The AC7 bus from Kranji MRT costs S$2.50 and is the cheapest Singapore-dollar option, according to YouTrip (financial travel blog).
• SBS Transit service 170 also runs from Kranji to JB at similar fares.

Bottom line: CW buses are reasonably priced, but the cheapest ride to JB is actually the AC7 at S$2.50. For frequent users, a Touch n Go card saves you change-hunting.

Is the CW bus 24 hours?

Only one CW route currently operates round the clock – but it’s the most important one.

Which CW routes run 24 hours?

• CW2 has been a 24-hour service since 1 August 2022, per Mothership and confirmed by Causeway Link’s PDF timetable.
• CW1, CW3, CW4, CW5, and CW7 are not 24-hour; their last departures vary.

What about early morning or late night departures?

• During the day, CW2 departs every 15–20 minutes; after 11 pm the interval stretches to about 45 minutes, per YouTrip.
• If you need to cross between midnight and 5 am, CW2 is your only CW option.

The implication: night owls and early risers can rely on CW2 alone. Everyone else has a full menu of routes.

What bus to take from Woodlands Checkpoint to JB?

You have two solid choices, and both stop at the checkpoint after clearing Singapore immigration.

Which CW bus stops at Woodlands Checkpoint?

• Both CW1 and CW2 stop at Woodlands Checkpoint after departing from Kranji MRT, per Causeway Link route pages.
• Because these buses can u-turn at the checkpoint, they maintain a very high frequency – the first bus that arrives takes you on.

Should I take CW1 or CW2 from Woodlands?

• CW1 goes directly to JB Sentral (the main bus terminal).
• CW2 continues to Larkin Sentral or other destinations on the Johor side.
• If you’re headed to central JB, CW1 is faster. If you need Larkin, take CW2.

The takeaway: choose based on where you need to end up in JB.

Can I use EZLink for CW bus?

No – and this is a common pitfall. Singapore’s EZLink card is not accepted on Causeway Link buses.

What payment methods are accepted on CW buses?

• Touch n Go (Malaysia’s contactless card) – the most common method.
• Cash in Malaysian Ringgit – exact change often required.
• Some buses accept Visa/Mastercard contactless, according to BusInterchange.net.
• ManjaLink (a Malaysian stored-value card) is also accepted on certain routes.

Can I use Singapore’s EZLink or NETS?

• Not accepted on any CW bus. This is confirmed across multiple sources including The Smart Local and YouTrip.
• If you only have EZLink, you can buy a Touch n Go card at most 7-Eleven stores in JB or at the checkpoint itself.

The trade-off: you need to carry either a Malaysian card or Ringgit cash. Once you have a Touch n Go card, the process is smooth.

Comparing the main CW routes

Four routes, one pattern: CW2 gives you the most coverage, but CW1 is the cheapest direct to JB Sentral.

Bottom line: If you need round-the-clock service, CW2 is your only choice. For daytime trips to central JB, CW1 saves you money and time.

How to board a CW bus from Kranji MRT

Follow these steps for a smooth journey.

1. Exit Kranji MRT (NS7) and head to the bus interchange. Look for the dedicated Causeway Link boarding bays.
2. Check the route board – CW1 and CW2 buses queue at different bays. Signs are in English and Malay.
3. Board the bus and pay with Touch n Go or cash in MYR. No reservation needed.
4. Alight at Woodlands Checkpoint for Singapore immigration. Buses wait on the other side – board the same bus (or the next) after clearing.
5. Continue to Johor immigration and exit into JB.

Why this works: the u-turn capability means you rarely wait more than 10 minutes even at peak hours.

What riders say about CW buses

“CW buses can u-turn at the checkpoint, so their buses come more often. You rarely wait long.”

— Reddit user, r/singapore community

“CW2 runs 24 hours, and AC7 is the cheapest at S$2.50. Get a Touch n Go card to speed things up.”

— YouTrip blog, financial travel guide

“Using contactless card on CW2 drops the fare from S$2.60 to S$1.80 if you board at Woodlands Checkpoint.”

— BusInterchange.net, community timetable

These rider insights underscore the benefits of knowing your route and payment method ahead of time.

For the casual day-tripper, the CW1 at S$2.60 from Kranji to JB Sentral is the no-brainer. But if you’re returning late or leaving early, the CW2 is your only 24-hour lifeline. And remember: leave your EZLink at home and bring a Touch n Go card or Ringgit cash. For Singapore travellers, the choice is clear: pick your route based on destination and timing, or you’ll end up paying more in confusion than in fare.