Everything you need to know about driving from Singapore to Johor Bahru — border crossing requirements, VEP, Touch 'n Go, best rental cars, and top things to do in JB.

Driving from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB) is one of the most popular road trips for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are heading over for a weekend of shopping and dining or a quick day trip across the Causeway, this guide covers the logistics. For which vehicle to take, see our companion guide on the best cars for Malaysia road trips.

Border crossing requirements

Documents you need

Valid Singapore driving licence (or an International Driving Permit for foreigners)
NRIC or passport
A vehicle approved for cross-border travel
A Touch 'n Go card for tolls and VEP

Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)

Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia must comply with the VEP requirement. At AKA Car Rental, all our Malaysia-approved vehicles come with the correct documentation for cross-border travel.

Causeway vs Second Link

There are two border crossings to Johor Bahru:

Causeway (Woodlands Checkpoint): connects directly to JB city centre. Busier but more convenient for JB trips.
Second Link (Tuas Checkpoint): connects to Iskandar Puteri. Less congested, good if you are heading to Legoland or Nusajaya.

Preparing your rental for a JB trip

Before driving to JB, make sure you:

Tell your rental company so they arrange a Malaysia-approved vehicle
Top up your Touch 'n Go card
Download Waze or Google Maps with offline maps
Check the vehicle's condition (tyres, lights, wipers)
Plan your route and estimated travel time
Confirm the cross-border deposit and insurance terms

At AKA, a refundable deposit typically applies for cross-border use because the vehicle leaves Singapore — confirm the exact amount when you book. 24/7 roadside assistance is available where applicable; if anything goes wrong in Malaysia, call us first.

Top things to do in Johor Bahru

Shopping and dining

JB is a shopper's paradise. Visit City Square Mall, Toppen Shopping Centre, and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee for cafes and street art. Don't miss KSL City Mall and the night markets for local street food.

Attractions

Legoland Malaysia — family-friendly theme park in Iskandar Puteri
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple — heritage site in the city centre
Danga Bay — waterfront promenade with restaurants and entertainment
Austin Heights — cafes, adventure park, and nightlife

Malaysia driving tips

Drive on the left — same as Singapore
Speed limits — 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on expressways
Tolls — use a Touch 'n Go card at all highway tolls
Parking — coupon system in some areas, Touch 'n Go in others
Fuel — Malaysian petrol is significantly cheaper than Singapore
Weather — be ready for sudden tropical downpours, especially during monsoon season

Which car to take

For a JB trip you want a Malaysia-approved vehicle that is comfortable for causeway queues and fuel-efficient on Malaysian highways. The Toyota Noah Hybrid and Honda Freed are popular family choices; the Toyota Vios suits budget day trips. See our full breakdown of the best cars for Malaysia road trips and our Malaysia car rental page for JB-ready vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take any rental car to JB? No. The vehicle must be approved for cross-border use with the correct insurance. Tell us your JB plans when booking so we release a Malaysia-approved car.

Is a deposit required for a JB trip? Yes — cross-border use is the one case where a refundable deposit applies. We confirm the amount when you book.

What if the car breaks down in JB? Call us first. Roadside assistance is available where applicable, and we'll advise on the next steps from Malaysia. Don't hand the car to an unauthorised workshop without contacting us.

Which crossing should I use? The Causeway is best for JB city centre; the Second Link is quieter and better for Legoland / Nusajaya.