Living in JB · Published June 3, 2026 · Updated September 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Living in Johor Bahru and Working in Singapore: How the Commute Works
The crossings available today, what the RTS Link changes, and what is around the listed projects in daily life: malls, schools and clinics from the developer records and OpenStreetMap.
The crossings today
Two road links connect Johor Bahru and Singapore: the Causeway from the city centre to Woodlands, and the Second Link from Iskandar Puteri to Tuas. Commuters cross by car, motorcycle or bus, and time at the checkpoints varies with the hour and the day. Anyone planning a daily commute should try it at their intended hour before buying.
What the RTS Link changes
From its officially expected opening in February 2027, the RTS Link will run between Bukit Chagar station beside the customs complex and Woodlands North, an official ride time of about five minutes, with both countries' immigration cleared before boarding. That removes the road queue for anyone who lives within reach of Bukit Chagar. Measured in a straight line, Coronade Twins is about 350 m and Aethera Residences about 400 m from the station; the Causewayz Square towers are within about 900 m.
Daily life around the listed homes
From the developer records and OpenStreetMap:
- Shopping. Komtar JBCC and Johor Bahru City Square are within about 650 m of the city-centre projects; R&F Mall is part of Princess Cove; Pelangi Leisure Mall is about 560 m from M Grand Minori.
- Schools. Foon Yew High School appears on most developers' lists for the city-centre projects; St. Joseph primary schools are within about 300 m of Coronade Twins and Aethera Residences.
- Clinics. KPJ Medical Suites is about 100 m from Coronade Twins; the other projects list clinics within about a kilometre.
Things to plan for
- Working hours in Singapore, address in Malaysia. Confirm your employer has no objection and keep your Singapore tax and CPF matters in order.
- Vehicle. If you keep a Singapore-registered car, the rules for driving it into Malaysia, and a Malaysian car into Singapore, both apply.
- Healthcare. Singapore schemes generally do not cover treatment in Malaysia; check your insurance.
FAQ
How long does the commute take today?
It depends on the crossing, the hour and the mode. There is no reliable single figure, which is why we suggest trying your intended route before buying.
Which listed projects are closest to the RTS station?
Coronade Twins at about 350 m and Aethera Residences at about 400 m, in a straight line from the project coordinates.
Projects in this guide — official listings on jbpropertyportal.my
Floor plans, prices and photos are on the official listing site.
Aethera Residences
Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) · Bukit Chagar 400 mCoronade Twins
Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) · Bukit Chagar 350 mCausewayz Square (Dover Tower - Tower D)
JBCC CIQ (Lumba Kuda) · Bukit Chagar 860 mM Grand Minori
Taman Pelangi · Bukit Chagar 1.9 km
More guides
- Why Singaporeans Buy Property in Johor Bahru: The Practical Reasons
- How Foreigners Buy Property in Johor Bahru: Steps, Approvals and Costs
- The RTS Link and Johor Bahru Property: What Is Known and What Is Not
- Johor Bahru New Launches in 2026: What Is Actually on the Market
Written by licensed real estate negotiator Shyan Yee (REN 46305), IQI Realty Sdn Bhd. WhatsApp +60 10-827 8932 · shyanyeews@gmail.com. Figures come from developer records and OpenStreetMap measurements; no yield or price forecasts.