How to Avoid Traffic Jams Between Singapore and Malaysia
“So near, yet so far!”
That’s the exact feeling every traveler gets when crossing from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB), thanks to the infamous and seemingly endless traffic jams.
But don’t worry! While the jams are part of life, there are some smart ways to beat the worst of it. Whether planning a weekend getaway or commuting for business, timing, preparation, and a few tips can help you dodge the worst congestion.
1. Best Time to go to JB On Friday (From Singapore)
With a huge 'to-do" list most travelers start their journey on Friday after working hours.
Fridays have a different set of traffic patterns compared to Mondays and Thursdays.
Recommended time to go to JB on a Friday:
· Before 9.00 am
· 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm
· After 1.00 am
1.1 Woodlands Checkpoint Peak Hours On Friday
Peak hours are from 5.00 pm onwards, and many Malaysian workers return home to spend time with their families. Weekend travelers also start their journey at this hour.
1.2 Tuas Checkpoint Peak Hours On Friday
Although Tuas Checkpoint may have lesser congestion, peak hours are about the same at 5:00 p.m. At this checkpoint, MPVs must go through the bus lane, which avoids jams in passenger vehicle lanes.
2. Best Time to go to JB On Saturday (From Singapore)
Traffic jams to JB on a typical Saturday can be notorious, and avoiding them is best.
The opportunity to avoid jam is slim.
Recommended time to go to JB on a Saturday:
· Before 7.00 am
· After 11.00 pm
2.1 Woodlands Checkpoint Peak Hours On Saturday
Traffic jams peak at 11:00 a.m., and if you are traveling to JB from Singapore, you may expect to spend 2 to 4 hours stuck in traffic.
Similar to the Woodlands checkpoint, the traffic jam here is also bad. Travelers are large in number and will try to cross using both checkpoints on Saturday.
3. Best Time To Go JB On Sunday (From Singapore)
Sunday is the best time to travel to JB via both checkpoints, but traveling to JB from Singapore on a Sunday can be done almost anytime.
Recommended time to go to JB on a Sunday:
· Before 8.00 am
· After 2.00 pm
3.1 Woodlands Checkpoint Peak Hours On Sunday
Besides a small number of day trippers going to JB around 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., the rest of the timing is very smooth.
3.2 Tuas Checkpoint Jam Timing On Sunday
The Sunday traffic situation at Tuas Checkpoint is similar to that at Woodlands Checkpoint.
4. Best Time To Go JB On Weekdays from Singapore (Monday to Thursday)
Monday to Thursday are more dedicated to normal working days. Malaysian workers travel as required. Travelers from Singapore commute for work tasks, visitation of friends and relatives, and holidays only if they are on leave.
Recommended time to go to JB on Monday to Thursday:
· Before 6.00 am
· 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm
· After 9.00 pm
4.1 Woodlands Checkpoint Peak Hours On Weekdays
Peak hours are from 5.00 pm onwards when Malaysian workers return home after a typical working day.
On weekdays, the Tuas Checkpoint traffic situation resembles the Woodlands Checkpoint. Commuters are largely workers from Malaysia. Peak hours start at 5:00 p.m. as well.
5. Best Time To Go JB On Singapore Public Holidays (From Singapore)
During public holidays, most commuters are the most active as the adults do not have to work and the children are free from school. Many activities are planned around this period, especially New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Qing Ming Festival, Hari Raya Puasa, and Christmas Day. It is also important to check if Malaysia is observing the same public holiday; if it is, the traffic congestion can worsen. I am breaking this recommendation into three parts.
5.1 If Friday Is A Singapore Public Holiday
Recommended time to go to JB if Friday is a Singapore Public Holiday:
· Before 6.00 am
· After 2.00 am
5.2 Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint Peak Hours if Friday is a PH
Thursday evening after 6.00 pm till 2.00 am. Friday after 7.00 am till 2.00 am.
5.3 If Saturday Is A Singapore Public Holiday
Recommended time to go to JB if Saturday is a Singapore Public Holiday:
· Before 6.00 am
· After 2.00 am
5.4 Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint Peak Hours if Saturday is a PH
Friday evening after 6.00 pm till 2.00 am. Saturday after 7.00 am till 2.00 am.
5.5 If Sunday Is A Singapore Public Holiday
If this is the case, the following Monday will automatically be a public holiday for most white-collar workers. This will be a long weekend, and we expect a severe traffic jam.
Recommended time to go to JB if Sunday is a Singapore Public Holiday:
· Before 6.00 am
· After 2.00 am
5.6 Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint Peak Hours if Sunday is a PH
Friday evening after 6.00 pm till 2.00 am. Saturday after 7.00 am till 2.00 am. Sunday morning after 8.00 am till 8.00 pm
6. Best Time To Go JB On Singapore School Holidays (From Singapore)
This period is the trickiest to predict as most families plan their bonding time differently. There is no specific traffic pattern to observe, but do avoid weekends.
Recommended time to go to JB during the Singapore School Holiday:
· Before 5.00 am
· After 2.00 am
TIPS: While predicting traffic patterns during this period is hard, you can always use apps such as Checkpoint. sg and Beat The Jam to monitor the traffic situation closely.
7. Best Time To Go Singapore On Saturday (From JB)
Recommended time to go to Singapore on Saturday:
· 8.00 am to 10.00 am
· 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm
7.1 Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint Peak Hours On Saturday
· 7.00 am to 8.00 am as most Malaysian workers commute to work.
· 10.00 am to noon Malaysian visitors to Singapore
· 5.00 onwards till late as Singaporeans return home
8. Best Time To Go Singapore On Sunday (From JB)
Recommended time to go to Singapore on Saturday:
· 8.00 am to 12.00 noon
8.1 Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint Peak Hours On Sunday
3.00 mm to 2.00 am as most visitors return home
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on our years of experience crossing the border between Singapore and Malaysia, but the situation may vary due to many factors, such as weather, the volume of commuters, immigration efficiency and manpower, system error, and many more.
Alternatively, you can sit back and relax with your loved ones inside one of our private transport vehicles that you booked with us!
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