Crossing the causeway from Johor Bahru (JB) to Singapore is a rite of passage for many travellers and daily commuters. But if you are starting your journey from Larkin Sentral—JB’s largest transport terminal—you might find the process a little more involved than simply hopping on a bus.
Between the massive renovation upgrades, the introduction of the Centralised Ticketing System (CTS), and various facility fees, the landscape of buying a ticket has changed significantly in recent years. If you don’t know your way around, you might find yourself stuck in the wrong queue or scrambling for small change.
Whether you are heading back to Singapore after a weekend food hunt or commuting for work, understanding the ticketing process at Larkin Sentral is the key to a stress-free journey. Here is exactly how to navigate the terminal, secure your seat, and handle those extra charges like a pro.
Purchasing Bus Tickets: Options and Methods
Gone are the days when shouting at a ticket tout was the primary way to get a seat. Today, Larkin Sentral operates with a much more structured system. Generally, you have three main ways to secure your ride.
1. Online Booking
This is the preferred method for most savvy travellers. Platforms like Easybook allow you to browse schedules, compare prices between operators, and secure your seat days in advance.
Booking online saves you from joining the physical queues at the terminal, which can get notoriously long during public holidays or Friday evenings. Plus, you can often secure a QR code boarding pass directly on your phone.
2. At the Larkin Sentral Terminal
If you prefer doing things in person or have a last-minute travel plan, you can buy tickets directly at the terminal. However, you can no longer buy tickets from individual bus operator booths. Instead, you must go to the Centralised Ticketing System (CTS) counters. These are general counters that sell tickets for all bus operators.
3. Self-Service Kiosks
Scattered around the terminal are self-service kiosks. These allow you to skip the manned counters if you are paying via cashless methods. They are user-friendly and usually have shorter queues than the main counters.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Tickets
If you are buying online (which we highly recommend saving time), the process is straightforward. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Choose Your Departure Date and Time
Visit a reputable booking site. Enter “Larkin Sentral” as your origin and your specific Singapore destination (e.g., Queen Street, Woodlands, or Golden Mile) as your arrival point.
Step 2: Select Your Bus Operator
You will see a list of operators such as Causeway Link, SBS Transit (170), and Singapore-Johore Express (SJE).
- Causeway Link (CW2/CWL): Great for direct trips to Queen Street (Bugis).
- SBS Transit 170: A standard public bus that stops frequently; often cheaper but slower.
- Singapore-Johore Express: A reliable express option to Queen Street.
Step 3: Select Your Seats and Enter Details
For express buses, you will pick a specific seat number. For stage buses (like the 170), it is free seating. You will need to enter your passenger details, including your full name and passport number.
Step 4: Make Payment
Pay using credit/debit card, online banking, or e-wallets.
Step 5: Receive Your Boarding Pass
Once confirmed, you will receive a booking confirmation. Crucial: Some operators require you to exchange this email for a printed boarding pass at the counter, while others accept a mobile QR code. Always check the fine print on your email.
Understanding the Additional Charges at Larkin Sentral
This is the part that catches most first-time travellers off guard. The price of the bus ticket isn’t the only thing you need to pay to leave the terminal.
The RM1 Facilities Charge (Singapore-Bound)
As of early 2023, Larkin Sentral implemented a specific RM1 Facilities Charge for all passengers heading to Singapore. This fee grants you access to the specific Singapore Departure Hall (Gates 1 and 2).
How to pay:
- Cashless Only: Reports indicate that cash is largely no longer accepted for this specific fee.
- Methods: You must use Touch ‘n Go, Visa, or Mastercard at the gantry gates leading into the departure hall.
- The Process: You will scan your payment card at the turnstile to enter the waiting area.
The RM2 CTS Charge
There is also a General Facilities Charge (often referred to as the CTS charge) of RM2.
- If you buy your ticket at the counter, this is usually added to your total bill.
- If you buy online, this may appear as an “Online Charge” or “Handling Fee” during checkout.
- Why? The terminal management attributes this to the cost of maintaining the air-conditioned centralised ticketing system and terminal upgrades.
So, when budgeting for your trip, remember: Ticket Price + RM2 (CTS) + RM1 (Facilities) = Total Cost.
Boarding the Bus: What to Expect
Once you have your ticket and have mentally prepared for the fees, here is how the actual boarding process flows.
1. Arriving at Larkin Sentral
Aim to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your departure time. The terminal is large, and finding the right gate can take a moment.
2. The Singapore Departure Hall (Gates 1 & 2)
Unlike domestic buses, Singapore-bound buses usually depart from a dedicated area—Gates 1 and 2. Look for the signage indicating “Singapore.”
3. Scanning the QR Pass
To enter the departure hall, you will encounter automated gates.
- First Scan: You may need to scan your boarding pass QR code (from your ticket).
- Payment Scan: This is where you tap your Touch ‘n Go or bank card to pay the RM1 facilities fee.
4. Boarding
Once inside the departure hall, wait for your bus. For stage buses like Causeway Link or SBS 170, it is often a queue system—first come, first served. For express buses, wait for your specific bus plate number to arrive.
5. The CIQ Stops
Remember, the bus ride isn’t uninterrupted.
- JB Checkpoint: The bus will drive you to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) CIQ. You must get off with all your luggage, stamp out of Malaysia, and then re-board the bus (or the next available bus of the same operator).
- Singapore Checkpoint: The bus takes you across the causeway to Woodlands CIQ. You get off again with luggage, clear Singapore immigration, and re-board to head to your final destination.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Prepare for Cashless Payment: Ensure your Touch ‘n Go card has sufficient credit or have your PayWave-enabled bank card ready for the RM1 fee.
- Check the Bus Schedule: The last buses usually leave around 11:00 PM or midnight. If you miss them, your only option is a taxi or Grab, which is significantly more expensive.
- Peak Hours: Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are peak cross-border times. Expect long queues at both the Larkin departure gates and immigration.
- Digital Arrival Card: Don’t forget to fill out the SG Arrival Card (MDAC) online three days before entering Singapore. You cannot clear Singapore immigration without it.
Alternatives to Larkin Sentral
Does the idea of paying extra facility fees and navigating a massive terminal sound exhausting? You have an alternative.
If you are already near the city centre (City Square Mall or KOMTAR JBCC), you can simply walk to JB Sentral. From there, you can walk through the bridge directly to the CIQ (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar).
At the CIQ, you can board the same buses (SBS 170, 160, 950 or Causeway Link CW1, CW2) after you clear immigration. By boarding here, you avoid the Larkin-specific RM1 and RM2 facilities charges, though you will have to stand in line for the bus at the CIQ bus bay.
Smart Planning for a Simple Trip with Easybook
Buying a Larkin bus ticket is more than just a transaction; it is a multistep process involving specific gates, digital payments, and distinct fees. By booking your main ticket online and ensuring you have a cashless payment method ready for the terminal charges, you can breeze through the gates while others are stuck fumbling for change.
Safe travels, and enjoy your trip across the causeway!
