Don’t have to suffer from long queues of buses on the land borders between Malaysia and Singapore, or struggle with bulky bags at the customs counter. With a point-to-point taxi, you can sit back and breeze through Customs from the comfort of your seat.
But the changes in the rules by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore and Malaysia’s Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD) have made commuters have to be aware of the rules to prevent themselves from getting involved in any illegal operators. This is your ultimate guide for taking a legal cross-border taxi between Malaysia and Singapore that you need to know, step-by-step.
The New 2026 Rules for Cross-Border Taxis
Sweeping updates implemented by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have made cross-border travel vastly more flexible, but they have also altered the pricing landscape.
Flexible Drop-Offs Anywhere
In the past, point to point taxis are only allowed to transport passengers from point A to point B where A is in Larkin Sentral Terminal, Johor Bahru (JB) and B is at Ban San Street Terminal, Singapore.
The revamped framework allows Singapore- and Malaysia-registered taxis to run legally across Singapore and Johor (anywhere in JB, Forest City, JB – Iskandar Puteri, Senai, Kulai, and Johor – Iskandar Puteri).
Regulated, Fixed Fare Structure
Standard fares are governed and regulated for cross-border travel and depend on the local distance limit from pick-up point which is capped at 35km:
- The fare between Malaysia and Singapore is RM240 (for distances up to 35km) and it is charged with a RM60 surcharge for distances beyond 35km.
- Singapore to Malaysia: The cost of a street-hail ride from Ban San Street Terminal is about S$80 (up to 35km) and S$20 for further distances.
Important Policy Update: To close the operating cost gap between drivers, the LTA announced that Malaysia-registered taxis entering Singapore will see their vehicle permit fees adjusted to S$15 per trip starting January 1, 2027.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure a Legal Ride
So to be safe and ensure you have insurance coverage, you should have an authorized legal cross-border taxi. Unlicensed private hire vehicles and also non-legitimate “car pool” groups on social media platforms are a definite no and will be heavily sanctioned.
Step 1: Head to an Authorized Pick-Up Terminal
In the case of a traditional street-hail taxi, you are required to get on at the international ranks. Directly go to Johor Larkin Sentral Terminal in Malaysia. Take the elevator to Ban San Street Terminal in Bugis in Singapore.
Step 2: Book via a Licensed App or Operator
Those who like to book in advance can book via licensed Singapore booking companies such as ComfortDelGro or STRIDES Premier. You can also use the “Cross-Border SG-JB” service within the Grab app, which is issued by a Cross Border Ride Hail Service Operator Licence (CRSOL). Please note, advance booking is required at least 6 hours in advance and usually with a fixed booking premium (which starts from S$100 / RM300).
Step 3: Clear Customs via the On-Board Window
Your taxi will not require you to get down with your luggage if you are approaching either the Sultan Iskandar Building (JB CIQ) or the Woodlands/Tuas Checkpoints. Just roll down the side windows, turn over your passport to the immigration officer and do the biometric or face scanning process in the cabin.
FAQs
Can a standard Singapore GrabCar or Malaysian private-hire car take me across?
No. Private hire vehicles are not allowed to offer small vehicles for hire between two different countries. Only certain cross-border fleets with a Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) issued by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are allowed to cross.
How many passengers and luggage pieces can a cross-border taxi hold?
The standard sedan fits up to 4 passengers and about 2 large suitcases. If you have a large family or heavy shoppers, you may even want to hire a 6-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) such as a Toyota Alphard or Hyundai Staria, which are offered by authorized operators.
Do I need to fill out any arrival cards before taking the taxi?
Yes. Every traveller coming to Singapore will need to complete the electronic Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days prior to their arrival. For those who are coming into Malaysia, the foreigner will have to register the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online prior to entering the country at the checkpoint.
