Visitors crossing the Causeway from Singapore to Malaysia will soon navigate Johor Bahru (JB) with unprecedented ease, thanks to a new, complimentary shuttle bus service launching in early 2026. This initiative, featuring silent, eco-friendly electric vehicles, aims to broaden tourist access beyond familiar shopping centers and introduce travelers to historical and cultural gems across the state capital, bolstering the Visit Johor 2026 tourism campaign. Operating daily from morning until evening, the 20-seater shuttle connects eight key points, offering a zero-cost, efficient way to explore JB’s evolving urban landscape.
Discovering Johor Bahru Beyond the Causeway Hotspots
The introduction of the free shuttle bus marks the latest step in Johor Bahru’s aggressive public transport overhaul, which already includes new direct bus routes to the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) and plans for a high-speed rail link to Kuala Lumpur by late 2025. This dedicated city loop is designed to encourage deeper exploration, moving tourists beyond routine cross-border trips.
The daily service will run between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., utilizing a fleet of electric buses. A state official confirmed that the route has undergone extensive trial runs to ensure reliable, seamless service for both residents and visitors.
The shuttle route strategically links popular commercial hubs like Komtar JBCC and cultural destinations such as the Johor Zoo. Crucially, it also taps into sites that may be unfamiliar to casual day-trippers, providing a perfect entry point for discovering the city’s rich heritage. Stops include the majestic Sultan Ibrahim Building and the reimagined former prison complex, Kota Jail, now serving as an innovative creative center.
Essential Route Guide for the Free JB Shuttle
The fully integrated route ensures that travelers can effortlessly jump between historical landmarks and modern attractions. The key stops include:
- Johor Tourist Information Centre (JOTIC)
- 0km Landmark
- Komtar JBCC (A major retail hub)
- Galeria @ Kotaraya
- Sultan Ibrahim Building (A prominent historical structure)
- Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex
- Johor Zoo
- Kota Jail (The former prison complex)
This structured itinerary allows tourists to maximize their time, offering unparalleled access to sites that reflect both colonial history and contemporary Malaysian culture.
A Strategic Move for Johor’s Tourism Future
The state government initiated the free shuttle service as a core component of the wider Visit Johor 2026 campaign, leveraging accessible transport infrastructure to boost visitor numbers and local spending. By removing the cost barrier of transport, officials hope to incentivize tourists to linger longer and venture farther into the city.
However, a key question remains regarding the service’s longevity. While it is confirmed for the duration of the 2026 tourism push, officials have not yet clarified whether the free shuttles will continue operating based on future demand once the campaign concludes.
The anticipation surrounding this service underscores the broader revitalization taking place in JB. The new transport links coincide with significant commercial developments, including the extensive overhaul of City Square Mall, which is scheduled to reopen toward the end of 2027 with new amenities such as a hotel and an adventure park. Should the free shuttle prove successful, it could become a permanent fixture, cementing Johor Bahru’s status as a top-tier, easily navigable destination for regional travelers.
Travelers seeking sophisticated regional connections should also note the recent upgrades in cross-border accessibility, including luxury sleeper trains now linking Singapore and Malaysia, complementing the new local infrastructure aimed at increasing connectivity and enhancing the overall travel experience.