As resident of Singapore, we often cross over the causeway to Johor Bahru as a quick getaway from Singapore.
Cross-border taxi has always been a thing for awhile, but they were very restrictive. As of 4 May 2025, the scheme has been revamped to be a little bit more flexible with more designated drop-off points added. And it just so happen, we have a trip booked to Desaru Coast a few days after the new scheme was announced, so I got to try it out!
In this blog post, I will detail my experience taking a cross-border taxi from Singapore to Johor Bahru. Here are the topics we will cover:
- What is cross-border taxi and how does it work?
- How to book cross-border taxi
- How much does a cross-border taxi cost?
- Cancellation Policy
- Tips for a successful trip with cross-border taxi
- Larkin Sentral Terminal drop off and pick up experience
- In Conclusion
Let’s get into it, shall we?
What is cross-border taxi and how does it work?
Basically, there are two types of licensed taxi for cross-border trip that can carry passenger legally between Singapore and Malaysia:
- A Singapore-licensed taxi (which I will refer to as SG taxi from this point onward)
- A Malaysia-licensed taxi (which I will refer to as MY taxi)
For both taxis, there are 4-seater and 6-seater option in standard or premium. The 6-seater premium Singapore cross-border taxis are usually a black Toyota Alphard Limo by ComfortDelGro, which can comfortably seat 5-6 people with some luggage space in the back.
So what’s the difference between the two? The real difference lies in their licensing and insurance, which affects how the taxis can operate once they are outside of their country of license. To sum it up:
1. Taking a Singaporean Cross-Border Taxi
An SG taxi can pick you up anywhere in Singapore, but they can only drop you off at the following designated drop-off points in Malaysia:
- Larkin Sentral Terminal
- Toppen Shopping Centre
- Mid Valley Southkey Mall
- Angsana Mall
- Anywhere within 35km of Larkin Sentral Terminal
Notice that last point? Yes, you’re not actually just limited to the four designated drop-off points. You can be dropped off anywhere in JB that is within 35km of Larkin Sentral terminal, subject to extra fares. Sounds confusing? Don’t worry, I’ll elaborate more with examples on the next section!
2. Taking a Malaysian Cross-Border Taxi
On the other hand, a MY taxi can only pick you up from the following four designated pick-up points in Singapore:
- Ban San Street Terminal
- Near VivoCity
- Near Century Square Shopping Centre
- or Joo Koon MRT
But once you’ve crossed over to Malaysia, MY taxi can drop you off anywhere in Malaysia, subject to fare changes depending where you want to get dropped off.
How to book cross-border taxi
Unlike regular taxi, you need to book cross-border taxi at least 12 hours before the trip. You can contact any taxi operator in SG or book via Grab app (more details here).
In my opinion, as a Singapore resident, the easiest option is to book a Singapore cross-border taxi via Grab to one of the four designated points. Then, you can book your own transportation from Larkin Sentral to get you where you want to go.
But as I mentioned before, if your destination is within 35km from Larkin Sentral, you can just book directly to the destination on the Grab app.
For example, if you’re going to Legoland, which is only 15km from Larkin Sentral, you can be picked up from your home in Singapore and dropped off straight at Legoland. But if you’re going to Desaru, which is about 75km from Larkin Sentral, then you’ll need to make a stop at one of the designated drop off points, and then continue with another transportation to Desaru.
Going back, the same rules apply – wherever you are in Malaysia, you want to get to one of the four designated pick up point and take an SG cross-border taxi. Unless, again, you’re within 35km off Larkin Sentral, then you can be picked up directly wherever you are. The taxi will then be able to drop you off anywhere in Singapore.
Technically, you should be able to get an Malaysian cross-border taxi to pick you up from wherever you are in Malaysia then drop you off at one of the four designated points in Singapore, but I’m not sure how to book a Malaysian cross-border taxi.
How much does a cross-border taxi cost?
For going from SG > MY, at the time of writing, a cross-border taxi from Singapore to one of the four designated drop off points costs as follows:
| Method | 4-seater | 6-seater |
|---|---|---|
| Grab App | S$110 | S$135 |
| ComfortDelGro | S$120 | S$200 |
This is not including the last-mile transportations cost once you reach Malaysia, if your destination is outside of the 35km radius from Larkin Sentral.
As you can see Grab is significantly cheaper than booking directly with ComfortDelGro. However, Grab is only be cheaper right now because they’re running a 20% discount promotion until 2nd of August. I suspect after that, Grab’s pricing will be very close to ComfortDelGro. Also, ComfortDelGro cars are usually the premium cars, while Grab might send you in a standard 6-seater car. In my experience, they did send Toyota Alphard (premium option) for me on both trips although I only booked a standard 6-seater.
Going back from MY > SG, I pre-booked a Singapore cross-border taxi using Grab as well for 370 MYR (~S$120) for a 6-seater standard car from Larkin terminal.
But as you can see, the total cost depends on your destination in Malaysia and the type of cars you book.
We were going to Desaru, and a 6-seater standard plus Grab car costs MYR 186 (~S$60) while 6-seater premium car costs around ~S$80 from Larkin Sentral to our hotel at Hard Rock Desaru Coast. So in the end, the total cost of the trip was around S$180-200 one way, or S$360-400 for round trip.
If you’re going to Legoland for example, it would cost less since it’s a lot closer to Larkin Sentral. At the time of writing, booking a standard 6-seater cross-border taxi from my address in Singapore to Legoland via Grab costs S$150 one way.
Cancellation Policy
If you book cross-border taxi via Grab and plans changed, be aware you will need to cancel at least 1 hour before the scheduled pick-up or you will be charged 100% of the fare.
Learn more about Grab cross-border taxi here
Tips for a successful trip with cross-border taxi
Get Malaysia eSIM from Klook – You’ll need data to communicate with your driver in Malaysia, so I recommend having a Malaysia data SIM. Simply buy an eSIM from Klook, activate from the app, and you’ll be connected in seconds. It worked very well for me throughout the trip.
Book ahead of time – There taxis that are licensed for cross-border trips are limited. Although you can book them through Grab, they are not on demand. Book at least 24 hours before your trip to ensure availability, or even earlier if you’ll be traveling during the holidays.
Size of Malaysian grab cars – When booking cars via Grab in Malaysia, there can usually choose from Standard, Plus and Premium. Read here to find out more about Grab car types in Malaysia. I usually book premium cars because I find the standard and plus cars can be quite small. Although the cars may be advertised to fit 6 people, space is tight. However, premium cars are not always available, so sometimes you will need to settle for the other types – just plan accordingly!
Fill out Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) – Unless you’re holding a Singapore passport or Malaysian Long Term Residence, you will need to fill in MDAC to enter Malaysia. You can fill out MDAC here within 3 days of your planned departure to Malaysia.
Coming back to Singapore as foreigner? Fill out the SG Arrival Card – If you’re coming back to Singapore and you do not hold residency here, you’ll need to fill out Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). You can fill out SGAC here. Note that if you have residency in Singapore (whether you are Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Pass holder), you do NOT need to fill out the arrival card when traveling through the land borders.
Larkin Sentral Terminal Drop Off and Pick Up Experience
With the current scheme, Larkin Sentral terminal became a very important point in the Singapore <> Johor Bahru trip. Here is my experience getting dropped off and picked up from Larkin Sentral:
1. Drop-off point
The drop off point at Larkin Sentral is very simple. It’s just one single lane that merges in from the main road. I find it a little stressful to be honest, because it’s one of those single lanes where the car behind you cannot move forward, so you have to disembark fast.
2. Pick up point
The pick up point at Larkin Sentral is usually at the taxi bay, and it is not the same as the drop-off point. From the drop-off point, which is on L2, you have to go inside the terminal and go down via escalator to L1 and find the taxi bay. But don’t worry, it’s just a short walk away.
When we got to the pick up point, there were already a few cross-border taxis waiting for passengers. The red ones are Malaysian taxis, while the blue ones are the Singapore ComfortDelGro taxis. So I guess, you don’t need to pre-book your cross-border taxi – but I personally would still pre-book, I don’t want to take the chance and be stranded at Larkin!
3. Inside Larkin Sentral Terminal
In case you’re curious what’s in Larkin Sentral terminal, it’s not a shopping mall. It’s a very basic bus terminal – there is no air conditioning but there are plenty of local shops, so you won’t be bored if you arrive early before your next pick up.
And this one I’m sure will be a crowd pleaser – there is a McDonald’s on L1!
In Conclusion
As a family with small children, it’s a no brainer the cross-border taxi is the most convenient way for us. Yes it is costly, but I personally would rather pay for the convenience rather than having to transport my children around the public transport way. The cost also makes sense when you think of it as cost per head.
But if I was just traveling by myself or with another person, I probably wouldn’t book cross-border taxi. There are plenty of other ways to cross border to JB that are more cost-effective and still convenient.
And that’s my experience taking the cross-border taxi. If you have any questions, please let me know below. Have fun on your trip!
Note: I paid for all of transportation costs out of pocket for this trip. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and remain my own.