Tourism12 min read

How to Drive from Singapore to Malaysia: Cross-Border Guide 2025

Ahmad Rahman

Cross-Border Travel Expert

MalaysiaCross-BorderTravelVEPRoad Trip

How to Drive from Singapore to Malaysia: Cross-Border Guide 2025

Driving from Singapore to Malaysia opens up a world of possibilities. Here's everything you need to know about cross-border car rental travel.

Before You Go: Requirements

1. Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)

  • Mandatory for all Singapore cars entering Malaysia
  • Apply online via MyEG or auto-gates
  • Cost: RM20 per entry
  • Valid: 1 year from registration

2. Road Charge Notice (RCN)

  • Auto-deducted at Customs if VEP registered
  • Alternative: Manual payment at Customs

3. Insurance Requirements

  • Singapore insurance doesn't cover Malaysia
  • Purchase cross-border insurance at Customs
  • Cost: RM50-100 for short trips
  • Comprehensive coverage recommended

4. Rental Car Permissions

CRITICAL: You MUST inform rental company:

  • Most require 3-7 days advance notice
  • Additional fees apply (RM100-200)
  • Special cross-border insurance needed
  • Some vehicles not permitted (luxury cars)

Popular Routes from Singapore

To Johor Bahru

  • Via Causeway: 15-30 mins (heavy traffic)
  • Via Second Link: 20-40 mins (less crowded)
  • Distance: 10-20km
  • Best for: Shopping, dining

To Kuala Lumpur

  • Distance: 350km
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Toll: RM45-60
  • Best route: North-South Expressway

To Malacca

  • Distance: 230km
  • Duration: 2.5-3 hours
  • Toll: RM30-40
  • Best for: Heritage tourism

To Genting Highlands

  • Distance: 370km
  • Duration: 4.5-5 hours
  • Challenging mountain roads

Crossing the Border: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Singapore Checkpoint

  1. Join immigration queue
  2. Present passport to officer
  3. Car will be checked (sometimes)
  4. Exit stamp given
  5. Drive to Malaysian side

Step 2: Malaysian Customs

  1. VEP auto-scan or manual registration
  2. Immigration clearance
  3. Purchase insurance if needed
  4. Customs inspection (random)
  5. Proceed into Malaysia

Pro Tip: Use Second Link on weekends - significantly faster than Causeway

Best Times to Cross

Avoid These Times:

  • Weekday mornings: 7-10am (to Singapore traffic)
  • Weekday evenings: 5-8pm (from Singapore traffic)
  • Friday afternoons: Malaysian weekend starts
  • Sunday evenings: Return to Singapore traffic
  • Public holidays: Expect 2-4 hour waits

Best Times:

  • Midweek mid-morning: 10am-12pm
  • Early afternoon: 2-4pm Tuesday-Thursday
  • Late night: After 10pm (quietest)

Driving in Malaysia: Key Differences

1. Currency

  • Tolls in Ringgit only
  • Keep RM100-200 cash
  • Most stations accept cards now

2. Fuel Prices

  • Cheaper than Singapore (30-40% less)
  • Fill up in JB before returning
  • RON95 petrol widely available

3. Speed Limits

  • Highways: 110 km/h
  • Federal roads: 90 km/h
  • Town areas: 50-60 km/h
  • Enforcement cameras common

4. Road Conditions

  • Generally good on expressways
  • Some rural roads poorly maintained
  • Watch for potholes, especially after rain
  • Motorcycles everywhere - stay alert

Toll Roads and Payment

Touch 'n Go Card

  • Best option for frequent travelers
  • Purchase at petrol stations
  • Reload at kiosks
  • Faster lane access

SmartTAG

  • Auto-deduction at toll gates
  • Requires Touch 'n Go card
  • Save time in dedicated lanes

Cash Lanes

  • Available at all tolls
  • Slower during peak times
  • Have small bills ready

Essential Apps and Tools

  1. Waze - Real-time traffic, police alerts
  2. Google Maps - Route planning
  3. Touch 'n Go eWallet - Digital toll payment
  4. MyEG - VEP registration
  5. Setel - Fuel payment app

Safety Tips

Road Safety

  • Drive defensively - different road culture
  • Watch for aggressive drivers
  • Motorcycles filter between lanes
  • Flash high beams = "I'm coming through"

Vehicle Security

  • Lock doors at all times
  • Don't leave valuables visible
  • Park in well-lit areas
  • Use hotel secured parking

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 999
  • Tourism Police: 03-2149 6593

Cost Breakdown: 3-Day JB Trip

  • Car rental with cross-border: $200
  • Cross-border insurance: RM80
  • VEP fee: RM20
  • Fuel (return trip): RM100
  • Tolls (if any): RM20
  • Total: ~SGD 180-200

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not informing rental company - Huge fines
  2. No VEP registration - Cannot enter
  3. Insufficient cash - Tolls don't take cards everywhere
  4. Crossing on public holidays - Massive jams
  5. Low fuel in Singapore - Fill up in Malaysia
  6. No international roaming - GPS won't work

What to Bring

Essential Documents:

  • Passport (at least 6 months validity)
  • Driving license
  • International Driving Permit
  • Car rental agreement
  • Insurance documents
  • VEP confirmation

Practical Items:

  • Malaysian Ringgit cash
  • Phone charger
  • GPS/offline maps
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Water and snacks

Return Journey

When returning to Singapore:

  1. Fill up fuel in JB (much cheaper)
  2. Time your return to avoid peak hours
  3. Keep all receipts for insurance
  4. Declare any dutiable goods
  5. Return car with full tank

Popular Destinations Guide

Johor Bahru (1-2 days)

  • Premium Outlets shopping
  • Legoland Malaysia
  • Angry Birds Theme Park
  • Street food paradise

Malacca (2-3 days)

  • UNESCO Heritage Site
  • Jonker Street night market
  • River cruise
  • Peranakan culture

Kuala Lumpur (3-4 days)

  • Petronas Towers
  • Batu Caves
  • Shopping in Bukit Bintang
  • Food street, Jalan Alor

Ready for a Malaysian road trip? Contact ClearPath Rentals for cross-border rental options!