Quick answer: From Skudai R&R, just before Skudai toll at the southern end of the North-South Expressway, Woodlands Checkpoint is about 20 minutes away in normal traffic. On weekends, school holidays and long weekends, the queue into Singapore can add hours. Stop at Skudai R&R first to refuel, charge and use the toilet, then check live traffic before you go.
Where is Skudai toll?
Skudai toll plaza sits near the southern end of the North-South Expressway (E2) in Johor. According to Wikipedia's junction list for the NSE Southern Route, it is where the closed (ticket-based) toll system for the expressway begins and ends; further south, Kempas toll uses an open toll system. Skudai R&R Southbound is at KM16.5, just before Skudai toll, making it the last full-service rest stop for drivers heading to Johor Bahru and the Causeway.
How long does it take from Skudai toll to Woodlands Checkpoint?
In normal traffic, it is roughly 20 minutes from Skudai R&R to Woodlands Checkpoint. That figure assumes smooth roads through Johor Bahru and no queue at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) customs complex or on the Causeway itself.
Once the checkpoint backs up, the picture changes completely. Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has reported waits of up to three hours for car travellers over busy periods such as the 2026 Labour Day weekend, largely due to tailbacks from Malaysia (as reported by Human Resources Online).
When is the Causeway jam worst?
ICA's general advice is to travel during non-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings, and it issues advisories before long weekends and school holidays. Typical patterns drivers report:
Friday evening and Saturday morning: heavy traffic leaving Singapore into Johor.
Sunday afternoon and evening: heavy traffic returning to Singapore.
Long weekends and school holidays: the busiest periods of all, in both directions.
Weekday commuter peaks: many people commute daily across the Causeway, so early mornings and evenings can be busy on working days too.
Always check live conditions before you commit. Google Maps, Waze and the checkpoint traffic cameras give a good picture of how the queue is moving.
Which route should I take from Skudai toll to the Causeway?
From the southern NSE, drivers usually reach the Causeway either via Skudai Highway (Federal Route 1) into Johor Bahru, or by continuing on the expressway towards the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL), which runs to the Johor Bahru CIQ area. Your navigation app will normally choose whichever is faster at that moment. If you are heading to Tuas via the Second Link, note that the Senai North exit for the Second Link Expressway comes just before Skudai R&R on the southbound NSE.
Why stop at Skudai R&R before the checkpoint?
Once you are in the queue, there are few good places to stop. A short break at Skudai R&R means you start the final stretch prepared:
Fuel: Shell, Petron, Caltex and BHPetrol, all open 24 hours. (There is no Petronas.)
EV charging: Tesla V4 Supercharger (up to 250 kW) and JomCharge 120 kW DC fast charger.
Coffee and food: Starbucks with drive-thru, Texas Chicken and Burger King.
Toilets: award-winning garden toilets, ranked the third cleanest in Malaysia.
Parking: 200+ free parking lots, with 24/7 CCTV and security.
Full details on our Facilities page.
What should I prepare before crossing into Singapore?
Passports for everyone in the car, and the SG Arrival Card submitted in advance.
For foreign-registered cars, a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). From 6 October 2026, the SG Arrival Card cannot be submitted without one (reported by The Star and SAYS).
A topped-up Touch 'n Go card for Malaysian tolls and an Autopass card for Singapore if your car needs one.
Water and snacks in case of a long wait.
Which dates in late 2026 are likely to be busiest?
Based on the 2026 calendar, these are the periods to plan around if you are crossing between Johor and Singapore:
Deepavali long weekend, 7 to 9 November 2026. Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November, with Monday 9 November as the replacement holiday. See our Deepavali 2026 traffic guide.
Malaysian year-end school holidays, from early December to 31 December 2026. Media reports of the Ministry of Education calendar (for example SAYS) list the break as starting on 4 or 5 December, depending on the state group.
Christmas weekend, 25 to 27 December 2026. Christmas Day falls on a Friday, creating a three-day weekend in both countries.
New Year, 1 January 2027. A Friday, and a public holiday in Singapore and in many Malaysian states.
On these dates, the safest plan is to cross very early in the morning or late at night, and to keep a full tank or battery in case the queue is long.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Skudai R&R from Woodlands Checkpoint?
About 20 minutes in normal traffic.
What is the best time to cross the Causeway?
ICA advises crossing at non-peak times such as early mornings or late evenings, and avoiding the start and end of long weekends where possible.
Is Skudai R&R before or after Skudai toll?
Before. Skudai R&R Southbound is at KM16.5, just before Skudai toll, on the way to Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Is there a Skudai R&R on the northbound side?
No. Skudai R&R serves southbound traffic only. See our guide to the next R&R near me on the North-South Highway.
Is Skudai R&R open at night?
Yes, it is open 24 hours. More answers in our Skudai R&R FAQ.
Skudai R&R Southbound, 8, Jalan R&R Skudai Kawasan R&R Skudai, 81400 Senai, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia. Tel 011-6076 5277. Open 24 hours.
