Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands, Tuas checkpoints as June school holidays are set to begin
As the June 2025 school holidays approach in Singapore, many families are gearing up for a trip across the border to Johor, Malaysia. Whether you’re heading to Legoland for a fun family day, hitting the malls for some budget-friendly shopping, or enjoying authentic Malaysian food, Johor is a favorite destination for Singaporeans and Malaysians alike during this school break. However, with this surge in cross-border travel, the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints often see heavy traffic, leading to longer waiting times that can put a damper on your plans.
To help you make the most of your holiday, we’ve put together a guide based on historical traffic data, insights into why Johor is so popular, and practical tips to ensure a smoother journey. Plus, we’ll show you how to use tools like live traffic cameras and predictive analytics available on on our web app to avoid the worst of the traffic jams.
Why Johor Draws Crowds in June
Johor’s appeal during the June holidays is no surprise. Here are the main reasons Singaporeans and Malaysians flock across the border:
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Johor is home to exciting theme parks like Legoland Malaysia and Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, which are perfect for keeping kids entertained during the school break.
- Affordable Shopping: With a favorable exchange rate, shopping in Johor is often cheaper than in Singapore. Malls like Johor Premium Outlets and City Square are magnets for bargain hunters.
- Delicious Food: From street food stalls serving laksa and satay to restaurants offering bak kut teh, Johor’s culinary scene is a big draw for food lovers.
- Quick Getaways: Johor’s proximity to Singapore makes it ideal for short trips, whether for a day or a weekend, without the hassle of long-distance travel.
- Family Connections: Many Singaporeans have relatives in Malaysia, and the holidays are a great time to visit loved ones.
These factors combine to make Johor a go-to destination, but they also contribute to the heavy traffic at the checkpoints.
Historical Traffic Trends
To understand what you’re up against, let’s look at some numbers. According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the June school holidays consistently see a spike in cross-border travel. In 2022, an average of 262,000 travelers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints daily during weekends, a significant jump from other holiday periods like Good Friday, which saw about 149,000 travelers per day.
More recently, during the 2024 Good Friday long weekend, approximately 2.3 million travelers crossed over five days, averaging over 455,000 crossings daily—a 30% increase compared to 2023. During peak periods, car travelers faced wait times of up to three hours due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia. In 2019, before the pandemic, peak waiting times at the checkpoints reached up to two and a half hours.
These figures highlight that the June holidays, especially around weekends and public holidays like Hari Raya Haji, are among the busiest times at the Singapore-Malaysia border. Here are some Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoint traffic trends:
| Year | Period | Daily Travelers | Peak Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | June Holidays | ~300,000 (pre-COVID) | Up to 2.5 hours |
| 2022 | June Weekends | 262,000 | Up to 3 hours |
| 2024 | Good Friday | 455,000 | Up to 3 hours |
| 2025 | June Holidays (Est.) | ~400,000 | Up to 3.5 hours |
How Traffic Impacts Your Travel
The influx of travelers during the June holidays leads to significant congestion at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Based on historical data, the busiest times are:
- Friday evenings and Saturday mornings: When Singaporeans head to Johor for the weekend.
- Sunday evenings: When travelers return to Singapore before the workweek.
- Public holiday eves and days: If a holiday like Hari Raya Haji falls in June, expect even heavier traffic.
This congestion can result in wait times of several hours, particularly for those traveling by car. For example, ICA reported that during peak periods, traffic tailbacks from Malaysia’s checkpoints often cause delays on the Singapore side, as cars cleared in Singapore can’t move forward quickly enough.
Tips to Beat the Traffic
To ensure your June 2025 trip to Johor is as smooth as possible, here are some practical strategies to minimize wait times:
- Travel During Off-Peak Hours: If your schedule allows, cross the border early in the morning (before 7 AM) or late at night (after 9 PM) when traffic is lighter.
- Check Live Traffic Updates: Before you head out, use our live traffic dashboard to view live traffic cameras and real-time updates for both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. You can also check on your phone while on the go.
- Use the Tuas Checkpoint: Depending on your destination in Johor, the Tuas Checkpoint may be less crowded than Woodlands, especially during peak hours.
- Stay Informed: Follow ICA’s social media or check their website for any advisories, such as security measures or checkpoint upgrades, that could affect travel times.
Try Our Live Predictions Tool
To take your planning to the next level and beat the jam, we recommend using the live predictions tool available on our web app. This tool uses advanced analytics to forecast live traffic conditions based on historical data and current trends, helping you pinpoint the best times to cross the border, either via the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoint. By signing up for a free trial, you can avoid peak congestion and save a huge chunk of time, giving you more time to enjoy your holiday. Whether you’re checking from your phone or desktop, the tool is designed for a seamless experience, perfect for busy travelers.
Prepare for Johor’s Weather
June in Johor Bahru is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C and frequent showers due to the rainy season. To plan your cross-border travel, check the latest causeway-specific weather forecast at our homepage. Knowing whether to pack an umbrella or sunscreen can make your trip more comfortable.
Conclusion
The June 2025 holidays are a fantastic time to explore Johor with your family, whether you’re hitting the theme parks, shopping, or enjoying a meal. However, the heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints can be a challenge. By understanding historical traffic patterns, planning your travel times, and using tools like those on our dashboard, you can navigate the border with ease.
Don’t let traffic jams slow you down. Check live traffic cameras, try our predictions tool for free, and get ready for a hassle-free holiday in Johor.