Getting Around Iskandar Puteri
Iskandar Puteri is a sprawling city, and getting around takes a bit of planning. Public transport exists but is limited, with services that run infrequently and mostly head toward central Johor Bahru rather than linking up the city's own districts. Many visitors find that a mix of buses, ride-hailing and, ideally, a car works best.
Rail, Metro and Trams
There is no train station in Iskandar Puteri, and the city has no metro or tram network. If you are arriving by rail, the nearest stations are Kempas Baru and JB Sentral, both in neighbouring Johor Bahru. From there you would continue into Iskandar Puteri by bus, taxi or ride-hailing.
Buses and Public Transport
Iskandar Puteri is served by several bus companies, including Causeway Link and Muafakat Bus. Muafakat Bus services are free of charge for Malaysians. Frequencies are limited, and hourly or less is common, so check schedules before you rely on a particular route.
The main bus and taxi terminals in the city are:
- GP Sentral Terminal and Gelang Patah Terminal, in Gelang Patah
- Kota Iskandar Terminal, in Kota Iskandar
- Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Terminal
- Taman U Terminal, in Taman Universiti
Useful services for moving around within the city include Causeway Link CW3S, CW4G, CW7L, IM05 and IM07, and Muafakat Bus routes P201, P202, P213 and P214, which link areas such as Taman Universiti, Gelang Patah, Kota Iskandar and Puteri Harbour. To leave the city, Causeway Link BeXTRA3 runs from Taman Universiti Terminal to JB Sentral, while Muafakat Bus P203 and P211 connect to Tampoi and Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru. Cross-border services CW4 and CW4S run through the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link to Jurong East Interchange in Singapore.
From Johor Bahru, the Iskandar Puteri Free Shuttle Service IP1 runs from Larkin bus terminal and passes through points of interest in the city. Route LW1 links Larkin bus terminal with Gelang Patah via Legoland Malaysia and Puteri Harbour, and route SL1 runs from Sutera Mall and Bukit Indah through Legoland Malaysia and Puteri Harbour on weekends and public holidays only.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The Grab ride-hailing app operates in Iskandar Puteri, though it may take a while to hail a ride. Taxis are mostly found at major tourist destinations, shopping centres and shopping malls. If you take a taxi, always insist that the driver uses the meter.
Walkability
Because the city is so large, walkability varies by area rather than applying city-wide. Several suburbs are pedestrian friendly. Kota Iskandar can be explored on foot and is connected to the seafront recreation area at Puteri Harbour, which has cafes and restaurants. The Medini Iskandar area around Legoland Malaysia is pedestrian friendly, with well-built pavements connecting to Mall of Medini and surrounding facilities. EduCity has the main EduCity Sports Complex, well connected by pedestrian routes to nearby universities and dining areas in EcoWorld.
Cycling is also an option: most of Iskandar Puteri is flat plain with no major steep hills, and there are clearly marked bicycle paths circling Medini Iskandar and Sunway Iskandar. Given that local driving habits can be unpredictable, it is always best to give way to other vehicles when riding.
Driving
Driving is probably the most convenient way to explore Iskandar Puteri. Roads in the city are wide and well-paved, with plenty of parking available on weekdays. Malaysians drive on the left. For public parking areas with designated city council fees, buy a parking coupon from any convenience store; tickets are available on an hourly or half-hourly basis and are also valid in Johor Bahru, Senai and Kulai. Most public parking lots include spaces for people with mobility disabilities. Petrol stations are relatively easy to find, and the only road sections requiring payment are the Second Link Expressway sections.
Getting There from the Airport
Iskandar Puteri is around 25 km south of Senai International Airport (JHB), which has flights to cities in Malaysia and to countries within Southeast and East Asia, plus many connecting flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport for long-haul international travel. To reach Iskandar Puteri from Senai, take a public bus (A1, 207 or 333) to Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru, then change to a bus toward Gelang Patah (666 or LM1) or toward Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal (IP) in Iskandar Puteri.
Because Senai's long-haul connections are limited, many locals instead fly from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The downside is that you must pass through customs and immigration twice, and there are no direct public transport connections between Changi Airport and Iskandar Puteri. Unless you are willing to spend a very long time on public transport with multiple transfers, you will need to arrange your own transport in advance.
Arriving from Singapore
From Singapore, the usual route into Iskandar Puteri is via the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link. Travelling by public transport without using a taxi or e-hailing for at least part of the trip can take a few hours, given traffic at the Second Link and the time needed to reach Jurong East or Boon Lay within Singapore. Buses CW3 and CW4 from Jurong East Bus Interchange, and CW6 from Boon Lay MRT, pass through the CIQ 2nd Link immigration facilities in Malaysia. From CIQ 2nd Link you can take the CW7L bus to Legoland Malaysia, or the JPO2 bus to Legoland and Puteri Harbour. From Puteri Harbour you can walk or take a taxi to Kota Iskandar. The JPO2 bus is very infrequent, so familiarise yourself with its schedule if you plan to go anywhere outside Legoland Malaysia, or use taxi or e-hailing instead. If you are staying in northern Singapore, it is probably more convenient to travel via Johor Bahru.
Note that the Second Link may only be crossed in a motor vehicle; cycling or walking across is not allowed. If you want to cycle from Singapore, you will need to detour via the Causeway. No visa-on-arrival is available at the border crossing, so make sure your Malaysian visa is in order beforehand if your nationality requires one.
Arriving by Boat
Iskandar Puteri can also be reached by ferry from Batam in Indonesia, arriving at the Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal in Puteri Harbour.