After several months since its launch, we’re sure most Malaysians are now familiar with the Singapore – Malaysia VTL. In case you’re not though, check out our article on the SOPs for quarantine-free travel between Malaysia and Singapore.
For those of you who are already planning your VTL trip to Singapore, we’ve drawn up a relative calculation of the VTL budget you’ll need to prepare for your trip.
Before we dive into that, remember that the current VTL flights are being serviced by the following airlines: AirAsia, Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines。
On the other hand, Land VTL service providers include Transtar and Causeway Link.
The following budget calculation is based on the information available as of 1 March 2022
From Singapore to Malaysia
Land VTL
A one-way ticket for adults on the Land VTL bus costs about RM50 (SGD15), while tickets for children start from RM25 (SGD8).
Apart from fare prices, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test two days before your trip. This can be either an RT-PCR swab test or an Antigen Rapid Test (ART).
An RT-PCR test costs between RM300 to RM600 (SGD100 – SGD200), while an ART costs about RM45 (SGD15).
In addition, you arrive at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru, you will need to undergo an RTK test, which costs about RM60 (SGD20).
Air VTL
A single-journey flight ticket starts from RM450 on average (SGD150+). Like travelling on the Land VTL, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test (RT-PCR ONLY), which costs between RM300 – RM600 (SGD 100 to SGD 200).
Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you will need to undergo another RT-PCR test (pre-booked before departure from Singapore). The cost will depend on your nationality.
Malaysian citizens can expect to pay between RM250 to RM370 (SGD90 to SGD 120) while foreign nationals will need to fork out between RM250 to RM470 (SGD110 to SGD 150+).
Other things to take note of in Malaysia
Starting 3 March 2022, you will no longer be required to take daily RTK Antigen self-tests. However, if you would like to buy some test kits, a COVID self-test kit in Malaysia typically costs between SGD2 to SGD5 (RM6 to RM16).
In addition, all short-term visitors to Malaysia (non-citizens) will need to purchase mandatory travel insurance with coverage of at least SGD32,5000. According to Money Smart, this will cost you between SGD18 to SGD100 in general (RM60 to RM300).
Travelling from Malaysia to Singapore
Land VTL
A one-way ticket for adults on the Land VTL bus costs about RM20 (SGD6.50), while tickets for children start from RM10 (SGD4).
Apart from fare prices, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test two days before your trip. This can be either an RT-PCR swab test or an Antigen Rapid Test (ART).
An RT-PCR test costs between RM250 to RM400 (SGD80 – SGD130), while an ART costs about RM60 (SGD20).
In addition, you arrive in Singapore, you will need to undergo an ART test, which costs about RM45 (SGD15).
Air VTL
A single-journey flight ticket starts from RM300 on average (SGD100). Like travelling on the Land VTL, you will need to undergo a pre-departure COVID test.
An RT-PCR test costs between RM250 to RM400 (SGD80 – SGD130), while an ART (RTK – Ag in Malaysia) costs about RM60 (SGD20).
Upon arrival at Changi International Airport, you will need to undergo a supervised self-swab ART. The usual cost of an ART in Singapore is RM45 (SGD15).
Other things to take note of in Singapore
Similar to Malaysia, you will no longer need to undergo daily ARTs. However, a COVID self-test kit in Singapore typically costs about RM15.50 (SGD5) while a professional ART test, at an accredited medical facility, costs around RM45 (SGD15).
In addition, all short-term visitors to Singapore will need to purchase mandatory travel insurance with coverage of at least SGD30,000. This will cost you between RM60 to RM300 in general (SGD18 to SGD100).
Disclaimer: The above budget calculation is based on the cheapest options (such as choosing an ART pre-departure test over a PCR test.
