getting around singapore
Overview of Singapore’s Transport
MRT (Train)
The backbone. Fast trains that connect the airport, city center, and major neighborhoods. No traffic jams.
Public Bus
The coverage. Extensive network reaching every corner. Scenic double-deckers are great for sightseeing.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
The comfort. Door-to-door service via apps like Grab or flagged taxis. Essential for late nights.
Shared Bikes
The last mile. Scan-and-ride bicycles for exploring parks like Marina Bay and East Coast.
Welcome to Singapore, home to one of the most efficient, clean, and affordable public transport systems in the world. Getting around the “Little Red Dot” is incredibly straightforward, whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned visitor.
The network is a tightly integrated system of the MRT (subway), public buses, and taxis/ride-hailing services. Add to that a growing network of cycling paths, and you have an island that’s a breeze to explore. This guide will break down every option to help you travel like a local.
Table of Contents
Mass Rapid Transit (mrt) Guide For Tourist
The MRT is efficient, air-conditioned, and usually the fastest way to travel. Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours.
Key Lines for Tourist:
EW
DT
CC
EW
Rail Network & places of interest
The system consists of six lines, each color-coded for easy navigation:
- North-South Line (Red): Connects central shopping (Orchard) to the northern heartlands.
- East-West Line (Green): Runs from Changi Airport to the western parts of the island, passing through the city center.
- North-East Line (Purple): Connects hubs like Little India, Chinatown, and HarbourFront (for Sentosa).
- Circle Line (Orange): Orbits the city, connecting many interchange stations and attractions like the Botanic Gardens.
- Downtown Line (Blue): A newer line that serves key downtown areas and neighborhoods like Bugis.
- Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown): The newest line with a stop just beside Garden’s by the bay
Local Tip!
A great way to save cost is by using the MRT during the pre-peak hours. According to the fare regulations, taking the MRT between 5:30 AM and 7:45 AM can be more economical due to lower fares.
Download Google Maps or Citymapper. They tell you exactly which station exit to take, which is crucial in huge stations!
Public Bus Network
Buses go where trains don’t. They are clean, cool, and offer great views from the upper deck. You must plan your route first and we will show you how later!
Bus Service Types (Fares Vary)
Regular (Trunk/Feeder)
Standard Card Fare
These are your everyday services that travel between neighborhoods and major interchanges.
Express/Premium
Premium Card Fare
These offer a more direct, faster connection during peak hours, often bypassing many stops. They charge a higher fare.
Remember these tips!
- Tap In & Out (Crucial): Always tap your card on the reader when you enter (front) AND when you exit (back) to ensure the correct fare is charged.
- Cash Fare Warning: If you choose to pay cash (only possible on regular services), you must have the exact fare. The driver cannot provide change.
- Flagging the Bus: To stop a bus, you must raise your hand clearly as the bus approaches the stop. It will not stop automatically unless someone is already alighting.
Operating Hours & Frequency
Hours: Generally 5:30 AM to Midnight. Some night services run on weekends.
Frequency: Highly variable. Expect 5-15 minute waits on major routes, and longer waits (20-30 minutes) on smaller feeder routes. Always check your app!
Taxi & Ride Hailing
The 3 Ways to Catch a Ride:
- 1. App Booking (Best): Shows price upfront. Use Grab, Gojek, or CDG Zig.
- 2. Taxi Stands: Crucial Rule! In the CBD (City) and at Malls, you CANNOT flag a taxi on the street. You must queue at a designated taxi stand.
- 3. Flagging: You can only flag a taxi on the street outside the CBD and outside bus stop zones. Look for a green “TAXI” sign on the roof.
Typical Fare Estimates
- Airport to City : $25 - $40
- City Short Trip (10 mins) : $12 - $18
- Cross Island (30 mins) : $25 - $35
*Excludes peak hour/midnight surcharges.
⚠️ Surcharge Cheat Sheet
Midnight (12am – 6am) : +50% of meter
Peak Hours (Morning/Eve) : +25% of meter
Airport Pickup : +$3 to $8
City Area (CBD) : +$3 surcharge
Additional Charges
Paying by Credit Card inside a taxi incurs a 10% admin fee. Paying cash avoids this.
(Note: Apps like Grab/Gojek usually include card fees in the fixed price, so paying via App is often better).
Esstential Apps
Grab
Best for: Availability & ease. . Largest fleet, fastest pickup times, but can be pricey during rain/peak hours. Also offers food delivery.
CDG ZIG
Best for: Street-Hailing. Street-hail refers to rides flagged down on the street or at taxi stands. Only taxis can do this.
TADA
Best for: Peak hours. Takes zero commission from drivers, often resulting in lower fares during surges. Popular with locals for fair pricing.
gojek
Best for: Price comparison. Often cheaper than Grab for non-peak rides. Fleet is smaller, so wait times are slightly longer.
Bicycle Sharing
Buses go where trains don’t. They are clean, cool, and offer great views from the upper deck. You must plan your route first and we will show you how later!
⚠️ Golden Rule: Park Correctly!
You MUST park within designated yellow boxes (painted on the floor) or bike racks. You have to scan a QR code at the parking spot to end your trip. Failure to do so results in a $5 fine.
Esstential Apps
Anywheel
Best for: Largest Fleet.
Ubiquitous green bikes found almost everywhere.
Rate: ~$1.00 per 30 mins.
HelloRide
Best for: Comfort.
Recognizable blue bikes. Often newer and smoother to ride.
Rate: ~$1.00 per 30 mins.
Payment Methods
Forget buying tickets. Singapore uses a contactless system.
1. Contactless Bank Card
The Best Choice. Simply use your foreign Visa or Mastercard. Apple Pay and Google Pay work perfectly too.
• No setup required
• Admin fees may apply (check bank)
• Tap in and Tap out with SAME card
2. Tourist Pass
For Heavy Users. Offers unlimited rides for 1, 2, or 3 days. Buy at Changi Airport or major MRT stations.
• Fixed cost (~$20/day)
• Great souvenir card
• Worth it if taking >5 trips/day
3. EZ-Link Card
The Local Way. A stored-value card you buy at 7-Eleven or stations. Good if you don't have a contactless bank card.
• Cost $10 ($5 is non-refundable)
• Must top-up manually
• Lower admin fees than foreign cards
Local Tips & travel Etiquette
Singapore acts as a well-oiled machine because everyone follows these unwritten (and written) rules.
The "Must-Knows"
No Eating or Drinking
Strictly prohibited on trains and in stations. Even a sip of water can attract a fine of up to $500.
Escalator Etiquette
Stand on the LEFT, walk on the RIGHT. Locals take this very seriously during rush hour.
Priority Seats
Always give up the reserved seats near the doors to elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.
Queue Properly
Singaporeans love to queue. Always join the back of the line, whether for the bus, train, or food.
Cultural Insights
The "Chope" Culture
At hawker centres, if you see a packet of tissue paper on an empty table, it means the seat is reserved ("choped"). Please respect this custom and find another table!
Addressing Elders
It is polite to address older service staff (taxi drivers, hawkers) as "Uncle" or "Auntie". It’s a sign of respect, not relation.
Tipping
Tipping is not required. A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills. For hawkers and taxis, you just pay the stated price.
FAQ
Yes, absolutely. Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. Stations and buses are well-lit and monitored. Note: MRTs and buses stop running around midnight. After 12:00 AM, you must take a taxi or ride-hailing car.
No. Every passenger needs their own card (or their own phone/watch with payment set up) to tap in and out. You cannot pass a card back to someone else.
Yes. All MRT stations have barrier-free access with lifts and ramps. Public buses are wheelchair-accessible (look for the decal on the front) and have designated spaces.
Tipping is not practiced in Singapore. You simply pay the fare shown on the meter or the app. However, keeping the small change is sometimes appreciated but never expected.
If you forget to tap out on a bus or train, you will be charged the maximum fare for that route. Always remember to tap out to avoid extra charges!