MRT from S$1.28
The fastest, cheapest way to get everywhere. Tap any contactless card and go.
Grab — No Surprises
Fixed price upfront, no surcharge games. Best for airport runs and late nights.
Just Tap & Go
Your bank card, Apple Pay or Google Pay works on every bus and train instantly.
The Big Picture
Singapore is a compact city-state of 734 km², about the size of Chicago, with a dense, reliable public transport network. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) covers all major tourist areas. Buses fill in the gaps. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) is clean and affordable. Taxis are metered and trustworthy. You will never be stranded, and you will rarely need to walk more than 10 minutes from a station.
The key to cheap travel in Singapore: use your contactless bank card or get an EZ-Link card. Both work on all MRT trains and buses. The days of buying single-trip tickets are essentially over, they're more expensive and less convenient than tapping your Mastercard or Visa.
How to Pay
Option 1: Contactless Bank Card (Recommended for most visitors)
Singapore's SimplyGo system lets you tap any Visa or Mastercard contactless card directly at MRT turnstiles and bus readers. You pay the same fare as an EZ-Link card. No setup needed. Works from the moment you arrive. Your card is charged in SGD using your bank's exchange rate.
Option 2: EZ-Link Card
The EZ-Link card is Singapore's dedicated transit smart card. It's useful if you prefer a dedicated card or plan to store value for other purchases (some hawker stalls accept EZ-Link payments).
- Where to buy: Changi Airport (TransitLink kiosk), any MRT station customer service office, 7-Eleven stores
- Cost: S$10 (S$5 usable travel credit + S$5 non-refundable card fee)
- Top up: At any MRT Add Value Machine (AVM), 7-Eleven, Cheers, or SimplyGo app
- Refund: Return at any TransitLink Hello! service centre — you get remaining balance back minus a S$3 admin fee
Option 3: Singapore Tourist Pass
Unlimited travel on buses and MRT for a fixed daily fee. Good value if you plan to use transit many times per day.
| Pass | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Tourist Pass | S$22 (S$10 deposit) | Heavy exploration days — theme parks across town, neighbourhood hopping |
| 2-Day Tourist Pass | S$29 (S$10 deposit) | Back-to-back full days of sightseeing |
| 3-Day Tourist Pass | S$34 (S$10 deposit) | First 3 days of a trip when transport use is highest |
Deposit is refunded when you return the card. Available at Changi Airport TransitLink kiosks and major MRT stations.
MRT: Mass Rapid Transit
The MRT is the backbone of Singapore transport. 6 lines, 130+ stations, air-conditioned, clean, punctual, and safe. It covers Changi Airport, Orchard Road, the CBD, Marina Bay, Sentosa (via Harbourfront), Jurong, and virtually every neighbourhood you'll visit as a tourist.
MRT Lines at a Glance
| Line | Colour | Key Stops for Tourists |
|---|---|---|
| North-South (NSL) | 🔴 Red | Orchard, City Hall, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Toa Payoh, Bishan, Woodlands |
| East-West (EWL) | 🟢 Green | Changi Airport, Tanah Merah, Paya Lebar, Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, Jurong East |
| Circle (CCL) | 🟠 Orange | Harbourfront, Bayfront (MBS), Dhoby Ghaut, Bishan, MacPherson, Serangoon |
| Downtown (DTL) | 🔵 Blue | Bugis, Promenade, Bayfront, Chinatown, Little India, Beauty World, Bukit Panjang |
| Thomson-East Coast (TEL) | 🟤 Brown | Orchard, Stevens, Gardens by the Bay, Marine Parade, Bayshore |
| North-East (NEL) | 🟣 Purple | Harbourfront, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Little India, Serangoon, Punggol |
MRT Fares (Post-December 2025 Adjustment)
Fares are distance-based (calculated by the number of stations travelled, not geographic distance). You tap in at the start and tap out at the end.
| Distance | Adult Fare | Approximate Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3.2 km | S$1.28 | 2–3 station hops within the same area |
| 3.3–5.2 km | S$1.48 | Short journeys (e.g. Orchard to Dhoby Ghaut) |
| 5.3–8.2 km | S$1.68 | City to Bugis, Clarke Quay to Chinatown |
| 8.3–11.2 km | S$1.88 | CBD to Bishan, Orchard to Jurong |
| 11.3–15.2 km | S$2.08 | Changi Airport to Paya Lebar |
| 15.3–21.2 km | S$2.28 | Changi Airport to City Hall |
| Over 21.2 km | Up to S$2.57 | End-to-end cross-island journeys |
MRT Operating Hours
| Day | First Train | Last Train |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | ~5:30am | ~12:00am (midnight) |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | ~5:30am | ~12:00am (midnight) |
| Night before Public Holidays | Normal | ~1:00am (extended) |
Key MRT Routes for Tourists
| Journey | Line(s) | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changi Airport → City Hall | EWL (Green) direct or via Tanah Merah interchange | ~30 min | ~S$2.20 |
| Orchard → Marina Bay Sands (Bayfront) | NSL → CCL (1 interchange) | ~18 min | ~S$1.68 |
| City Hall → Chinatown | EWL or NSL → NEL | ~12 min | ~S$1.28 |
| City Hall → Little India | EWL → DTL or NSL → NEL | ~15 min | ~S$1.38 |
| Harbourfront → Orchard | NEL → NSL (at Dhoby Ghaut) | ~20 min | ~S$1.68 |
| Bayfront → Gardens by the Bay | TEL (short walk) | ~3 min walk from Bayfront | — |
MRT Tips
- Rush hour: Avoid 8–9am and 5:30–7pm on weekdays — carriages are packed. Stand clear of doors and move into the carriage.
- Always tap out: If you forget to tap out, you'll be charged the maximum fare. Tap out machines are at every exit gate.
- Priority seats: Marked seats are for elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities. Give them up without being asked.
- No eating or drinking: Prohibited on MRT and buses. S$500 fine. Sealed water bottles are fine.
- Google Maps works: Singapore's MRT is fully integrated into Google Maps. Enter your destination and it will give you exact train and bus directions with current times.
Buses
Singapore has an extensive bus network with over 350 routes. Most tourist areas are well served. Buses are air-conditioned, reliable, and operate from around 6am to midnight. Payment is the same as MRT, contactless card, EZ-Link, or Apple/Google Pay.
How to Ride a Bus
- Find your bus number using Google Maps (most reliable) or the SingaBus app
- Wait at the bus stop — there are bus stop signs with route numbers and real-time arrival displays
- Flag the bus (raise your hand) — buses won't always stop if no one signals
- Tap your card on the reader next to the driver when boarding
- Find a seat (or stand if full)
- Tap your card on the reader at the exit door when alighting — important for correct fare
- Press the bell button if your stop is approaching (the next stop is announced over PA)
Useful Bus Routes for Tourists
| Bus | Route | Why Useful |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | Changi Airport → Orchard Road → Suntec City | Direct airport-to-Orchard without MRT interchange |
| 65 / 12 | Along Orchard Road | Connects Orchard MRT end-to-end |
| 145 | Harbourfront → Chinatown → Shenton Way | Useful for CBD/Chinatown access |
| 963 / 963B | Woodlands → Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | Cross-border bus to JB — see Day Trips guide |
| NR1–NR8 | Night bus network | Runs 12:30am–4:30am when MRT stops |
Bus Fares (2026)
| Distance | Trunk Bus | Feeder Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3.2 km | S$1.09 | S$0.99 |
| 3.3–5.2 km | S$1.29 | S$0.99 |
| 5.3–8.2 km | S$1.49 | — |
| 8.3–11.2 km | S$1.69 | — |
| Over 11.2 km | Up to S$2.17 | — |
Taxi & Grab
Grab (Recommended)
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Singapore and Southeast Asia. It works like Uber, open the app, enter your destination, see the price upfront, and a driver picks you up. Available 24/7 across the entire island.
How to Use Grab
Download app, add your card, enter destination — upfront price, driver arrives in 3–8 min.
Grab Prices
City rides S$8–18 · Airport to city S$18–35 · No airport surcharge unlike taxis.
Car Types
GrabCar · GrabCar+ · GrabXL (6-seater) · GrabShare (shared, cheaper). JustGrab = cheapest.
Pickup Tips
Pin your location precisely. At malls use B1/B2 pick-up zones. Meet driver at exact point shown.
Metered Taxis
Singapore taxis are reliable, licensed, and metered. No negotiation, no scams. All taxis must use the meter. Main operators: ComfortDelGro (blue/yellow), SMRT Taxis (white/red), Trans-Cab (yellow).
| Charge | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Flag-down fare | S$3.90 – S$4.50 | Every trip |
| Per km | S$0.25 – S$0.65/km | After flag-down |
| Airport surcharge (T1–T4) | S$6.00 | Trips from Changi (6am–midnight) |
| Airport surcharge (peak) | S$8.00 | 5pm–midnight from Changi |
| City area surcharge | S$3.00 | Picking up from CBD (Mon–Fri 5–9:30pm, all day weekends) |
| Midnight surcharge | 50% of meter | Midnight–6am all days |
| ERP (road toll) | Varies S$0.50–S$6 | When passing ERP gantries |
| Peak hour surcharge | 25% of meter | Mon–Fri 6–9:30am and 6–midnight; Sat noon–midnight |
| Booking fee (call/app) | S$2.30 – S$8 | Only if you book in advance via app/phone |
Taxi vs Grab: When to Use Which
| Situation | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| From Changi Airport | Grab | No airport surcharge, upfront price, often 20–30% cheaper |
| Rainy/peak hour in city | Taxi | Grab surge can make it expensive; taxi surcharges are capped |
| Late night (after 1am) | Either | Both have midnight surcharges; Grab easier to find |
| No phone/internet | Taxi | Hail from street or use taxi stand |
| Group of 5–6 | GrabXL | 6-seater on Grab, no need to split into two rides |
| From hotel with taxi stand | Either | Convenience of taxi stand vs. Grab's price advantage |
Getting to Sentosa
Sentosa Island is connected to the mainland at Harbourfront. There are four ways in, and they're not equally convenient.
🚝 Sentosa Express
S$4 adult · S$3 childMonorail from VivoCity L3 · 5 min · Runs 7am–midnight · Stops at Waterfront, Imbiah, Beach
🚶 Boardwalk
FreeScenic pedestrian walkway from VivoCity · 15–20 min walk · Great views, not ideal in rain
🚗 Taxi / Grab
S$12–18 from cityS$6 Sentosa surcharge per car · Direct to Universal Studios or resort hotels
🚡 Cable Car
S$35 adult round tripAerial gondola from Mount Faber or HarbourFront · Scenic, not for speed · Book online
Cross-Border Travel
Singapore to Johor Bahru, Malaysia
JB is just across the Causeway, it's one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. Many visitors do a day trip for shopping and food (prices are 30–50% cheaper in ringgit). Options:
| Method | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus CW1 (City Shuttle) | S$3.30 | 30–90 min | From Queen St terminal to JB Sentral. Cheapest, most popular. |
| Bus 170 (SMRT) | S$2.50 | 45–90 min | From Queen St / Kranji MRT. Very affordable, slower. |
| Causeway Link / ToTo Bus | S$2.80–3.50 | 30–75 min | Multiple departure points in Singapore. |
| Taxi to Causeway | S$15–25 | 25–45 min | Drop you at CIQ; you walk through immigration, take transport on other side. |
| Grab Singapore → Walk → Grab Malaysia | S$12–20 + MYR ride | Varies | Fastest for those who know the drill — Grab in SG drops at CIQ, walk through, take Grab on JB side. |
Renting a Car
Renting a car in Singapore itself makes almost no sense, public transport is excellent, parking is expensive (S$2–8/hour in the city), and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) tolls add up. However, renting a car to drive into Malaysia (JB, KL, Penang) is very popular and well worth it.
- Rental companies: Avis, Hertz, ComfortDelGro Rent-a-Car, Goldbell
- Cost: S$70–150/day depending on car size
- Driving to Malaysia: You need a hire car letter from the rental company, your passport and valid licence. International Driving Permit (IDP) not always required but recommended.
- Left-hand drive: Singapore and Malaysia both drive on the left — same as UK, Australia, Japan
Cycling & Personal Mobility
Singapore has been expanding its cycling path network significantly. The Park Connector Network (PCN) offers scenic cycling routes through parks and along reservoirs, largely separate from traffic.
- Bike share: SG Bike and Anywheel operate dockless bicycles. Scan QR code to unlock, park at any designated bike bay. Cost: approx. S$0.50–1 per 15 minutes.
- Cycling on roads: Legal, with lights required at night. Helmets recommended but not legally required for bicycles.
- PMDs (e-scooters): Electric scooters are only permitted on cycling paths, not footpaths or roads. Many operators and models are licensed.
- Best cycling routes: ECP (East Coast Park) along the coast, PCN from Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Southern Ridges trail (partially pedestrian/cycling).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Google Maps is excellent in Singapore. It integrates real-time bus arrival times, MRT schedules, and Grab/taxi options into the same directions interface. For buses, it tells you which stop to board, which stop to alight, and the estimated wait time. It's the most reliable tool for getting around as a visitor. The local Citymapper app also works well.
You'll be charged the maximum fare for that line segment (which can be up to S$2.57). To correct an error, go to any Customer Service Office at an MRT station with your card and explain, refunds are possible for mistakes. In the future, just remember: tap in when entering, tap out when exiting, every single time.
Take the MRT East-West Line (Green) direct, the line runs from Changi Airport all the way west to Joo Koon, passing through Jurong East. No interchange needed. Journey time from Changi to Jurong East is approximately 55–65 minutes. Fare around S$2.20–2.40.
Yes, Grab drivers in Singapore are licensed, background-checked, and rated by passengers. The app records the journey in real-time with driver details visible. Share your trip with a contact via the Grab app's safety feature if you're concerned. In practice, Grab in Singapore is considered very safe and reliable. Never accept rides from unofficial touts.
Yes, as long as you have internet access (WiFi or roaming data). Download the app before you leave home, add your payment card, and it works anywhere with internet. Many hotels and cafes have free WiFi. If you don't have data roaming, getting a Singapore tourist SIM card (from S$15 at the airport) is highly recommended, it makes navigation, Grab, and communication much easier throughout your trip.
The fastest public transport route: MRT to Bayfront Station (on both the Downtown Line/Blue and Circle Line/Orange). Follow signs to Exit B, which has a direct covered walkway to Gardens by the Bay (about 5–8 minutes walk). Alternatively, Gardens by the Bay MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown) also serves the gardens directly. By Grab from Orchard: about S$12–18.
Yes, the Duck & Hippo City Tour offers a hop-on-hop-off double-decker bus that covers major attractions. Adult price around S$39–45 for a day pass. Covers Orchard, Chinatown, Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Little India, Kampong Glam. It's more expensive than the MRT but a good option for those who want narrated sightseeing from above street level.