Planning a trip to Singapore and need to know how to get around? To get around this Lion City, there are several modes of transportation. This quick guide will give you an overview of all relevant information regarding Singapore’s transportation network.
Pro Tip: Save this page in your browser as a bookmark so you can return to it during your vacay.
Your Options For Getting Around Singapore: MRT, Bus, Bike & Taxi
Singapore’s public transportation is efficient, making traveling from point A to point B a snap. Essentially, that means that tourists who wish to shop along Orchard Road in the morning, visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens in the afternoon, and fly out of Changi Airport in the evening can ride a bus or MRT and get to each place on time, with undeniably little friction or delay.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Getting Around Singapore by MRT & Bus
Singapore’s MRT system is known as Mass Rapid Transit. This is equivalent to a train/subway/metro in your country. In comparison to bike and taxi, MRT and bus will be used by the majority of locals and tourists to get to their destinations, unless you have a larger budget to rent a private hire car (PHC) or a taxi.
First and foremost, if you intend to use our MRT and bus networks to get around Singapore, you will undoubtedly require an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass card. You can, without a doubt, pay bus fares (and just for buses only, not MRT) using cash, albeit at a greater cost than with an EZ-Link card. So, if you want to save money and make your vacation easier, consider purchasing either cards.
Singapore’s MRT system is known as Mass Rapid Transit. This is equivalent to a train/subway/metro in your country. In comparison to bike and taxi, MRT and bus will be used by the majority of locals and tourists to get to their destinations, unless you have a larger budget to rent a private hire car (PHC) or a taxi.
First and foremost, if you intend to use our MRT and bus networks to get around Singapore, you will undoubtedly require a general EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass card (which is essentially a special EZ-Link card for tourists). You can, without a doubt, pay bus fares (and just for buses only, not MRT) using cash, albeit at a greater cost than with an EZ-Link card. So, if you want to save money and make your vacation easier, consider purchasing either card.
What you need to know is that the rush hour traffic is between 8 – 9 am and 5 – 7 pm. So, avoid these hours when planning your itinerary. This will surely be a helpful suggestion for travelers like yourself.
Outside of these hours, you are free to explore Singapore as much as you like. MRT stations, bus interchanges, and large bookstores all sell Transitlink Guides. With one of these useful manuals in hand, you won’t get lost on any MRT or bus route.
Before you get started: Singapore Tourist Pass vs EZ-Link Card
I mentioned earlier that you could get either card to get around Singapore, but I have yet to reveal briefly which would be preferable. In summary, if you are visiting Singapore for fewer than three days and want to utilize public transport as your primary mode of commuting (which is highly likely), the Singapore Tourist Pass is the best choice for you.
If you are visiting Singapore for more than three days and intend to utilize public transport, you should purchase the EZ-Link card. It’s also incredibly affordable, and you won’t have to worry about returning the card before you go. So, take your pick.
From Changi Airport
Changi Airport, located on the eastern side of the island, is Singapore’s main airport. You’ll be relieved to learn that it has its own station, which is linked to the airport. You can enter from either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. So, getting to and fro Changi Airport upon arrival and departure will be a breeze. Most people, in my opinion, use the MRT from Changi Airport into the city because it’s the easiest if it’s your first time in Singapore.
MRT Map & Bus Apps
Here’s an MRT interactive map that you can save on your phone, as well as a mobile bus app that can come in handy if you want to explore Singapore.
- Online MRT Interactive Map
- Static MRT Map
- TL SimplyGo by TransitLink
- MyTransport.SG by Land Transport Authority (LTA)
In addition, you might find this MRT/Bus fare calculator handy.
We have seven MRT lines, depending on where you wish to go:
- Bukit Panjang LRT
- Circle Line: Marina Bay & Bayfront MRT stations are here, visit Gardens by the Bay and MBS.
- Downtown Line
- East-West Line: From City Hall to Tanjong Pagar MRT stations, Singapore’s CBD area is here, including some of the greatest local delicacies!
- North-East Line: Little India & Chinatown MRT stations are here, enjoy some local flavours right here!
- North-South Line: Orchard MRT station is here, so you can Singapore’s central shopping district.
- Sengkang-Punggol LRT
- Thomson-East Coast Line
Bike
Getting around Singapore on your own two feet is not only healthier but also more ecologically friendly. Explore Singapore with new perspectives and plan your own bike trip! You’ll surely have a great bike adventure with the bicycle routes we’ve created for you to explore the little red dot while being fit and healthy. These routes provide stunning vistas and take you past classic Singapore monuments, some of which you may not even be aware exist!
If you prefer nature, consider exploring Coney Island in our Punggol – Sengkang route as one of your top things to do in Singapore. Alternatively, choose the Marina Bay – Rochor route to experience the magnificent skyline of Singapore while cycling!
Here are the cycling routes:
- Ang Mo Kio – Lornie
- Bedok – Tampines
- Bukit Gombak – Bukit Panjang
- Geylang – Marine Parade
- Jurong
- Marina Bay – Rochor
- Pasir Ris – Changi
- Punggol – Sengkang: Coney Island is here!
- Wodlands
- Yishun
Uber & Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Singapore, albeit they are somewhat more costly. To catch a cab, look for a clearly designated taxi waiting stand or use their app to request one. Comfort DelGro is the most popular cab app.
In Singapore, we used to have Uber. However, Uber withdrew from the SEA market in March 2018, but it retained its Singapore office, where it operates its APAC operations, until at least the end of 2022. Grab is now Singapore’s most popular ride-hailing app, amongst others like Gojek and Ryde. If you need to get somewhere quickly, you may use the app (Google or Apple) to request a Grab vehicle or cab to pick you up and drop you off.
Taxis are, without a doubt, the quickest means of transportation to any location in Singapore anywhere, anytime. When traveling in a group and the distance traveled is small, it is always an excellent alternative.
Expect to spend extra if you book a cab by phone,/app during peak hours, after midnight, or for travels to the central business area (CBD).
If you want to learn more about Uber, read this:
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