Public Transport in Singapore

AMCgroup
AMCgroup
Published in
5 min readOct 18, 2019

Singapore is a tiny country in South-East Asia, but this city-state has managed to make its marks about a clean, beautiful and sustainable development nation, so attract many tourists to come here every day. The main activity of Singapore tourism is to explore landmarks, outstanding architectural works and a number of other attractions. It is worth mentioning that these destinations are not adjacent, so visitors need to use public transport in Singapore to facilitate transportation.

Singapore has one of the most cost-efficient public transport networks in the world, according to a study by London consulting firm Credo. The public transport system is carefully integrated, so train stations usually have a taxi stand or bus stop nearby.

Most self-sufficient travelers to this country feel comfortable and fast thanks to the transportation system here. Today, we will introduce visitors to public transport in Singapore so you will not be surprised and worried before traveling.

What is Ez-Link card?

The Ez-link card is a thin, compact smart card, similar in size to a credit card and you can recharge according to your needs. It is essentially a store-valued card, very much like a public telephone card. Unlike telephone cards, however, a tamper-proof microchip is embedded inside an EZ-link card.

You can buy individual tickets for each trip, but the most economical and convenient way is to buy an EZ-Link card. The card can be used for both MRT and buses. The card is also available for one-day unlimited use (SGD 10), 2 days (SGD 16) or 3 days (SGD 20). You can buy the card at the TransitLink Ticket Office or at any MRT station.

By bus

Buses are regarded as the most popular public transportation in Singapore. The bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore and is the most economical way to get around, as well as a chance to see the beautiful scenery

As usual, the bus journey here will start operating from 5:30 am to midnight; SBS Transit (operating distinctive red-and-white buses) and SMRT (yellow buses) are the two main operators. There are also extended night services, namely Nite Owl and NightRider, which cost slightly more (a flat rate ranging from $1.50-$3.00).

If you choose to go this way, you can pay your fare with an EZ-Link stored-value card or the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), which you tap on the card reader located next to the driver as you board. You can also use your foreign-issued Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore to pay for your ride. Let’s remember to tap your card again, on the reader at the rear exit when getting off. You can also pay in cash but you will need to have exact change.

Although you will take some time to wait, the public bus is the most cost-effective way to travel in Singapore. Taking a bus is also probably the best way for you to see a wider cross-section of Singaporeans on a daily basis.

Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) & Light Rapid Transit (LRT)

Singapore’s MRT system is probably the fastest and most convenient way to zip around the city. The extensive rail network means that most of Singapore’s key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.

Unlike other countries with a lot of complex train lines like Korea and especially Japan, the train line in Singapore is few. Therefore, you can find the train lines with notice boards and understand instructions without any difficult, even for first-time travelers to Singapore.

The price will depend on the stages you take, when entering or leaving the station you just swipe the EZ link card, the money will automatically deduct from your card account. You need to save the train line map with your phone or get it at the airport (free distribution).

More recently, the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system was also added to the existing train network. Unlike the MRT, the LRT are intra-town loop services — passengers switch from the MRT to the LRT to get to other parts of the town. To date, LRT services have only been implemented in the Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol housing estates.

Visitors can use the following options for MRT journeys:

1. Get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20).

The Pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations, or at the Concession Card Replacement Office at Somerset station. They are also available 24 hours daily at the Automated STP Kiosks at Changi Airport MRT Station (Terminal 2 and 3) near the Transitlink Ticket Office.

2. You can also use your foreign-issued Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore for the payment of public transport fares in Singapore.

3. Adult Stored Value Smartcard (EZ-link / Nets FlashPay)

4. Single Trip Tickets

Singapore’s trains and stations are accessible to wheelchair users and the visually impaired, as well as families with strollers.

Taxi

Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT, however, it is so expensive. Cabs here are metered, but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which company’s taxi you board. To get a rough idea of the final fare, check with the driver on the surcharges and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip.

From the airport by taxi to the city, the price ranges from $ 30–35, with an additional $ 3 airport surcharge, $ 5 surcharge from 5.00 pm to 12.00 pm, 50% surcharge from 12.00 pm to 6.00 am, rush hour surcharge 25% from 6.00 am-9.30 am.

You can get a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by queuing for one at taxi stands found at most shopping malls, hotels, and tourist attractions.

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