AsiaGuideSingapore

How to Get Around Singapore

Singapore has one of the best transportation systems in Southeast Asia. Even if it’s your first time to visit Singapore, you can easily get around due to its vast and methodical network of roads. We’ll make it super breezy for you with our handy Singapore transportation guide, complete with various options such as the MRT, public buses, and river taxis. Compare routes and prices while getting all the travel apps, cards, and pro-tips you need for sightseeing!

Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass or E-Z Link Card

EZ-Link card (image via Kalleboo, Wikipedia)
EZ-Link card (image via Kalleboo, Wikipedia)

Arrive in Changi Airport and pick up at least one contactless smart card

Changi Airport is located in eastern Singapore, and is one of the busiest airports in Asia. Before you start your journey, determine what kind of card you need for your entire SG vacation.

  • Get a Singapore Tourist Pass if you plan to explore a lot of Singapore, mostly by bus and train. You may get yours straight from Changi Airport and choose between a 1 – 3 day pass. Enjoy unlimited and cost-effective travel on basic buses, MRT, and LRT trains without worrying about insufficient funds. Cost: S$10 – 20
  • Grab an E-Z Link Card for short and single journeys. Similar to Hong Kong’s Octopus card and London’s Oyster Card, this card will let you pay for your bus or train journey with a simple tap. You can also purchase snacks, meals and drinks, and plenty of other things (neat!). Top up at any convenience store or add value machines. Because buses require exact change, this will save you from digging through your purse for coins. Cost: S$12 (7 is used for stored value)

Take the Skytrain between different terminals

Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 (image via Dale Gillard, Flickr)
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 (image via Dale Gillard, Flickr)

Free Skytrain services are available for you to shuffle between Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3. If you need to proceed to Terminal 4, a free shuttle bus is available at Terminal 2. Of course, all terminals can be reached on foot. As one of the world’s best airports, it proves that everything is at your convenience.

  • Schedule: 24-hour service
  • Route: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 within Changi Airport
  • Average Cost: Free

Traveling from Singapore Changi Airport

Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport, Singapore

We recommend taking a Changi Airport Shuttle to your city hotel to save on costs. The journey will take around 20 – 32 minutes.

By Changi Airport Shuttle

  • Schedule: 24-hour service. One shuttle arrives every 15 minutes (peak hours) and 30 minutes (off-peak hours)
  • Route: From Changi Airport to most hotels in central Singapore
  • Average Cost: S$9 per adult; S$6 per child below 12 years old

By Changi Airport Taxi

  • Schedule: 24-hour service
  • Route: From Changi Airport to most hotels in central Singapore
  • Average Cost: S$20 for regular taxi costs. (Surcharge of 50% will apply during late night hours: 12:00am to 5:59am)

By MRT (Mass Rail Transit)

  • Schedule: Every 7 – 9 minutes during peak hours (8:00am – 9:00am; 12:30am – 2:00pm; 7:30pm – 8:15pm) and 12 – 13 minutes during off-peak hours
  • Service Hours: Mondays to Saturdays: 5:31am – 11:18pm; Sundays & national holidays: 5:59am – 12:06am
  • Route: Head from Changi Airport Terminal 2 via the connecting East West (Green) line to Tanah Station. Hop aboard the Green line train from Tanah Station to City Hall or the station near your hotel
  • Average Cost: S$1.74 via EZ-Link card (standard fare: $2.30)

By Private Transfer

  • For those arriving late at night, traveling with several family members and kids, or carrying heavy luggage, it’ll be easier to book a private transfer
  • Private Airport Transfer: Book yours at KKday  
  • Cost: S$40

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore is small for a country, stretching up to 31 miles vertically. The extensive public transportation system can take you wherever you wish to go. Each option listed below has their own advantage over the other, so select the best for your budget or comfort levels.

By Singapore Public Bus

SBS Bus (image via SgTransport, Flickr)
SBS Bus (image via SgTransport, Flickr)

Taking the bus is the preferred option for those who want both convenience (airconditioning and TVs) along with cheap fares. Mainly operated by SMRT and SBS, public buses also have routes to quaint villages or the countryside stops that aren’t covered by the MRT. Find your nearest stop here.

Schedule:

  • 5:30am – 12:00am, daily. Each bus arrives and departs in around 10 minutes

Route:

  • Maps of the bus routes can be found at every stop. You may also map out your bus route at: gothere.sg

Average Cost:

  • S$1 to S$2.10 depending on your destination

Sightseeing Tips:

From Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15), take Exit C and head towards bus stop no. 03223 in International Plaza, Anson Road. Hop onto bus no. 400 and disembark at bus stop no. 03371

By MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

Singapore MRT (Mass Rail Transit)
Singapore MRT (Mass Rail Transit)

The MRT (or Mass Rapid Transit) system is known as the fastest and cheapest way to get around with clean, cool, and efficient trains.

Schedule

  • 6:00am – 12:00am, daily. Trains depart every 2 – 3 minutes

Route:

  • North-South Line, East-West Line, North-East Line, Circle Line and Downtown Line cover almost the whole island. Map out your route here

Average Cost:

  • For those with adult EZ-link cards: S$0.70 – S$1.84  and S$0.40 – S$0.50 for child EZ-link cards. Normally, it’ll cost S$0.78 to S$2.03 for single trip Standard tickets.

Sightseeing Tips:

  • Easily drop by a must-see attraction, 1-Altitude Viewing Gallery, Singapore’s highest observation deck. Just alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Get your tickets here

By Taxi

Singapore taxi
Singapore taxi

This option is only recommended for those who prefer not to take public transportation, wish to avoid crowds, and don’t mind shelling out extra dollars to get from point A to B.

Options:

  • Download Grab, a popular ride-sharing app in Singapore. This is a cheaper option compared to standard taxis
  • Should you wish to use a public taxi service, contact Avis at tel. no. 1800/737-1668, which also operates in Changi Airport (Service Hours: 7:00am – 11:00pm)

Route:

  • Wherever your destination in Singapore

Average Cost:

  • Grab: S$5-15 Singapore
  • Standard taxis: S$27 – 32

By River Taxi

River taxi (image via Gramicidin, Flickr)
River taxi (image via Gramicidin, Flickr)

If your hotel or destination is near the Singapore River, you can cut through the traffic and take a river taxi. Check this map for the nearest boarding station. If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the modern city, and witness the magnificent Marina Bay skyline with towering skyscrapers, this one’s your best bet.

Schedule:

  • 8:00am – 10:00am and 5:00pm – 7:00pm on weekdays. Boats depart every 20 minutes. Not available on weekends and national holidays

Route:

  • Stops by Robertson Quay, Clemenceau, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the Esplanade

Average Cost:

  • S$5 per person

Tourist Tips for Getting Around:

City Centre
City Centre
  • Purchase a SIM Card so you can stay in touch with your family and friends
  • Request help from Singapore Visitor Centre: Drop by one of the three Singapore Visitor Centres via any of the transportation modes above. They are located in ION Orchard, Orchard, and Chinatown. Here, you can browse souvenirs and get assistance in booking hotel accommodations
  • Address: 216 Orchard Road, orchardgateway@emerald, Singapore 238898

The living expenses in Singapore may be high, but the transportation system is the one to beat! Save on costs and navigate through Singapore like a pro by using this Singapore transportation guide. Enjoy the efficient network of MRT and buses in this multicultural city with KKday.

Check out our recommendations for your Singapore vacation:

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