Public Transport in Singapore | ThriveInSingapore

First Things First

Getting Prepared for Travel

Before exploring Singapore, get set up with the right travel card for seamless journeys.

EZ-Link Card

The most popular contactless stored-value card. Works on all MRT, LRT, and buses.

Card Cost: S$10 (S$5 card + S$5 value)

Min Top-up: S$10

Buy At: MRT Stations, 7-Eleven

Pro Tip: Top up via the EZ-Link app or at any GTM (General Ticketing Machine) in MRT stations.

NETS FlashPay

Alternative stored-value card that also works for retail payments at NETS terminals.

Card Cost: S$5 (no stored value)

Min Top-up: S$10

Buy At: DBS/POSB ATMs, 7-Eleven

Pro Tip: Auto top-up available when linked to a Singapore bank account.

Singapore Tourist Pass

VISITORS

Unlimited travel on buses, MRT, and LRT for a fixed period. Best for tourists.

1 Day: S$22

2 Days: S$29

3 Days: S$34

Pro Tip: Available at TransitLink offices at Changi Airport T2, Orchard, Chinatown MRT.

Insider Tip: SimplyGo

Singapore's SimplyGo system allows you to tap in/out using your contactless Visa or Mastercard directly. However, foreign-issued cards incur a S$0.60 daily administrative fee. For stays longer than a week, an EZ-Link card is more economical.

The Backbone of Singapore

MRT Lines Guide

Singapore's MRT connects all major districts with trains running from ~5:30 AM to midnight daily.

🗺️ Places of Interest Map

🔍 View Full Size

🚇 MRT System Map

🔍 View Full Size

NS

North-South Line

RED LINE

The first MRT line, connecting Jurong East to Marina South Pier via Orchard Road and the city center.

Key Stations: Jurong East, Orchard, City Hall, Marina Bay

Interchanges: Jurong East (EWL), Bishan (CCL), Dhoby Ghaut (NEL/CCL)

EW

East-West Line

GREEN LINE

Longest line spanning from Pasir Ris in the East to Tuas Link in the West, including Changi Airport branch.

Key Stations: Changi Airport, Tampines, Bugis, Jurong East

Airport Branch: Tanah Merah → Changi Airport T3, T1/T2

NE

North-East Line

PURPLE LINE

Singapore's first fully automated and underground line, connecting HarbourFront to Punggol.

Key Stations: HarbourFront, Chinatown, Little India, Serangoon

Access: VivoCity/Sentosa (HarbourFront)

CC

Circle Line

ORANGE LINE

Orbital line forming a loop around central Singapore, connecting multiple MRT lines.

Key Stations: Marina Bay, Esplanade, Botanic Gardens, Holland Village

Loop: Forms complete circle connecting all radial lines

DT

Downtown Line

BLUE LINE

Modern line from Bukit Panjang through the CBD to Expo, serving major business districts.

Key Stations: Bukit Panjang, Newton, Downtown, Bayfront

Access: Marina Bay Sands (Bayfront), EXPO

TE

Thomson-East Coast Line

BROWN LINE

Newest line connecting Woodlands North to Gardens by the Bay, with future East Coast extension.

Key Stations: Woodlands North, Orchard, Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay

Future: RTS Link to Johor Bahru (2026)

Light Rail Transit (LRT) Systems

Three LRT lines serve residential towns, connecting to MRT stations:

Bukit Panjang LRT

14 stations serving Bukit Panjang town
Connects to Choa Chu Kang (NS)

Sengkang LRT

14 stations serving Sengkang town
Connects to Sengkang (NE)

Punggol LRT

15 stations serving Punggol town
Connects to Punggol (NE)

Complete Coverage

Bus Services

Over 370 bus routes cover every corner of Singapore, complementing the MRT network.

🚌

Normal Bus

Regular routes covering all of Singapore. Most common type you'll use daily.

Fare Range: S$1.09 – S$2.27

Examples: Bus 7, 36, 151

Pro Tip: 1-2 digit = long routes, 3-digit = feeder to MRT.

⚡

Express Bus

Limited-stop services for faster travel on longer routes.

Fare Range: S$1.39 – S$2.57

Examples: 502, 518, 851e

Note: ~S$0.30 more than normal bus. Look for "e" suffix.

Concession Passes & Discounts

🎓

Student Concession

Full-time students in Singapore schools enjoy discounts on public transport.

Discount: Up to 50% OFF

Eligibility: Full-time students

Pro Tip: Apply through your school for the concession card.

👴

Senior Citizen

Singapore citizens aged 60+ enjoy discounted fares with a concession card.

Age Requirement: 60 years & above

Citizenship: Singapore Citizen

Pro Tip: Apply at any TransitLink Ticket Office.

♿

Persons with Disabilities

Special concession passes available for persons with disabilities.

Discount: Concessionary fare

Application: Via SG Enable

Pro Tip: Visit sgenable.sg to apply online.

🎖️

NSF / NSmen SG ONLY

Full-time National Servicemen and NSmen enjoy concessionary fares.

For: NSF & NSmen

Discount: Concessionary fare

Pro Tip: Use your 11B or NS card to apply.

💡 Pro Tip: Transfer between MRT and bus within 45 minutes to get rebates and save up to S$0.50 per transfer!

Door-to-Door Options

Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles

For convenience or late-night travel, taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available.

Taxi Services

Major Taxi Companies

ComfortDelGro 6552 1111

SMRT Taxis 6555 8888

Trans-Cab 6555 3333

Premier Taxis 6363 6888

Taxi Fare Structure

Flag-down (Standard) S$4.10 – S$4.80

Per 400m / 45 sec S$0.26

Peak Hour Surcharge 25% (6-9:30 AM, 6-12 AM)

Late Night Surcharge 50% (12 AM – 5:59 AM)

CBD Surcharge S$3 (5 PM – 12 AM)

Airport Pickup S$3 – S$5

Private Hire Vehicles (PHV)

Ride-hailing apps offer convenient booking with upfront pricing. Fares are dynamic based on demand.

Grab

Market leader with widest coverage

Services: JustGrab, GrabCar, GrabShare

Base Fare: ~S$3.00

Per km: ~S$0.60-0.80

Download App →

Gojek

Indonesian competitor, often cheaper

Services: GoCar, GoRide (motorcycle)

Base Fare: ~S$2.50

Per km: ~S$0.50-0.70

Download App →

TADA

Blockchain-based, 0% commission model

Services: Standard, Premium

Base Fare: ~S$2.80

Per km: ~S$0.55-0.70

Download App →

Ryde

Singapore-based, carpooling focus

Services: RydePOOL, RydeX

Base Fare: ~S$2.80

Per km: ~S$0.55-0.70

Download App →

⚠️ Dynamic Pricing Note: PHV fares fluctuate based on demand, time, weather, and distance. The fares shown are indicative base rates. Always compare prices across apps before booking, especially during peak hours or rainy days when surge pricing applies.

Maximize Your Benefits

Best Payment Methods

Choose the right payment method to save money and earn rewards on your daily commute.

Payment Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
EZ-Link Card	Long-term residents	Lowest fares, no daily fees, widely accepted	Need to top up, S$5 non-refundable card cost
SimplyGo (Contactless)	Short-term visitors	No card to buy, use existing cards/phone	S$0.60/day fee for foreign cards
Tourist Pass	Heavy tourist travel	Unlimited rides, simple budgeting	Not economical for light use
Local Credit Card	Rewards seekers	Earn cashback/miles on transport spend	May have minimum spend requirements

💳 Credit Cards with Transport Benefits

DBS Live Fresh

5% cashback on transport (including Grab) up to S$20/month

Best for Cashback

Citi Rewards Card

10X points on online transport bookings (Grab, Gojek)

Best for Miles

UOB One Card

Up to 10% rebate when meeting spend requirements

Best Overall

* Terms and conditions apply. Check with respective banks for current promotions and requirements.

Explore More

Related Transport Guides

Places of Interest

How to get to Sentosa, Pulau Ubin, Southern Islands, and other popular destinations.

Explore Guide →

Travelling to Malaysia

Cross-border options, visa requirements, peak periods to avoid, and cost breakdown.

Explore Guide →

Car Ownership in Singapore

Understanding COE, ARF, and the real costs of owning a car in Singapore.

Explore Guide →

Essential Downloads

Useful Transport Apps

Download these apps to navigate Singapore like a pro.

🚌

SG BusLeh

Real-time bus arrival times

iOS & Android

🚇

MyTransport.SG

Official LTA app for all transport

iOS & Android

📍

Google Maps

Reliable routing with real-time updates

iOS & Android

💳

EZ-Link App

Check balance, top up, track spending

iOS & Android

Upgrade Your Commute

Tired of Crowded Trains & Waiting for Buses?

While Singapore's public transport is excellent, nothing beats the freedom of having your own car. Skip the crowds, travel on your schedule, and explore Malaysia on weekends. We can connect you with trusted car dealers and help you navigate COE, financing, and insurance.

🚗 Explore Car Ownership Get Expert Advice

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