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MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
The best thing about taking the MRT train to the city center is that it can help you save money. If you want to spend less, this is a good option to consider.
The most challenging aspect of using this transportation mode is likely the need to change MRT lines. The Changi line is a spur line that connects the Changi Airport station to the East-West (Green) line at Tanah Merah station. To reach your destination, you will need to transfer to a Green Line MRT train at Tanah Merah. From there, you can travel to many popular accommodations along this line, including Geylang (alight at Kallang or Lavender station), Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, and Chinatown (alight at Outram Park station).
WHERE TO FIND: The MRT station at Changi Airport is located in the basement of Terminal 2. No matter which terminal you arrive at (Terminal 1, 2, or 3), just follow the signs that say ‘Train to the City’ and you’ll find the station easily.
TRAVEL PASS: For your travel needs, you have the option to purchase either a single ride ticket or an EZ-Link card at MRT stations or Changi Recommends stores
COST: SGD 1.74 ($1.25) via EZ-Link card
TRAVEL TIME: 32 minutes (Changi to City Hall station)
MRT HOURS: 05:31 – 23:18 Mon to Sat; 05:59 – 00:06 Sun & Public Holidays
MRT SCHEDULE: Every 7 – 9 minutes during peak hours (08:00 – 09:00; 12:30 – 14:00; 19:30 – 22:15) and 12 – 13 minutes during off-peak hours.
NOTE: The fare for your MRT ride is calculated based on the total distance you travel, which means you won’t have to pay a boarding charge for each transfer you make during your trip
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Changi Airport Shuttle
The Changi Airport Shuttle offers a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to and from Changi Airport. These shared vans provide drop-offs to most hotels in central Singapore.
This option is suitable for solo travelers with minimal luggage, such as one carry-on bag and one suitcase.
You can reserve your seat online in advance, or use the Ground Transport Desks located at the Arrival halls to arrange for the service.
TRAVEL TIME: About 25 minutes in good traffic conditions
COST: SGD9 ($6.56) per adult; SGD6 ($4.38) per child below 12 years old.
SERVICE HOUR: 24 hours
SERVICE SCHEDULE: Every 15 minutes (peak hours) and 30 minutes (off-peak hours)
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Changi Airport Taxis
A taxi is the fastest and most comfortable means of transportation for traveling between the airport and any venue in the city. Singaporean taxi drivers are available at all times of the day and will take you directly to your hotel while also assisting you with your luggage.
You can find taxis at the taxi stands located on the Arrival levels of each terminal. All taxis in Singapore operate on a meter system, so you do not need to negotiate the fare while riding a taxi in Singapore.
TRAVEL TIME: 20 minutes (from Changi Airport to City Hall)
COST: Approximately SGD 20 ($14.60) for 19km, regular taxi during off-peak hours
SERVICE HOURS: 24 hours
NOTES:
- The port surcharge is SGD 5 ($3.65) (Friday – Sunday from 17:00 – 23.59); and SGD 3 ($2.20) at all other times.
- Late night (00:00 – 05.59) surcharge is 50% of the fare shown on the meter.
- Peak hours (06:00 – 09:29 Mon to Fri, 18:00 – 23:59 every day) surcharge is 25% of the metered fare.
- Passengers have to pay the ERP charges shown on the In-vehicle Unit of the cab.
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Best Ways to Get Around in Singapore
Singapore, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, has one of the most cost-effective public transport networks in the world. The transport system is fast and efficient due to the country’s systematic, extensive, and comprehensive network of roads.
This system will whizz you to most places without fuss. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) strictly controls and monitors the growth and use of private vehicles to minimize traffic and curb road congestion.
If you’re going to set foot in Singapore for the first time, the following guide to transportation will help you figure out the convenient transport modes to get around the city comfortably.
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River taxis
If your hotel is situated at a downtown venue that is near the Singapore River, then water taxi (aka bumboat) is a delightful mode of transport to take.
Singapore water taxis currently cover 5 stops: Robertson Quay, Clemenceau, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the Esplanade. As you can see, the length of the route is quite short so those boats won’t transfer you to anywhere in Singapore. But they can, at least, take you to the major tourist spots like Asian Civilisations Museum, Raffles’ Landing Site, Merlion Park, Esplanade Theatre, and Singapore Flyer.
Partygoers would appreciate water taxis a lot as they can help you get to Clarke Quay, Singapore’s best nightspot, in style.
The great part of riding these boat taxis is that you can enjoy downtown Singapore at a different angle, and take in the stunning sights on both sides of the river while the breezes are playing your hair.
FARES: $5 (USD3.65) per person
SERVICE HOURS: 08:00 – 10:00 and 17:00 – 19:00 Mon to Fri (No service on weekends and PHs)
SERVICE SCHEDULE: Every 20 minutes
NOTE: You can pay the fare via EZ-link or NETS FlashPay card.
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Singapore Taxis
No doubt, taxis are the fastest transport mode to get to any destination in Singapore at any time. It is always a good option when you travel in group and the distance covered is short.
Expect to pay more if you book the taxi ride via phone, during peak hours, after midnight, and for trips to central business district (CBD). All taxis in Singapore are fully licensed and run on meter.
You can hail a taxi at the taxi stands of the malls, in front of hotels, or anywhere in the streets by giving a hand signal. Catching taxi can become difficult between 16:00 to 17:00 when most cab drivers change shifts, at late night, and during rush hours.
TAXI FARES: For a regular taxi, flag-down fee is from SGD 3.6 (2.63) to SGD 3.9 ($2.84), then an amount ranging from SGD 0.55 ($0.4) to SGD 0.94 ($0.7) will be charged per each subsequent kilometer.
SERVICE HOURS: 24 hours
NOTES:
- There is City Area Surcharge (SGD 3) from 17:00 to 23:59 daily including Public Holidays.
- 10% surcharge applies to payment made via Credit card.
- Ez-link card can be used to pay for taxi fares.
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Singapore Public Buses
Singapore public bus service has a vast and efficient network, covering almost every place in Singapore. The city’s over 300 bus services serve up to three million rides each day smoothly.
Buses are a highly recommended transport means for first-time visitors as you can take in the sights of many city’s corners while the buses are whizzing along the streets. Take a seat by the window and enjoy the journey.
The bus fares are charged based on the distance traveled, so remember to tap your card on the card reader twice – one when you just get in and one when you are about to get off.
BUS FARES: Range from SGD 0.79 ($0.58) to SGD 2.07 (1.51) via EZ-Link card; SGD 1.40 ($1.02) to SGD 2.50 ($1.82) with cash
SERVICE HOURS: 05:10 – 12:45 daily
SERVICE SCHEDULE: Every 5 to 20 minutes
NOTE: There are Nite buses, active from 23:30 to 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights, to take you from major nightspots to residential houses.
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MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
Using MRT is the best way to get around in Singapore.
The MRT system offers affordable and hassle-free rides to the majority of tourist attractions in Singapore. The trains can get crowded during rush hours, as the way it is expected in big cities, but they still bring you to your destinations smoothly and on time.
MRT system consists of five lines: The Circle (orange) line, the East-West (green) line, the North-East (purple) line, the North-South (red) line, and the Downtown (blue) line.
Among them, Red and Green lines are the two most used lines by locals and visitors alike. It is simply because there are a lot of local businesses were set up along the routes of these lines. So expect that you can reach many shopping malls, restaurants, food courts, and bars by riding MRT.
MRT FARES: Range from SGD 0.78 ($0.58) to SGD $2.03 ($1.51) if payment is made via EZ-Link card
SERVICE HOURS: From 05:30 – 00:00 daily
SERVICE SCHEDULE: Every 2 to 3 minutes (peak hours 07:00 to 09:00 and 17:00 to 20:00); every 5 to 7 minutes (off-peak hours)
NOTE: The departure times can vary during public holidays, weekends, and between stations.