Best Ways to Get Around in Singapore

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.

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.

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.

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.