The Singapore MRT and its bus network are honestly the best ways to get from place to place around Singapore. It’s cheap, fast, reliable, and runs long hours. You can reach most parts of Singapore using the trains or the buses, including many of its attractions and other points of interest. This Singapore travel guide blog post outlines everything you need to know about the Singapore public transportation system as a tourist visiting Singapore.
If you are from a non-metro region in North America and have rarely used public transport other than maybe air travel, this step by step guide is perfect for you! For semantics sake, the Singapore MRT stations refer to the mostly underground train stops and not the bus stops. While the Singapore MRT is often called a subway system, many trains do go above ground and that’s why I refer to them as trains. Please use the table of contents to find the information you need:
How To: Travel to/from Jewel Changi Int’l Airport
Fares & Payment Options (Types of Singapore MRT Passes)
How To: Singapore MRT & All Singapore MRT Lines
Singapore MRT/Bus Rules & Etiquette & Other Tips
How to get to/from Jewel Changi Int’l Airport
How To (Jewel Changi Int’l Airport ➡️ City Centre) using the Singapore MRT:
- Ticketing; you will have to purchase a Singapore MRT Card or Singapore Tourist Pass at a ticketing booth at the airport. There are many help desks at each terminal with employees who are happy to guide you to the correct counter. You can also use mobile payment or your contactless card in lieu of purchasing a Singapore MRT card, although additional surcharges will be applied.
- Train or Bus; the Singapore MRT Station at the Jewel Changi Airport (CG2) is located in the Terminal 3 Departure Hall; this is quite a trip from the Jewel so keep that in mind. You can also opt to take the public-side monorail from your terminal (does not stop at the Jewel, it only runs through it). You can also take the following bus lines from the Jewel and other terminals: 24, 27, 34, 36, 53(A), 110, 858(B) (not all go into the city centre and not all lines depart from Terminal 4).
- Transfer at Tanah Merah; once you are on the Singapore MRT traveling from CG2, you will take the green line two stops over to Tanah Merah (EW4) where you have to transfer to the actual East West Line by crossing the platform to the EW train heading towards the city (or Tuas Link). There are signs everywhere; you cant miss it. If you are trying to get on the Downtown Line, make the transfer at CG1 or EW12, depending on where you are trying to go. Google Maps will tell you which Singapore MRT Line and stop are closest to your destination.
- Get off at your desired stop or transfer to additional lines; EW8 has a connection to the Circle Line, EW13 and EW14 both intersect with the North South Line while the Outram Park Station (EW16) will connect you with the Northeast and Thomson East Coast Line. Once again, Google Maps is your friend!
How To (City Centre ➡️ Jewel Changi Int’l Airport) using the Singapore MRT:
- $$$; make sure you have sufficient funds on your to take you to the airport. Alternatively, the following bus lines will also take you there: 24, 27, 34, 36, 53(A), 110, and 858(B) – some lines do not stop at Terminal 4.
- East West Line; Head west on the East West Line towards Pasir Ris or take the Downtown Line towards Expo then transfer at Expo to CG2. You can also transfer very early on in your journey to the EW from DT in the city centre at Bugis (EW12/DT14).
- Transfer at the Tanah Merah stop (EW4) if you are on the green EW line, then cross the platform to catch the CG line to the airport at CG2.
- You will come out at Terminal 3 once you head upstairs and out of the station.
Fares & Payment Options
How does payment work/scanning in and out?
For the Singapore MRT, you will scan your form of payment upon arrival at the station through the turn styles. At this point, you are just checking into the station and no charge has been made. You could turn around and depart that same station by foot and be charged no fare since you did not go anywhere. Once you arrive at your final Singapore MRT station, you will scan out of that station and the machine calculates the fare based on where your journey began and ended. Most trips average about S$1-S$3.
For Buses, much of the same is true. You enter the bus from the front, scan your card upon entry near the driver, then scan your card again upon exit at the double doors. Most bus rides, even across long stretches across Singapore are around S$1.50. You pay per ride not by distance traveled.
Avoid card clash: Use the same payment method you used to scan in when scanning out. Also try not to scan the same scanner as another patron at the same time. Your balance should reflect upon checking in, and the price of the fare will show upon exit when scanning out.
Bus or MRT? The Singapore MRT network is very expansive and interlinked; the trains will let you go to many parts of the island, however they are a bit more expensive when comparing it to the cheaper bus fares. However, the trains are fast while buses can be subject to traffic. Train rides average about S$1-S$3 depending on the length of your journey, while most buses rides are around or under S$1.50 and are only charged per ride, not per distance traveled. Some argue that it is more convenient to hop on a bus instead of going into a Singapore MRT station, taking the escalator at least twice, and then waiting on a train. Overall, the Singapore MRT network will take you to the major attractions and points of interest while the buses are convenient for short or long journeys as well as niche/non-city centre destinations such as the MacRitchie Treetop Walk, the Singapore Zoo, and Sentosa Island (the Sentosa Express/Cable Cars are not part of the same system, separate purchase is required). Buses go where the Singapore MRT goes and then some.
Payment Options
1. EZ Link Card/SimplyGo EZ-Link Card, NETS Flashplay and NETS Prepaid Cards (NETS cards are Singaporean Debit Cards)
2. Singapore Tourist Pass
3. Contactless Visa or Mastercard Credit/ Debit Cards as well as NETS Cards (no American Express or Discover Card accepted) *additional fees are charged for every swipe
4. Cash (buses only; exact amount has to be paid, no change is provided)
5. Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Grab Pay, Singtel Dash)
Payment FAQ
Kids: It is good to know that children ride for free on the Singapore MRT and buses so long they are below 0.9m/3ft in height and accompanied by someone who is paying a fare. If they are above this height, normal fares apply and they should have their own form of payment (EZ Link Card, SG Tourist Pass…)
What is a Singapore Tourist Pass? The Singapore Tourist Pass, or rather its three options, are public transport cards that offer discounts and unlimited rides on the Singapore MRT and buses if you are staying in the city for three days or less.
- There are three options when it comes to the Singapore Tourist Pass:
- (1) The “Singapore Tourist Pass” which has one, two, or three day options that offer unlimited rides on MRT/buses (S$17, S$24, or S$29)
- (2) The “SG Tourist Pass” for S$29 which is essentially the same as the 3-Day Singapore Tourist Pass Option
- (3) The “Singapore Tourist Pass Plus” for S$48 also offers the three day unlimited ride offer as well as an Inclusive of Xplore 1 hour tour, post cards, and a S$5 credit for Changi Travel Concierge service
- The Catch: For all three options, you have to use the card all three consecutive days to reap the benefits, so this only makes sense if you are in town for a long layover or three days max. The unlimited rides deal only applies to public trains and buses (Singapore MRT), not the Sentosa Express, Mount Faber Cable Cars, and other private buses you’ll see around the city. Same rule for children applies here, as listed above.
- Is it worth it? I would say if your stay is short, then yes. It might also be worth it for longer stays if you are going on a resort-style vacation on let’s say, Sentosa Island and plan on venturing outside the resort for a day or two. HOWEVER, with the Tourist Pass, you get a plethora of discounts at many top Singapore attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Adventure Water Cove, Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum, and a number of restaurants ~ just to name a few. All details are listed on the official website here, but you can also use the Tourist Pass to pay entry at lesser known attractions like the Pinnacle @ Duxton SkyBridge.
- Where to purchase: Purchase your Tourist Pass at various kiosks or counters at Jewel Changi Airport as well as limited a number of other Singapore MRT stations, all of which are outlines here.
All about the SimplyGo EZ Link Card:
- The EZ Link card can be purchased at allSingapore MRT stations and work just like a contactless credit card. Purchasing one at Jewel Changi Airport comes with enough money on it to get you downtown from the airport, but will require topping up before using it again after your first ride.
- Benefits of an EZ Link Card include using the mobile top-up option so you do not have to use the machine. However, this is only possible if you are able to receive international text messages to set up the app. I’m also uncertain what the rules are of using non-Asian credit cards to top off your EZ Link (since the top off machines at Singapore MRT stations do not accept foreign cards).
- The EZ Link card is a one time purchase of S$10, S$5 of which is credit on the card, and is valid for about five years, so this is a great investment if you are planning on using the Singapore MRT extensively for more than three days and/or if you are planning on returning to Singapore at some point. The EZ Link card is not tied to your name so you can even lend it to a friend. Up to S$500 can be stored on the EZ Link Card
- Loss & Theft; take a picture of your EZ Link Card incase of loss or theft. The card can be blocked and refunded in worst cast scenarios using the serial number.
- The EZ Link Card can also be used to complete transactions at certain vendors, machines, and retailers like you would use a gift card.
- Top off the EZ Link Card; EZ Link cards can be topped off using the mobile app as mentioned above, or using the top off machines that are available at every Singapore MRT train station. Some accept cash, usually bills smaller than S$50 as well as credit, debit, and NETS cards. Please note: If you only have foreign non-Asian cards, your form of payment will not be accepted. Also know that some tellers will not exchange large bills at the station, however, they may be able to accept large bills to top off at the kiosk manually rather than using the machine. You can also top off the EZ Link at 7 Eleven, certain ATMs, and some convenience stores; look for the SimplyGo logo.
What is the Concessions Card? Chances are if you are reading this, you do not qualify for this card. It is a reduced fare card for Singaporean citizens/permanent residents who classify as a certain status such as student, senior, service member, and so on. You will also see concession-prices tickets at many top Singapore attractions, so if you are a student, try your luck and bring your student ID.
How to Use the Singapore MRT
With six main Singapore MRT lines, this subway system contains over 140 stations across over 200 km of rail systems. There are obviously dozens of stops along any given Singapore MRT Line, meaning the few examples of attractions and start/stop points listed below are just for overview’s sake. The Singapore MRT runs daily from 5:30 am until midnight, with trains arriving every 3-5 minutes. During special holidays such as New Year’s Eve, hours may be extended past midnight.
Like many other subway and train systems, there are two directions to the same line; you will recognize the direction you need to travel based off the final stop in that direction. For instance, on the East West Line (EW), if you wish to travel east to Raffles Place from let’s say, Aljuneid in Little India, you will enter the Aljuneid MRT Station (EW9) and board the side of the subway station that is labeled Tuas Link as this is the western most stop on the EW Line. If you were to go east, you would pick the other side of the platform towards Pasir Ris. Everything is labeled in English so you will get the swing of things, trust me. Worst case scenario, you ride a station or two in the wrong direction, you can just swap platforms at the next stop..I’ve been there.
Most Singapore MRT stations are simple and only have two platforms of the same line that travel in the opposite direction. Others, such as Outram Park Station, are the intersection of two or three lines where you can transfer to another line. Often times, a different line may be intersecting on the opposite platform, so just be aware of that, as well as which direction that new line travels to.
Sometimes these trains will not arrive at the same time and you will see locals run across the platform to catch their connection. Other connections, or the opposite line will be accessible by entering a deeper level via escalator/elevator or by walking across the station underground to another line entirely. Every station has a map for your convenience; but most if not all stops are displayed at the platform and inside the train.
The main Singapore MRT lines are as follows, excluding the LRT lines in Northeastern & Northwestern Singapore:
East West Line (EW, Green): This Singapore MRT line runs as far east as Changi Airport and Pasir Ris. It stops along many points of interests and Singapore attractions such as Dover Forest and Jurong Lake Gardens as well as along Jurong West where you can visit the famous Hive building at NTU, Yunan Garden, and the Chinese Heritage Centre. To the East, this Singapore MRT line stops in Tanjong Pagar, Raffles Singapore (Merlion), City Hall (museums), Bugis (malls and Sultan Mosque), Little India, and onward to Wild Wild Wet Waterpark or the airport/Changi Expo.
North South Line (NS, Red): This Singapore MRT line runs as far north as Yishun, with its first stop being Jurong East and as far south as Marina South Pier (cruise terminal). You can also find the MRT stop Khatib (NS14) on this line; from here you can access the Singapore Zoo via the Mandai Zoo Bus Stop outside the MRT station on Yishun Avenue 2. The NS Line also loops around near Jurong Lake Gardens, stops near Sembawang Hot Springs, at Newton Food Centre, Orchard Road, Fort Canning Park, City Hall (museums), Raffles Place (Merlion), and the Marina Bay stop at the edge of the CBD.
Downtown Line (DT, Blue): This Singapore MRT line makes a loop around the city centre before branching off northeast to Bukit Panjang near Bukit Timah, making stops at the Botanic Gardens, Little India, Fort Canning Park, Chinatown, the CBD, the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Changi Expo. It will soon expand to link up with the Thomson East Coast Line just southeast of Jewel Changi Airport.
Thomson East Coast Line (TE, Brown): This Singapore MRT line will be an extension to the Downtown Line. It runs from the northernmost Woodlands area in Singapore through the Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road, and Gardens by the Bay with its last stop at Bayshore Station at the eastern end of East Coast Park.
Northeast Line (NE, Purple): This Singapore MRT line starts at Harbour Front at Vivo City (closest MRT train stop to Sentosa Island) and goes all the way across Singapore to Punggol in the northeast, near Serangoon Island and Pulau Ubin. The Northeast Line also contains a stop at the Little India MRT Station, right near Tekka Centre, also stopping at Dhoby Ghaut (just across the street from Fort Canning Park and on the southern end of Orchard Road), as well as Clarke Quay and Chinatown.
Circle Line (Yellow): This Singapore MRT line runs a circle around southern and central Singapore starting at Dhoby Ghaut in the heart of the city centre and ending at Harbour Front (Vivo City, Southern Ridges, Sentosa Island). There is a small branch-off connection from the Marina Bay station that also stops at Bayfront (MBS) before joining the rest of the circle line at the Promenade near the Singapore Flyer and Suntec City. There are also stops at the Esplenade, Bras Basah (museums), before making its circle-esque shape towards the National Stadium, with additional stops at the Botanic Gardens, Kent Ridge Park, Labrador Park, until ending up back at Harbour Front. Note: This MRT Line is not yet a full circle; you will have to swap over at Harbour Front if you want to continue your journey eastward.
Future Expansion of the Singapore MRT Train Lines: There are plans to expand all existing Singapore MRT lines as well as add new lines such as the lime green Cross Island Line which aims to connect Singapore’s islands to the western end of the main island, as well as a teal Jurong Region line in northeastern Singapore. Many of these expansions wont be opened until the late 2020s or into the 2030s.
How to Use the Bus Lines
Bus Router SG is a fantastic resource for taking the bus around Singapore. It can be a bit tricky to use so Google Maps is actually a great way to use the bus system as well. Apple Maps is mostly alright, but it has made some mistakes on my trip as the routes are not up to date. View the bus router visualizer here. Buses run daily from around 5 am until midnight roughly as this will depend on each line.
☝️Always scan your payment option in at the driver’s entryway and scan out at the double door exit point. Cash is accepted but change will not be provided.
Some things to know about the buses in Singapore…
- Waiving down the bus; many bus stops service multiple bus lines, MEANING…that if you are standing or sitting at the bus stop, the bus won’t necessarily pull in to stop for you (unless someone is getting off at this stop also). You will have to stand up and wave at the bus to indicate you would like to get on. I would also recommend this for stops that only serve one line, because you never know.
- Press Stop; Singapore buses have monitors to tell you which stop is next; you will have to press the one of the stop buttons located all around the bus to indicate you would like to get off at this stop.
- Know your route; Please know that the bus routes with a letter following a number are not the same as the numbered ones (ie, lines 21 and 21A are not the same, though they typically run along similar roads in the same part of town).
Singapore MRT Rules & Etiquette
- Offering your seat to the elderly, families, the disabled, and pregnant women is expected – as a young, healthy person and clearly a foreigner in Singapore, I felt as though standing during the ride or taking an open seat towards to back/second tier of the bus was the best way to show respect and curtesy to locals who use the bus as their main form of transport to run errands and commute to/from work/school. Please also give way to wheelchair users and families who use the elevator at Singapore MRT stations. These tips are especially relevant during peak hours.
- Move inward/away from doors as the train/bus gets crowded
- Standing appropriately when entering/exiting the MRT; there are markets on the ground that tell you where to stand as to not get in people’s way as they exit
- No eating or drinking at the Singapore MRT stations or inside trains/buses (not sure what the verdict is at bus stops or MRT stations that are in an open air setting, better safe than sorry); you can bring food and drink onto public transport, just not consume it unless that food would be…
- Durians; it’s a no! I believe anything that contains durian such as baked goods or ice cream are permitted as long as it does not omit odor.
- No smoking at stations/stops and inside trains and buses; it is actually illegal to publicly smoke in Singapore unless you are at a designated smoke pit. Vaping is obviously a big no; keep in mind there are cameras everywhere.
- Try not to talk loudly on the phone or play music/games out loud
- Be mindful of the space your do take up, don’t put your bag on the seat beside you and do not throw your feet up onto a nearby seat, this includes manspreading; do not push or shove others; if you have a bag or small suitcase, stand in a corner or place it at your feet while seated
- Other things to consider; I have seen other sources saying that the following behaviors are out of the norm and considered unwritten rules of public transport in Singapore – nail clipping or polishing, which is generally strange to do in public…as well as being glued to your phone to the point where you bump into others or miss your stop. Wearing no deodorant or too much fragrance is also strange. If you look visibly sick, you should put on a mask. Bringing large/bulky items with the exception of luggage is also less than ideal for the people around you, especially during peak hours.
- Check out the above linked Singapore MRT character line up that each represent curtesy practices in public transport; Stand-Up Stacey, Bag-Down Benny, Move-In Martin, Hush-Hush Hannah, and Give-Way Glenda.
Good to Know
- Some trains are standing trains only and have no seating at all, just handles and bars
- All buses, stations, and trains are air conditioned unless you are at a Singapore MRT station that is not underground
- You will have excellent cell connectivity even many meters below Singapore (at the station and in the train)
- No restrooms inside trains or buses
Resources for Getting Around & Conclusion
As mentioned previously, Google Maps and Bus Router SG are phenomenal for planning your travels with the Singapore MRT!
Thank you for browsing my Singapore Travel Blog & this Singapore Travel Guide on all things Singapore MRT!
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