Singapore’s public transport system is one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient in the world, making getting around Singapore simple even for first-time visitors.
Having lived and commuted across the island for years—from peak-hour MRT rides at Raffles Place to late-night buses home from Orchard—I’ve put together this definitive Singapore public transport guide for tourists, tailored to how locals really move around the city.
This guide will show you exactly how to use MRT Singapore, buses, taxis and ride-hailing, when to buy an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass, how to get to major attractions step-by-step, what it all costs, and how transport choices can even shape your future property decisions with Homejourney.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Singapore Public Transport Matters for Tourists & Property Seekers
- 2. Essential Information at a Glance
- 3. Overview of Singapore Transport System
- 4. Fares, EZ-Link Card, Tourist Pass & Payment Options
- 5. MRT Singapore Guide for Tourists
- 6. Public Buses: When They Beat the MRT
- 7. Taxis, Grab & Other Ride-Hailing Apps
- 8. Getting Between Changi Airport and the City
- 9. How to Get to Major Tourist Attractions (Step-by-Step)
- 10. Safety, Etiquette & Accessibility on Singapore Transport
- 11. Money-Saving Transport Tips for Tourists
- 12. Seasonal & Peak-Hour Considerations
- 13. Where to Stay: Best Areas for MRT Access (Property & Hotel Tips)
- 14. How Homejourney Helps You Match Transport & Property
- 15. FAQ: Singapore Public Transport for Tourists
1. Why Singapore Public Transport Matters for Tourists & Property Seekers
Singapore is compact, but without the right transport strategy, you can waste time in the heat or overspend on taxis.
For tourists, a good transport plan means you can cover Marina Bay, Sentosa, Chinatown, Little India, Orchard Road and the Zoo in just a few days—comfortably and safely.
For property buyers and investors using Homejourney, understanding Singapore transport is equally critical: rental demand, resale value and quality of life are often highest for homes within 5–10 minutes’ walk of an MRT station or major bus interchange.
Homejourney’s data-backed project insights via Projects Directory help you see which condos and HDB estates are truly well-connected, not just “10 minutes to MRT” in marketing brochures.
2. Essential Information Box: Singapore Transport for Tourists
Quick-reference facts (2025) – always double-check before travel as details can change.
Homejourney safety note: Stick to licensed public transport, avoid unregistered private vehicles, and always check latest advisories on official sites like LTA and VisitSingapore before your trip.
3. Overview of Singapore Transport System
According to Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, the city is served by an extensive, integrated network of MRT, LRT, buses, taxis and private-hire cars.[10]
As a commuter, the biggest surprise for many visitors is how rarely you need a car—locals routinely cross the island from Jurong to Changi Airport entirely by MRT and bus.
3.1 MRT & LRT – The Backbone
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the primary rail system, with more than 230km of track and six main lines: North-South, East-West, North-East, Circle, Downtown, and Thomson–East Coast.[1][3][4]
Trains are air-conditioned, frequent (every 2–3 minutes at peak on busy lines) and well signposted in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.[1][10]
The LRT (Light Rail Transit) lines mainly serve residential towns like Punggol, Sengkang and Bukit Panjang; most tourists will use MRT far more often.[3]
3.2 Bus Network
Singapore’s bus network fills in the gaps that the MRT doesn’t reach, especially low-rise residential areas and industrial estates.[1][2]
All public buses are air-conditioned and most are wheelchair accessible, with audio announcements and clear route displays.[1][7]
From a local’s perspective, buses are often the most pleasant way to see neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, Joo Chiat and East Coast—areas rich in food and heritage that you might skip if you rely solely on the MRT.
3.3 Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Taxis are regulated, metered and considered safe, with clear surcharges displayed inside the vehicle.[10]
Grab and Gojek are the two main ride-hailing apps; they’re widely used by locals for late-night trips or when travelling with young children or elderly relatives.[1][5]
For tourists with luggage or tight schedules (such as making a dinner reservation near night clubs—see Night Clubs in Singapore Itinerary: Safe, Smart Planning with Homejourney ), ride-hailing is often worth the small premium over public transport.
4. Fares, EZ-Link Card, Tourist Pass & Payment Options
Understanding how to pay is critical to using Singapore transport efficiently.
4.1 EZ-Link Card (and Similar Stored-Value Cards)
The EZ-Link card is a contactless stored-value smart card used on MRT, LRT and buses.[2][6]
You tap in at entry and tap out at exit; the system deducts a distance-based fare automatically.
Where to buy:
- MRT passenger service centres (especially at Changi Airport, Orchard, Bugis, City Hall)
- Selected 7-Eleven and convenience stores
Typical costs (2025):
- Card price (with stored value): around S$10–S$12 (including S$5 value, subject to change)
- Top-ups: Minimum S$10 at machines or counters
When locals use it: Daily commuting, school runs, quick bus rides—almost everyone has at least one EZ-Link or equivalent card.
4.2 Contactless Bank Cards & Mobile Wallets
Tourists can tap in and out directly with contactless Visa/Mastercard or mobile wallets like Apple Pay/Google Pay on MRT gates and buses.[2][6]
This is ideal for short trips or business travellers who don’t want another card; fares are similar to EZ-Link, but foreign card fees may apply depending on your bank.
Insider tip: Use a multi-currency card (e.g., Wise, Revolut) with low FX fees to avoid surprise charges.
4.3 Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)
The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited MRT and basic bus rides for 1–3 days.[6]
Indicative 2025 prices (excluding refundable deposit, always confirm on official STP site):
- 1-Day Pass: ~S$22
- 2-Day Pass: ~S$29
- 3-Day Pass: ~S$34
Strong value if you expect to take 5–8 trips a day, especially when staying near an interchange like Bugis, Dhoby Ghaut, Chinatown or Outram.
4.4 Which Option Should You Choose?
5. MRT Singapore Guide for Tourists
The MRT is usually the fastest way to get around Singapore, especially during rush hour when roads get busy.
5.1 Main MRT Lines Tourists Use
Key lines and what they’re good for:[3][4]
- East-West Line (Green): Changi Airport, Expo, Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Outram Park
- North-South Line (Red): Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, City Hall, Raffles Place, Marina Bay
- Downtown Line (Blue): Chinatown, Fort Canning, Downtown, Bayfront (Marina Bay Sands/Gardens by the Bay), Bugis[4]
- Circle Line (Orange): HarbourFront (Sentosa access), Esplanade, Promenade, Paya Lebar, Serangoon[4]
- North-East Line (Purple): HarbourFront, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Little India[3][4]
- Thomson–East Coast Line (Brown): Woodlands (Zoo access via bus), Orchard Boulevard, Gardens by the Bay (future), East Coast areas[4]
5.2 How to Use the MRT (Step-by-Step)
- Plan your route with Google Maps or MyTransport.SG; note the line colour and direction.[2][6]
- Buy or tap in: Use EZ-Link/Tourist Pass or tap your contactless bank card on the gantry.
- Follow signage: Overhead signs show line colour and terminal station; platform screen doors list next train and arrival time.[5]
- Board safely: Stand behind the yellow line; let passengers alight before boarding.
- Transfers: Follow transfer signs (e.g., to Circle Line) at hubs like Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park, Serangoon, Paya Lebar.
- Exit carefully: Choose the right station exit (A/B/C etc.)—this can save 5–10 minutes of walking.
5.3 Peak Hours & Comfort Tips
Weekday peaks are roughly 7:30–9:30am and 5:30–7:30pm.[5]
During these times, trains and platforms at CBD stations (Raffles Place, City Hall, Tanjong Pagar) can be crowded, but systems remain orderly.
Local tip: For a less crowded ride, use the first or last car, where fewer commuters cluster.[5]
5.4 Safety & Security on MRT
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 10 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 7 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2025)
