Singapore Public Transport with Kids: Homejourney Family Guide

Singapore Public Transport Guide for Tourists with Kids: The Short Answer

Singapore’s public transport is one of the safest, cleanest and most family-friendly systems in the world, making it ideal for tourists with kids. The MRT, buses and contactless payment options like the EZ-Link card and SimplyGo let you get around Singapore quickly, affordably and safely — even with a stroller, older parents and multiple young children in tow.[6][8]

This focused family guide builds on our main public transport pillar, Singapore Public Transport Guide for Tourists (2025) | Homejourney Singapore Public Transport Guide for Tourists (2025) | Homejourney , and zooms in on what parents specifically need to know: step-by-step tips for using MRT Singapore, buses and taxis, with real routes, current prices and kid-safe strategies.

Why Families Should Use Public Transport in Singapore

As a compact, highly planned city, Singapore’s transport system has been designed for everyday family use by residents — not just tourists. Trains and buses are air-conditioned, clearly signposted, and most stations are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.[3][8]

For Homejourney users exploring neighbourhoods before buying or renting, public transport is also the most realistic way to understand how livable an area will be with kids. Many buyers here shortlist homes by MRT line first, then by school and amenities, before they compare projects in detail on tools like our projects directory Projects Directory .

Family Transport Essentials at a Glance

Key family-friendly facts about Singapore transport:

MRT operating hours: Around 5.30am to midnight daily, with trains every 2–3 minutes at peak on key corridors and 4–6 minutes off-peak.[1][3][8]
Bus operating hours: Generally early morning to midnight; some night buses on weekends.[1][3]
Payment: Contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard), mobile wallets or stored-value cards like EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay.[6][9]
Typical MRT fare: About S$0.99–S$2.20 per adult trip depending on distance and card type; buses similar.[6][9]
Child fares: Children under 7 travel free with a Child Concession Card or proof of age; older kids enjoy discounted concession rates (check current LTA/TransitLink tables before travel).[8][9]
Airport to city: From Changi Airport MRT to city centre typically S$2–S$2.50 per person; by taxi about S$24–S$35 depending on time and surcharges.[3][6]

Insider tip: For a typical family of 4 staying 3–5 days and using public transport daily, budget about S$8–S$12 per adult per day in fares, slightly less for kids with concessions or free rides.

Should You Get an EZ-Link Card, Tourist Pass or Use Contactless?

Choosing how to pay is one of the first decisions families make when getting around Singapore.

1. EZ-Link Card (Stored-Value)

An EZ-Link card is a reloadable stored-value card widely used by locals on MRT, LRT, buses and some retail outlets.[6][9]

Where to buy: MRT station passenger service centres, TransitLink Ticket Offices, selected 7-Eleven stores.[6][9]
Cost: Typically around S$10–S$12 including a small stored value (e.g. S$5 value with S$5 card cost — check at point of purchase as packages change).
Top up: Ticket machines, convenience stores, SimplyGo app or NETS machines.[9]

Best for: Families staying 5+ days or planning to return to Singapore; kids who like tapping their own cards; visitors who want local-style convenience.

2. Singapore Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), offered through TransitLink and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, gives unlimited rides on basic bus and train services for 1, 2 or 3 days for a fixed fee.[6]

Typical pricing (subject to change): About S$22 (1 day), S$29 (2 days), S$34 (3 days) including a refundable card deposit — always verify current rates before purchase.
Where to buy: Selected MRT stations including Changi Airport, Orchard, Chinatown and City Hall, plus some TransitLink offices.[6]

Best for: Short trips (1–3 days) where you know you will be taking multiple rides daily, e.g. hitting several attractions each day as set out in our Singapore Public Transport Itinerary Guide 2025 Singapore Public Transport Itinerary Guide 2025 | Homejourney .

3. Contactless Bank Cards & Mobile Wallets (SimplyGo)

Most tourists can tap in and out directly with a Visa or Mastercard contactless card, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, via the Land Transport Authority’s SimplyGo system.[9]

Pros: No need to buy a separate card; great for adults and teens; itemised trip history in banking app.
Cons: Children under 7 still need a separate Child Concession Card for free travel; foreign card FX and banking fees may apply.

Homejourney tip: For a family of 4 staying 4–6 days, a mix works best: adults use contactless cards via SimplyGo, while kids get their own Child Concession or EZ-Link cards. This reduces queues at top-up machines and lets parents move faster through gantries.

How to Use the MRT in Singapore with Kids

The MRT Singapore network spans over 230km and six main lines, connecting Changi Airport, the city centre and most major attractions.[1][3][8]

Step-by-Step: A Typical Family MRT Journey

Plan your route using Google Maps, the official MyTransport.SG app, or TransitLink SimplyGo Journey Planner.[3][6][9]
Enter the station via lifts or escalators; most central stations have lift access clearly marked with wheelchair symbols.[3][8]
Tap in at the fare gates with your EZ-Link, Tourist Pass or contactless card; kids under 7 use their Child Concession Card.
Follow color-coded signs (e.g. Downtown Line – blue, North–South Line – red, East–West Line – green) and platform arrows; announcements are in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.[3]
Board safely after passengers alight; keep prams locked and away from platform edges. Trains have wide doors and level access at most stations.[3][8]
Alight and tap out; elevators and tactile paving guide you to concourse and street level.

Kid-Friendly MRT Routes to Popular Attractions

Changi Airport → City (Marina Bay/City Hall/Orchard): Take East–West Line (green) from Changi Airport (CG2) to City Hall (EW13/NS25) or change at Tanah Merah (EW4) depending on your hotel. About 35–45 minutes.[3][6]
City Hall → Gardens by the Bay: Take Circle or Downtown Line to Bayfront (CE1/DT16), use Exit B for direct underground link and stroller-friendly escalators and lifts.
HarbourFront → Sentosa: From HarbourFront (NE1/CC29), walk into VivoCity Level 3 and take the Sentosa Express monorail; Sentosa hotels and attractions like SEA Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore become a 5–10 minute ride.[3]
Orchard → Singapore Zoo (via bus): Take MRT to Khatib (NS14) and transfer to the Mandalay Zoo shuttle (paid service), or go via bus from the city (often 1 hour+; plan via MyTransport.SG for latest options).