How to Get Around in Singapore

03 Nov How to Get Around in Singapore

As with any other city, there are several ways to get around in Singapore—MRT, buses, and taxis. But, just like in other cities, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to know—just so you’re not scrambling to figure out how to commute on the first day of your internship in Singapore!

In this guide, we will share helpful tips about the local transportation system, particularly:

1. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
2. Bus
3. Taxi

Let’s get started.

MRT (Singapore Metro)

What to know about Singapore’s MRT

The MRT is Singapore’s metro or subway system, and it’s open every day from 5:30 AM until midnight. Not only is the MRT easy and quick, but it’s also one of the most inexpensive modes of transportation in Singapore. This could explain why, in 2024, there was an average of 3.41 million MRT rides per day. It’s also air-conditioned, providing a welcome respite when you’re sweating from the heat—especially if you opted for a summer internship!

On some holidays like Hari Raya Puasa or Eid al-Fitr, the MRT’s operating hours are extended. You may check the SMRT and SBS Transit websites to stay ahead of changes in schedule.

Before we go into the logistics of getting your ticket, you should know some very important facts about Singapore’s MRT:

1. The stations are surrounded by shopping centers and fantastic places to eat, but if you’re going to grab a bite before work, do not—we repeat, do not—get it to-go and eat on the train. Singapore has a strict no eating or drinking policy to keep their facilities in pristine condition.
2. An integral part of Singaporean culture is showing respect to elders. If you see an older person standing on the metro while you are sitting, it would be polite to offer your seat.
3. In relation to the previous item, taking up seats meant for the handicapped and elderly is definitely frowned upon in Singapore. Don’t do it!

Types of Singapore MRT tickets and how to get them

There are different types of Singapore metro tickets that you can use for the MRT, and for each one, there are also various ways to secure them (just in case the travel card that Absolute Internship gives you runs away).

Before we get started, keep in mind that single-trip tickets (formerly known as Standard Tickets) were phased out in March 2022. If you still hear about them, just remember—they’re no longer available!

EZ-Link Card

EZ-Link is a stored value card, which means it’s rechargeable and reusable. This can be used for both the metro and public buses. It’s the most commonly used ticket, and is probably what you’ll be using during your internship in Singapore.

A card costs 10 SGD—5 SGD is the actual price of the card and is non-refundable, while the other 5 SGD is consumable. EZ-Link cards have a validity of 5 years.

Getting your EZ-Link is actually pretty easy. You can buy one in SimplyGo Ticket Offices or SimplyGo Kiosks located at MRT stations as well as bus interchanges, in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, in EZ-Link vending machines (which you may find in some malls), and even in a few bookstores! You can also top up your card in most of these locations.

Fun fact: you can use this card to buy yourself milk tea, noodles, or snacks for your late-night cravings.

NETS FlashPay Travel Card

Just like the EZ-Link card, the NETS FlashPay Travel Card is reloadable. While EZ-Link is mainly focused on transportation, NETS FlashPay is more multi-purpose. You can use it not just for riding the MRT and bus, but also for shopping and dining.

You can buy a card at convenience stores for 12 SGD, which includes a 7 SGD load you can use. You can also purchase a NETS FlashPay card at a SimplyGo Ticketing Office or Passenger Service Center (both of which can be found in metro stations), as well as at gas stations like Shell. You can even check out platforms like Klook for some fun promos!

Singapore Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass is basically a card that gives you unlimited use of the metro and public buses—within operating hours, of course. There are three different types: 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes, which indicates the validity of your card.

For a 1-day pass, the validity begins the first time you use it, and lasts only until the end of the public transport service on that same day. Again, it won’t last for 24 hours, but just until the end of the day. 2- and 3-day passes must be used on consecutive days.

Note as well that you cannot use this pass for premium transport services like the Night Owl, Sentosa Express, and RWS8.

Here is the price list for the Singapore Tourist Pass:

1-day pass: SGD 17

2-day pass: SGD 24

3-day pass: SGD 29

Using the MRT as your choice of transportation in Singapore is probably the best idea. The stations are always clean, and safe during the evening. Also, if you miss a train, there’s no need to worry as the next one will come by within 2 to 7 minutes!

Bus

When it comes to taking the bus in Singapore, there are two operators, SBS Transit and SMRT, that go different routes and run from 5:30 AM until midnight.

An SMRT bus ride can cost between 0.92 SGD to 2.17 SGD, while an SBS Transit bus fare can range from 1.19 SGD to 2.47 SGD. For convenience, you can use a fare calculator to see how much it will cost to get from one point to another.

Just like with the metro, you can use an EZ-Link card, a NETS FlashPay card, or a Singapore Tourist Pass to pay for your bus ride. Simply tap your card on the reader and you’re good to go! You can also opt to pay in cash by dropping money into the cash box near the driver. Note, however, that the cash box cannot dispense change, so you need to pay the exact amount. If you pay in cash, the driver will provide you with a printed ticket as proof—hold on to it, at least until the end of the ride.

There are only a few drawbacks to taking the bus. The network is definitely not as fast and extensive as the MRT, and it requires waiting in line, especially during peak hours.

Taxi

For the utmost convenience, you can always opt to take a cab to your destination. While the taxi fares in Singapore cost relatively less than what you would pay in other, bigger cities, taking a cab everywhere could take a toll on your travel allowance. However, you do benefit from the comfort and privacy.

In Singapore, taxi cabs charge by the meter. While the fares are decided by independent cab companies, there is definitely a standard for them to follow. The system is also fair and transparent, so you don’t need to worry about getting ripped off. However, depending on the time of day it is, your taxi fare might be higher due to surcharges.

Cab rates start at 4.40 SGD. During peak hours, there is a surcharge of 25% of your metered fare. Depending on where you’re hailing from as well, there could be an additional 3 SGD up to 8 SGD.

For example, it’s 7 AM on a Wednesday and you wish to take a cab from your housing to the famous Gardens by the Bay. The computation of your taxi fare may look like this:

4.40 SGD (base rate) + your metered fare + 25% of the metered fare (peak period surcharge) + 3 SGD (location surcharge)

If you’re traveling during the late night (from midnight to 5:59 AM), the surcharge is an additional 50% of the metered fare.

Feel free to check out this guide by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority.

Hopefully you learned a lot about Singapore’s transportation system and have devised your plan for how you want to get to your internship everyday. Happy traveling!