Tickets & Payment Methods
🎫 Ticket Options
- Standard Single Trip Ticket – Buy at MRT ticket machines for one trip (usable up to 6 times within 30 days; S$0.10 deposit refundable if returned).
- EZ-Link Card – Reusable stored-value card for MRT, buses, and LRT (~S$5 cost, minimum top-up required). Also works for retail.
- NETS FlashPay Card – Similar to EZ-Link but no longer sold (existing cards still work).
- Singapore Tourist Pass – Unlimited rides for 1/2/3 consecutive days (S$10 deposit refundable).
- Contactless Credit/Debit Cards (SimplyGo) – Tap Visa/Mastercard directly (AMEX not supported).
- Mobile Wallets – Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay work if linked to Visa/Mastercard.
📍 Where to Buy & Payment Methods
- Ticket Machines & Passenger Service Centres – Buy single trip tickets, EZ-Link, Tourist Pass – Tourist Passes are not sold at all stations (mainly at major MRT stations like Changi Airport, Orchard, Raffles Place).
- Convenience Stores – 7-Eleven, Cheers sell and top-up cards (excluding tourist passes).
- SimplyGo – Tap-and-go with contactless cards or mobile phones (AMEX is NOT supported for SimplyGo).
- Top-Up Options – Reload cards at MRT stations, stores, or via apps.
- Mobile Apps – Manage cards using EZ-Link or SimplyGo apps. Tourist Passes cannot be topped up or managed via apps (physical card only).
🔴 Important: Always tap the same card or device when entering and exiting to avoid additional charges!
Transport Modes
- 🚇 MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – Fast, air-conditioned metro system covering most of Singapore.
Note: 6 main lines operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Trains.
- 🚌 Public Buses – Extensive network operated by SBS Transit, SMRT, Tower Transit, and Go-Ahead.
Note: Night buses available (NightRider/Nite Owl).
- 🚈 LRT (Light Rail Transit) – Short automated trains linking HDB estates to MRT stations.
Note: 3 lines serving Bukit Panjang, Sengkang, and Punggol.
- 🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing – Available via Grab, Gojek, or taxi apps. More expensive than public transport.
Note: Peak-hour surcharges apply (midnight, rainy days).
- 🚲 Bicycles & E-Scooters – Cycle paths (PCN) across Singapore. Rental apps include Anywheel, SG Bike.
Note: E-scooters banned from footpaths (only on cycling paths).
Zones & Fare System
Singapore’s public transport uses a hybrid fare system that considers both distance traveled and route type (MRT/bus). Unlike zone-based systems, fares are calculated precisely based on your journey.
- 📍 Distance-Based with Caps – Fares increase with distance but have maximum charges (adult fares cap at S$2.50 for longest journeys).
- 🔄 Free Transfers – Unlimited transfers within 45 minutes for MRT-bus combinations when using the same card.
- 💳 Payment Options:
EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay: Stored-value cards (min. S$3 balance)
SimplyGo: Contactless bank cards (Visa/Mastercard)
Mobile Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
Concession Cards: For seniors/students (up to 55% discount) - ⏱️ Peak/Off-Peak Pricing – 50¢ discount for adult EZ-Link trips starting before 7:45am on weekdays.
- 👨👩👧👦 Child/Senior Fares:
Children: Below 0.9m tall ride free
Students: Up to 45% discount with concession card
Seniors: 55% discount (age 60+ with concession card)
💡 Singapore Public Transport Quick Tips
📱 Payment & Cards
- SimplyGo > EZ-Link – No top-up needed; bank cards/apple Pay work instantly (AMEX excluded)
- Tourist Pass – Break-even point: ~4 rides/day (calculate before buying)
- Child height rule – Under 0.9m rides free (no card needed)
🚇 MRT Essentials
- First/last trains – Start ~5:30am, end ~12:30am (check exact times per line)
- Priority queues – Yellow markings at platforms = boarding zones
- No power banks – Charging devices on trains is prohibited
🚌 Bus Know-How
- Exact fare – Drivers don’t give change (use cards for best rates)
- Double-tap risk – Wait for “Go” light before tapping card
- Red/blue seats – Reserved for seniors/pregnant riders
⚠️ Rules & Fines
- MRT/bus fines – Up to S$500 for eating/drinking
- No durians (tropical fruit) – Banned on all public transport
- Mask rule – Required if you’re feeling unwell
Local’s Pro Tip
Download Citymapper or Gothere.sg for live crowd predictions and alternative routes during breakdowns (common on NS/EW lines). For buses, check BusUncle app for seat availability!
✈️ Public Transport from Changi Airport to City Center
🚆 MRT (East-West Line)
Route: Green Line from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah → Transfer to City-bound train
⏱️ Travel Time: 35-45 mins to Raffles Place/Downtown
💵 Cost: S$2.17 (adult EZ-Link/SimplyGo)
🕒 Hours: 5:30am-11:18pm (every 7-12 mins)
🚌 Public Buses
Routes: 24, 34, 36, 36A, 110 to city (check destination boards)
⏱️ Travel Time: 50-70 mins (traffic-dependent)
💵 Cost: S$2.10 (EZ-Link/SimplyGo only)
🕒 Hours: 6:00am-11:30pm (frequency varies)
Boarding: Terminal basements (T1: B1, T2/T3: B2)
🌙 NightRider Buses
For late arrivals: NR1-NR8 routes cover major city areas
⏱️ Travel Time: 45-90 mins
💵 Cost: S$4.50 flat fare
🕒 Hours: 11:30pm-5:30am (Fri/Sat/public holiday eves)
Note: Cash payment accepted (exact change)
🆓 Free Singapore Tour for Transit Passengers
Eligibility: Layover of 5.5+ hours at Changi Airport
Critical Rule: You must not clear immigration/customs yourself — tour registration is airside (inside transit area).
How to join: Visit the Changi Transit Tour Booth (Terminals 2/3) with your boarding pass and passport.
Tourist Travel Passes
🎫 Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)
Unlimited rides on MRT, LRT, and basic buses (SBS Transit/SMRT buses only)
Price (Incl. Deposit):
• 1-Day: S$22 (S$12 + S$10 deposit)
• 2-Day: S$29 (S$19 + S$10 deposit)
• 3-Day: S$34 (S$24 + S$10 deposit)
🎟️ STP Plus
Includes STP benefits plus attractions discounts (Gardens by the Bay, River Cruise, etc.)
Price (Incl. Deposit):
• 1-Day: S$32
• 2-Day: S$39
• 3-Day: S$44
Discounts: Up to 20% at 30+ attractions
💳 SimplyGo EZ-Link
Pay-per-ride card for MRT/LRT/buses (10-15% cheaper than single tickets)
Cost:
• Card: S$5 (non-refundable)
• Min. Top-up: S$3
• Adult Fare: S$0.92–S$2.50/ride
🛒 Where to Buy
- Changi Airport T2 MRT Station
- Orchard/Bugis/Raffles Place MRT
- Selected 7-Eleven stores
- All MRT Ticket Offices
- 7-Eleven/CHEERS stores
- SimplyGo app (digital card)
Alternative Transport: Bikes & Boats
🚲 Bicycle Sharing
Explore 300km+ of Park Connector Network (PCN) cycling routes across Singapore.
🛴 E-Scooters & PMDs
Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) have strict usage rules in Singapore.
Key Regulations:
• Allowed only on cycling paths (not sidewalks/roads)
• Max speed: 25km/h
• Device must be UL2272 certified
• No riding in pedestrian zones
🚤 Ferries & Water Taxis
Scenic water transport options around Singapore’s waterways.
Main Services:
• Singapore River Cruise (S$28)
• Sentosa Boardwalk (Free)
• Southern Islands Ferries (S$15)
⚠️ Important Rules & Safety
- Helmet recommended (mandatory for PMDs)
- No riding in pedestrian-only zones
- Lights required at night
- Life jackets provided on ferries
- No smoking on public vessels
- Check tide schedules for island ferries
Top Scenic Transport Routes in Singapore
🚆 East West Line (Green)
Scenic Stretch: Tanah Merah (EW4) → Pasir Ris (EW1)
⏱️ Duration: 20 mins
💵 Fare: S$1.50 (EZ-Link)
🕒 Best Time: 7-9am (morning light)
Pro Tip: Alight at Expo (EW4) for unique architecture photos
🚌 Bus 36 (Coastal Route)
Route: Changi Airport → Marina Bay via East Coast
⏱️ Duration: 55-70 mins
💵 Fare: S$2.50
🕒 Best Time: 4-6pm (golden hour)
Pro Tip: Request stop near Ritz-Carlton for best Marina Bay photos
🚤 Singapore River Cruise
Main Jetties: Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Marina Bay
⏱️ Duration: 40 mins
💵 Fare: S$28 (adult)
🕒 Best Time: 7-7:30pm (sunset + light show)
Pro Tip: Combine with Spectra light show at 8pm
🚆 North South Line (Red)
Scenic Stretch: Kranji (NS7) → Yew Tee (NS5)
⏱️ Duration: 8 mins
💵 Fare: S$1.30
🕒 Best Time: 6-7am (misty mornings)
Pro Tip: Combine with Kranji Countryside farm visits
🚆 Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown)
Scenic Stretch: Gardens by the Bay (TE22) → Marina Bay (TE20)
⏱️ Duration: 12 mins
💵 Fare: S$0.92
🕒 Best Time: Evening (city lights)
Pro Tip: Visit the “Jewel” water vortex at Changi Airport (TEL)
🚡 Sentosa Cable Car
Route: Mount Faber → Sentosa → HarbourFront
⏱️ Duration: 15 mins (one-way)
💵 Fare: S$35 (round-trip)
🕒 Best Time: Sunset (6-7pm)
Pro Tip: Book sky dining for sunset meals
Accessible Travel in Singapore
♿ Accessibility Features
🚇 MRT/LRT
- 100% step-free access via lifts
- Tactile guidance paths
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets
- Priority boarding areas
🛗 Elevator Status
Check real-time updates via:
MyTransport.SG app or
SMRT Alerts
🚌 Public Buses
- 95% wheelchair-accessible
- Kneeling bus feature
- Audio-visual announcements
- Priority seating (blue seats)
ℹ️ Other Services
- Taxi subsidies for wheelchair users
- SG Enable concession cards
- Parking concessions
📞 Contact & Assistance
🆘 Emergency Help Points
Available at all MRT stations:
• Platform screen doors
• Station control rooms
• Bus interchanges
📱 Essential Contacts
- SMRT Hotline: 1800 336 8900
- SBS Transit: 6841 7788
- LTA Feedback: [email protected]
💡 Travel Tips
- Request assistance 15 mins before travel
- Peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) more crowded
- Download SG Enable app for accessibility maps