Singapore Transportation Guide: What transportation options are available in Singapore? You can use credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay or EZ-Link cards for direct payment on buses and SMRT! Watch out for additional surcharges when taking taxis! Take sightseeing buses to visit Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Hotel, Merlion, Clarke Quay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road, Little India, Kampong Glam, Boat Quay, Chinatown, and Marina Bay attractions! Children under 7 can apply for child transportation cards at the airport - all public transportation is free for children!
Singapore’s MRT system is the most popular public transportation, with five main lines (Red Line, Green Line, Yellow Line, Purple Line and Blue Line), providing direct access to most tourist attractions and business districts. From Changi Airport, passengers can take the train at the airport station and reach the city center in about 40-50 minutes.
Important Notes
Description
Operating Hours
05:30 - 00:06
No Food and Smoking
Food and smoking are prohibited in train carriages, only water is allowed, to maintain cleanliness and comfort
Durian Ban
Strong-smelling foods like durian are not allowed on trains
MRT Ticket Types
Ticket
Description
Tourist Pass
Designed for tourists, available at major MRT stations, offering unlimited rides for one, two or three days
EZ-Link Card
Can be used on MRT, buses and LRT, available at airports or convenience stores, minimum balance must be above SD$3, minimum top-up amount is SD$10
Credit Card Payment
Contactless credit cards can be used directly for payment, but additional credit card fees apply
Third-party Payment
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and other third-party payment tools can be used, but additional third-party payment fees apply
Child Concession Card
Children under 7 years old can apply for a child concession card for free public transportation. Can be exchanged with passport at the Ticketing Service Center counter at Changi Airport T2. Card exchange is completely free and no top-up required, children just need to tap the card when entering
To minimize handling fees, using Mastercard is recommended as it processes charges every 5 days or when reaching SD$15, while Visa processes daily, resulting in fewer “overseas transaction fees” for Mastercard
The Ticketing Service Center counter at Changi Airport T2 operates from 08:00-21:00. If you miss these hours, you’ll need to visit an MRT station with a Ticket Office
How to take the SMRT from Singapore Airport to the city?
First Train Times from Airport
To Tanah Merah (EW4/CG)
Monday to Saturday
Sundays and Public Holidays
05:31
05:59
Last Train Times from Airport
Destination Station
Time
To Pasir Ris (EW1/CR5/CP1)
Daily 23:18
To Tuas Link (EW33)
Daily 00:06
Travel Steps
Step
Description
Go to Terminal with MRT
Changi Airport has four terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4), with MRT stations at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If arriving at Terminal 1 or 4, take the free Skytrain or shuttle bus to Terminal 2 or 3
Find the MRT Station
In Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, follow the "Train to City" signs to reach Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2)
Take East West Line to City
Transfer to East West Line at Tanah Merah (EW4/CG), then choose appropriate stop based on destination
Take Downtown Line to City
At Expo (CG1/DT35), transfer towards Bukit Panjang (BP6/DT1), then choose appropriate stop based on destination
Board from front door, alight from rear door, tap card for both boarding and alighting
On-board Ticket Purchase
No change given on bus, please prepare exact change
Fare
Fares are distance-based, usually between SD$0.8 to SD$2
Alighting Method
Press bell to notify driver of next stop
Bus Ticket Types
Ticket
Description
EZ-Link Card
Can be used on MRT, buses and LRT, available at airports or convenience stores, minimum balance must be above SD$3, minimum top-up amount is SD$10
Credit Card Payment
Contactless credit cards (Master/Visa/NETS bank cards) can be used directly for payment, but additional credit card fees apply
Third-party Payment
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and other third-party payment tools can be used, but additional third-party payment fees apply
Tourist Pass
Designed for tourists, available at major MRT stations, offering unlimited rides for one, two or three days
Child Concession Card
Children under 7 years old can apply for a child concession card for free public transportation. Can be exchanged with passport at the Ticketing Service Center counter at Changi Airport T2. Card exchange is completely free and no top-up required, children just need to tap the card when entering
You can hail taxis on the street, board at designated taxi stands in the city area, or call ahead to book through any of the following taxi company hotlines.
Additional surcharges may apply.
Company
Phone
Comfort or CityCab
+65 6552 1111
Strides Premier Taxi
+65 6555 8888
Prime Taxi
+65 6778 0808
Trans-Cab
+65 6555 3333
Taxi Surcharges
Peak Hour Surcharge
Date
Time
Fee
Monday to Friday, except public holidays
06:00 – 09:29
Additional 25% of total fare
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
10:00 – 13:59
Additional 25% of total fare
Daily
17:00 – 23:59
Additional 25% of total fare
City Area Surcharge
Date
Time
Fee
Daily
17:00~00:00
SD$3
Location Surcharge
Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands area, Sentosa add SD$3 to SD$5 varies
These buses are designed for tourists, usually offering fixed routes and multi-language guided tours, making them a good choice for exploring the city.
Little India, Kampong Glam, Boat Quay, Chinatown, Marina Bay
Singapore Sightseeing Bus
City Shuttle
From Changi Airport, there is a dedicated airport bus service that can directly transport passengers to major hotels in the city, which is very convenient.
For designated hotels in the downtown area, detailed hotel information can be found at City Shuttle
City Shuttle
Fees
Identity
Fee
Adult
SD$10.00/person
Children under 12
SD$7.00/person
Operating Hours and Frequency
Time
Frequency
07:00 – 19:00
Every 30 minutes
20:00 – 23:00
Every 60 minutes
Booking Methods
Book in advance using City Shuttle or Changi App, after booking check in at the Ground Transport Concierge counter to board
The Light Rail system mainly serves residential areas and commercial districts, connecting with the MRT for convenient transfers within the city, usually shown in grey on transit maps.
LRT lines are shorter than MRT lines and are mainly used by locals, but if utilized well, they can save travelers considerable transit time.
Important Notes
Description
Operating Hours
05:30 - 00:00, but specific times may vary by line
Fares
LRT fares are distance-based, generally between SD$0.8 to SD$2
