Singapore is a bustling city-state with a high population density, but thanks to its incredibly efficient public transport system, getting around is a breeze. Since English is one of the official languages, travelers will find the system easy to navigate.
Whether you’re hopping on the MRT or catching a bus, here is everything you need to know about fares, payment methods, and tips for your trip.
How to Pay: EZ-Link & Contactless Cards
You have two main options for paying for public transport in Singapore: the local stored-value card (EZ-Link) or your own contactless credit card.
EZ-Link Card (The Local Choice)
This acts like a standard transportation card. You can use it on the MRT, LRT, buses, Sentosa Express, and even at some convenience stores and hawker centers.
- Where to Buy:
- MRT Passenger Service Centers: S$12 (Includes S$5 card cost + S$7 stored value).
- Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Cheers): S$10 (Includes S$5 card cost + S$5 stored value).
- Top-up: Available at MRT ticketing machines and convenience stores (machines often don’t give change, so have small notes or a card ready).
- Refunds: You can get a refund for the remaining balance at MRT stations before you leave, but the S$5 card cost is non-refundable.
- Tourist SIM Bundle: Consider the 2-in-1 Tourist SIM, which combines data and an EZ-Link card for a discount.
Contactless Credit/Debit Cards (SimplyGo)
The most convenient option for many travelers is to use your own contactless Visa or Mastercard (including Travel Wallet cards).
- How: Just tap your card at the gantry. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol.
- Pros: No need to queue to buy a card or top up.
- Note: The fare won’t show instantly on the gate display (it just says “SimplyGo”). Charges are aggregated and posted the next day, so make sure your travel card has enough balance.
For Families: Child Concession Card
- Who: Children under 7 years old who are taller than 90cm. (Children under 90cm travel free without a card).
- How: Bring the child’s passport to a SimplyGo Ticket Office at an MRT station to get this card for free.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
The MRT is the backbone of Singapore’s transport, covering most tourist spots and connecting directly to Changi Airport.
- Operating Hours: Roughly 5:30 AM to Midnight.
- First Train: ~5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
- Last Train: ~11:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Frequency: Every 2-3 minutes during peak hours (7-9 AM), and 5-7 minutes otherwise.
- Fares: Distance-based, typically ranging from S$1.28 to S$2.57.
- Important Rules:
- Strictly NO eating or drinking in stations or on trains. The fine can be up to S$500.
- Transfers: You have 15 minutes to transfer between MRT lines without being charged a new fare.
Public Buses
Buses are great for reaching residential areas or places the MRT doesn’t touch.
- How to Ride:
- Flag it down: You MUST wave your hand to signal the driver to stop. If you don’t, the bus may skip the stop.
- Tap in & out: Tap your card at the front when boarding and at the back when exiting. If you forget to tap out, you will be charged the maximum fare.
- Press the bell: Signal your stop in advance. Since announcements can be quiet, keep Google Maps open to track your location.
- Operating Hours: Similar to the MRT (5:30 AM – Midnight).
- Note: Night bus services (Nite Owl, NightRider) were suspended during COVID-19 and have not resumed as of 2026.
- Fares:
- Card: S$1.28 – S$2.30 (Standard), S$2.28 – S$3.57 (Express).
- Cash: Significantly more expensive (exact change required; no change given). Always use a card if possible!
- Tip: Buses are air-conditioned and can be very cold, so bring a light jacket.
Important Transfer Rules & Time Limits
To maximize your savings and avoid penalties, keep these specific system rules in mind:
- Transfer Window:
- Bus ↔ MRT: You must transfer within 45 minutes of tapping out to qualify for a transfer discount.
- MRT ↔ MRT: If you exit a station and enter another (e.g., at an interchange requiring an exit), you must tap in within 15 minutes.
- Maximum Journey Time (120 Minutes):
- You cannot stay inside the MRT/LRT network for more than 120 minutes (2 hours).
- If you exceed this time, the gantry gates will not open when you try to exit. You will need to go to the Passenger Service Centre and pay a S$2 administrative fee (cash) to be let out.
The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)
If you plan to use public transport extensively (more than 4-5 times a day), the Singapore Tourist Pass is a cost-effective option. It offers unlimited travel on basic bus services, MRT, and LRT trains for a set duration.
- Where to Buy: You can purchase it online or at Ticket Offices in major MRT stations (Changi Airport, Orchard, Chinatown, Bugis, etc.).
- Pricing (2025/2026 Estimates):
- 1-Day Pass: S$17
- 2-Day Pass: S$24
- 3-Day Pass: S$29
- 4-Day Pass: S$37
- 5-Day Pass: S$45
- Is it worth it? If you are just doing 2-3 rides a day, using a contactless credit card (SimplyGo) is usually cheaper. The pass is best for heavy travel days.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
Taxis are comfortable but can be pricey due to a complex surcharge system. Street-hailing is difficult, so using an app is highly recommended.
Taxi Surcharges (The Tricky Part)
Singapore taxis have a meter, but various surcharges can double the fare.
- Peak Hour Surcharge: +25% of the metered fare (Weekdays 6:00-9:30 AM & 5:00-Midnight; Weekends 10:00 AM-2:00 PM & 5:00-Midnight).
- Late Night Surcharge: +50% of the metered fare (Midnight – 6:00 AM).
- Location Surcharge: Extra fees apply for pickups at Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa, and the CBD.
Taxi Location Surcharges
In addition to the time-based surcharges mentioned earlier, taxis impose extra fees for picking up passengers at specific high-traffic locations. These are automatically added to the meter.
- Changi Airport: S$6 – S$8 (depending on time/day).
- Marina Bay Sands: ~S$3.
- Gardens by the Bay: ~S$3.
- Sentosa Island: ~S$3.
- CBD Area (City Area): S$3 surcharge applies for trips starting within the Central Business District (CBD) during peak hours (Mon-Sat, 5:00 PM – Midnight).
How to Hail a Taxi
- Taxi Stands: In the city center (CBD), malls, and hotels, you generally cannot hail a taxi on the street. You must queue at a designated Taxi Stand.
- Apps: Using an app locks in a fixed price, helping you avoid surprises from traffic jams or route changes.
Ride-Hailing Apps
- Top Apps: Grab, Gojek, and TADA.
- Tip: Compare prices across apps. TADA and Gojek are often cheaper than Grab.
- Booking Fee: S$2.30 – S$4.50 depending on the service.
Summary Checklist for Travelers
- Bring a Visa/Mastercard: The easiest way to pay is “SimplyGo” with your own contactless card.
- Download Apps: Install Grab and TADA before you arrive.
- Wave at Buses: Don’t forget to signal the driver!
- Avoid Eating: Keep snacks and drinks packed away while on the MRT to avoid the S$500 fine.