metro travel singapore

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) of Singapore

Welcome to MRT.SG, find information you need to travel smoothly on Singapore's MRT and LRT subway rail systems.

Click/tap the panels below to visit the pages.

LRT/MRT Maps

Geographic mrt/lrt map.

A scale-representative map of Singapore's MRT and LRT network lines and station locations. This map gives a good idea of the distances between train stations.

Schematic Map of MRT/LRT Networks

An idealised map of Singapore's MRT/LRT lines and stations. Placement of items are spaced out evenly for readability. Distances are not as representative of actual ground/track distances as the geographic map.

Mobile-friendly MRT Map

A very lightweight(text-based) connectivity map of Singapore's MRT and LRT lines/stations. Organised vertically for ease of viewing and scrolling in mobile/small screens.

MRT Fare & Travel Time Calculator

Calculate fares and get estimated travel times between MRT/LRT stations.

Find out which interchange stations to change lines with our recommended route directions between any two stations.

News - Updates and Breakdowns

Get news and updates on the MRT and LRT lines' situations and developments.

• Deutschland
• Traveller Essentials

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore's public transport system is fast and efficient, and will whizz you to memorable attractions without fuss.

By Public Transport

If you need assistance or have any queries, drop by one of any of the seven  Singapore Visitor Centres.

The visitor centres boast a range of helpful services and information. You’ll be able to plan your itinerary, get tips on must-see attractions, purchase tickets for sightseeing, book accommodation and even pick up a souvenir (or two).

Find Out More

Visit Singapore Travel Guide App

Made for exploring the city with ease, The Visit Singapore Travel Guide app offers everything you need to know in a bite-sized format.

Whether it's information on first-time travel, transportation, or local recommendations, our app ensures the most up-to-date essentials are at your fingertups for a pleasant Singapore experience.

• Animal Attractions
• Area - Bedok
• Area - Changi
• Area - Chinatown
• Area - City & Downtown
• Area - Jurong
• Area - Kallang
• Area - Marina Bay
• Area - Orchard Road
• Area - Pasir Ris
• Area - Punggol
• Area - Sentosa Island
• Area - Tampines
• Galleries & Museums
• Gardens & Parks
• Theme Parks & Water Parks

Marina Bay Sands

Gardens By The Bay

Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Flyer

Singapore Night Safari

ArtScience Museum

Resorts World Sentosa

National Gallery Singapore

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Chingay Parade

River Hongbao

Chinese New Year

Singapore Art Week

M1 Singapore Fringe Festival

Pongal Harvest Festival

Singapore Motorshow

Marina Bay Singapore Countdown

New Years Eve

Singapore Marathon

Christmas Wonderland

• Boutique Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Cheap Hotels
• Clarke Quay
• Jalan Besar

Kampong Glam

• Little India
• Robertson Quay
• Sentosa Island

Tiong Bahru

• Food & Nightlife
• Markets & Hawker Centres
• Sports Venues

Holiday Packages

Singapore Sports Hub

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Theatres on the Bay

Sentosa Cable Car

Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands Casino

Leong San See Temple

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

• General Enquiries
• Advertising Enquiries
• Add Your Business
• Add Your Event

Singapore MRT

Singapore is popularly known as the Garden City of Southeast Asia which, due to its size, is easy to navigate and only takes a short time to get from North to South, or East to West.

Aside from taxis, the most common mode of transportation in Singapore is the MRT , also known as the “Mass Rapid Transit” system.

Singapore MRT, Ticket Prices & Fares, Maps & Routes

All trains are air-conditioned and are well maintained. The North-East line operated by SBS is also an automated underground rail system which operates from Punggol to Harbourfront . Aside from being one of the most modern MRT systems in the world, the advanced features of the trains make them some of the safest in the world.

One of the unique features also of the Singapore MRT system is the use of destination numbers instead of usual line numbers. The train lines are also distinguished by colour: The Green Line travels east/west, the Red Line travels north/south. Like most train operators, a contactless smartcard required for each passenger which is scanned when entering or exiting the station.

Although fare prices vary depending on the boarding and alighting stations, you can store money on these cards in order to take multiple journeys over your extended stay. A single trip for an adult start from $1.40 and can be purchased from ticket machines at the stations. Usually, the train operation starts daily at 5.30am and runs until midnight with peak hours between 7am to 9am.

Announcements are made in English as is all signage. To get to and from Changi Airport , you can take the East/West (green) line. Simply follow the signs from the arrivals hall to the MRT. You can purchase a one-way ticket with cash or credit for about $1.40 each way. Take the train and get off at the second stop ‘Tanah Merah’, you need to interchange here and it is extremely simple as the ongoing train is just across the platform. The train will continue on the green line heading towards the city. If you need to get on a Purple Line, you can change at Bugis . If you need to get on a Red Line, change at City Hall . A one-way train trip from City Hall to Changi Airport only takes around 15 minutes.

Singapore MRT Images & Photos

Singapore mrt area, street & hotel map, singapore, other places we recommend.

7 Underrated Spots in Singapore To Go on Your Next Visit

Chinatown Visitor Centre

Getting to Sentosa Island

5 Things About Singapore Every Traveller Should Know

5 things not to do during the Singaporean Hungry Ghost Festival

The Best Family Tourist Attractions Around Singapore

13 comments, cancel reply.

Please Enter Your Question Below

Your Name *

Your Email *

Is there a map which shows where MRT is overground & underground? One of our party doesn’t like tube trains.

I have searched online for a map that illustrates this, but unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be anything that strays away from the standard map.

Based on other people’s feedback, they state that “all stations and tracks within Orchard, Marina and the Central Business District area are underground”. So it’s to say that if you are within the popular business direct area, the train station will be underground.

Thanks Michael

Where is the nearest MRT station to suntec city

Although Esplanade and Promenade on the Circle Line look to be equal distance from Suntec City, i would recommend using Promenade as the walk will be much quicker.

Getting off at Esplanade would require you to wait for the lights or use the overpass in order to get over Nicoll Hwy.

But it all depends really from what direction you are coming from. That is, any time spent going the extra station might negate the time saved.

Thanks Michael. Btw what kinda distance are we talking about. I’ll be taking the MRT from changi with 2 large bags so I think you get my predicament right. Regards

What is the MRT fare for going to city hall from Beauty world?

You can use the fare calculator here to work out how much it costs to travel on the Singapore MRT. The standard fare will be S$2.20.

Best regards, Jess

Hi. What time is the last MRT? Planning for the new year fireworks at Gardens by the bay

You don’t mention which line you wish to travel on, however the MRT is extended for NYE celebrations with the last MRT’s generally running between 1am – 2.30, depending on which line you require.

Best to check with the SMRT site directly. Insert the station and it will give you the last MRT time.

We will be staying eight days over the Christmas period, are the MRT trains running as normal.

Yes, the MRT runs as normal. In fact, extra services are typically offered over the busy NYE period.

Is there a MRT ticket card for senior citizens like it is in Hongkong?

There are seniors tickets, but only for permanent residents and citizens only, who will have a concession EZlink card.

Regards, Jess

Weather Forecast

Upcoming events, disney on ice, hari raya aidilfitri, 2xu compression run, singapore rugby sevens, ocbc cycle singapore, singapore international festival of arts, i light singapore, sundown marathon, dragon boat festival.

Singapore Tourist Pass

Singapore Tourist Passes are special EZ-Link cards that offer tourists unlimited* public transport travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains within the validity period. With 4 tourist passes to choose from, you’ll definitely find a pass that best suits your commuting needs in Singapore!

*Terms and conditions apply

Singapore Tourist Passes are available in 1-day, 2-day and 3-day variations that offer unlimited* travel on public transport services and come with a refundable card rental deposit.

SG Tourist Pass is a 3-day pass offering unlimited* travel on public transport services, developed in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Singapore Tourist Pass Plus  is a 3-day pass that includes attraction bundles in addition to unlimited* public transport travel. Enjoy greater savings with this pass today!

The STP Charm is a 1-day pass that offers unlimited* travel on public transport services in the form of a collectable trinket which also makes for a great souvenir!

*Things to note:

• The duration and validity of the pass is based on the operating hours of the basic public transport system, 1-day coverage of the pass begins from your 1 st  usage of the pass to the end of the public transport service for that day. For timings and operational hours of the bus services, please refer to TransitLink’s website at:  https://www.transitlink.com.sg/
• Usage of 2-day or 3-day card must be on consecutive days.
• Unlimited travel is only applicable for public bus and train services. The pass excludes rides on premium services such as Sentosa Express, RWS8, Night Owl, NightRider, Chinatown Direct, express buses as well as other premium and niche bus services.
• Prices apply to adult and child above 0.9m in height.

Any questions?

> view the faqs on singapore tourist pass.

Follow us @singaporetouristpass

Check us out on Instagram here to get the latest scoop on festivals, events and the trendiest cafes in Singapore!

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

How to use Public Transport in Singapore

Marianne Rogerson

December 23, 2022

Here we explain everything you need to know about using public transport in Singapore. Be it MRT, bus or taxi, we’ve got you covered.

Singapore’s public transport system is cheap, clean and efficient and you have the choice of MRT, Public bus, Taxi and Grab/Gojek ride-hailing services.  

Most visitors to Singapore choose the MRT (underground/subway) thanks to its ease of use, and it will connect you to most places you will want to go as a visitor. The public bus is equally as efficient and is a good option for areas not serviced by the MRT. 

Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in Singapore and you also have the option of booking a Grab – the equivalent of Uber in Singapore. 

Download the MyTransport.SG app to access information on your closes MRT station or bus stop and to see up-to-date timings for arriving buses etc.

Table of Contents

Paying for Public Transport in Singapore

You can use contactless Visa/Mastercard/NETS bank cards on all public transport. Note though that international charges may apply and so if you are planning to do a lot of exploring by public transport, it may work out cheaper to purchase an EZ Link card to use instead. 

These prepaid contactless smart cards can be used on all forms of public transport and you can also use them to pay in many fast-food restaurants and several shops including supermarkets and convenience stores. 

You can top up the balance on your EZ-Link card at various locations around the city, including subway stations, convenience stores, and online. You can return your EZ-link card to obtain a refund of any remaining travel value in the card.

Another option for visitors is the Singapore Tourist Pass, a special EZ-link card that offers tourists unlimited travel on buses and the MRT. These are available as 1-3 day passes. Think about how much you are planning to use public transport before purchasing these though, as they often work out more expensive.

Children up to 0.9m in height and accompanied by a fare-paying commuter may travel free on trains and buses. 

Singapore MRT (underground/subway)

The Singapore metro (underground/subway) is known as the MRT (mass rapid transit).

It is safe, efficient, clean, cheap and air-conditioned and is the public transport method of choice for many visitors to Singapore, being an easy, quick and comfortable way to explore the island.

Tickets for the MRT cost between around $1 and $2.50, depending on how far you are travelling. You can check the fare with the MRT fare calculator.

There are six MRT lines with 140 stations across the network. 

View the MRT map here . 

Trains run from 05.30am to around midnight, with last train times varying with each station. Trains run every 2 to 3 minutes during the peak hours of 7am to 9am and every 5 to 7 minutes during off-peak times. So you should never have to wait too long for a train.

Single-trip tickets are no longer available on the MRT. Pay for your ride using a contactless bank or credit card or an EZ-link card. 

For information about accessibility on public transport in Singapore click here . 

Singapore Buses

The bus system is equally as efficient as the MRT and you rarely have to wait more than a few minutes for a bus. Route and timing information is available at each bus stop. 

Every bus-stop is numbered – this starts with the letter B followed by a number (eg. B01). You will find even numbered bus-stops on one side of the road and odd numbers on the other. Numbering starts from the beginning with each street name.

Many bus stops have real-time bus schedule information on electronic screens, or you can download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time information on your phone.

You can also pay using cash on the bus, but exact money is required as no change is given. Higher fares also apply to cash tickets. 

If you are using an EZ Link card or bank card on the bus, be sure to tap it on the machine when you get on and off the bus, or the maximum fare for that bus route will be deducted from your card. 

Singapore Taxis

Singapore taxis are plentiful and cheap compared to many other cities around the world. 

You can flag down a taxi in the street or go to a designated taxi rank, which you will find outside most major shopping malls, hotels and tourist attractions. 

Note if you are in the CBD, there are certain streets (such as Finlayson Green, High Street, Orchard Link and Esplanade Drive) where taxis are not allowed to pick you up, and they are also not allowed to stop on roads where there are bus lanes. 

For this reason, if you are in the CBD, it is better to find a taxi stand.

You can also book taxis via the Grab or Gojek apps (there are other taxi apps but we find these the easiest to use with a foreign phone number). A booking fee applies, and this can be between $2.30 and $4.50, depending on the booking time and taxi operator. 

Insider Tip: At peak times, or if it is raining, getting a taxi can be difficult and you will find long queues at taxi ranks. At these times, it is always a good idea to book a taxi via the Grab app. 

There are also certain times of the day when the majority of taxi drivers seem to all change shift at the same time. At these times you will notice “change shift” displayed on their roof light and they will only pick you up if your destination is on their way. 

From our experience, this seems to happen at around 4pm, and can make getting a taxi at a taxi stand more difficult between 3.30pm and 5pm.

In general, taxi fares are pretty cheap in Singapore. However, they can vary based on the time of day due to the following surcharges:

• Midnight surcharge: 50% of the final metered fare, 12.00am – 6.00am
• Peak-hour surcharge: 25% of the final metered fare, Mon-Fri 6am-9.30am and Mon-Sun 6pm-11.59pm. 

Taxis are metered and you can pay with cash or contactless credit cards or NETS bank cards (subject to availability – it is always best to check before you get in if their card machine is working). Extra credit card charges may apply. 

If you are used to paying using your credit card on your phone (or smart watch), be aware that this often does not work with taxi machines, so make sure you have your actual credit card or cash. 

Grab and Gojek in Singapore

Grab and Gojek are the equivalent of Uber in Singapore and you will need to download and activate the apps to use them.

The advantage of using these is the additional availability of cars they offer, and you can also book different types of cars – XL, Premium or normal taxi. Grab also offer Family cars with car seats, which is a definite bonus over using a taxi. 

From our experience, Gojek is cheaper, but Grab has better availability. You can open both apps on your phone and see which has the best availability and price at the time that you need a ride. 

The cost for the ride-hailing rides varies depending on the time of day and availability. You will often find it cheaper to take a taxi. You can either pay in app or with cash for Grab and Gojek. Drivers often prefer cash. 

Getting to and from the airport in Singapore 

Changi Airport is around a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Singapore depending on the time of day and traffic. 

There are various options for getting to and from Changi airport, depending on how much time you have, what time of day you are travelling and your budget:

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel Shuttle Bus

Read our comprehensive guide to travelling from Singapore airport to the city here. 

How to get from Singapore airport to the City

Where to stay in singapore.

• Blog Contact

• Specialist Courses
• Business Chinese
• Chinese for Singaporeans

Name * Email Address * Whatsapp / Wechat / Mobile Message

Contact Me Directly

Hi, my name is Brendan. I am from the US and I am a Student Advisor at LTL.

Fancy coming to study with us in Singapore? Drop me a message.

Email: [email protected] Phone: +84 931 924 067

Contact LTL Singapore

Email : [email protected] Address: 531A Upper Cross Street #04-95 Hong Lim Complex Singapore 051531

Our Complete Guide to the 122 Metro Stations of Singapore (2022 Update)

Singapore metro | 122 stations, 6 lines your complete guide.

The Singapore Metro is arguably the greatest in the world! They offer air-conditioned carriages, regularly scheduled trains, convenient locations and don’t freak out… They’re driverless !

The Singapore Metro is referred to as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). It has certainly earned the title of Mass Rapid Transport supporting 200,000 daily commuters!

Singapore Metro – Finding a Metro Station in Singapore Singapore Metro – Cost of Riding Singapore Metro Singapore Metro – Buying a Ticket Singapore Metro – Singapore’s Metro Lines

As of this year, there are 122 MRT stations spread across six different tracks (lines) making up a total of 203 kilometres (126 miles).

The Singapore government has announced they want to double this length to 400 kilometres by 2040.

Before we talk about each of the Singapore metro lines, let’s talk about the basics of what you need to know for getting a metro in Singapore.

How to Find a Metro Station in Singapore?

A better question is how could you not? They’re everywhere!

Your first and best option is to simply look around on street corners for a sign pointing toward a metro stop.

They usually include the distance in meters as well.

Discover the fastest route to get to your destination with the Explore Singapore App !

The second option is to ask someone. Singaporeans are incredibly friendly and always happy to foreign guests in their country.

Worried about not understanding the language? The vast majority of Singaporeans are bilingual! Discover more about Singapore’s Languages .

The final option for finding a metro stop in Singapore is Google/Apple maps!

That’s right folks, Singapore is NOT China. There’s no need to check the blocked sites of China because you’ll have access to all the apps you know and love.

Singapore Language // The Simple Guide to the Languages of Singapore

Singapore Language Simplified | A Complete Guide To understand Singapore language it is important to understand the history, geography and politics that have contributed to Singapore’s language. The short answer to what is the Singapore language is, there are four…

How Much Does Singapore Metro Cost?

It’s unbelievably cheap! And here is why:

This Singapore government does NOT want its roads congested with cars. In fact, to detour car ownership they’ve put a hefty $35,000 SGD ($25,253 USD) + 100% tax on top of the original price of the car. #SingaporeFactNO.25

When you see that $200,000 Ferrari drive by (and you will) take a minute to appreciate how much it would have really cost!

Essentially, the government was steering people away from the roads (pun intended) and onto their public transport system.

To ensure the average commuter wouldn’t get the short end of the stick, they made Singapore’s public transport incredibly efficient.

Because of this ticket prices on the Singapore metro range from:

Prices vary depending on the distance travelled. Personally, I’ve never paid more than $2 ($1.44 USD) for any distance travelled.

How to Buy a Singapore Metro Ticket?

When it comes to ticketing on Singapore’s metro, there are 3 options:

• Tourist Pass

Standard Ticket

Here’s our breakdown of all the metro cards and why we think the EZ-Link should be your first choice before getting on the metro.

However, it really depends on how long you’ll be staying in Singapore and how many train and bus rides you wish to take.

Singapore MRT: EZ-Link Card

First and most important thing to note:

You CAN’T buy an EZ-Link or Tourist Pass at all metro stops. You must be at one of the following:

• Changi Airport
• Farrer Park
• Harbourfront
• Jurong East
• Raffles Place
• Tanjong Pagar

You can also purchase an EZ-Link card from 7-Eleven.

If you purchase an EZ-Link card from one of the above Singapore metro stations, it will cost you $12 .

This includes five Singapore Dollars (non-refundable) for the card and seven dollars will be added to the card for travel.

If purchased from 7-Eleven, same deal but it will cost you $10. Five for the card, five dollars credit added.

You can top up your EZ-Link at any metro station using one of these machines.

Dear Singapore Police: That sticker we added was done in photoshop!

Putting stickers around town is considered vandalism and can result in $2,000 fines! Probably a contributing factor to Singapore’s pristine condition.

Singapore Metro: Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) gives you unlimited travel for up to three days. It’s price ranges from:

1 day $10 2 days $16 3 days $20

The Singapore Tourist pass only really makes sense if you are in town for one day. Two to three days on the island you would have to be absolutely slamming the Singapore metro and busses to get your money’s worth.

For four or more days in Singapore, get an EZ-Link !

Check out our guides to the Beijing and Shanghai metros as well.

A standard ticket, as the name would imply, is pretty standard. Unlike the plastic EZ-Link and Tourist Pass, it’s made from paper so their deposit is much cheaper: 10c and this one is refundable. You can reload money onto them but they can only be used 6 times in a 30 day period.

They are more convenient because they can be purchased from any metro station. However, it can get annoying constantly having to line up at a machine before you commute.

Singapore’s Metro Lines

Here’s the breakdown of all the Singapore Metro lines:

East-West Line (Green) North-South Line (Red) North-East Line (Purple) Circle Line (Yellow) Downtown Line (Blue) Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown)

To help visualise Singapore’s Metro lines we’ve placed it over Google maps.

It can be disorientating entering and exiting the metro so hopefully this will help.

East-West Line (Green)

East-West Line as you probably guessed takes you as far East as you can go on the metro (Changi Airport) to as far West as you can go (Tuas Link).

Number of stations: 35 Time to travel: 77 minutes Distance: 57.2 kilometres (35.5 miles)

Most of the Green Line is above ground! Meaning you get a petty good tour of the city the moment you get on the train from the airport. The only section below ground is between Lavender station to Tiong Bahru.

Stops on the Green Line:

• Tanah Merah
• Outram Park
• Tiong Bahru
• Commonwealth
• Buona Vista
• Chinese Garden
• Tuas Crescent
• Tuas West Road

Cool stuff on the green line.

Everything between Bugis to Tiong Bahru and you’re in the middle of the action! Get out there and start exploring.

Take a closer look at where all the Singapore metro lines can take you over the island.

North-South Line (Red)

The North-South Line takes you North and South (obviously). However, take a closer look as it does a loop around the north of the island before coming back down.

Number of stations: 29 Time to travel: 64 minutes Distance: 45 kilometres (28 miles)

Stops on the red line:

• Bukit Batok
• Bukit Gombak
• Choa Chu Kang
• Sungei Kadut
• Yio Chu Kang
• Dhoby Ghaut
• Marina South Pier

Cool stuff on the red line:

There should be two stations jumping out at you right now! Orchard and Marina Bay . Orchard station connecting with Singapore’s very famous lifestyle of the rich and the famous shopping street Orchard road. Marina Bay connecting to the also very infamous Marina bay sands hotel.

North-East Line (Purple)

The North-East line doesn’t mean the line goes from North to East, but rather it heads in a Northeasterly direction .

Number of stations: 16 Time to travel: 33 minutes Distance: 19.2 kilometres (11.9 miles)

The Purple Line is the second smallest line on the island, however it’s strategically very well placed to help commuters change lines.

Stops on the purple line:

• HarbourFront
• Clarke Quay
• Little India
• Potong Pasir

Cool stuff on the purple line:

Talk about worlds colliding? Chinatown and Little India are on the same line on Singapore metro! These two locations are an absolute must for any traveller of Singapore.

Need more reasons to visit ?

Circle Line (Yellow)

The circle line is (you guessed it) in the shape of a circle. It is most likely you wouldn’t need to complete a loop of the circle line with green, red, purple, blue and soon to be brown all offering fast trips across the circle.

However, don’t underestimate the circle line’s wonderful offerings.

Number of stations: 30 Time to travel: 65 minutes Distance: 35.5 kilometres (22.1 miles)

Stops on the yellow line:

Dhoby Ghaut Bras Basah Esplanade Promenade Nicoll Highway Stadium Mountbatten Dakota

Paya Lebar MacPherson Tai Seng Bartley Serangoon Lorong Chuan Bishan Marymount

Caldecott Bukit Brown Botanic Gardens Farrer Road Holland Village Buona Vista One-north Kent Ridge

Haw Par Villa Pasir Panjang Labrador Park Telok Blangah HarbourFront

Cool stuff on the yellow line:

Of course, the station name that should be jumping out here is Botanic Gardens. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely stunning. Another stop close to my heart is Holland Village. It’s got a great expat community there so you’ll find great western bars and cafes.

Downtown Line (Blue)

As Mr Wilhelm would say “it’s all downtown” . That was true on Seinfeld in 1996 and it’s true in Singapore today!

The Downtown line as you’ve probably guessed it the best way to get Downtown. Everyone in the cooperate world of Singapore is on the Singapore metro heading Downtown during peak hour. You’ve been warned!

Number of stations: 34 Time to travel: 75 minutes Distance: 41.9 kilometres (26.0 miles)

Stops on the blue line:

Sungei Kadut Bukit Panjang Cashew Hillview Hume Beauty World King Albert Park Sixth Avenue Tan Kah Kee

Botanic Gardens Stevens Newton Little India Rochor Bugis Promenade Bayfront Downtown

Telok Ayer Chinatown Fort Canning Bencoolen Jalan Besar Bendemeer Geylang Bahru Mattar MacPherson

Ubi Kaki Bukit Bedok North Bedok Reservoir Tampines West Tampines Tampines East Upper Changi Expo

Cool stuff on the blue line:

If you’re feeling hungry then it’s a great time to be Downtown (literally). Go to the Downtown station and cross the street to Telok Ayer Market, one of Singapore’s oldest and biggest hawker centres!

Bayfront offers an incredible view of the Singapore skyline and you’ll get to see an incredible water show with fountains and projectors played in the bay every night.

Lastly, Bugis is another great area to explore with temples, shops and one of Singapore’s biggest markets.

Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown)

The final and smallest Singapore metro is the Thomson-East Coast Line. It is currently only 3 stops long (Woodlands North, Woodlands and Woodlands South). However, this line is not to be underestimated!

Once completed it will be 43 kilometres (27 miles) and connect with all other lines! To be continued…

One Week in Singapore

Discover how much you can get up to with just one week in Singapore.

Moving to Singapore

About to move to Singapore? Don’t do a thing until you’ve seen our ultimate checklist of things to do and know before moving.

Hungry Ghost Festival

Learn what all the fuss is about in Singapore during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Singapore Metro – FAQ’s

Adult fares cost anywhere between SGD $0.92 – $2.17 depending on the distance travelled.

Typical operating hours are between 5:30am to 12:30am with extensions given on public holidays .

Currently, there are 122 MRT stations spread across six different tracks (lines) making up a total of 203 kilometres (126 miles).

There are no trains directly out of Singapore.

However, with a short bus ride over the Singapore-Malaysia bridge to Johor Bahru (Malaysia), you’ll have all sorts of options across Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and more!

Want more from LTL?

If you wish to hear more from LTL Mandarin School why not join our mailing list.

We give plenty of handy information on  learning Chinese , useful apps to learn the language and everything going on at our LTL schools!

Sign up below and become part of our ever growing community!

25 Hidden Gems in Singapore (2022 Update)

15 Tips for Singapore on a Budget (2022)

Weather in Singapore || Too Hot To Handle or Sunny Paradise?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You will get a reply from us Your email address will not be published. Name and Email are required.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network is efficient, modern, and can take you to practically every point of interest in the city .

One thing that surprises people about the city is the atmosphere and life that abounds beneath the city. Some stations are enormous and have shops , restaurants , and more!

Unlike in many other cities, having a shop in the metro station is a great location!

The MRT has five lines

• NS (North-South Line, Red ): from Marina Bay to Jurong East.
• EW (East-West Line, Green) goes from the  Changi Airport  to Tuas Link. It takes 27 mins from the airport to the center.
• NE (North-East Line, Brown ): Connects HarbourFront (the stop if you want to go to  Sentosa ) and Punggol.
• CC (Circle Line, Yellow ): Connects HarbourFront and Marina Bay.
• DTL (Downtown Line, Blue ): Connects Bukit Panjang in the northeast and Expo to the east.

No Durians Please

Something that's sure to surprise you is the restrictions on the MRT. On the metro, you can't smoke, eat, drink, or bring on board flammable substances or (the cherry on the cake) durian fruit.

These are local fruits which, although tasty, smell terrible! And as well as on the metro, they're banned from hotels.

The metro runs from 5:30 am to 12:30 am . The frequency varies from 2 to 8 minutes depending on the line and the time of day.

The price of the Singapore MRT depends on the distance traveled. It varies between 1.50 SGD ( US$ 1.10) and 2.50 SGD ( US$ 1.80) per journey .

If you want to save on transport, the best option is the EZ-Link card or the Singapore Tourist Pass .

You may also be interested in

Singapore map, plan your trip.

When planning your trip to Singapore, you're sure to have some doubts about the documentation or visas you'll need, the weather and more. Here you'll find some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

How to use public transportation to get around in Singapore

Mar 8, 2024 • 6 min read

Know your Mass Rapid Transit from your public bus with this guide to getting around Singapore © mentatdgt / Shutterstock

Singapore ’s extensive public transportation system makes navigating this compact country a breeze. 

While the cost of living makes Singapore one of the more expensive countries to visit, you might be able to save a little by learning how to make full use of its bus and subway networks. Stretch your budget and see more of this beautiful nation with our guide to getting around Singapore.

Get around Singapore easily on the MRT

Singapore’s subway system or the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the most convenient way for travelers to get around cheaply and easily. Hopping on the MRT lets you avoid traffic jams, though platforms can get quite crowded during the morning and evening rush hours. 

Navigating the MRT is quite straightforward for anyone used to a city metro. Currently, there are six MRT lines each marked with a distinct color, while stations are assigned numbers for easy identification – see the SMRT Journey Planner for the latest updates . Station signage and announcements are in the four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.

There are several smaller, driverless Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems that tourists are unlikely to encounter as they mostly serve residential neighborhoods. The Sentosa Express is a monorail line that connects from Vivocity Shopping Centre in Harbourfront to the offshore island of Sentosa.

See the sights on a budget with the public bus network

The public bus network is another cheap option for getting around Singapore. While you may get stuck in peak-hour traffic jams, taking the bus is a more scenic way to enjoy the journey. It can also offer direct connections on routes that may require multiple changes on the MRT.

Singapore’s bus network is extensive and covers most of the island, with frequencies typically from 10–20 minutes. Bus stops have a unique ID number to help you identify where to stop, and most bus stops will have some route information at the bus stop itself. Google Maps is fairly accurate when planning a bus route; other apps you can use include Citymapper and MyTransport.sg on Android or Apple .

Opt for free shuttle buses

There are some private shuttle bus services that may be more convenient than public buses. Notable ones for tourists include the free shuttle bus lines that go around Sentosa Island , the weekend Kranji Farms Shuttle to explore Kranji Countryside, and the Mandai Khatib Shuttle that goes from Khatib MRT Station to the various parks at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Get a transport pass or tap in/out with a local app

To use the public buses or MRT in Singapore, you will need to purchase a stored value card ( EZ-Link Card ) available at all MRT stations and bus interchanges. Alternatively, the SimplyGo initiative allows you to use your contactless debit or credit card to pay for public transport without registration required – just tap your phone, smartwatch or physical card.

The fares for traveling via bus or MRT in Singapore are calculated based on distance so make sure to tap in and tap out to ensure you are charged the correct fare. There are no single-trip tickets for the MRT, but you can use cash to pay on the bus – you will need exact change to pay for your fare. A helpful online fare calculator can provide estimated fare prices.

For tourists, you can consider the Singapore Tourist Pass which allows for unlimited rides on the public bus and MRT for 1–3 days.

Shared bicycles are good for short distances

There are shared bicycles with multiple locations to pick up and return, like  SG Bike and Anywheel , that can be accessed via an app. This is a cheap and green alternative to taking the bus or MRT, but best for covering shorter distances as the bicycles are quite basic.

While cycling has gained popularity in recent years, most of Singapore’s roads have not been built to accommodate bicycles, which can make road cycling challenging for those unfamiliar with the local driving culture. Also, the tropical humidity and sudden downpours can make cycling in Singapore less than pleasant.

Many of Singapore’s green spaces and parks have bike rental kiosks. East Coast Park , Bukit Timah Nature Reserve , Marina Bay , Sentosa and Pulau Ubin are popular spots to explore on two wheels.

Ride in comfort via taxi

If time is of the essence or you’re traveling in the wee hours of the morning, taxis may be a more comfortable way to get around Singapore. Taxis do cost more but can be economical if traveling in a small group.

Official taxis in Singapore have a small electronic "Taxi" sign on the roof. You can hail a cab along the road in suburban areas, but taxis are only allowed to stop at proper taxi stands in the Central Business District area. They are particularly hard to find when it is raining.

Standard taxi fares are distance-based, but there are many add-on surcharges based on when you ride, where you hail the cab and whether there are tolls on the route taken. All taxis in Singapore use the meter so there’s no haggling involved, and cash is the preferred method of payment. Some cabs may accept credit card payments but there is an additional 10% service fee and tax.

Book a rideshare for convenience

Rideshares are an alternative to taxis if you have a local data plan and access to the apps. You can usually book and pay through the app, but you may also be subject to surge pricing during peak hours.

Grab is the largest rideshare company in Singapore – there is no Uber or Lyft here. Other players in the market include Gojek , TADA and carpooling app Ryde . Taxis can be booked via Zig or via the rideshare apps.

There's no real need to drive in Singapore

Given Singapore’s small size and good public transport network, there is no real need for tourists to rent a car to explore the city . Most of the main sights are in the downtown area and well connected by MRT or bus, and for more out-of-the-way spots, calling a taxi or rideshare is much easier and economical than renting a car where you have to factor in the costs of fuel, road tolls and expensive parking.

There are car-sharing options like BlueSG , TribeCar or GetGo that you can consider if you really must drive – note that vehicles in Singapore drive on the left side of the road.

Sail to Singapore’s outer islands on the public ferry

You can charter a private boat to explore Singapore’s offshore islands, but the public ferry is the cheapest way to access them. To get to Pulau Ubin in the northeast, head to Changi Point Ferry Terminal where there are small bumboats that take you to the island in just 10 minutes. 

If you want to explore the Southern Islands ( St John’s Island , Lazarus Island and Kusu Island ), Singapore Island Cruise and Marina South Ferries both run regular ferry services from Marina South Ferry Terminal.

Accessible transportation in Singapore

Most of the buses and trains in Singapore have spaces and ramps equipped for strollers, wheelchairs and personal mobility aids, as well as marked priority seats for those who need them. Train stations and bus stops are barrier-free with at least one entrance that is accessible, and staff are trained to provide assistance if necessary.

For taxis, there are specialized transportation services with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and medically trained drivers such as Strides Care and Caring Fleet .

Learn more about accessible travel options by downloading Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel guide .

This article was first published October 2021 and updated March 2024

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Apr 16, 2024 • 12 min read

Singapore's allure goes beyond its iconic hotels, manicured gardens and world-class airport – here are the best places to visit when you arrive.

Apr 6, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 8, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 9, 2024 • 12 min read

Jan 27, 2024 • 17 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

• Best Eat & Drink
• Best Entertainment
• Best Shopping
• Best Beauty
• Best Lifestyle
• Best Living
• Best Education
• Best Travel Guides
• Best Local Services
• Best Buying Guides
• Featured Businesses
• Questions & Answers
• Advertise With Us
• Best List Advertising

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

The best thing about taking the MRT train to the city center is that it can help you save money . If you want to spend less, this is a good option to consider.

The most challenging aspect of using this transportation mode is likely the need to change MRT lines . The Changi line is a spur line that connects the Changi Airport station to the East-West (Green) line at Tanah Merah station . To reach your destination, you will need to transfer to a Green Line MRT train at Tanah Merah. From there, you can travel to many popular accommodations along this line, including Geylang (alight at Kallang or Lavender station), Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place , and Chinatown (alight at Outram Park station).

WHERE TO FIND : The MRT station at Changi Airport is located in the basement of Terminal 2 . No matter which terminal you arrive at (Terminal 1, 2, or 3), just follow the signs that say ‘Train to the City’ and you’ll find the station easily.

TRAVEL PASS : For your travel needs, you have the option to purchase either a single ride ticket or an EZ-Link card at MRT stations or Changi Recommends stores

COST : SGD 1.74 ($1.25) via EZ-Link card

TRAVEL TIME : 32 minutes (Changi to City Hall station)

MRT HOURS : 05:31 – 23:18 Mon to Sat; 05:59 – 00:06 Sun & Public Holidays

MRT SCHEDULE : Every 7 – 9 minutes during peak hours (08:00 – 09:00; 12:30 – 14:00; 19:30 – 22:15) and 12 – 13 minutes during off-peak hours.

NOTE : The fare for your MRT ride is calculated based on the total distance you travel, which means you won’t have to pay a boarding charge for each transfer you make during your trip

We recommend for you

Singapore travel guide.

You may also like

Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore

Most popular.

Eat & Drinks

Entertainment

Best Healthcare

Type of Passes

• Where To Buy
• Perks & Discounts
• Eat & Drink
• See & Do
• Traveller’s Essential
• Travel Deals

Singapore Tourist Pass

Sg tourist pass, sg tourist pass (red).

• Automated STP Kiosk

Enjoy Perks & Discounts with any of these Tourist passes!

$22/$29/$34

• 1 – 3 Days Duration
• Unlimited Rides* on Public Transport
• Inclusive of $10 Refundable Rental Deposit Required

• 3 Days Duration
• No Rental Deposit

• Bundle Deals:  Inclusive of Xplore 1 hour tour, post cards, $5 credit for Changi Travel Concierge service

The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special EZ-Link card that offers tourist unlimited travel* on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration that it is valid.

You can now take in the sights and sounds of Singapore in the comfort of the island’s extensive train system and public bus network. At wallet-friendly prices, you do not have to worry about having insufficient funds for your transport needs with the Singapore Tourist Pass.

All you have to do is to purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass, choose the number of day passes you require, use for your unlimited rides on buses and trains, and refund the card before you leave Singapore!

• The duration and validity of the pass is based on the operating hours of the basic public transport system, 1-day coverage of the pass begins from your 1 st usage of the pass to the end of the public transport service for that day. For timings and operational hours of the bus services, please refer to SimplyGo’s website at: https://www.transitlink.com.sg/
• Usage of 2-day or 3-day card must be on consecutive days.
• Unlimited travel is only applicable for public bus and train services. The pass excludes rides on premium services such as Sentosa Express, RWS8, express buses as well as other premium and niche bus services.
• Prices apply to adult and child above 0.9m in height.

1. Refund Locations

You can refund the pass at ANY SimplyGo Ticket Offices. To locate all SimplyGo Ticket Offices, please click here .

2. Card Deposit

All Passes are sold with a fully-refundable smart card rental deposit. At the point of purchase of the pass, a deposit of S$10 will be collected for use of the smart card. The rental deposit is fully refundable when the card is returned to any of the authorised SimplyGo Ticket Offices in Singapore, including within six days from the date it was first issued. If you wish to retain the card beyond the 5-day rental period as a souvenir, the S$10 card rental deposit will be forfeited. But if you purchase another pass using the same card, you will thereby extend the rental period of the card for a further 5 days.

After the rental expiry of the card, and if you chose to retain the card, you can continue to use the card as a normal ez-link card by topping up the card with cash at any of the top-up machines located within the MRT station. The card can be used across our public transport network of trains and buses, as well as at selected merchants that accepts ez-link card as a mode of payment.

Please ensure that you purchase your Pass according to the number of days of your travel needs. There will be no refund or partial refund if it is returned before the expiry of the pass.

A special EZ-Link card that offers tourists unlimited travel* on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for 3 days duration.

You can now take in the sights and sounds of Singapore while experiencing Singapore’s efficient public transport system.

• Usage of the 3-day pass must be on consecutive days.

The SG Tourist Pass (Red) offers unlimited travel* on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains.

• The duration and validity of the pass is based on the operating hours of the basic public transport system, 1-day coverage of the pass begins from your 1st usage of the pass to the end of the public transport service for that day. For timings and operational hours of the bus services, please refer to SimplyGo’s website

Singapore Tourist Pass plus

Discover more of Singapore with the Singapore Tourist Pass Plus!

Make the most of your time to discover what this amazing and vibrant city has to offer, from inexpensive scrumptious dining to one-of-a-kind shopping to heart-thumping entertainment and unlimited travel* on Singapore’s bus services, MRT and LRT trains. The Pass will also enable you to enjoy great savings while maximizing your travel experience in this beautiful and irresistible city.

• The STP+ packages and bundles are non-refundable.
• Unlimited travel is only applicable for public bus and train services. The pass excludes rides on premium services such as Sentosa Express, RWS8,  express buses as well as other premium and niche bus services.

• ExploreMetro
• Dhoby Ghaut
• Outram Park
• Jurong East
• Choa Chu Kang
• Raffles Place
• Tanah Merah
• Buona Vista
• HarbourFront
• Little India
• Bukit Panjang
• Botanic Gardens
• Bukit Batok
• Bukit Gombak
• Yio Chu Kang
• Tanjong Pagar
• Tiong Bahru
• Commonwealth
• Chinese Garden
• Changi Airport
• Clarke Quay
• Farrer Park
• Potong Pasir
• Nicoll Highway
• Mountbatten
• Lorong Chuan
• Woodlands North
• Woodlands South
• Compassvale
• Farrer Road
• Holland Village
• Haw Par Villa
• Pasir Panjang
• Labrador Park
• Telok Blangah
• Marina South Pier
• Beauty World
• King Albert Park
• Sixth Avenue
• Tan Kah Kee
• Tuas Crescent
• Tuas West Road
• Punggol Point
• Fort Canning
• Jalan Besar
• Geylang Bahru
• Bedok North
• Bedok Reservoir
• Tampines West
• Tampines East
• Upper Changi
• Bright Hill
• Upper Thomson
• Orchard Boulevard
• Great World
• Shenton Way
• Gardens by the Bay
• North South Line
• East West Line
• East West Line Changi Airport Extension
• North East Line
• Circle Line
• Downtown Line
• Thomson-East Coast Line
• Bukit Panjang LRT Line
• Sengkang LRT Line (East)
• Sengkang LRT Line (West)
• Punggol LRT Line (East)
• Punggol LRT Line (West)

Plan route First & last

People's Square

Travel Guide provides a convenient one-stop information guide on bus and train services.

MRT/LRT Journey Information

For MRT / LRT fares and travel times, please select the relevant boarding and alighting stations.

* Click on the image below to view larger System Map

First and last train times:

• Click here for the stations of East West Line, North South Line, Circle Line, Thomson-East Coast Line and Bukit Panjang LRT.
• Click here for the stations of North East Line, Downtown Line, Punggol LRT and Sengkang LRT.

How EZ-Link Cards Let You Travel Cheaply in Singapore

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Getting around Singapore is incredibly easy – and surprisingly cheap.

Singapore's MRT (light rail) system goes almost everywhere on the island. Its bus system is easy to understand and ride. And both bus and MRT use a single, contactless payment system: the EZ-Link card.

If you've used Hong Kong's Octopus Card before, using the EZ-Link is child's play: As soon as you step up on a bus, or before you can enter the MRT platform, just tap the card on a panel at the entrance. As you disembark from the bus or leave an MRT platform, you tap another panel to complete the transaction.

(Remember: If you neglect to tap out as you exit the bus or MRT platform, you will be charged the maximum trip fare.)

The EZ-Link card has a stored balance that is automatically debited as you tap the card on the panels. The card has an SGD 10 value in it when you buy it; you can periodically load ("top up") new value on it when you run low.

The EZ-Link is a contactless card, so you don't need to slot it into any receptacle for it to work - just hold the card against the panel and the balance is automatically deducted by the system.

Many Singaporeans don't even take the card out of their wallets anymore; the card can be "read" by the panel even if it's inside your wallet. (The card ought to be rather close to the surface of the wallet for this to work, though!)

Savings: The EZ-Link card comes out cheaper than using change, assuming you stay in Singapore long enough to make up for the SGD 5 non-refundable charge for the card. On average, using an EZ-Link card costs about SGD 0.17 less per trip compared to using cash; this adds up as you make more trips using Singapore's public transport system.

EZ-Link card users are also given an additional SGD 0.25 discount when they transfer between a bus and an MRT or vice-versa. These reasons are why getting an EZ-Link card is an essential part of surviving Singapore on a budget .

These savings aren't of much use if you don't stay long enough to use the public transport system on a regular basis; as SGD 5 of the card cost is non-refundable, you might save more money if you use cash during two to three days' stay in Singapore.

Convenience: With an EZ-Link card, you don't need to know how much the fare costs from place to place; the system just deducts the total from your card balance as you go along. If your card balance gets too low, the card reader will flash green-amber when you swipe the card over it.

Without an EZ-Link card, you'll need to carry plenty of spare change as you travel; buses accept only exact change, and you'll need to queue up for a ticket every time you enter an MRT station.

How and Where to Buy

You can purchase an EZ-Link card over the counter at any MRT station, bus interchange, or 7-Eleven in Singapore. The EZ-Link card costs SGD 15 - SGD 5 covers the cost of the card (and is non-refundable), and SGD 10 is a consumable amount that needs to be "topped up" as the card runs low.

The card will not work if the stored value drops to less than SGD 3; you can add value to the card at any MRT station, bus interchange, or 7-Eleven store. The card can store a maximum value of SGD 500.

Singapore Tourist Pass

For layovers or otherwise really short stays , a Singapore Tourist Pass is a suitable alternative to EZ-Link cards. It's a contactless stored-value card with two significant advantages over the EZ-Link card:

• Unlimited use, with a caveat: The Pass is an all-day pass: you don't get charged per trip, but you can use the card as often as you like around Singapore's public transport system, depending on the length of time allotted to your card. The Singapore Tourist Pass comes in one-, two-, and three-day variants, expiring when the last bus or train goes home at the end of the day. Here's the caveat: Rides on premium and niche bus services are not allowed.
• Returnability: You get charged a redeemable SGD 10 deposit per Tourist Pass, instead of the non-refundable SGD 5 charged by the regular EZ-Link cards. When you return the card within five days of buying it, you get the deposit back.
• Tourist freebies: Tourist Pass users get exclusive access to promos provided by select Singapore retailers, restaurants, and other Singapore tourist destinations .

The Singapore Tourist Pass costs SGD 18, SGD 26, and SGD 34 for a one-, two-, and three-day pass respectively. The price includes a refundable SGD 10 deposit that will be returned once you bring the card back within five days of issuance.

To figure out how to get from point A to B in Singapore, use GoThere.SG , input a plain-language search to get a breakdown of the combined train-bus trip (with a choice of fastest or cheapest route). 

Surviving Singapore on a Budget

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Singapore

Getting Around Singapore: Guide to Public Transportation

Dining at Singapore's Block 51 Old Airport Road Food Centre

Singapore Guide: Planning Your Trip

Getting Around Detroit: Guide to Public Transportation

Reserving a Room: Advance Deposits

A Look at Prices in Hong Kong

Getting Around Mexico City: Guide to Public Transportation

Guide to Marco Polo Airport in Venice

Disney World on a Dime

The 9 Best Beaches in Singapore

Getting Around Salt Lake City: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

MRT Map of Singapore

View the official map (LTA MRT)

• 00 no station

Compassvale

Punggol point.

• பொங்கோல் பாயிண்ட்
• ( Not in service )
• கோரல் எட்ஜ்
• Bukit Panjang
• புக்கிட் பாஞ்சாங்
• ( Tap out to transfer )

Beauty World

• பியூட்டி வோர்ல்ட்

King Albert Park

• கிங் ஆல்பர்ட் பார்க்

Sixth avenue

• சிக்ஸ்த் அவென்யூ

Tan Kah Kee

Botanic gardens, bedok north.

• பிடோக் நார்த்
• காக்கி புக்கிட்

Geylang Bahru

• கேலாங் பாரு
• பெண்டிமியர்

Jalan Besar

• ஜாலான் புசார்

Fort Canning

• ஃபோர்ட் கெனிங்
• தெலுக் ஆயர்

Little India

• லிட்டில் இந்தியா

Bedok Reservoir

• பிடோக் ரெசவோர்

Tampines West

• தெம்பினிஸ் வெஸ்ட்

Tampines East

• தெம்பினிஸ் ஈஸ்ட்

Upper Changi

• அப்பர் சாங்கி
• துவாஸ் லிங்க்

Tuas West Road

• துவாஸ் வெஸ்ட் ரோடு

Tuas Crescent

• துவாஸ் கிரசண்ட்
• கல் சர்க்கல்

Chinese Garden

• சீனத் தோட்டம்

Jurong East

• ஜூரோங் கிழக்கு

Buona Vista

• புவன விஸ்தா

Commonwealth

• காமன்வெல்த்
• குவீன்ஸ்டவுன்

Tiong Bahru

• தியோங் பாரு

Outram Park

• ஊட்ரம் பார்க்
• te17 ew16 ne3

Tanjong Pagar

• தஞ்சோங் பகார்
• பாசிர் ரிஸ்

Tanah Merah / CG

• கெம்பாங்கான்
• நகர மண்டபம்

Changi Airport

• சாங்கி விமானநிலையம்

Yio Chu Kang

• இயோ சூ காங்
• அங் மோ கியோ

Raffles Place

• ராஃபிள்ஸ் பிளேஸ்

Marina South Pier

• மரினா சவுத் படகுத்துறை

Choa Chu Kang

• சுவா சூ காங்

Bukit Gombak

• புக்கிட் கோம்பாக்

Bukit Batok

• புக்கிட் பாத்தோக்
• அட்மிரல்ட்டி

Potong Pasir

• போத்தோங் பாசிர்

Farrer Park

• ஃபேரர் பார்க்

Dhoby Ghaut

• ns24 ne6 cc1

Clarke Quay

• கிளார்க் கீ

Woodlands North

• உட்லண்ட்ஸ் நார்த்

Woodlands South

• உட்லண்ட்ஸ் சவுத்
• ஸ்பிரிங்லீஃவ்

Bright Hill

• பிரைட் ஹில்

Upper Thomson

• அப்பர் தாம்சன்

Mount Pleasant

• மவுண்ட் பிளசண்ட்

Orchard Boulevard

• ஆர்ச்சர்ட் பொலிவார்ட்
•  14  

Great World

• கிரேட் வோர்ல்ட்

Shenton Way

• ஷென்ட்டன் வே

Gardens by the Bay

Marina south.

• மரினா சவுத்
• மேரிமவுண்ட்
• பிராஸ் பாசா

Lorong Chuan

• லோரோங் சுவான்

Mountbatten

• மவுண்ட்பேட்டன்

Nicoll Highway

• நிக்கல் நெடுஞ்சாலை
• ce2 te20 ns27
• கெண்ட் ரிஜ்

Haw Par Villa

• ஹா பர் வில்லா

Pasir Panjang

• பாசிர் பாஞ்சாங்

Labrador Park

• லாப்ரடார் பூங்கா

Telok Blangah

• தெலுக் பிளாங்கா

HarbourFront

Farrer road.

• ஃபேரர் சாலை

Holland Village

• ஹாலந்து வில்லேஜ்

Sentosa Island

• Sentosa Express

MRT map guides

Singapore river & bay areas., standard transfer, tap out to transfer, east-west line.

• 1 2 3 flight
• Color:  Green

North-South Line

• Color:  Red

North East Line

• Color:  Purple

Circle Line

• Code:  CC/CE
• Color:  Orange

Downtown Line

• Color:  Blue

Thomson-East Coast Line

• Color:  Brown

LRT - Light Rapid Transit

Bukit panjang lrt.

• Code:  BP1/6
• Color:  Gray

Sengkang LRT

Punggol lrt, mrt map (lta).

Bahasa Melayu

Circle Line Map

Downtown Line Map

East-West Line Map

North East Line Map

North-South Line Map

Sengkang-Punggol LRT

MRT Map (2006)

Mrt map (2011).

MRT Map (2014)

MRT Map (2015)

MRT Map (2016)

MRT Map (2017)

MRT Walking Map (2017)

The official maps can also be found at the website for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore. The maps are available in multiple languages. You can download a PDF of the map at the Land Transport Authority’s website . If you are interested in other metro maps in other countries take a look at the Metro Map DC , the Stockholm Metro Map in Sweden or the world famous London Underground tube map .

Other transportation types on the MRT Map

All other transport alternatives displayed on the MRT map for public transportation and taxi services in Singapore

directions_bus Bus Services

The MRT Trains cover most of Singapore and will take you conveniently to every corner of the island.

If you want to reach other more specific areas it’s easy to switch from the underground trains to the green colored public buses at the interchange stations, marked with green bus icons on the map.

directions_boat Ferries

For journeys by the ocean routes you can switch to the Ferries from the HarbourFront MRT station.

Here you will find the Harbourfront Centre and the Singapore Cruise Centre with ferries going to the many islands nearby and other neighbouring destinations in Malaysia and Indonesia.

directions_subway Sentosa Express

Take the Sentosa Express monorail from Singapore mainland to the Universal Studios Singapore and the beautiful beaches of Sentosa island.

Aside from the monorail there are the orange Sentosa buses and also the Beach Shuttle available for getting around while on the island. More info at: sentosa.com.sg

tram Cable Car

The Singapore Cable Car is the perfect transportation method for tourists to combine the 15 minute commute with amazing views of the Keppel Harbour area.

local_taxi Taxi Services

There are several taxi services to choose from in Singapore. Use Grab , the Uber of South-East Asia. Or SMRT Taxi, a great local taxi option for getting around easily.

flight Changi Airport

Changi Airport , a tourist attraction by itself. Make sure to save some time to explore the beautiful gardens and other attractions when arriving or leaving Singapore.

Marina Bay and landmarks

The Marina Bay area and the well known landmarks of Singapore can easily be reached with four of the six MRT lines. In a few years from now, the Thomson East Coast line will also pass through this area.

Marina Bay Sands

If you are not staying at the Marina Bay Sands then make sure to visit their skybar and restaurant Ce La vie to enjoy the spectacular city sunsets and skyline lights.

Marina Bay Sands is linked directly to Bayfront Station on the Circle Line and Downtown Line of Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit train system.

More at marinabaysands.com

The Merlion

Singapores iconic symbol can be found at the Merlion Park waterfront in Fullerton, a short walk from the Raffles Place MRT station.

Also make sure to visit or book a room at the famous Fullerton hotel , a grand neoclassical landmark built in 1928, nearby the Merlion.

More at visitsingapore.com

Theatres on the Bay

Also known as Esplanade. It is a performing arts centre for everyone. Explore the centre to get entertained, engaged, educated and inspired through the arts.

Nearest MRT station is Esplanade on the Circle Line and City Hall, which can be reached with the North-South or East-West line.

More at esplanade.com

Singapore Flyer

The enormous observation wheel in the vicinity of the river gives you the perfect bird’s eye view of Singapore. The nearest MRT station is the Promenade station which can be reached via the Downtown Line and the Circle Line.

Besides the observation wheel you will also find other fun-filled activities at the venue.

More at singaporeflyer.com

A magnificent nature park spanning 250 acres in the middle of the bay area with multiple gardens and the famous Supertree Grove Trees is a must see when visiting this amazing city-state.

Please also make sure to visit the two large conservatories – Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

More at gardensbythebay.com.sg

Marina Bay & River

The Singapore river is marked with the blue dots connected to the blue Marina Bay circle on the MRT Map.

The river is perfect for taking cruises to discover landmarks and other attractions. Or just for taking a calm ride with a river taxi to your destination and avoid traffic jams on the roads.

More at rivercruise.com.sg

About Singapore’s MRT map

How did it all start and what’s in scope for the future? Here’s some interesting facts about the Singapore MRT map and the Mass Rapid Transit system.

It all started in the early 1980’s when the first section of the MRT started operations on November 7th in 1987. It was a section of the red, North South line that spanned across six kilometres (about 3.7 miles) and consisted of five stations. Within the following year at the end of 1988, 20 more stations had been built. The final stage of the initially planned lines we’re finalized when the Boon Lay station on the East West line was consecrated a few years later, two years ahead of schedule on July 6th 1990.

The first MRT map Singapore displays the two lines stretching from east to west, and north to south with the additional branch line operated between Jurong East and Choa Chu Kang which was a seperate line until the commencement of the Woodlands Extension in 1996 when it was merged with the North South line.

If you would like to know more about Singapore’s MRT system in whole, then we recommend you to watch this informative video about “The World’s Most Innovative Metro System” made by the RMTransit channel on YouTube.

Operation hours

Singapore’s MRT system is split between two public transport operators. The SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT) and SBS Transit (SBS) . The operation hours are the same for the entire system starting 5.30am and is operative until around midnight every day, weekdays and weekends.

During the peak hours from 7am to 9am the train frequency is 2 to 3 minutes and approximately 5 to 7 minutes during off-peak times.

Train transport services from Woodlands North to Woodlands South on the Thomson-East Coast Line will close earlier at 9.00pm daily from Monday to Sunday. The services will also start at 6.30am on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), one hour later than normal.

Singapore MRT Lines

The lines span in total over 200 kilometers (approximately 124 miles), spread across six lines with more than 120 stations. The MRT lines are estimated to double in range with a total length of nearly 400 kilometers (approximately 250 miles) by 2040. This will get accomplished by expanding the current six lines and building three additional new lines.

Singapore’s MRT with all its transit lines combined, makes it the costliest, busiest, oldest and most comprehensive MRT system by length of route in all of Southeast Asia. And is also known for having the longest stretch of fully automated network of railway lines with driverless trains in the world.

MRT stations

To make it easier for people to find their way down under at Singapore’s MRT stations , the stations do not only have names but are also given codes based on the line name and the order in which the stations are placed on the map for that specific line and route. Also the interchange codes make it easier to find stations where you can transfer and switch trains to another MRT or LRT line. (The codes are described further up on this page.)

Most Singaporeans and tourists usually do know what the name of the station is where they need to go. But what they might not know about the station names is that some of them have an interesting history and background story for how it got the name that it has today. For example the station Dakota, in the Dakota region on the Circle Line was named after the numerous commercial Dakota DC-3 aircrafts. If interested there is an article about these stations at locomole.com

Another interesting fact regarding the stations is that most of the ones below ground are hardened and deep enough to serve as bomb shelters, built to withstand aerial bomb attacks.

Tickets, fares and services

There are several options for buying tickets for the MRT fares. Tickets can be bought at all stations from the General Ticketing Machines (GTM in short) easily with a Visa or MasterCard.

For tourists there is also the option of buying a Singapore Tourist Pass which is a special EZ-Link stored value card. The card can be purchased for one, two or three days and allows you to utilize the MRT and all other public transport options unlimited times during these days. Another similar option is the NETS FlashPay card which can be used for both traveling and shopping.

There are also smartphone app service options for your iPhone or Android device. SimplyGo is one option. Then there is also the SMRTConnect app designed to offer transport related information for iPhone and Android .

For more information and pricing please visit the Singapore Tourism Board’s webpage about how to get around in SG. There are also useful step by step guides on YouTube for how to buy tickets for the MRT and tips on how to get around with the trains.

• MRT Stations
• LRT Stations
• North-South
• Thomson-East Coast

External links

• SBS Transit
• SMRT Corporation
• Land Transport Authority
• Transit Link
• Tourist Pass

Due to scheduled maintenance on 7 April 2024 from 1am to 12pm, all Bus Arrival Time information on this Transport Tools page will be temporarily unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open) . Trusted website s

Enter Your Trip Details

*Fare Type is required

Transport Mode

Bus service number.

*Bus service selected has same number as preceding bus service and will be charged as a new trip. Select another bus service, or start a new query.

*Bus Service Number is required

*Direction is required

Boarding at

*Boarding Bus Stop is required

Alighting at

*Alighting Bus Stop is required

*Boarding MRT/LRT station is required

*Exit and immediate re-entry at same train station is charged as a new trip. Select another station, or start a new query.

*Alighting MRT/LRT station is required

Note: Fare calculation is for card fares only. Visit Public Transport Council's website for more information on different fare structures, including cash fares and concession passes.

Fare Type :

Fare Type: --

Fare calculation results will be displayed based on your trips details.

This quick tour will bring you through the key enhancements.

Use the links at the top navigation bar to help you find what you are looking for

Jump straight into the popular pages that

are most relevant to you

Taking a bus, train, or cycling to your

destination? Plan your routes and check

the fares using these tools!

Our latest featured projects are just a click away!

Start exploring

LTA.GOV.SG now!

How to Buy MRT tickets in Singapore?

It is important to know how to buy MRT tickets in Singapore and this is true regardless of whether you are visiting the city only for a few days or you are a permanent resident.  Unlike most cities around the world, Singapore has managed to create a world-class public transportation system that allows passengers to get to the most important areas of the city without spending any time in traffic jams.

Once you have found the best hotel deals and booked the cheapest room in Singapore, the next step is to purchase an attraction pass that enables you to save money by visiting multiple places for a large discount.

Then, you must be able to get to all these attractions as efficiently as possible.

Since the MRT system is so efficient and economical, we have written the step-by-step guide on how to buy tickets for the MRT to make sure that you can utilize this form of public transportation.  The information presented below is based on her own extensive travel experience throughout Singapore.  Over the last 10 years, we have visited all of the major attractions in Singapore and we are confident that this information can help you to navigate the system more affordable and more efficiently.

Why should you use the MRT in Singapore?

There are many benefits to buying MRT tickets in Singapore and using the system as much as possible. First of all, the MRT in Singapore is extremely affordable for most people living and visiting the city. Singapore is known to be one of the most expensive countries in Southeast Asia for tourism purposes and for people to live permanently. Consequently, the MRT provides an affordable option for public transportation that is both fast and stress-free.

The other benefit of using Singapore’s MRT network is the fact that you will not have to deal with road traffic throughout your time in the city. During peak hours for vehicles, traffic can get jammed up and this is just an unnecessary headache because you do have a lot of buses and trains in Singapore that bypass this. 

Other Benefits

Another clear benefit of using the MRT in Singapore is that it is more environmentally friendly.  The last thing that we want to see is one person in a vehicle driving around the city. This creates unnecessary traffic jams and exhaust fumes that are detrimental to the environment.

Singapore is done in the amazing job of strategically placing MRT Lines and stations throughout the city.  Therefore, you can access 90% of the major attractions by using MRT. After you get out from a station you only usually have to walk three or four hundred meters to get to your intended point of interest.

When you buy a ticket for Singapore’s MRT system keep in mind that not everyone will pay the same amount. Students, senior citizens, students, and disabled individuals per less than adults.  

Many of Singapore’s MRT stations have been built right beside hotels throughout the city. The smart thing to do is to stay at hotels such as Marina Bay Sands or Raffles Singapore and be within 2 minutes of the station. Again, this promotes more efficient sightseeing and less time in Singapore’s scorching heat during the afternoon hours. 

Buying MRT Tickets in Singapore – Types of Tickets and Passes

The first thing that you have to understand about buying MRT tickets in Singapore is that there are a few different options. Technically, there are two different types of MRT tickets or passes that can be used:

1) Stored Value Cards

2) Singapore Tourist Passes

In the following section, we will provide an overview of each one of these tickets including the pros and cons of each one. This should help you to identify what type of ticket is best suited for your individual circumstances while you are in Singapore.

Single Trip Tickets in Singapore – No Longer Available

As their name suggests, single-trip MRT tickets were purchasable directly from a ticketing machine within one of the stations. These are often called ‘standard tickets’ within stations. These are no longer available post-Covid. There were some pros and cons associated with these single-trip tickets, but now you can purchase cards that are valid for buses and trains. 

1. Buying Stored Value Cards for MRT in Singapore

Stored value cards are the most popular option for Singaporeans and permanent residents using the MRT in the city. They are often called ‘Adult Stored Value Cards’ . These are contactless stored value smartcards which can be used on buses, the MRT and LRT throughout Singapore. Therefore, their use is not restricted to only the train system in Singapore. They can be used on buses as well which is a major bonus.

There are some clear pros and cons of using Stored Value Cards while you are in Singapore.  

There are many clear benefits of using a stored-value card in Singapore. Once you have topped them up with cash, they naturally save a lot of time at each station.  Unlike the single trip tickets, stored-value cards only have to be topped each time that you want to enter the MRT Network in Singapore. This eliminates the need for you to wait in line at a ticketing machine every time you want to use the MRT. 

The cost per trip is also cheaper than using single journey tickets. Therefore, this is the ideal card if you are staying in Singapore for a long period of time.  If your stored-value card is damaged or not working properly you can easily go to a TransitLink Ticket Office to get a replacement. 

If for some reason you do not want to use your stored value card anymore you can return it for a refund as well. Again, in this case, you have to go to a TransitLink ticketing office to get your money back. Keep in mind that the $5 card cost paid during the purchase of the card is non-refundable. 

There are actually very few ‘cons’ about using a stored-value card in Singapore.  The major one that you have to really think about is how long you are staying in Singapore?  If you are only staying in the city for a few days then a Singapore tourist pass is by far your best option if you want to use the MRT extensively.   While planning, you might realize that you are only going to use the MRT once or twice during your entire trip. In this case, you are best to use single journey tickets instead of getting any type of card.

Stored value cards do require an upfront payment. Consequently, if you do not use the card extensively you will lose $5 in cash because of the down payment that you had to make when you originally purchased the card.

How much do stored value cards cost in Singapore?

The time of writing adult stored value cards cost $12. This total value of $12 dollars includes a $5 non-refundable card cost and a $7 travel value balance. The $7 dollar balance can be used for rides on LRT, MRT and trains throughout Singapore.

According to the information above, you can see why you don’t want to purchase a stored value card unless you plan on using Singapore MRT for an extended period of time. You will waste the $5 non-refundable payment and maybe some of the $7 cash balance if you only use it once or twice.

COST-SAVING TIP: If you want to save up to 52% on attractions in Singapore, book a multiple attraction pass online in advance . So far, over 200,000 Singaporeans and visitors to the city have purchased these to use alongside their transportation card for the city.

What kinds of stored value cards can you purchase for the MRT? 

There are currently two types of adult stored value cards available for purchase in Singapore:

1) Adult ez-link card and….

2) NETS FlashPay 

You can find out additional information about each card using their respective websites:

Adult ez-link card, you may log on to ez-Link website www.ezlink.com.sg .

NETS FlashPay, you may log on to the NETS website www.nets.com.sg .

Where can you buy MRT cards in Singapore?

You can purchase stored value cards at any TransitLink Ticket Office. You can refer to the official TransitLink website that summarizes all of the relevant offices and what their daily hours are. 

Once your card is purchased, the minimum amount that you can top-up is $10 and the maximum is $500. Aside from TransitLink Ticket Offices, you can also use General Ticketing Machines (GTMs). These are located in MRT stations and bus interchanges to top-up your smartcards by cash or NETS.  Add Value Machines (AVM + ) can also be used for top-up purposes. 

2. Buying Singapore Tourist Passes for the MRT in Singapore

The third option for buying MRT tickets in Singapore is getting a Singapore Tourist Pass.  As the name suggests, Singapore Tourist Passes are designed for temporary visitors to the city.  They are not designed for permanent residents or Singaporeans that spend considerable amounts of time in Singapore.  There are clear pros and cons to purchasing a Singapore tourist pass that we will outline below.

One of the clear benefits of purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass is that you know exactly how much it is going to cost you per day for your transportation. This is especially important if you are trying to create a budget for your trip.  As most people know, Singapore is not considered to be a very cheap place to travel. Therefore, a lot of budget travellers and backpackers are always looking for ways that they can save more money while they are in Singapore . 

If you are an active traveller and plan on using public transportation extensively while you are in the city, the Singapore Tourist Pass is the best MRT option for you. Singapore has an extensive selection of things to do and see. So you might want to maximize the number of trips you can take with the card. If you plan on staying in Singapore for three days or less and want to sightsee a lot, this is the best option for you!

Singapore tourist passes are ideal for active visitors to the city. However, they are not the best option if you are staying in Singapore for an extended period. Similarly, they are not the best option if you are not seeing a lot of different sights.  If you pay upfront for a Tourist Pass and then do not actively use the card you are just going to throw your money away.  Therefore, you need to really think about your itinerary and how much public transportation you are going to require while you are in the city.

Where can you buy Singapore Tourist Passes?

Similar to stored-value cards, you can buy Singapore Tourist Passes at selected TransitLink Ticket Offices or Automated STP Kiosks. You can refer to the official TransitLink website that summarizes all of the relevant offices and what their daily hours are. Keep in mind that there is an office in Changi Airport, so it is possible to purchase a card after you land, but before you travel from Changi into the city center!

Currently, there are four different types of Singapore tourist passes that are available to visitors in the city. Some of the cards are valid for one day where the others are valid up to 3 days. You also have some choice in terms of what type of card you want to get and the perks and discounts associated with each one. 

You can refer to the official Singapore Tourist Pass website if you want more information about buying Singapore Tourist Passes.

Any more questions about buying MRT tickets in Singapore

This article has summarized how to buy MRT tickets in Singapore.  As you now know there are some important considerations that you have to make. Before you buy either a single trip ticket, stored value card or a Singapore Tourist Pass.  In general, single journey tickets are the best option if you do not want any pressure to use the MRT extensively.  In other words, if you only plan on using the MRT once or twice during your trip. You might not want to spend time purchasing a card and then worrying about refunds afterwards.

Ideally, you want to book a hotel room in Singapore right beside an MRT station . This will ensure that your Tourist Pass or Stored-Value Card is used frequently during your stay. Try to stay less than 500 meters from a station if   possible!

For most ‘active’ tourists to the city, the Singapore Tourist Pass is the best option.  We use the term ‘active’ here because it is not the best option if you do not plan on using the MRT and bus network extensively in the city. You have to make many trips per day to make it worthwhile to get the Singapore tourist pass. We recommend that you plan out an itinerary and sort of calculate how many trips you think you were going to take and whether it’s worthwhile even getting this card in the first place. However, if you are sightseeing a lot this can save you a lot of money. It can be an excellent decision to buy one.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Passport-free travel in Singapore is here — but only for certain travelers

• From Tuesday, people traveling via car between Singapore and Malaysia can show self-generated QR codes rather than handing over their passports at two checkpoints.
• Authorities estimate the new procedure will reduce immigration processing time by more than 30%.

Singapore made global headlines last year when the government announced that biometric processing will replace travel document verifications at Changi Airport in the first half of 2024.

But the city-state is going "passport-free" in another area: its land border with Malaysia.

From Tuesday, people traveling by car between Singapore and Malaysia can show self-generated QR codes rather than handing over their passports at two checkpoints.

The new rule , which applies to those traveling via the country's Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, will expedite immigration clearance "without compromising on security," according to Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

Who is eligible

Singapore residents and foreign travelers can generate QR codes via the government's MyICA mobile app. Group codes for up to 10 people can be generated for passengers traveling in the same car too.

Like before, travelers are then subject to a face-to-face check by immigration officers.

However, the QR-code clearance is not available to two groups of travelers: those entering Singapore for the first time and those using a different passport from previous visits.

The new procedure is expected to reduce immigration processing time by more than 30% — saving around 20 seconds for cars traveling with four passengers and up to one minute for cars with 10 people, according to authorities.

One of world's busiest border crossings

The checkpoint linking the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore is one of the busiest international border crossings in the world.

From March 7 to 10, more than 1.8 million travelers crossed Singapore's two checkpoints that link the island with Malaysia, according to its Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

On March 8 — the Friday preceding a week-long break for Singapore public schools — a record-breaking 495,000 people crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, exceeding the 485,000 travelers recorded on August 2019, it said.

Singapore plans to roll out the QR code clearance to more travelers crossing checkpoints via other modes of transport at a later date.   

Part of a larger push

The QR clearance program is part of a larger push to modernize border control and security procedures in the city-state to manage higher traveler volume amid the crunch of its aging workforce.

Changi Airport's "passport-free" immigration clearance, which is based on biometric verification, is undergoing trials, a representative of Changi Airport Group told CNBC Travel.

A launch date for this program has not been released.