Getting Around Singapore - Transportations in Singapore

Getting around in Singapore is really easy and inexpensive. Excellent bus services complement one of the world's most modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems. The island's plentiful taxis are metered and air-conditioned. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars can be hired from a number of operators. Even trishaws (bicycle with a sidecar) can be hired for a new experience in sightseeing.

By Bus

Buses are probably the most economical way to get around Singapore. A modern fleet of vehicles ensures that you will get from one place to another in cool comfort. Details of bus routes and fares are clearly displayed at bus stations and you are most welcome to check with the locals if you are not sure of which bus to take. Exact change is required for your fare and it is recommended that you purchase a TransitLink Fare Card (stored-value card), which may also be used on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system.
Fares:
SGD 0.60 to SGD 1.20 - non air-conditioned buses.
SGD 0.70 to SGD 1.50 - air-conditioned buses.
Check with the bus driver on the appropriate fare for your destination.

Operating Hours:
From 6am to 12 midnight with regular frequency of 10-15 mins.

By Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT)

The SMRT (also referred to as MRT) is a safe, modern and comfortable passenger train service with stations throughout the city and is extremely popular with the locals. There are two main lines - one from Marina Bay to Jurong East via Woodlands and the other from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay. MRT stations are mostly located underground although there are a few stations in the suburbs which are above ground. Tickets for your train ride may be purchased at any MRT station from a ticketing machine. A route plan is available in every station to help you plan your route and determine the required train fare.

Frequency:
Trains operate at intervals of two and a half to eight minutes from 5:30am until 12:30am daily.

Fares:
Rides range from SGD 0.70 to a maximum of SGD 1.60.
Instead of using cash, you may choose to pay your MRT and bus fares with a stored-value TransitLink Farecard. The Farecard can be bought or revalued from any TransitLink Ticket Sales Office located in most MRT stations and bus interchanges. Each adult Farecard is sold with a minimum value of SGD 12 comprising a SGD 2 deposit and SGD 10 travel value.

Tourist Day Ticket:
Priced at SGD 10, the Tourist Day Ticket allows you to take up to 12 rides a day, regardless of distance traveled, on the MRT and all basic fare bus services (SBS and TIBS). You will need to inform the ticketing officer of the exact date you wish to use the card as it is printed on the card and valid for that day only. Tickets can be bought at any TransitLink Ticket Sales Office located in most MRT stations and bus interchanges up to seven days in advance. For more information, call the TransitLink Hotline: 1-800-6-779-9366 (toll free in Singapore only) or visit www.smrt.com.sg.

By Taxi

Over 15,000 air-conditioned licensed cabs provide comfortable, hassle-free travel at a very reasonable cost. They can be flagged down 24 hours a day on most roads, with well-marked taxi stands available outside most major shopping centers and hotels. At Singapore Changi Airport, the taxi stand is located just outside the Arrival Hall on Level 1 of Terminal 1, and at the end of the Arrival Hall on Level 1 of Terminal 2 (South Wing).

Taxi Rates:
All taxis are metered, with fare starting from SGD 2.40. Though it is the most expensive form of transportation in Singapore, it is still much cheaper compared to other major cities in the world. A 30-minute ride normally costs SGD 20.

Surcharges:
Some surcharges not shown on the meter include:
Between 12am and 6am: additional 50% of fare.
Each time a taxi is hired at Changi or Seletar Airport: SGD 3.
A surcharge of SGD 5 is payable on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for trips from 5pm to 12 midnight.
Each time a taxi is hired at Singapore Expo: SGD 2.
Each time the passenger pays by credit card: additional 10% of fare.
Other surcharges include calling for a taxi, entering into the Central Business District during peak hours, hiring on the eve of public holidays to the day of the public holiday, and passing through an Electronic Road Pricing gantry during peak hours.

By SIA Hop-on

Hop onto this trolley bus service and explore the shopping, cultural and entertainment areas within the city. The SIA Hop-on covers Orchard Road, Bugis Junction, Suntec City, the Colonial District, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Chinatown, Little India and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Fares:
Day Pass: SGD 6 adults, SGD 4 children. Tickets can be purchased from most hotels, Singapore Airlines ticketing offices in the city and from the bus drivers directly. Visitors traveling on Singapore Airlines or SilkAir are entitled to free rides on the SIA Hop-on. Simply present your boarding pass or air ticket.

Operating Hours:
Daily, from 9am to 6pm at 30-minute intervals.

By Trishaw

An interesting way to tour the streets of Singapore is to take a ride on a trishaw (bicycle with sidecar). It costs SGD 25 for a 35-minute roundtrip from Bugis Village through Little India, Jalan Besar and Arab Street.

Rides generally take place between 5pm and 9pm. To catch a ride, contact Trishaw Tours at Tel: (65) 6-981-93133 or join one of many trishaw tours available. Do make sure that you agree on the fare to your destination before the trip commences.

Rental Car

Unless you are going off the island of Singapore, you really don't need a car. The combination of taxis, buses and the MRT are an excellent way to travel anywhere in Singapore. Avis, Budget and Hertz rental agencies are represented in Singapore.

(c) Provided by Tourism Authority of Singapore