Towering skyscrapers, verdant botanical gardens, thrilling night safaris, themed amusement parks, and a helical bridge that glows at night - Singapore has a never-ending list of fascinating marvels that will make you fall in love with this island country. A perfect amalgam of class and elegance, this country welcomes over 1.5 million tourists from around the globe. Hence, catering to the transportation needs of all these guests and their local passengers and managing the traffic effectively is crucial for tourism. Luckily, the country has developed a widespread network that connects all the major landmarks. With pocket-friendly fares and easy accessibility, you can carry on with your holiday itinerary without wasting too much on transportation.
So, let's talk about the country's three modes of public transportation - the train, the bus, and the taxi.
Train - MRT and LRT
Singapore's train network is slowly forming an extensive circuit connecting even the remotest cities of the island. Comprising Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rapid Transit (LRT), this is perhaps the most widely used local transport as it is very budget-friendly and easily accessible. Actually, if you compare, most countries have higher train ride rates than the one here. And, not to mention its speed and ability to evade heavy traffic, making it the fastest mode of transportation. A 150 km rail network connects more than 90 stations. Hence, from Sentosa Island to Gardens by the Bay, all major attractions are just a walk away from the stations. Provisions have been made to make traveling convenient for the differently abled, too. The well-maintained and hygienic condition of the stations and the trains will betray the fact that this network is almost three decades old now.
MRT Timings in Singapore
You can purchase tickets and pay reasonable prices depending on your route or travel smartly using the Singapore tourist pass daily. The first fare begins at 5:30 AM in the morning. Though the train runs at a frequency of 2 to 5 minutes, massive crowds are observed during the rush peak hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. So, avoid traveling during those hours.
The fares of MRT are as follows:
MRT and LRT form the foundation of public transportation, making traveling comfortable for locals and tourists alike.
The fares of MRT are as follows:
| Passenger | Adult | Senior citizen / Persons with disabilities |
Student | Workfare transport Concession |
| Fare (USD) | $0.95 - $2.21 | $0.60 - $0.93 | $0.43 - $0.64 | $0.69 - $1.73 |
MRT and LRT form the foundation of public transportation, making traveling comfortable for locals and tourists alike.
Bus
A little less comfortable but a more pocket-friendly mode of public conveyance is the bus. Operating with a frequency of 15 to 20 minutes (may take more if there is heavy traffic), the buses are quite spacious and well maintained, with excellent air conditioning and ramps for wheelchair passengers. Even though the space inside the buses tends to get a little cramped during busy working hours, the fantastic connectivity with almost every place is what makes it a convenient mode of travel. On top of this, you get exceptional views of Singaporean city life too.
SBS Transit and SMRT Buses
There are two buses to look out for. One is a white and red colored bus called the SBS Transit. The second is a yellow-colored bus operated by SMRT. Both these buses start running at 5:30 AM, with the last fare at midnight. Some operators like Nite Owl and NightRider also function at night but charge more for the extended services. However, all measures are taken to ensure the passenger's safety and wellbeing.
Listed below are the bus fares according to the distance to give an idea of the prices.
| Distance (km) | Fare (USD) |
| Up to 3.2 | 1.40 |
| 3.3 - 6.2 | 1.60 |
| 6.3 - 9.2 | 1.80 |
| 9.3 - 11.2 | 2.00 |
| 11.3 - 15.2 | 2.20 |
| 15.3 - 19.2 | 2.30 |
| 19.3 - 23.2 | 2.40 |
Fares can be paid via cash (it needs to be the exact change, though), an EZ-linked stored-value card, or a Singapore tourist pass. Detailed information about the routes and fares is also available at all bus stops.
Taxi
Compared to public buses and trains, taxis are a bit heavy on the purse for traveling across the country but have many other perks that make them a popular conveyance for tourists. With the ease of deciding the best route to reach a location and buzzing through heavy traffic, travelling via taxis and cabs offers more privacy and comfort. All of them are air-conditioned, most have radios, and there is more leg space as all taxis are generally 5-seater and can all be easily booked.
How to get a Cab in Singapore
By waiting at any taxi stand or using GPS technology, you can easily avail a taxi from any of the seven operators functioning throughout the country. Another way is to use the Dial-A-Cab hotline number, which is 6342 5222, which further connects you to your desired taxi operator. Even the remotest locations that have been missed by the MRT or the buses can be easily accessed. And that too in a fast way. Every cabbie knows all the routes in the cities. Hence, during rush hours, they know which will be the best route to avoid getting stuck in hour-long jams and reach your destination. The only problem is the fares, which sometimes seem extremely high. The taxis are metered, and work on fixed fares set according to the distance traveled. However, every operator has its own fares. So, it is advised to make a clean breast of the tariff from the driver beforehand and take a receipt when you reach your location.
Cable Car
Soar high in the sky as you ride in the cable cars swinging between Mount Faber's hill and Sentosa's serene island. Cable Car Sky Network operates cable cars as a fun, adventurous way of traveling from one place to another, feasting on the mesmerizing view of Singapore's skyline. Five five-kilometer-long cable line stretching in both lines carries about 100 cabins every day.
Cable Car Timings
The first trip starts at 8:45 AM, and the last one is around 9:30 PM. The last ticket for both lines is sold at 9:15 PM. The cabins are well-maintained and regularly checked for safety purposes. While riding, you can look down below at the towering Faber peak, the lush jungle surrounding it, and the skyscrapers kissing the clouds. The Sentosa line covers all the major attractions on the island, and one can choose to land anywhere - the beaches, Universal Studios, the aquarium- anywhere.
| Adults | Child | |
| Mount Faber Line | USD 33 | USD 22 |
| Sentosa Line | USD 15 | USD10 |
| Both Lines | USD 35 | USD 25 |
Singapore Tourist Pass - More places for less money
A dream come true for any traveler is extensive traveling, and Singapore Tourist Pass turns that dream into reality. An EZ-link stored value card, the Singapore tourist pass, is a special pass that gives unlimited access to bus, LRT, and MRT services. Valid for the number of days you wish for, you can travel as many times to as many places as you wish by paying a nominal amount. For a full one-day pass, you pay USD 10. For a two-day pass, you pay USD 16. For a three-day pass, it costs USD 20. And along with this, you pay a basic refundable deposit of USD 10. And then, you are free to explore all the fascinating locations of Lion City! Also, it is free for children below the height of 0.9m. Finally, after you finish your Singaporean expedition, you can return the card and get a refund for USD 10. Or perhaps leave the refundable deposit and keep the card as a souvenir for your adventure. The choice is yours.
Cost: Full one day pass - USD 10. Two day pass - USD 16.Three day pass - USD 20
Apart from these widespread transportation networks operating throughout the country, three more kinds of transfers are restricted to only a few regions yet form an integral part of public transportation. They are Cable Cars, River Taxis, and Trishaws.
With this detailed knowledge of all the major public transport at your disposal, you can now make calculated decisions and not let conveyance become a deterrent in your fun Singaporean holiday. So, without further ado, pack those bags and head off to one of Asia's mind-blowing travel destinations.