Getting Around in Singapore

Getting Around in Singapore:
By: Cher Tan

Getting around in Singapore is easy: the public transportation system is extremely easy to use and taxis are reasonably priced when you can get one. Very few visitors rent cars. Gothere.sg does a pretty good job of figuring out the fastest route by MRT and bus and even estimating taxi fares between any two points.

Getting around in Singapore by rail

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are trains that are the main trunk of Singapore’s transit system. They are a cheap and very reliable mode of transportation, and the network covers most points of interest for the visitor. All train lines use contactless RFID tickets (also known as EZ-Link cards). Single-trip tickets cost from $0.80 to $2 plus a $1 refundable deposit. All lines are seamlessly integrated, even if the lines are operated by different transport companies, so you do not need to buy a new ticket to transfer.

Singapore MRT map, By: Edward

Getting around in Singapore by bus

Buses connect various corners of Singapore, but are slower and harder to use than the MRT. Payment with EZ-Link card is thus the easiest method: tap your card against the reader at the front entrance of the bus when boarding, and a maximum fare is deducted from the card.

Singapore trishaw, By: Chang R

Getting around in Singapore by taxi

Taxicabs use meters and are reasonably priced and honest, however, a shortage of taxis in Singapore means that they are often unavailable for hours at a time. Taxis start from the flag-down fare of $3.00-$3.20.

Getting around in Singapore by trishaw

Trishaws, three-wheeled bicycle taxis, haunt the area around the Singapore River and Chinatown. Geared purely for tourists, they should be avoided for serious travel as locals do not use them. There is little room for bargaining: short rides will cost $10-20 and an hour’s sightseeing charter about $50 per person.

Getting around in Singapore on foot

Singapore is generally fairly pedestrian-friendly. Classic walks in Singapore include walking down the river from the Merlion through the Quays, trekking along the Southern Ridges Walk or just strolling around Chinatown, Little India, or Bugis.