Getting Around Singapore
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient MRT and buses for the city-state. Outskirts: Rent a car for Sentosa or industrial areas. Islands: Ferries and cable cars. For convenience, book airport transfers from Changi to your destination.
Train Travel
MRT & LRT Network
Efficient and punctual rail system connecting all major areas with frequent services across the island.
Cost: Changi to Orchard $1.50-2.50 SGD, journeys under 30 minutes between most districts.
Tickets: Buy via EZ-Link card, SimplyGo app, or station machines. Contactless payments accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better space and fares.
Transit Passes
EZ-Link or NETS Flash offers unlimited rides for $10-20 SGD (stored value card), tourist passes from $20 for 3 days.
Best For: Multiple trips over several days, significant savings for 5+ journeys.
Where to Buy: MRT stations, Changi Airport, or official app with instant top-up.
Regional Connections
KTM Intercity and high-speed links connect Singapore to Malaysia's Johor Bahru and beyond.
Booking: Reserve seats days in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30%.
Main Stations: Woodlands CIQ for northbound, with connections to Tanjong Pagar.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Useful for flexibility in outskirts or Sentosa. Compare rental prices from $50-100 SGD/day at Changi Airport and city centers.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage advised, check for ERP and collision waivers.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 70-90 km/h expressways, 110 km/h maximum.
Tolls: Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries charge $0.50-5 SGD during peak hours.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians at crossings, strict fines for violations.
Parking: Coupon parking $1-3/hour in zones, multi-story carparks $2-5/hour in malls.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations abundant at $2.50-2.80 SGD/liter for petrol, $2.40-2.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both integrate ERP alerts.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in CBD during rush hours and weekends.
Urban Transport
MRT & LRT
Comprehensive network covering the island, single trip $1-2.50 SGD, daily pass $12, 10-journey card $20.
Validation: Tap in/out with EZ-Link, fare auto-calculated, inspections occasional.
Apps: MyTransport SG app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile payments.
Bike Rentals
Anywheel or SG Bike-sharing systems, $5-10 SGD/day with docks across the city.
Routes: Extensive park connector networks and PCN trails for safe cycling.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in areas like East Coast Park for sightseeing.
Buses & Local Services
SBS Transit and SMRT operate extensive bus networks covering all districts.
Tickets: $1-2 SGD per ride, buy via EZ-Link or contactless card.
Feeder Buses: Connect MRT to residential areas, $0.80-1.50 SGD short trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near MRT stations for easy access, Orchard Road or Marina Bay for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for peak (Dec-Jan) and events like Singapore Food Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for humid weather plans.
- Amenities: Check for air-con, WiFi, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage island-wide, including most outdoor areas and tourist spots.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 SGD for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before arrival, activate on landing, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer prepaid SIMs from $10-25 SGD with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Changi Airport, convenience stores, or provider shops with passport.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15 SGD, 10GB for $25 SGD, unlimited for $35 SGD/month.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, malls, hawker centers, and public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Wireless@SG in MRT stations and tourist areas for free access.
Speed: Very fast (50-500 Mbps) in urban zones, ideal for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Singapore Standard Time (SGT), UTC+8, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: Changi Airport 20km from city center, MRT to center $2 SGD (30 min), taxi $20-35 SGD, or book private transfer for $30-50 SGD.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Changi Airport ($10 SGD/day) and MRT stations in major areas.
- Accessibility: MRT and buses fully accessible, most attractions have ramps and elevators.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on MRT off-peak (small free, large $5 SGD), check hotel policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on MRT off-peak for $1 SGD, folding bikes free.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Singapore
Changi Airport (SIN) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Kiwi, for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Changi Airport (SIN): World-class international gateway, 20km east of city with MRT connections.
Seletar Airport (XSP): Small domestic and private flights, 15km north, taxi to city $25 SGD (20 min).
Regional Hubs: Proximity to Batam and Johor airports for short regional hops.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for peak travel (Jun-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tue-Thu) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Kuala Lumpur and taking bus/train to Singapore for savings.
Budget Airlines
Scoot, AirAsia, and Jetstar serve Changi with Asian and global connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and airport transfers when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online check-in required 24-48 hours before, avoid airport surcharges.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical fee $3-5 SGD, use network ATMs to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express common in tourist spots.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay standard, Apple Pay and Google Pay widely supported.
- Cash: Needed for hawker centers and small vendors, keep $50-100 SGD in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, service charge included; round up for exceptional service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.