Singapore’s compact size makes how to get around Singapore surprisingly easy. The island nation features one of Asia’s most reliable transport networks, linking every corner from Changi Airport to Sentosa Island.
For Indian tourists, the best way to get around Singapore stands out for three reasons: it is remarkably safe—even late at night—extraordinarily clean, and refreshingly simple to use. With most services operating in English, navigating the city is easier compared to other Asian destinations.
This guide covers everything about transportation in Singapore, including the cheapest transport in Singapore and fastest options, helping you explore the Lion City efficiently and like a local.
Suggested Read: Singapore in October: Your Complete Travel Guide
1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
The MRT is the backbone of public transportation in Singapore. This extensive rail network covers most tourist attractions with stations that are immaculately clean, fully air-conditioned, and easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Highlights
- Ride the North-South Line between Marina Bay and Orchard for stunning views of Singapore’s skyline
- Travel to Gardens by the Bay via the Circle Line for panoramic cityscapes
- Pass through vibrant neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown on the Downtown Line
- Enjoy comfortable rides with cultural insights from station designs that reflect local heritage
Key Routes
- North-South Line (Red): Connects Jurong East to Marina South Pier via Orchard Road
- East-West Line (Green): Links Changi Airport to Tuas Link through the city center
- Circle Line (Yellow): Loops around central Singapore from HarbourFront to Dhoby Ghaut
- Downtown Line (Blue): Runs from Bukit Panjang through the CBD to Expo
Cost
- Basic fares range from S$0.92 to S$2.17 based on distance traveled
- EZ-Link card: S$12 (S$5 non-refundable card cost + S$7 stored value)
- Singapore Tourist Pass: S$10 for one day, S$16 for two days, S$20 for three days of unlimited rides
- Single-trip tickets cost S$0.50 more than card fares and require a S$1 refundable deposit
Operating Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5:30 am to midnight
- Friday and Saturday: Last trains extend to 12:30 am on selected lines
- Public holidays: Sunday schedule applies
- Frequency: 2-3 minutes during peak hours, 5-7 minutes during off-peak times
Pro Tips
- Buy an EZ-Link card from any station or convenience store for 30% savings on fares
- Download the MRT map on your phone before your trip to plan routes in advance
- Stand on the left side of escalators to let locals in a hurry pass on the right
- Look for station exits marked with nearby attractions to reach your destination faster
Suggested Read: Singapore With Kids: A Family-Friendly Travel Guide
2. Public Buses
Singapore’s bus network perfectly complements the MRT, covering areas that trains don’t reach. For Indian tourists, the best way to get around Singapore by bus offers a scenic and leisurely perspective of the city. Buses are ideal for photographers, first-time visitors, and anyone who prefers above-ground travel while exploring Singapore.
Highlights
- Take bus 36 along East Coast Park for stunning sea views and local beach culture
- Ride the double-decker bus 7 through Orchard Road to see Singapore’s famous shopping district
- Experience local life on bus 48, which passes through traditional neighborhoods like Geylang
- Travel through the Colonial District on bus 7 for views of heritage buildings and museums
Key Routes
- Bus 36: Changi Airport to city center via Marine Parade and East Coast
- Bus 7: Central Business District to Clementi via Orchard Road
- Bus 190: Choa Chu Kang to Orchard Road via residential heartlands
- Night Rider NR1-NR7: Late night services from the city center to various neighborhoods
Cost
- Basic fares range from S$0.92 to S$2.17 based on distance traveled
- EZ-Link card provides discounted fares compared to cash payments
- Singapore Tourist Pass covers unlimited bus rides along with MRT
- Cash payments require exact change and cost about 20% more than card fares
Operating Hours
- Regular buses: 5:30 am to midnight daily
- Night Rider services: Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays, midnight to 2:00 am
- Frequency: 8-15 minutes for most routes, 3-5 minutes for busy routes during peak hours
Pro Tips
- Press the red “STOP” button when approaching your destination to signal the driver
- Board through the front door and exit through the rear door
- For double-decker buses, head to the upper deck for better views of the city
- Google Maps shows real-time bus arrivals and is more accurate than posted schedules
Suggested Read: Singapore With Kids: A Family-Friendly Travel Guide
3. Taxis
Taxis provide direct, door-to-door transportation services in Singapore and are especially useful when carrying shopping bags or traveling late at night. For Indian tourists, Singapore taxis are notably safer and more regulated than in many other countries.
Highlights
- Evening taxi rides along Benjamin Sheares Bridge offer spectacular Marina Bay views
- Travel directly to Sentosa Island’s attraction entrances, saving walking time
- Reach East Coast seafood restaurants that aren’t directly connected by MRT
- Access heritage neighborhoods like Joo Chiat with their colorful Peranakan shophouses
Key Routes
- Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands: 20-25 minutes, S$20-25
- Orchard Road to Sentosa Island: 15-20 minutes, S$15-20
- Marina Bay to Gardens by the Bay: 5-7 minutes, S$8-10
- Clarke Quay to Singapore Zoo: 25-30 minutes, S$25-30
Cost
- Flag down rate: S$3.90-S$4.50 depending on taxi model
- Per kilometer charge: S$0.22-S$0.24
- Surcharges: 25% extra from 6:00 am to 9:30 am and 6:00 pm to midnight
- Airport pickup: Additional S$5-S$8 surcharge applies
Operating Hours
- Available 24 hours daily
- Peak periods (harder to find): 7:30 am to 9:30 am, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, rainy days
- Frequency: Immediate at taxi stands; 5-15 minutes when booked via apps
Pro Tips
- Use the ComfortDelGro app to book taxis in advance and avoid language barriers
- Keep small Singapore Dollar notes as some drivers may not have change for S$50 or S$100
- Request a receipt for all journeys as it contains driver details if you leave items behind
- Ask for estimated fare before starting your journey to avoid surprises
Suggested Read: List of Must-Visit Temples in Singapore: Temple Timings & Details
4. Private Hire Cars
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek have grown popular for private transport in Singapore. They provide convenient, on-demand rides at competitive rates, making them one of the best ways to get around Singapore for tourists who prefer comfort, flexibility, and door-to-door service.
Highlights
- Direct drop-off at Universal Studios Singapore entrance, saving walking time
- Comfortable rides to Night Safari without worrying about late-night public transport
- Easy access to Jurong Bird Park and other attractions in western Singapore
- Door-to-door service to hawker centers located away from MRT stations
Key Routes
- Changi Airport to city hotels: S$18-25, 20-25 minutes
- Marina Bay to Sentosa Island: S$12-18, 15-20 minutes
- Orchard Road to Singapore Botanic Gardens: S$8-12, 10 minutes
- City center to Jurong Bird Park: S$25-35, 30-35 minutes
Cost
- Base fare starts from S$2.50-S$3.00
- Per kilometer charge: S$0.50-S$0.80
- Surge pricing increases costs by 1.2x-2.5x during peak hours
- Payment options: Credit cards, debit cards, or cash (Grab only)
Operating Hours
- Available 24/7 through mobile apps
- Peak demand periods: 7:30 am to 9:30 am, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Frequency: 3-8 minutes for booking confirmation, depending on demand
Pro Tips
- Compare prices between Grab and Gojek as they frequently offer different promotions
- Schedule rides in advance for early morning airport pickups
- Save frequent destinations in the app for faster booking
- Use the “Share Trip” function to let family members track your journey
5. Cycling & Bike Sharing
Cycling has become an increasingly popular and cheapest transport option in Singapore, thanks to expanded bike paths and bike-sharing schemes. Indian tourists can enjoy this eco-friendly way to explore parks, scenic coastal areas, and city neighborhoods at their own pace..
Highlights
- Cycle along the scenic East Coast Park’s 15km coastal stretch
- Ride through Gardens by the Bay’s futuristic landscapes and Supertree Grove
- Explore the Southern Ridges connecting Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, and Kent Ridge Park
- Pedal around Pulau Ubin island for a glimpse of Singapore’s rural past
Key Routes
- Marina Bay Loop: 11km circular route passing major waterfront attractions
- Eastern Coastal PCN (Park Connector Network): 20km from Marina Bay to Changi
- Northern Explorer Loop: 25km through Sembawang and Yishun residential areas
- Central Urban Loop: 15km connecting Bishan, Toa Payoh, and Whampoa
Cost
- SG Bike: S$1 for unlocking + S$0.03 per minute
- Anywheel: S$1 for unlocking + S$0.02 per minute
- Bicycle rental shops: S$8-15 per hour, S$20-35 for full day
- Deposit: S$10-50 depending on rental service
Operating Hours
- Bike-sharing services: 24/7 via mobile apps
- Bicycle rental shops: Typically 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
- Frequency: Bikes available at most MRT stations and popular tourist areas
Pro Tips
- Wear a helmet (bring your own as rentals rarely provide them)
- Stick to dedicated cycling paths and park connectors to avoid traffic
- Download the LTA MyTransport app to locate bike-sharing parking zones
- Avoid cycling during rainy periods as paths become slippery
Suggested Read: Best Markets in Singapore: Best Malls, Street & Food Markets!
6. Airport Transportation
Airport transportation in Singapore offers multiple options connecting Changi Airport to the city. For Indian tourists arriving after long flights, the range of choices caters to different comfort levels and budgets.
Highlights
- Experience the award-winning Jewel Changi Airport before heading to the city
- Enjoy scenic city views on the East-West MRT Line from the airport
- Take the expressway route past Singapore’s eastern coastline
- Spot Singapore’s iconic landmarks when approaching the city center
Key Routes
- MRT: Changi Airport to City Hall (40 minutes, S$2.10)
- Bus 36: Airport to Marina Bay via East Coast (70-80 minutes, S$2.10)
- Airport Shuttle: Door-to-door service to major hotels (30 minutes, S$10)
- Taxi/Private Hire: Direct service to any destination (20-30 minutes to city, S$20-30)
Cost
- MRT: S$2.10-S$2.40 to most city locations
- Public Bus: S$2.10-S$2.50 depending on destination
- Airport Shuttle: S$10 per person to downtown hotels
- Taxi: S$20-S$30 including airport surcharge of S$3-S$5
Operating Hours
- MRT: First train 5:31 am, last train 11:18 pm
- Public Bus 36: 6:00 am to midnight, every 10-15 minutes
- Airport Shuttle: 24 hours, departs when full (8-10 passengers)
- Taxi and Private Hire: 24/7 availability
Pro Tips
- Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass at Changi Airport for unlimited travel if planning to use public transport extensively.
- Pre-book airport transfers through your hotel for peace of mind after long flights.
- Keep small Singapore Dollar notes handy for bus fares if not using stored value cards.
- Allow extra time when departing during evening peak hours (5:00 pm to 7:30 pm).
Suggested Read: Explore the Best Singapore Famous Food: 15 Must-Try Dishes
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Singapore?
The MRT and bus systems offer the best transportation in Singapore for most tourists. They cover nearly all attractions, run frequently, and are very affordable. For late-night travel or when carrying luggage, taxis and private hire cars are more convenient despite higher costs.
What is the main transportation in Singapore?
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the primary local transportation in Singapore, serving over 3 million rides daily. The network consists of six main lines covering most of the island, with trains arriving every 2-7 minutes depending on the time of day.
What is the cheapest way of transport in Singapore?
Public buses offer the most affordable transportation in Singapore, with fares starting from S$0.92. Using an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass makes travel even more economical by providing discounts and unlimited ride options.
Is a taxi expensive in Singapore?
Compared to public transport, taxis are pricier but still reasonable by international standards. A 10km taxi ride costs approximately S$12-15 during normal hours, with surcharges applying during peak periods and for airport pickups.
Can tourists use the Singapore Metro?
Yes, tourists can easily use Singapore’s MRT system. It’s tourist-friendly with English signage throughout and station announcements in four languages, including English. The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited travel, specifically designed for visitors.
What currency is used in Singapore?
Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD), abbreviated as S$. ATMs are widely available, and most transport services accept credit cards. However, carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases or bus rides if you don’t have a transit card.
Are taxis in Singapore expensive?
Taxis are not the cheapest option but offer good value for comfort and convenience. A typical 30-minute ride across town costs around S$20–25, making them practical for groups of 3–4 people.
Are buses cheap in Singapore?
Yes, buses are very economical, with fares ranging from S$0.92 to S$2.17 using an EZ-Link card. They are considered one of the safest and cheapest transport options in Singapore, covering nearly the entire island efficiently.
