Getting around Singapore is super easy! MRT stations are scattered throughout the city and cover all major areas. Buses are also a convenient option, with stops every few hundred meters. This is why my wife and I decided we wouldn't need taxis; the MRT or buses are enough.
We enjoy riding the MRT so much that we specifically chose a hotel near an MRT station. For more details on where we stayed, check out our review of the Check inn @Little India Hotel.
I’m excited to share some tips on how to use the MRT in Singapore, especially for those visiting for the first time.
For those just arriving at Changi Airport, you’ll find MRT stations in terminals 2 and 3. Just head down using the escalator or elevator to reach the station.
If you arrive at terminal 1, you can get to terminals 2 or 3 by using the link bridge or the Skytrain, which connects all three terminals. If you land at terminal 4, hop on the free shuttle bus to terminal 3.
The MRT from Changi Airport stops at Expo Station and Tanah Merah. To switch to the Downtown Line, exit at Expo Station. If you need the East West Line, get off at Tanah Merah station.
The first step is getting your MRT payment card ready. You'll use this card to tap in and out of the gates at the stations. For foreign tourists, there are a few card options available in Singapore:
EZ-Link and NETS are the most commonly used electronic money cards in Singapore. You can use them for the MRT, LRT, buses, and even at stores that accept them.
Each card costs SGD 10 and comes with an initial balance of SGD 5. You'll need to top it up as needed. Check out our articles on how to buy an EZ-Link card and how to top up your EZ-Link card for detailed instructions.
If you prefer not to worry about topping up your card, the Singapore Tourist Pass can be an option. This pass offers unlimited travel on all MRT, LRT, and buses in Singapore. You can travel as much as you like without needing to check your balance.
The pass is available for 1 to 3 days, with prices ranging from SGD 10 to SGD 20, depending on the duration. You can buy it at the Transitlink Ticket Office located in many MRT stations.
If you have a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card with a contactless feature, you can use it directly on the MRT.
I've personally used a contactless credit card on the MRT, and it was just as easy as using an EZ-Link card. For more details on this experience, you can read the article below:
Once you have your payment card ready, it's time to head to the station. Most stations are underground and have several entrances. You can use any entrance since they all lead to the same place inside.
If you’re bringing large items, like suitcases, it’s better to use the elevator. This helps keep the escalators free for regular foot traffic, which can get quite busy.
Upon reaching the station, first take a moment to look at the MRT line map. This will help you figure out your destination station and which MRT line to take. You can find the map near the station entrances or close to the gates leading to the platforms.
Choosing the right line is important because some stations only serve one line, while others may have two or three. For more details on the MRT lines and nearby attractions, you can refer to our article on MRT lines in Singapore.
After deciding on your line, tap your card at the gate with the green arrow. The gate will open, and the screen will show the remaining balance on your card.
If the gate doesn’t open, check the message on the screen. It might be due to low balance, the card not being read properly, or even a gate malfunction. Make sure to read the information carefully.
Next, head to the platform. Most platforms serve two trains going in opposite directions. Make sure to check the signboard to choose the correct train—getting it wrong might take you the opposite way!
Wait by the side for the train to arrive, so you don’t block passengers who are exiting. Once the train arrives, allow passengers to exit before you step inside.
Once you're on the train, find a seat if there are any available. If not, just stand and hold on to the rail to keep your balance as the train moves or stops. Here are a few things to keep in mind while riding the train:
At the end of each row, you'll find priority seats. These seats are a different color and have signs above them. They're reserved for specific groups like the elderly, pregnant women, or those who are sick.
If you don’t belong to any of these groups, it’s best to leave these seats empty for those who need them.
This might seem obvious, but smoking on public transport is illegal here. Eating and drinking are also not allowed, as it can cause a mess or disturb other passengers. If you do eat, drink, or smoke on the MRT, you could face a fine of up to SGD 1000. So, avoid these activities while on the train.
If you’re a durian lover, avoid bringing it on the MRT. Its pungent smell can bother others, and it's not allowed on the train. It’s best to enjoy your durian at the vendor's place. In fact, many hotels in Singapore also ban durian, with fines for breaking the rule.
Always listen to the announcements, especially when they mention the next stop. Some trains don’t have screens to display this info, so it’s important to stay alert.
Most announcements on the Singapore MRT are in English, but on some lines, you’ll also hear them in Malay, Chinese, and Tamil.
As you get close to your destination, move toward the exit door to make it easier for people to get on and off. When you arrive at your stop, exit in an orderly manner. Be mindful of the gap between the train and the platform as you step out.
After that, follow the signs. If you're leaving the station, look for the signs labeled "Way Out." If you're switching lines, follow the signs directing you to the next line.
To leave the station, tap your card at the exit gate just like when you entered. Look for the gate with the green arrow. After tapping, the screen will show the fare you’ve spent and the remaining balance on your card if you’re using an EZ-Link card.
Next, choose the exit you want to use. While you can exit through any door, it's more convenient to choose the one closest to your destination. You can check the "Locality Map" near the exit gate to figure out which door to take.
And that’s how easy it is to use the MRT in Singapore! It might feel a bit confusing on your first day, but you’ll get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Oh, and just a heads-up—the MRT operates from 5:30 am to 1:00 am. During special events like the F1 races, the operating hours are usually extended.
Also, you're only allowed to stay on the MRT for up to 2 hours per trip. If you go over that time, you might be fined when you exit.
If you have any questions about the MRT in Singapore, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer! Good luck!
Hi,
I am travelling To Singapore from South Africa In June 2024
1. Can we use the Card on all lines (different colours)
2. Can we interchange MRT to get to the required destinations?
3. can the Same Card be use for a family of 4
Hello, Daniel. I'm Syfa. Thanks for reaching out with your questions. Let me try to answer them one by one.
1. Using the Card on All MRT Lines: Yes, you can use the same card on all MRT lines in Singapore, regardless of their color. Singapore's MRT system is integrated, and the card used for fare payment, commonly known as the EZ-Link card or the Singapore Tourist Pass, is valid across the entire network. This includes all MRT lines (e.g., North-South, East-West, Circle, Downtown, Northeast lines) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) lines as well.
You can also use Contactless VISA/MasterCard to pay for the MRT. Please check this article for more information: https://en.syfaganjarstory.com/using-visa-credit-card-on-singapores-mrt/
2. Interchanging Between MRT Lines: Absolutely, you can interchange between different MRT lines to reach your desired destinations. The MRT system in Singapore is designed for easy transfers between lines, often without the need to exit the fare gates. Stations serving more than one line are common, and they are equipped with clear signage to guide you to your connecting line.
3. Using One Card for a Family of 4: No. Each passenger needs their own card. The EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass is intended for use by a single individual. It's not possible for multiple people to use the same card for a single journey as the card needs to be tapped both at the entry and exit points of your journey. So, you would need to obtain four separate cards.