Getting Around Singapore

Today's post will be about getting to and around Singapore. Where is the fun in travelling the country when your only mode of transportation is a taxi? Why waste money on taxi fares, when you can fully utilize one of the world's fastest and most efficient public transportation system? I will be writing about the delicious local cuisine on my next post, so you definitely want to master the transportation system to get to the recommended food stalls using the fastest way possible!


Travelling to Singapore


Unless you are coming from Tioman or Redang Islands in Malaysia, you will land at one of the three main terminals or the Budget Terminal at Singapore Changi Airport. 

Singapore Changi Airport (source)

Singapore Changi Airport connects you to over 200 destinations worldwide. With 5000 arrivals and departures a week by 80 international airports, you should have no trouble finding the most convenient departure destination. Regularly voted as the world's best airport, Changi Airport is vast, efficient and well organized. Among its many facilities, you will find free internet, foreign currency exchange booths, napping rooms, medical centers, indoor gardens and even a swimming pool.

Changi Airport Terminal 3 - Departure Hall (source)

Singapore Airlines has been known
to only hire the most attractive
Singapore girls. (source)

I strongly recommend everyone (not only tourist) to travel by Singapore Airlines. This might sound a little biased and I am not paid to promote them. But from personal experience, (comparing thirteen different airlines I have traveled by) Singapore airlines provides impeccable service and delicious food. On my 12 hour direct flight from Houston to Singapore, I was treated like royalty. The flight attendants were patient and extremely courteous. The smile on their faces would not wear off, and it got a little creepy at times. Delicious airplane food may seem like a contradiction, but it is certainly not the case on Singapore Airlines. Flight search engine Skyscanner, pooled passenger's opinions and released a list of the top 10 airlines for in-flight meals, and ranked Singapore Airlines third  (not one US airline made the list.) 


The only trade off is that the air tickets tend to be a little more pricey compared to other airlines. But it is definitely a good investment for your comfort, especially on a long distance flight

Travelling within Singapore 


With vast sums of money invested in a strong transportation infrastructure, Singapore is unquestionably one of the easiest country to get around.

There are four main modes of public transportation: buses, MRTs, LRTs and taxis (for the unadventurous.) 

There are two options to pay for your bus or train fare. You can either pay cash, or purchase an ez-link card, a contactless stored value card before boarding the bus or train.


An ez-link card is available at every MRT ticket office and tourists may purchase a tourist pass for $8 per day and it comes in three options: 1-day, 2-day or 3 day pass. There is a rental deposit of $10 which is refundable as long as the card is returned within five days of issuance.

Tourist Pass (source)

If you intend to stay in Singapore for more than five days,  you should purchase a regular ez-link card that is available at

A regular ez-link card (source)

• all MRT ticket counters for $12, of which, $7 is stored value and $5 for the cost of the card which non-refundable 
• all 7-Eleven stores for $10, of which, $5 is stored value, and $5 for the cost of the card which is also non-refundable

If you need to top-up your ez-link card, there are several ticketing machines in every MRT station.

lonelyplanet.com recommends tourist to buy a TransitLink guide that lists all bus and MRT routes, but I think that it is unnecessary because each bus stop and MRT station is well equipped with a detailed map and description of the bus and MRT routes. However, if you would like to purchase it as a souvenir or cheap gift, they are available for $2.50 at all MRT ticket offices. 

A SBS Transit bus (source)

A SMRT bus (source)

Bus: Every bus stop in Singapore is sheltered and has a board displaying description of the different bus routes. Some even have LED screens to inform passengers of bus schedules. 

The SBS Transit and SMRT  website shows you how to get around Singapore with different buses. Also, we have pretty cool double decker buses.

A MRT Train (source)

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The MRT train system is one of the most efficient train system in the world. Because Singapore is so small, the train routes are uncomplicated and it is relatively easy to navigate through the country using the train system. 

It sure feels like a battle just trying to get on a train
(source)

As convenient as the MRT system is, there is a downside to taking the MRT. Because it is a main mode of transportation among locals, it gets awfully packed during peak hours and it is usual to wait for the next train or two. However, I noticed that the MRTs are packed even during non-peak hours and there is only standing room. This is probably due to the dramatic increase in Singapore's human population within the pass three years. But trains come in every three minute intervals during peak hours, and eight minutes during non-peak hours. 
Tip: Though the crime rates in Singapore remains relatively low, you should keep your valuables close to you, especially in a packed train, which are often hot spots for pickpockets.  


Light Rail Transit (LRT): The LRT runs on a more localized route in the housing districts of Singapore. The trains are much shorter in length and do not travel as fast as the MRT. 


Click here for the MRT and LRT system map.


This may seem like an unnecessary and gross fact,but like Germany, it is not a norm for Singaporeans to use deodorants or any form of body spray. As a local, I often associate taking the train with the smell of underarms. So my best advise is not to stand next to a person holding on to plastic handles on the train. However, a lot of people do not see that as a problem, and I do tend to be very dramatic at times, but you have been warned! 


Taxis: It is relatively easy to flag a taxi anywhere and at any time of the day. There are a total of seven taxi companies in Singapore, but they run on the same meter. There is a basic "flag down" fare of $2.80 and an additional $0.20 for every 385 meters traveled. There is however, a lot of additional surcharges depending on the location, time and holiday. You may find the list of surcharges here. A taxi is one of the most convenient mode of transportation, but it is definitely not the cheapest. 


I hope I have provided you with all the information you need to travel around Singapore, but there is really nothing to it. You only need a day on the trains or buses to master how the transportation system works, and you will be traveling like a local.


Now that I have educated you about the culture and transportation system, I believe that you are ready for the wide range of delicious local cuisines in my next post. I will also be providing instructions on how get there.


As always, I welcome comments and feedback. If you have been to Singapore, how do you like our transportation system? Too complex or easy to navigate? And for the locals reading this blog, name one local dish that you simply can't live without and I will review it on the next blog.