Getting Around Singapore

Car: Forget It!

For context, Singapore is roughly the same size as Greater Paris, covering 744 km² of largely urbanised area. Like in all such conurbations, a car is completely unnecessary. Especially since renting and driving a private car in Singapore is extremely expensive due to taxes, electronic tolls, and parking costs. On top of that, the public transport network here is genuinely top-notch, making cars entirely redundant for getting around and exploring the city.

The MRT, Singapore’s Metro

What’s known here as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Singapore’s metro, remains the backbone of the city’s urban transport network. Air-conditioned, ultra-clean, frequent, and safe, it serves almost all neighbourhoods and tourist attractions, as well as—importantly—Changi International Airport. Undeniably one of the best metros in the world.

Five lines crisscross the city from 5:30 AM to midnight every day. Unlike many other metros worldwide, ticket prices here depend on the distance travelled. That’s why you must always validate your payment method both when entering and exiting stations so the distance can be calculated. Another quirk of the MRT is that you don’t buy a physical ticket—everything is now "dematerialised."

So, at every terminal, you validate your journey with a contactless tap using your bank card or smartphone. Another option: the rechargeable EZ-Link card, available at station counters and machines, as well as in some shops. This gives you a credit balance that you can top up anytime. If you plan to get around a lot, there’s also the Singapore Tourist Pass, allowing unlimited travel across the entire urban network for 1 to 3 days. That said, metro fares are very affordable, with most trips costing just the equivalent of 1 € to 2 €.

One last thing to know: it’s strictly forbidden to drink (even water), eat, smoke, or carry durians on the Singapore metro, with hefty fines for violations. And of course, avoid fare-dodging—getting caught could lead to serious trouble.

The Bus

This is the well-designed complement to the metro, reaching places the metro doesn’t. Same principle, same pricing, etc., or nearly so. The only difference: you can still pay in cash with the driver, though no change is given, and a surcharge applies. In short, not ideal.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

This is a viable option, especially after midnight, and it’s quite popular. Not least because fares remain reasonable compared to many other major cities, even if some surcharges may apply (peak hours, nighttime, airport trips, etc.).

Several apps (including Grab, the most popular) are available for booking and payment. Alternatively, you can use a traditional metered taxi. For the latter, note that hailing them in the city centre is prohibited—you must go to one of the many taxi stands to pick one up.

Cycling: Singapore’s Transport of the Future?

Though Singapore has traditionally never been big on cycling, prioritising its excellent public transport instead, things are starting to change. Over the past fifteen years, cycling paths have gradually appeared across the city and even toward neighbouring Malaysia, now totalling over 700 km of more or less bike-dedicated lanes. And this is just the beginning—the government has launched an ambitious plan to turn Singapore into a sustainable city, eventually offering cyclists over 1,300 km of exclusive lanes.

So, cycling is a possible way to explore Singapore. Especially since the city has also promoted bike-sharing for residents and tourists, with a Vélib-style self-service system at a very attractive rate: 1 Singapore dollar (0.66 €) for 30 minutes.

Exploring the City on Foot

Why not, if you’re motivated and have time? The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with many covered walkways and air-conditioned underground passages connecting buildings and metro stations. That said, humidity and heat can sometimes be discouraging.

What to Choose for Getting Around?

In short, getting around Singapore is particularly easy, fast, and affordable. The city-state has one of the most modern and efficient public transport networks in the world, which you’ll definitely want to prioritise. Unless you prefer walking or cycling—both great options for exploring the city.