How to Get Around Singapore: Public Transport, Taxis and Costs
Tap your bank card on the MRT gate, catch a bus for under S$2, or call Grab after midnight when the trains stop at 12:30am. Here's what actually works.
Singapore's public transport runs like clockwork. Trains and buses cover the whole island, fares are distance-based and cheap, and there are no paper tickets—just tap a card and go. The catch: you must know which payment method to use before you board, late-night options are limited and expensive, and the airport is 30 minutes from the city but the connection is not always obvious on first arrival. The entries that follow are ordered by how you'll actually use them: first you need to get into town, then you need to move around, then you need to know what to do when the trains stop. Time and cost are what separate good transport from bad in a city that rarely sleeps but not as late as it used to.
Contactless bank card (SimplyGo)
Tap at any MRT or bus gate · Visa, Mastercard, or phone wallet · S$1.28–S$2.57 per trip
There are no single-trip tickets on the MRT, and no cash fares. You must carry a card. You can tap a contactless bank card (Visa, Mastercard, NETS, Amex) or your phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) on the gate and pay the same adult fare. Foreign cards incur a ~S$0.60 daily admin fee. Tap in and out; changing lines adds nothing, and the fare comes from the distance you actually travelled. This is the fastest way for tourists staying under a week.
EZ-Link card
Buy at MRT stations, convenience stores · S$5–S$12 initial cost · S$1.28–S$2.57 per trip
EZ-Link is a stored-value card for those without contactless bank cards, costing ~S$5 (non-refundable card fee) + top-up value. EZ-Link covers MRT, all public buses, LRT feeder services, and some taxis. Buy or top up through the SimplyGo app, ticket offices or kiosks. Worth it if you're staying a week or longer, or if you want to avoid any foreign transaction fees.
Singapore Tourist Pass
Buy at Changi Airport or online · 1–5 days · S$17–S$45
The Tourist Pass gives unlimited travel on MRT, LRT, and basic buses for 1, 2, or 3 days, priced from S$17 (1-Day) to S$45 (5-Day). It excludes premium services like the Sentosa Express and express buses. You have to ride the train or bus at least 4–5 times per day to make the pass worth it. Only buy it if you're making eight or more journeys over consecutive days.
MRT from Changi Airport to city
Terminals 2 & 3 basement level · East-West Line to Tanah Merah transfer · 34–37 minutes
The Changi Airport MRT station is located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. From Changi Airport, head down to the Basement Level of Terminal 2 or 3 where the station is located. If arriving at Terminal 1 or 4, take the free Skytrain to T2 or T3 first. The train ride to downtown Singapore costs around S$2, with the actual price depending on your specific alighting station. The journey takes 34 minutes, including transfers.
Bus from Changi Airport to city
Routes 36 and 36A, PTB2 departure point · Every 15 minutes · S$2–S$3
Bus 36 runs to the city center, stopping at major locations such as Orchard Road and Marina Bay. Go Ahead Singapore operates a bus from Changi Airport PTB2 to Capitol Bldg every 15 minutes. Tickets cost S$2–3 and the journey takes 1 hour 31 minutes. Choose this only if you're not in a hurry and want to save a few dollars, or if your hotel is on the route.
Taxi from airport to city
Available 24/7 at taxi stands · 20–45 minutes depending on traffic · S$20–S$45
Taxis are metered, and the fare should cost in the region of S$25–S$45, depending on the time of day and where exactly you are going. Taxi stands are conveniently located at every terminal, operating 24/7. Payment options are extensive, accepting cash, credit cards, EZ-link cards, NETS FlashPay, and various digital payment apps including DBS PayLah!, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Most efficient if you have luggage or arrive with others to split the cost.
Morning rush-hour discount
Tap before 07:45 weekdays only · All stations except terminals · S$0.50 off any fare
Tap a card on the fare gate before 07:45 on a weekday and 50 cents comes off. The discount comes off any fare, for every kind of card. Use this if you're commuting between hotels and attractions early in the week, or if you're a morning person.
Late-night Grab or taxi after midnight
Available 24/7 in city center and airport zone · Dynamic pricing applies · S$20–S$50
The very last subway train leaves City Hall station at 00:10 and most bus services have wrapped up by then. Grab is Singapore's dominant ride-hailing app and operates around the clock. Late-night availability is strong, especially in downtown and airport zones. Taxis operate through the night and are easy to find at late-night hotspots like Clarke Quay, but there is a 50% surcharge added to the metered fare after midnight. Budget generously after 11pm.
NightRider and NiteOwl night buses
Selected routes, weekends and public holiday eves only · Friday–Saturday 23:30–04:30 · S$4 fixed fare
NightRider buses operate Friday, Saturday, and the eve of public holidays from 23:30–04:30 while NiteOwl operates the same days from 00:00–02:00. The night buses hit all the major attractions in the city centre. No matter how far you go, the fare is S$4 and payable by cash or EZlink card. A budget option on weekend nights if your destination is on route, though waits can be 20–25 minutes.
Transfer within 45 minutes, one fare
Any combination of MRT, LRT, bus · Must tap in and out consistently · Up to 5 legs
Changing between the MRT, the LRT and buses within one trip does not restart the fare—even at Newton, Tampines and Bukit Panjang, where you have to tap out and tap back in, as long as the change takes 15 minutes or less. Stay inside the 5-transfer, 45-minute window and the whole loop is charged as one distance, not several base fares. This saves money on errands that span multiple transport modes.
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