Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Transportation

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore is a green island. From the lush rain forest to its policy on automobiles, Singapore is committed to keeping its natural beauty as pristine as possible. This is bad news if you want to own a car in the city-state but spectacular news if you are a visitor. Bringing a car into Singapore and even signing a car lease are expensive and hoop after hoop remains to be jumped through. The upside of this, though, is that Singapore has one of the best public transportation systems in the world.

Trains, buses, and taxis offer reasonable fares and save the headache of finding Singaporean addresses and trying to navigate in a foreign city. Visitors may want to take advantage of the Singapore Tourist Pass, which is available at major MRT stations. These allow unlimited travel MRT and bus travel for only $8 a day, saving you time, aggravation, and money. For extended visits, consider an EZ-Link fare card. It allows you to put funds on and use trains and buses at a 15 percent discount. There is also a fifty cent discount on transfers. The card is $15.

The Singapore MRT website has more information for visitors on planning routes and ensuring that you get where you want to go safely and on time.

Buses

The Singapore bus system offers a fleet of 800 buses and 74 routes covering the city-state. It is a good idea to have an EZ-Link card when riding the buses. When you board, tap your card on the reader at the front. It will deduct the maximum fare from your card. When you arrive at your stop, remember to tap it again. The remainder of the fare is refunded to your card. If you forget to tap the reader, you will pay the maximum fare. Paying cash is complex and time-consuming, and you are unlikely to get change back. A convenient feature is the NighRider services. Starting after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and before public holidays, buses run every twenty minutes on seven lines. Hit hotspots around the city for a flat fare of S$3.50.

Trains

MRT trains are usually the preferred way to travel around Singapore because of the ease of use and reliability. Two main rail lines service the city: the North South Line runs from Marina Bay to Jurong, and the fully automated East West Line runs from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay. Connect from the East West Line to the North East Line by changing trains at either Dhoby Ghaut Station or Outram Park Station. There is an express train to Changi Airport that you can pick up at Tanah Merah Station.

MRT trains offer visitors and residents alike an inexpensive means to travel through the city. For single-trips, you pay from S$0.80 – S$2. S$1 of that is refundable after your ride. As with buses, you may use a convenient EZ-Link card. Transfers do not require additional tickets. MRT stations are clearly marked and are clean and safe.

Taxis

If you are in a hurry, taxis may be a faster way to get around. Locales within the city center usually cost no more than $10 (except during peak weekday hours). Traveling from Changi to Jurong will cost about $35, which is an excellent price for the distance. As soon as the meter starts, a S$2.80 fee is assessed. After one kilometer, you are charged twenty cents per 385 meters. Watch out for additional fees, however: there is a 35 percent fee for peak hours, a 50 percent fee for late night fares, a S$3 for central business district fares, and an additional S$1 on public holidays. There is no extra charge for fares to the airport.

It is best to pay in cash if possible: some cabs do accept credit cards but add a 17 percent surcharge. A few general guidelines apply: to ensure you get a cab during rush hour or late night on weekends, call for a car from the unified booking system (6342.5222). You may hail a cab outside of the city center, but in the midst of the city, taxis usually pick up passengers at stands or buildings such as hotels. When you are out at tourist spots and in a long taxi line, you may be approached by “hacks” offering to drive you. This is usually safe but it is an illegal practice, so it is better to wait.

Boat

Boat tours can be a beautiful way to see the city and spend an enjoyable day. Bumboats are found on the Singapore River with fares starting at S$3. To see the dramatic skyscrapers, cruises are available starting at S$13. For S$15, you can take a round-trip ferry ride around the Southern Islands.

Car

Very few people rent cars in Singapore because the public transportation is so good – and because it is expensive. Tiny vehicles from major rental companies charge S$100 or more per day, not including petrol and ERP (electronic road pricing) charges. If you do rent a car and plan on going to Malaysia, you may want to consider travelling across the border first. Rentals and fuel are about half the price in Malaysia. This may also be much safer because Singaporean plates often draw thieves.

If you do choose to rent a car within the city of Singapore, you will find great roads and careful drivers. Laws are strictly enforced. The speed limit for expressways is 90 km/hour and 50 km/hour for other roads. Seatbelts are required, and you may not use cell phones while driving. Be aware that the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08 percent. Those exceeding this will be fined heavily and jail time is possible. In contrast to other countries, Singaporean police can charge you with drunk driving even if you are below the legal limit. If they feel you have impaired ability to control the car, you could be in trouble. Singaporean law is famously tough, so if you drink, take public transportation back to your lodgings. If you have a foreign license not in English, you must have an IDP or international driving permit.

Foot

Experiencing any city on foot will provide you with insight into the culture; in keeping with Singapore’s dedication to eco-friendly living, walking is a popular option for seeing the sights. There are ample sidewalks and crossings, and drivers are generally very cautious. Be sure to use the crosswalks, though, because jaywalking can elicit fines of S$300 and up to three months in jail. If you plan on walking, bring water. Singapore’s tropic humidity will start to feel more sweaty than sultry. Cool off and refresh yourself at cafes or indoor, air-conditioned attractions before continuing your walking tour. Mornings and evenings are best for walking.

Traveler Information, Maps & Books

The Singapore Tourism Board’s website is invaluable for planning trips and finding information on attractions. The US Department of State also has a very helpful website which details entry and exit requirements, safety, and more. Singapore (Eyewitness Travel Guides) from Turtleback is a great resource for planning your itinerary. For travel within the city, visit the MRT website or call 1.800.3368.900 7:30am – 6:30pm Monday – Friday.

Hotels in Singapore, Singapore