Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Getting There

Singapore is easy to reach from its neighbour Malaysia via several transport options. Alternatively Singapore Airport is one of the most developed airports in the World and you can fly direct from most international capitals.

Travelling to Singapore by Air
Travelling to Singapore by Rail
Travelling to Singapore by Road
Travelling to Singapore by Bus
Travelling to Singapore by Taxi
Travelling to Singapore by Boat

Travelling to Singapore by Air

Singapore is served by airports; the larger Changi International Airport and the smaller Seletar Airport. Singapore is often used as a stop-over for longhaul flights between the East and West and, as such, its International airport has an arrary of transit passenger facilities including a spa, beauty services, extensive shopping and even a swimming pool.

The airport can also arrange a free two-hour tour of Singapore if your stop-over is longer than five hours - enquire at the Departure Transit Lounge North, Level 2 in Terminal Two, or Transfer Lounge B at Departure Transit Lounge North, Level 2 in Terminal Three. For more detailed information on travelling to Singapore via air, please see our dedicated Singapore Airport Guide.

The easiest way to reach Singapore city from Changi Airport is by taxi. Fares range between S$20 to S$40, and the drive takes 30mins. Expect a 50% surcharge between midnight and 6am. A cheaper option is to either take a bus into town for S$2 (no change is given so ensure you have the exact amount), or take the subway and change at Tanah Merah to a city-bound train.

Travelling to Singapore by Rail

Travelers may come into Singapore via Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB, Malayan Railway). The Ekspres Sinaran Pagi and the Ekspres Rakyat are the two day trains from Kuala Lumpur, which are generally efficient if slower than buses. Visitors will arrive at the Tanjong Pagar station in the center of the city. This stop has relatively few amenities, including a moneychanger, taxi stand, and restaurant. You may also choose the Woodlands stop and then continue on into the city by taxi or bus.

The fees may be a bit complicated depending on where you buy your ticket. Malaysia’s form of currency is the ringgit, and tickets are bought on par regardless of the exchange rate. So buying in Malaysia is less expensive. To avoid paying in Singaporean dollars, you can book your tickets as return tickets to Malaysia. If you buy a ticket, for instance, for Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, add a return to Kuala Lumpur to receive the ringgit rate.

You may also cross the border into Malaysia by road and buy tickets in Johor Bahru. Making online reservations is suggested. Another option is to buy a cheap ticket to Johor Bahru and then buy your ticket for your intended destination there. This saves money but may add an extra step in your travels. Plan ahead and book online.

Travelling to Singapore by Road

You may enter Singapore via two land crossings from Malaysia, the Causeway and the Second Link. Most travelers use the Causeway, so traffic will be denser, especially on Sunday evenings. The Second Link is located between western Singapore and western Johor in Malaysia. If you have a car, this is much faster. But make sure you have the proper documentation. Cars registered in Peninsular Malaysia need a valid road tax and insurance coverage. Cars registered in other countries will have to have a Vehicle Registration Certificate, Customs Document, insurance from a Singapore-based company, and an International Circulation Permit. If you drive in Singapore for more than ten days, you will need a Vehicle Entry Permit. This costs up to S$20 a day.

Singapore doesn’t make car travel easy. To enter by car, you will need your passport stamped by Immigration. After, follow the Red Lane and go to the Land Transit Authority (LTA) office for an AutoPass. This is S$10. Your documents will be verified and you will have to rent an IU, or In-Vehicle Unit, for the ERP system. You may opt to pay a S$5 flat fee per day instead of having charges accrue. Then your car will be inspected by Customs agents. After that, you may proceed into Singapore. If you want simple and fast, public transit is a better option.

Travelling to Singapore by Bus

Buses run from Malaysia to Singapore regularly, but there is no one central bus terminal. The following companies operate from Malaysia to Singapore:

Aeroline: Aeroline buses run from Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya to Harbour Front Centre. A one-way ticket costs S$47. Amenities include meals, lounge areas, power outlets, and more. +603.6258.8800

First Coach: More basic than the Aerolines, First Couch is fast because it uses the Second Link. Buses run from Kuala Lumpur to Novena Square in Singapore. A one-way ticket is S$33 and a round-trip is S$55. +65-6822.2111.

NiCE: NiCE buses depart from Kuala Lumpur 20 times daily. You may book a double decker bus or a luxury NiCE++ bus. +65.6256.5755.

Transtar: A luxury bus line featuring leather seats in first class, massaging chairs, attendants, video on demand, and wireless internet. +65-62999009. First class coaches cost S$49 and the sleeper Solitaire is S$63. Executive buses are between S$25 and S$39.

You may also choose from these lines:
CitiExchange: +65-6398.1216
Easibook: +65-6444.0745
Gunung Raya: +65-6294.7711
Hasry Express: +65-6294.9306,
Konsortium Express: +65-6392.3911

Travelling to Singapore by Taxi

It is possible to enter Singapore via taxi from Malaysia however you must take one that is specially licensed by Singapore and run from the Johor Taxi Service. Singaporean taxis are allowed to pick up at the Kota Raya Mall in Johor Bahru City. Traveling into the city costs about S$30 and to Changi Airport is S$40. Call +65.6296.7054 to reserve a taxi. You may also book a limousine taxi to travel to anywhere in Singapore from anywhere in Malaysia. This is more expensive at 150 ringgits per trip. To book, call +60.7599.1622.

Travelling to Singapore by Boat

Ferries and cruises offer a scenic way to enter Singapore. Ferries from Indonesia’s Riau Islands and Johor, Malaysia arrive at one of four terminals:

Harbour Front: in the southern section of the Central Business District. Ferries from Batam, Riau Islands and Karimun dock here.
Tanah Merah: on the East Coat. Ferries from Nongsapura, Desaru, and Bintan, Indonesia dock here.
Changi Ferry Terminal: in the eastern section of Singapore. Ferries from Tanjung Belungkor and Desaru, Malaysia dock here.
Changi Point Ferry Terminal: in the eastern section of Singapore. Ferries from Pengerang, Malaysia dock here.

Hotels in Singapore, Singapore