fbpx

The Best Way to Get Around Singapore in 2023

Singapore’s airport is one of the busiest in South East Asia, and the city-state as a whole has one of the fastest-growing infrastructures in all of Africa. It is also one of the most “multi-modal” cities in the world because it has many different types of automobiles and ways to get around. If you get lost in Singapore, it could be a long and tiring process to try to find your way around. The subway, bus, Grab, rental car, bumboat, Trishaw, and taxi services all work together to make a good transportation network, but travelers don’t always know which one is best for them.

So, Before You travel to Singapore as a Tourist, Let’s give you an idea of the different ways you can get around Singapore and talk about the best ones.

Does Singapore have a good transport system?

People often say that Singapore’s public transportation system is one of the best in the world. The SMRT Corporation, which runs the best bus and train services in Singapore, deserves a lot of credit for this.

Far & Wide, a popular American travel website, says that Singapore’s public transportation system will be the best in the world by 2020. The report said that the city’s prices were low compared to those in other big cities around the world. In 2018, McKinsey reached the public transportation systems of 25 major cities and found that Singapore was the best combination of safety and the environment, first in terms of cost, first in terms of usage, and third in terms of efficiency and convenience.

Singapore Transportation

When compared to systems in other cities, it seems that Singapore’s public transportation system works well. Taking into account things like price and how happy the customers are, Singapore seems to be one of the best in the world. Since this is the case, it is safe to say that Singapore’s public transportation system is one of the best, even though there is always room for improvement.

Does Singapore use grab or Uber?

Even though Uber’s regional headquarters are in Singapore, the company does not offer its services there. The most popular ride-hailing app in Singapore right now is called Grab.

Grab is an app for getting around that is now available in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. If you’re going to Southeast Asia, you should use the Grab app instead of Uber.

Most used transportation in Singapore

The MRT subway system, taxis, and public buses are the main ways people get around Singapore. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) has more than 130 stations on five lines, while Light Rail Transit (LRT) has 41 stations on two lines. The MRT in Singapore is used by about 2 million people every day.

Singapore MRT

Four companies currently run the bus system. Each company offers a different set of services, such as late-night shuttles or feeder buses that run within the same state. There are now seven taxi companies, and people can call them from the street, wait at taxi stands, or book them ahead of time on the Internet.

Most convenient transportation for a traveler

Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus systems have a large number of routes, making it easy and quick for visitors to get around the city. In that case, they are two of the easiest ways for a tourist to get around. On the other hand, riding a bike is better for the environment and the rider’s health.

If comfort is more important than convenience on your trip, get a taxi or use a ride-hailing app.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system

The MRT subway system in Singapore is the best and fastest way to get around the city. Lines in this subterranean system traverse the whole of the metropolis. Once you get to your destination, though, walking is the best way to get around. Between 5:30 and midnight, the trains stop at about 90 different places between the city center and the edges. The MRT runs trains all the time between Changi Airport and the city center.

Singapore MRT

The Singapore metro is the best example of a modern, well-built public transportation system. The walkways and escalators are broader and more comfortable, the lighting is better, and the materials are more touchable and less worn out. The most important thing is that it works. The main thing that makes this productivity happen is capacity. The MRT never goes into crisis mode because it was built to handle the number of riders that were expected.

Bus System

Singapore’s bus service is fast and reliable, and it’s also an excellent way to see the island’s pretty neighborhoods. By the end of 2021, Singapore’s public bus system will have carried an average of more than 3.6 million people per day. Most of the 352 regular bus routes are run by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit Singapore, and Go-Ahead Singapore. Workers and students have another way to get around town, thanks to private bus companies.

Singapore Bus

You can see the beautiful buildings and green landscapes of our “city in a garden” while riding the bus on one of the many routes that have been chosen as some of the most beautiful. Yes, wheelchairs and open strollers are allowed on all city buses.

By taxi or ride-hailing apps

Taxis are easy and pleasant to ride, especially if the bus or MRT doesn’t go where you want to go. There are taxis with meters, but you should know that depending on the time of day, where you are, and which taxi company you choose, you may have to pay extra. Confirm the fees with the driver and get a receipt at the conclusion of the ride for a ballpark estimate of the total cost. This website can also be used to compare prices quickly and easily.
Singapore Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in most cities; just wave one down on the street or wait in line at one of the many taxies stands in front of shopping centers, hotels, and other tourist spots. You can also use one of Singapore’s many ride-hailing apps to get from the place you want to be picked up to your final destination. Grab, Gojek, Ryde, and TADA are just a few of the other options that are out there.

Bike

It’s possible that bikes aren’t as comfortable or economical as the other types we’ve talked about. But it is the most beneficial and what visitors should do to get around. Cycling around Singapore instead of taking a taxi or bus is healthier and better for the environment. Plan your own bike tour of Singapore to experience the city in a whole different way. Their carefully planned bike routes will let you see more of the attractive sites while getting some exercise and seeing the sights. These paths take you past some of Singapore’s most famous landmarks, some of which you may not know, and give you stunning views in return.

Here are the cycling routes:

What is the cheapest transportation in Singapore?

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the fastest and least expensive way to get around Singapore because it goes to all parts of the city. Instead, the prices are set in a way that makes both the shortest and longest trips the same price. The one-way fare is between $1 and $2.10, which includes the $1 deposit that you get back.

One of the least expensive ways to get around is by bus. Bus rides cost between $1 and $2.10 per person. Only the exact change should go in the fare box. Use the Singapore Land Transport Authority Fare Calculator to find out how much your trip will cost.

Singapore EZ card

To ride the MRT and buses in Singapore, you will need either a regular EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass (which is essentially a special EZ-Link card for tourists).

Bicycles are also not too expensive. On Pulau Ubin, adults can rent bikes for as little as S$7 per day and as much as S$12 per hour around East Coast Park, Sentosa Island, and Pulau Ubin.

Which transportation system is the best?

The MRT subway system in Singapore is the best and fastest way to get around the city. The lines of this underground system run through the entire city. Once you get out of there, the best thing to do is to walk.

86% of people who use Singapore’s MRT are happy with it. This is the highest satisfaction rate in the world. The island’s heavy rail rapid transit system has more than 130 stations and goes more than 200 kilometers. It serves both the city center and the rural northwest. Singapore’s recycling and water conservation policies show that the MRT system cares about the environment.

Choose Wisely: Singapore Tourist Pass Vs. EZ-Link Card

If you’ll only be in Singapore for less than three days and plan to use public transportation a lot, the Singapore Tourist Pass is the best option. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Singapore over the course of three days.

The EZ Link card is your best bet if you’ll be in Singapore for more than three days and want to use the city’s extensive public transportation system. It’s cheap, and you don’t have to return the card before you leave, so it’s easy.

Don’t waste your money on the Singapore Tourist Pass or the EZ Link card if you only plan to use public transportation a few times during your trip. It would be cheaper if you paid cash.

Your Singapore Guide: Transit and Walkability Ratings

Every area in Singapore has a Transit score and a Walkability score that you can look at. The Transit score is a measure of how good and reliable public transportation is in the area. The Walkability score of a neighborhood shows how many stores, restaurants, and health and fitness facilities are within easy walking distance.

Singapore transit rating

Transit Ratings

Excellent: Buses and trains run often and reliably in the area, and there are many other ways to get around as well. There’s no need for a car.

Good: There’s no need for a car. Even though there is only one public transportation option in the area, it runs often and reliably. Most activities in the neighborhood don’t require you to have your own car.

Average: People have to walk a bit to get to public transportation, and it doesn’t run often enough for daily use. Having a car is a good thing to do.

Poor: There is almost no public transportation in the area, so you’ll need a car or a bike to get around. An automobile is a must.

Walkability Ratings

Excellent: Many stores, restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, and other conveniences are all within a short walk.

Good: You can walk to most of the city’s conveniences, although your choices may be more limited in some areas.

Average: You can walk to some services, but for the rest, you’ll need to drive or take public transportation.

Poor: To get to most stores and services, you will have to drive or take public transportation.

A new study says that after Hong Kong, Zurich, and Stockholm, Singapore’s public transportation is the 4th best in the world. UC Berkeley and the think tank Oliver Wyman Forum made the find.

But Singapore is the 46th best place in the world to walk. In Singapore, walking is an excellent way to get around. Ramps and flat surfaces make it easy for wheelchair users to get around. Tactile tiles are put down on walkways to help people who can’t see.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many ways to see Singapore without spending a lot of money. Your choices will depend on how far you want to go, what kind of environment you want to be in, and what kind of place you want to go.

Even though the MRT is the least expensive option, you shouldn’t stop looking into other options because of that. Anyone can use these tips to see Singapore in style without spending more than they can afford.

Written by
Picture of MJ Afsary

MJ Afsary

I have a knack for finding the heart of a story and bringing it to life with my words. When I'm not glued to my laptop, you can find me exploring new cities, trying new foods, or curled up with a good book.
Singapore Visa Online

Singapore Visa Online can help you with your tourist and business visa processing. Find out more details in Fees and requirements page. 

Join Our Social Network

Read more

Singapore Haji Lane

9 Best Things to Do in Singapore

From the modern architecture of Marina Bay Sands to the colonial architecture of Chinatown, Singapore has something for everyone. Even though shopping and nightlife are ...
Singapore tourist center

Singapore Tourist Centre: What You Need to Know

Don’t know where to start? Which way to travel? Well, the first thing you can do is visit the Singapore tourist center.  The Tourist Center’s ...

Do Travelers need a COVID vaccine or vaccination certificate to enter Singapore?

Great news for Travelers around the world! As per ICA Singapore, All COVID-19 related border measures have been lifted from 13 February 2023. There are ...