Decoding Singapore’s Travel System For Easy Navigation As A Tourist

Despite the sultry weather conditions, Singapore is one of the most famous tourist places in the world. It welcomes nearly 1.5 million tourists from across the globe every year. Not only the wide variety of tourist destinations is the cause behind this, but the easy availability of several varieties of convenient modes of transport also plays a major role here.

The transport system in Singapore

If you are willing to stay in the Lion City for over 2 days, then the most convenient method to travel around is to acquire the EZ-Link card. It allows you easy access to local buses, Sentosa Express monorail, river taxis, MRT trains, and most taxis. A bicycle hire facility is also easily available here. All such convenient options do not encourage most tourists to hire a private car for tourism.

The card can be purchased from any MRT station customer service counter. It requires a non-refundable fixed deposit. You can top-up it through the EZ-link app.

Common modes of Singaporean transport for tourists

1. Metro

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) metro system is the fastest and most convenient conveyance mode in Singapore. This system includes over 130 stations and operates from 5.30 am to midnight daily. During peak hours the interval spans for 2-3 minutes, other than that, it ranges for 5-7 minutes.

In the inner part of Singapore, the metro runs underground towards the housing estates in the suburban areas.

It is classified into six different colour-coded lines: North-East (purple), North-South (red), Circle Line (orange), East-West (green), Thomson East Coast Line (brown), and downtown (blue).

2. Bus

Singaporean bus service is one of the best and most convenient. It is a clean, fast, well-managed, and very regular mode of transport, reaching almost every part of Lion City. The two principal bus operators here are SMRT and SBS Transit, both of which are accessible through EZ-Link cards. A cash payment option is also available if you can pay the exact amount, as they give no change.

You can easily track the timetables and routes on their official website or the “SG Buses” app, showing real-time bus arrivals and departures from one particular point to another.

SMRT train operators also offer special late-night bus services across the city and its several suburbs on the eve of any special public holiday and weekly every Friday and Saturday.

3. Trishaw

Although once a very popular mode of transport, the three-wheeled bicycle taxi trishaws are no longer considered to be very tourist-friendly these days. The sole licensed Trishaw tour operator is called the Trishaw Uncle. They offer exclusive novelty rides across several corners of the city. Freelance trishaw operators have significantly decreased over time these days. You can witness them busy in action, especially in areas like Raffles Singapore and China Town.

4. Rideshare and taxi services

If you want to reach some part of the city that does not fall under the coverage area of any public transport, you can always opt for a convenient taxi service or rideshare facilities. This can also be availed at odd hours when the availability of public transport has significantly reduced or stopped for the day.

As per Singaporean standards, these taxis are smooth, clean, and affordable. Back in 2021, the city witnessed the launch of an exclusive fleet of neon-green taxis, ensuring a more sustainable approach on the front.

If you can flag down a taxi here, consider yourself lucky, as here, the taxis are only allowed to stop at designated pick-up or drop points.

However, if it's raining, during peak hours or late night hours, makes it difficult to find a taxi. Moreover, the drivers’ shift-changing time between 4 pm and 5 pm also makes it difficult to get hold of a cab.

Despite having a complicated fare system, the passengers do not find it difficult, as all the taxis are metered. You have to pay them either by cash or EZ Link card. Visa card payments draw an additional 10% surcharge.

You can use app cabs too like Uber and Lyft. You have to book and pay using the app.

Singaporean water taxis are very convenient and fun if you are staying in the downtown area. Some significant stops in this region include Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, Clemenceau, Esplanade, and Boat Quay.

River cruise facilities are also available here.

5. Cycling

Despite cycling being a hectic affair in a sultry and humid region like Singapore, the authorities still maintain a popular bike path network and it's even ready to spread its network even further. Some popular cycling spots include Sentosa Pasir Ris Park, the Southern Ridges, and the East Coast Park. You are even allowed to carry your fold-up bicycles on both trains and buses.

There exist multiple platforms for bike sharing. You need to simply download the app, create your personal account, locate the bike and ride. You have to pay for your total riding duration.