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How to Get Around in Singapore

Main Modes of Travel for Tourists Exploring the Lion City

By Amie GinendraPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Water Taxi | Image via Unsplash

Tipped to be one of Asia's most accessible tourist destinations, Singapore is not a difficult country to explore using public transportation option. Whether one is visiting the island nation on business or on a holiday, knowing how to navigate the local transport network is crucial to enjoying a seamless experience. From taking the MRT to travelling via the waterways, here are some practical tips on getting around in Singapore.

Get the Right Passes

Upon arriving in Singapore, all travellers must purchase an EZ-Link Card soon after checking into one's hotel near Merlion Park or any other rest in the city. Serving as a master card of sorts for all of your transportation needs in the country, the EZ-Link Card can be used to pay for rides on the local metro line, public buses, taxis and even certain private transportation methods. What's more, the EZ-Link Card can also be used to pay for food and beverages at stations or via vending machines. The cards are easily available at nearly every MRT station and 7-Eleven store while the type of card you should purchase depends on the duration of your stay and how much you sightseeing are planned for the holiday. There are special tourist passes that are valid from a single day to several days while tourists can also purchase a card of a certain dollar value and ride the MRT, buses and taxis until the card's funds run out.

Hop on the MRT

Often regarded as the most efficient and convenient way to get from Point A to Point B in Singapore, the mass rapid transit network is an affordable option for travellers on a budget. With a vast MRT network covering most of the city's main highlights, tourists can ride hassle-free by hopping on and off this complex web of trains available every few minutes. Divided into five lines, the MRT stations are scattered across strategic points across the Lion City and offer passengers a safe, clean and fast journey to their destination of choice with no fuss. Operating daily from 5.30 am till midnight, tourists should only avoid the MRT during the peak hours from 7 am to 9 am and then again from 5 pm to 8 pm on weekdays.

Busing It

Public buses in Singapore travel to every nook and cranny on the island and do so in record time and it should come as no surprise that more than three million rides on 300 bus services take place across the city on a single day. Buses are often described as the ideal way to get around for first-time visitors as tourists can get off right outside some of the main highlights in the Lion City. Grab a window seat when possible to enjoy the sights along the way and remember to tap the Ez-Link card twice on your way in and on your way out so the fare is deducted.

Taxi Cabs

Those based at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay and other major hotels will notice the presence of taxi cabs belonging to various operators parked outside and indeed, taking a cab is the best way to travel in Singapore during rush hour. While one can hail a taxi from the side of the road or most shopping malls, tourists can also call ahead to reserve a ride or simply download the apps that allow locals and visitors to book a ride from the comfort of where they are.

River Travel

Travellers based near the downtown area or on the shores of the Singapore River also have the option of boarding a water taxi or bumboat to travel to various parts of the city including the Esplanade, Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, Clemenceau and the Boat Quay.

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About the Creator

Amie Ginendra

Traveller | Writer | Foodie Lover | Blogger

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