How to Use Public Transportation to Get around in Singapore

As one of Asia's top business epicentres and holiday hotspots, Singapore welcomes visitors from around the world. Singapore is renowned for its iconic recreational attractions and landmarks, and no trip to Singapore would be complete without exploring its main highlights. Whether one is visiting the island for a romantic getaway or a business trip, here's what every tourist should know about getting around Singapore with ease.

1. Find a Central Base

Regardless of the duration or the purpose of the visit, tourists and business travellers who secure a convenient base are likely to enjoy a more seamless stay in Singapore. In spite of its size, the island can be a challenge to navigate for those who do not occupy a strategic location so it's crucial to find a rest in an advantageous area of the Lion City. Whether one reserves a room at Hotel 81 Rochor or any other hotel in Bugis Singapore, venues that are situated close to key landmarks and MRT stations are the best option for holidaymakers and corporate visitors. This is why the distance between each hotel property and the CBD must be taken into account before making reservations.

2. Secure the Travel Passes

Upon landing at Changi Airport, all visitors must purchase the travel pass that will enable them to explore the island without hassle as an EZ-Link Card opens the gateway to nearly every corner of Singapore. Used by locals and tourists to pay for everything from subway train rides, bus rides, and cab services to even car rental fees, EZ-Link Cards are available at the airport as well as every MRT station and 7-Eleven store in the country. Those who intend to spend only a day or two in Singapore can buy a pass that's valid for that period although those who are holidaying for longer must purchase a card that can be topped up in value.

2. Hop on the MRT

Available every few minutes, MRT trains are the fastest and most affordable means of transport available in Singapore. Covering nearly every area of the island, the vast network that consists of both light rail and monorail trains has been transferring Singaporean citizens with ease and efficiency for decades. MRT stations are located in strategic spots all across the Lion City, with stations occupying the basements of major malls, museums and even cultural landmarks, so much so that it's possible to go sightseeing around Singapore using the MRT train network alone.

3. Bus Services

As an under-utilised mode of transport due to the popularity of the subway, bus services are a breeze to navigate for those who would rather travel above ground. Ez-Link Cards must be tapped as one enters the bus and then once again before disembarking to pay for the journey. With more than 300 buses hitting the streets each day, buses bound for various neighbourhoods in Singapore are accessible every few minutes even if they are not quite as fast as the MRT trains.

4. Taxis

While taxi travel may not be the most cost-effective way to get around Lion City, it is a viable option for those travelling in groups during rush hour. It's necessary to download the taxi apps to hail metered taxis without hassle in Singapore although one can also hail one off a street corner.

5. Trishaws

Mainly serving areas near the Singapore River and Chinatown, three-wheelers are a great way to travel short distances for those who don't mind splurging. As the fares are exorbitant when compared to bus and MRT fares, tuk-tuks serve as a touristic experience for those who find the idea of riding these unique vehicles a rite of passage during a Singaporean holiday.

6. River-Bound Travel

Water taxis and bumboats are the best way to explore the Singapore River and its main points of interest including Robertson Quay, the Esplanade and Clarke's Quay.