{"id":35537,"date":"2014-11-03T04:08:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-03T04:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:26:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T10:26:47","slug":"how-to-get-around-in-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Around in Singapore"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/#MRT_Singapore_Metro\" >MRT (Singapore Metro)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/#Types_of_Singapore_MRT_tickets_and_how_to_get_them\" >Types of Singapore MRT tickets and how to get them<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/#Here_is_the_price_list_for_the_Singapore_Tourist_Pass\" >Here is the price list for the Singapore Tourist Pass:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/#Bus\" >Bus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-get-around-in-singapore\/#Taxi\" >Taxi<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with any other city, there are several ways to get around in Singapore\u2014MRT, buses, and taxis. But, just like in other cities, there are a few tips and tricks you\u2019ll want to know\u2014just so you\u2019re not scrambling to figure out how to commute on the first day of your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/singapore-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship in Singapore<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>In this guide, we will share helpful tips about the local transportation system, particularly:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taxi<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s get started.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MRT_Singapore_Metro\"><\/span><b>MRT (Singapore Metro)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong><i>What to know about Singapore\u2019s MRT<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MRT is Singapore\u2019s metro or subway system, and it\u2019s open every day from 5:30 AM until midnight. Not only is the MRT easy and quick, but it\u2019s also one of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lta.gov.sg\/content\/ltagov\/en\/map\/fare-calculator.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most inexpensive modes of transportation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Singapore. This could explain why, in 2024, there was an average of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/transport\/mrt-lrt-ridership-surpasses-pre-covid-19-levels-for-first-time-in-2024\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.41 million MRT rides per day<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s also air-conditioned, providing a welcome respite when you\u2019re sweating from the heat\u2014especially if you opted for a summer internship!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On some holidays like Hari Raya Puasa or Eid al-Fitr, the MRT\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smrt.com.sg\/news-publications\/newsroom\/service-announcements\/service-announcement-last-bus-train-extension-for-2024-eve-of-hari-raya-puasa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">operating hours are extended<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You may check the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smrt.com.sg\/news-publications\/newsroom\/service-announcements\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SMRT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbstransit.com.sg\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SBS Transit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> websites to stay ahead of changes in schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Before we go into the logistics of getting your ticket, you should know some very important facts about Singapore\u2019s MRT:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stations are surrounded by shopping centers and fantastic places to eat, but if you\u2019re going to grab a bite before work, do not\u2014we repeat, do not\u2014get it to-go and eat on the train. Singapore has a strict no eating or drinking policy to keep their facilities in pristine condition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An integral part of Singaporean culture is showing respect to elders. If you see an older person standing on the metro while you are sitting, it would be polite to offer your seat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In relation to the previous item, taking up seats meant for the handicapped and elderly is definitely frowned upon in Singapore. Don\u2019t do it!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Singapore_MRT_tickets_and_how_to_get_them\"><\/span><strong><br \/>\nTypes of Singapore MRT tickets and how to get them<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are different types of Singapore metro tickets that you can use for the MRT, and for each one, there are also various ways to secure them (just in case the travel card that Absolute Internship gives you runs away).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we get started, keep in mind that single-trip tickets (formerly known as Standard Tickets) were <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lta.gov.sg\/content\/ltagov\/en\/getting_around\/public_transport\/rail_network.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phased out in March 2022<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you still hear about them, just remember\u2014they\u2019re no longer available!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>EZ-Link Card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ezlink.simplygo.com.sg\/card-charm\/ezlink\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EZ-Link<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a stored value card, which means it\u2019s rechargeable and reusable. This can be used for both the metro and public buses. It\u2019s the most commonly used ticket, and is probably what you\u2019ll be using during your internship in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A card costs 10 SGD\u20145 SGD is the actual price of the card and is non-refundable, while the other 5 SGD is consumable. EZ-Link cards have a validity of 5 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting your EZ-Link is actually pretty easy. You can buy one in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/simplygo.com.sg\/simplygo-ticket-offices\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SimplyGo Ticket Offices<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/simplygo.com.sg\/self-help-machines\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SimplyGo Kiosks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> located at MRT stations as well as bus interchanges, in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, in EZ-Link vending machines (which you may find in some malls), and even in a few bookstores! You can also top up your card in most of these locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fun fact: you can use this card to buy yourself milk tea, noodles, or snacks for your late-night cravings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>NETS FlashPay Travel Card<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like the EZ-Link card, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nets.com.sg\/nets\/for-you\/nets-flashpay\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NETS FlashPay Travel Card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is reloadable. While EZ-Link is mainly focused on transportation, NETS FlashPay is more multi-purpose. You can use it not just for riding the MRT and bus, but also for shopping and dining.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can buy a card at convenience stores for 12 SGD, which includes a 7 SGD load you can use. You can also purchase a NETS FlashPay card at a SimplyGo Ticketing Office or Passenger Service Center (both of which can be found in metro stations), as well as at gas stations like Shell. You can even check out platforms like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.klook.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Klook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for some fun promos!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Singapore Tourist Pass<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg\/type-of-passes\/#stp-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Singapore Tourist Pass<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is basically a card that gives you unlimited use of the metro and public buses\u2014within operating hours, of course. There are three different types: 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes, which indicates the validity of your card.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a 1-day pass, the validity begins the first time you use it, and lasts only until the end of the public transport service on that same day. Again, it won\u2019t last for 24 hours, but just until the end of the day. 2- and 3-day passes must be used on consecutive days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note as well that you cannot use this pass for premium transport services like the Night Owl, Sentosa Express, and RWS8.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_is_the_price_list_for_the_Singapore_Tourist_Pass\"><\/span><strong>Here is the price list for the Singapore Tourist Pass:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1-day pass: SGD 17<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2-day pass: SGD 24<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3-day pass: SGD 29<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using the MRT as your choice of transportation in Singapore is probably the best idea. The stations are always clean, and safe during the evening. Also, if you miss a train, there\u2019s no need to worry as the next one will come by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lta.gov.sg\/content\/ltagov\/en\/getting_around\/public_transport\/rail_network.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">within 2 to 7 minutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bus\"><\/span><b>Bus<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to taking the bus in Singapore, there are two operators, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbstransit.com.sg\/Service\/BusService\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SBS Transit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smrt.com.sg\/news-publications\/information-kit\/smrt-buses\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SMRT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, that go different routes and run from 5:30 AM until midnight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An SMRT bus ride can cost between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journey.smrt.com.sg\/journey\/bus_fare\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0.92 SGD to 2.17 SGD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while an SBS Transit bus fare can range from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbstransit.com.sg\/fares-and-concessions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.19 SGD to 2.47 SGD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For convenience, you can use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lta.gov.sg\/content\/ltagov\/en\/map\/fare-calculator.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fare calculator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see how much it will cost to get from one point to another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like with the metro, you can use an EZ-Link card, a NETS FlashPay card, or a Singapore Tourist Pass to pay for your bus ride. Simply tap your card on the reader and you\u2019re good to go! You can also opt to pay in cash by dropping money into the cash box near the driver. Note, however, that the cash box cannot dispense change, so you need to pay the exact amount. If you pay in cash, the driver will provide you with a printed ticket as proof\u2014hold on to it, at least until the end of the ride.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are only a few drawbacks to taking the bus. The network is definitely not as fast and extensive as the MRT, and it requires waiting in line, especially during peak hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taxi\"><\/span><b>Taxi<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the utmost convenience, you can always opt to take a cab to your destination. While the taxi fares in Singapore cost relatively less than what you would pay in other, bigger cities, taking a cab everywhere could take a toll on your travel allowance. However, you do benefit from the comfort and privacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Singapore, taxi cabs charge by the meter. While the fares are decided by independent cab companies, there is definitely a standard for them to follow. The system is also fair and transparent, so you don\u2019t need to worry about getting ripped off. However, depending on the time of day it is, your taxi fare might be higher due to surcharges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cab rates start at 4.40 SGD. During peak hours, there is a surcharge of 25% of your metered fare. Depending on where you\u2019re hailing from as well, there could be an additional 3 SGD up to 8 SGD.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, it\u2019s 7 AM on a Wednesday and you wish to take a cab from your housing to the famous Gardens by the Bay. The computation of your taxi fare may look like this:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4.40 SGD (base rate) + your metered fare + 25% of the metered fare (peak period surcharge) + 3 SGD (location surcharge)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re traveling during the late night (from midnight to 5:59 AM), the surcharge is an additional 50% of the metered fare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feel free to check out <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this guide<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Singapore\u2019s Land Transport Authority.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hopefully you learned a lot about Singapore\u2019s transportation system and have devised your plan for how you want to get to your internship everyday. Happy traveling!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As with any other city, there are several ways to get around in Singapore\u2014MRT, buses, and taxis. But, just like in other cities, there are a few tips and tricks&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":37478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[744],"tags":[460,367],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-35537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-singapore-internships","tag-intern-in-singapore","tag-singapore-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35537"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35537\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35537"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=35537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}