Exploring a unfamiliar city can be an exciting adventure. Singapore has numerous transportation options available to help you get around the city with ease. From trains to ride-share services, Singapore has some of the most reliable, efficient, and accessible transportation options in Southeast Asia. This comprehensive guide has all the tips and tricks you need to get around the island. 

Transportation Etiquette in Singapore

Before we start exploring Singapore’s public transportation system, we must understand some basic etiquette rules. Here are some important points to mind while traveling on public transport in Singapore. 

1. No Eating or Drinking on Public Transport:
   Eating or drinking on public transport is strictly prohibited and fined in Singapore to ensure cleanliness and hygiene on buses and trains. Remember to enjoy your food and beverages before boarding or after alighting.
2. Tapping in and Tapping out:
   When traveling on buses and trains in Singapore, tap your card when getting on and off. This helps to calculate the fare for your journey. If you don’t tap your card, you may be charged the maximum fare.
3. Transfers:
   If you need to transfer between rail and bus services or between different bus services without any additional boarding charges, you can do so within 45 minutes. Likewise, a maximum of 15 minutes is allowed for transfers between distinct rail stations.
4. Boarding and Disembarking:
   When boarding or disembarking from trains, it’s essential to allow the passengers to get off first before you get on to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Also, stand to the side and do not block the doors.
5. Escalator Etiquette:
   Keep left on escalators to allow people who want to walk up to the right side to prevent congestion and ensure a smooth traffic flow. It’s also important to note that taking photos of other passengers, especially when going up escalators, is not allowed and can be considered rude.

Transportation to and from the Airport

If you’re visiting Singapore, you will fly in and out of Changi Airport. It’s one of the world’s most awarded airports and offers various transport options to get to your destination. These include:

1. Train services: The usual transportation from Changi Airport to the city is by taking the MRT, which will take you to the Tanah Merah Station. From there, you can take an East-West to get to many popular places along this line, such as Kallang, Lavender, Bugis, City Hall, and Tiong Bahru. Alternatively, you can take the train to Expo MRT Station and transfer to the Downtown Line to get to places such as Geylang Bahru, Chinatown, Bayfront, and Little India.
   
2. Bus services: The second most affordable mode of transportation is by bus, which takes over 1.5 hours. To reach central MRT stations from the airport, take the public bus 36/36A. This route passes through significant areas such as ECP, Marine Parade Rd, Suntec City, City Hall, Dhoby Ghaut, and Orchard.
   
3. Taxi services or private cars: Taxis can be found at the arrival halls of each terminal in Changi Airport, providing an easy and convenient way to get around the city. Or, you can book a private cab through various applications, such as Grab.

Insider Tip: If you plan to travel a lot, then the most affordable mode of transportation is the Singapore Tourist Pass! This pass provides unlimited travel on specific public transport services (MRT and buses). You can get them at the airport at Terminal 2.

Approximate Cost: For more information, types, and costs of tourist passes, visit the website .

You can also click here to visit and learn more about transport options from the airport.

Navigating Singapore’s Train Routes

Singapore’s train system (MRT and LRT) is a fast and reliable transportation system that connects most parts of the city. With multiple lines and interchange stations, operating from early morning until midnight, with trains running every two to seven minutes.

Check their official Map to get an overview of the Singapore MRT Map. There are six major train lines, North-South Line, East-West Line, Circle Line, Thomson-East Coast Line, North East Line, the Downtown Line, and three complementing feeder lines.

Click here to know about MRT routes, navigation, and cost. You can also get the TL SimplyGo app for the journey planner feature. You can also determine fare and estimated time and plan your bus/train journey. 

Insider Tip: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Singapore is color-coded to make it easy to navigate. Each MRT line has a specific color assigned to it, which is used on maps, station signage, and on the trains themselves. Here are the colors assigned to each MRT line:

North-South Line is (NSL) – Red line

East-West Line (EWL) – Green line

North-East Line (NEL) – Purple line

Circle Line (CCL) – Yellow line

Downtown Line (DTL) – Blue line

Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) – Brown line

Inside MRT stations, different signs, including the Station Name Signage, Platform Signage, Exit Signage, and Wayfinding Signage, are designed to guide and inform passengers. 

Navigating Singapore’s Bus Routes

Singapore has innumerable bus services with onboard screens and phone apps for easy navigation. SBS Transit and SMRT are the primary providers accepting EZ-Link cards. Keep the exact fare for cash payments, as no change is given. For route and schedule information, visit official websites or download the SG Buses or MyTransport app for real-time updates and plan your journey accordingly!

To learn more about bus fares, you can also visit the SBS Transit website. 

Insider Tip: Avoid peak hours. Buses tend to be more crowded during rush hour, so try to take advantage of off-peak hours and avoid busy times wherever possible. 

Navigating Singapore’s Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps

In Singapore, taxis and ride-hailing apps are one of the most convenient ways to get around the city. Hailing a cab or ordering a ride from an app can be both fast and affordable.

1. Taxis – Taxis are abundant in Singapore, easy to spot, and can be hailed on the street or booked via a phone call. Check here to more about taxi fares.Insider Tip: Flag-down rates vary by taxi type—premium, economy. So, double-check which kind of taxi you’re getting into before agreeing on a fare.
2. Ride-Hailing Apps – Ride-hailing apps are user-friendly, requiring only an internet connection and a smartphone. They will provide the driver’s identity and an estimated arrival time before the ride’s arrival.

A few top apps for hailing taxis are:

1. Grab. 

Click here to download. 

1. GoJek
2. Click here to download ComfortDelGro from the Google Play store.
3. Click here to download the CDG Zig app.

Navigating Singapore’s Road while Driving

Roads in Singapore are well-designed, and vehicles use the left side of the road. To drive in Singapore, you must have a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) in English.

Here are things you need to keep in mind:

1. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system: ERP charges are levied during peak hours on specific roads in Singapore. They are automatically deducted from a prepaid card or a linked credit card. Check the rates and operating times before your journey. If you rent a car, confirm if your car rental company provides an ERP device.
2. Parking: Singapore has strict parking rules, and fines for illegal parking can be steep. Always look out for parking signs and pay attention to parking restrictions. In addition, some areas have limited parking spaces, and it is advisable to park at designated parking areas.

Remember to obey traffic rules, including speed limits, and stay alert on the roads to ensure a safe driving experience in Singapore.

Cycling around the Island

Cycling is a popular and great way to explore Singapore. The city has well-connected cycling paths that allow you to travel to popular destinations like parks and nature reserves. Singapore’s park connectors, including the Round Island Route, Southern Ridges, and Coast-to-Coast Trail, offer beautiful views and make cycling fun. If you don’t have a bike, you can easily rent one from various rental shops near tourist spots, like Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, and East Coast Park. 

A few top apps for cycling are:

1. SG Bike

To rent a bike with SG Bike, download their app and click here to check their fares.

      2. Anywheel

To rent a bike with Anywheel, download their app and click here to check their fares

Insider Tip: Cycling in Singapore is only allowed on pavements, where cyclists and pedestrians share the road. So ride carefully. Singapore’s tropical climate can be hot and humid, so bring enough water to stay hydrated and dress appropriately in comfortable clothes. 

Singapore is an incredible city, and one of the effective ways to explore it is by getting around with its extensive public transportation system. With its network of public buses, MRT, taxis, and even ridesharing services, you can get around the city without spending too much.