Navigate in Singapore: 9 Essentials Things About Transportation in Singapore

Whether you are traveling for a few days or relocating for years, this guide will help you to understand more about public transportation in Singapore so you can navigate the city like native people.

Here are 9 things you need to know about public transportation in Singapore:

1. Public transport is clean, safe, and better option
Public transport system in Singapore is very well-developed and efficient, you don’t have to worry about using public transportation even if you don’t have a GPS device. Other reason is: we all know about the climate condition in Singapore, so using public transportation is a better option than walking, especially when the sun is at its strongest.

Check website gothere.sg/maps to find the most efficient way to traveling around Singapore through public transportation.


2. Get Ez-Link Card
The popular Ez-Link Card, also called as the CEPAS (Contactless e-Purse Card), is a cost-effective way of paying for public bus and train in Singapore. EZ-Link Card gives you transfers and cheaper fares. Basically, this smart card is an essential to have to get around in Singapore.

Trip’s fares in Singapore are charged based on total distance, starting at around $0.80. You can buy Ez-Link Card for around $12 (with  a stored value of ±$5) from any TransitLink Ticket Offices that are located in most MRT stations. If your card’s stored value is running low, you can reload it at any ticketing kiosk in MRT stations.


3. Train network will take you to anywhere around Singapore

Singapore’s train network can take you from the heart of the city to the suburban parts of Singapore in under 30 minutes. Because Singapore city is small in size and major landmarks are well-connected by its comprehensive train network.

Singapore’s train network is broken up into five major lines: East/West Line, North/South Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line and North/East Line. There are few overlap stations that can be used to switch between these five lines to get to destination quicker.

Train network in Singapore has expanded over the last decade. These public trains are driverless and automated, with overall user experience is seamless. There are detailed maps all across train stations and announcements in the cabins ahead of stations to help you ensure that you will arrive at the correct destination.


4. Buses will take you to every corner of the country

Public buses in Singapore can take travel from the heart of the city to the very end of the country by connecting buses. Singapore’s bus system also have an express service for people who need to get somewhere fast. This bus system skips most stops and goes into the highway.

Express bus services numbers end with “E”, for example 401E. This services charge of $2.70 per ride, regardless of distance. The cost is a slight premium, but it is popular bus service among the after-work crowd working in the CBD who want to head home fast.


5. The trains and buses in Singapore include priority seats
These priority seats are reserved for pregnant women, physically handicapped people, and the elderly. Mostly they are located at the front of the bus, and the two corners in a row of seats, as it is closer to the exit.

Though these seats are priority, but aren’t only for specific groups of people. So passengers are encouraged to give up these priority seats for anyone who needs them more.


6. Don’t eat or drink in public transportation
A fine of $500 will be imposed if you get caught eating or drinking in public trains. But it is alright to take sip of water or pop a mint if you are getting claustrophobic. Just remember to not take it too far while you commute. If you feel sick since the beginning, it is better to take other transportation service.


7. Apps you need to use to get around Singapore
The ride-sharing apps, Uber and Grab are other alternatives for you who are traveling in Singapore for just a short period of time, and for anyone who think owning vehicle is too costly. These applications are the fastest and most affordable way to get around Singapore.


8. Taxis are metered and regulated
You can travel by taxi around Singapore within less than one hour because Singapore is relatively small in size. Don’t worry about inflating fares for tourists, because taxis in Singapore are regulated and distances are fairly calculated through the meter.

Though the taxi services in Singapore are way better than in other Asian countries, but locals generally avoid taxis due to their high price. The taxi industry has slightly suffered since the introduction of cheaper services like ride-sharing, Grab, and Uber in Singapore.


9. Learn abbreviations for expressways
Learning these abbreviations for expressways will be useful if you do intend to drive in Singapore.
- AYE: Ayer Rajah Expressway
- BKE: Bukit Timah Expressway
- CTE: Central Expressway
- ECP: East Coast Parkway
- KJE: Kranji Expressway
- KPE: Kallang-Payar Lebar Expressway
- MCE: Marina Coastal Expressway
- NSC: North-South Corridor
- PIE: Pan Island Expressway

The last one is ERP (Electronic Road Pricing). ERP is a small fee imposed by the government to manage the volume of traffic during peak hours. ERP rates differs for every road and time period depending on local traffic conditions.

You may get confused by these abbreviations at first, but navigating the expressways daily will help you master them in no time.

Don’t worry about getting lost, because you can ask for help from many Singaporeans. They usually like to use Google Maps to navigate, and are friendly.


This article is an english version of Anda Harus Tahu 9 Hal Tentang Transportasi di Singapura, written and translated by Reha Wijaya.