Singapore MRT: How to Use the Metro Easily?
If there is one form of transportation that makes traveling around Singapore especially easy, it is the MRT, the city’s metro network.
It serves most of the areas visitors are likely to explore, runs very frequently and, above all, lets you get around without having to understand a complicated ticketing system.
During our stay, our impression was immediate: the MRT is simple, clear, fast, reliable and extremely easy to use, even if it is your first time in Singapore.
If you are only stopping over for a few hours, read Can You Visit Singapore During a Short Layover?. For a longer stay, and to anticipate one of the main expenses, see How Much Does a Night in Singapore Cost?.
How Do You Pay for the MRT in Singapore?
This is probably the best part: you do not necessarily need to buy a transport card.
A contactless Visa or Mastercard can be used directly at the fare gates. Simply tap your card when entering the MRT, then tap again when exiting.
A rechargeable EZ-Link card is still an option, but it is not essential for a typical tourist stay.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority also confirms that adult-fare passengers can use eligible contactless bank cards and mobile wallets directly.
How Much Does the MRT Cost?
The MRT is particularly affordable considering Singapore’s overall cost of living.
For most of our journeys around the city center, we generally paid around €1 to €2.
For example, Chinatown → Little India cost us around €1, Little India → Bugis around €1, and Chinatown → Changi Airport around €2.70 based on our records.
Fares are based on the distance traveled rather than a fixed price.
Is the MRT Network Easy to Understand?
Yes.
Each line has its own name and color, and connections are clearly marked.
The network currently has six main MRT lines and more than 140 stations, covering a large part of Singapore. Trains generally run from around 5:30 AM until approximately midnight.
On a first trip, you are likely to use the Downtown, North East, East West and Circle lines regularly.
In our itinerary, the MRT makes it very easy to connect Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Marina Bay, HarbourFront and Changi Airport.
For the latest network map, the Singapore Land Transport Authority provides the official MRT map.
Can You Reach Changi Airport by MRT?
Yes, and it is often the cheapest option.
From Chinatown, our return journey used the Downtown Line to Expo, then the East West Line to Changi Airport, for around 40 minutes of travel.
When we first arrived, we also reached Chinatown from Changi by MRT in around one hour.
For a first stay, it is therefore a very straightforward option if your accommodation is close to a station.
To organize the rest of your stay, also read How Long Do You Need to Visit Singapore?.
MRT or Ride-Hailing in Singapore?
In most cases, MRT + walking is more than enough.
We mainly used ride-hailing for places that were less well connected or for journeys where several transfers made the MRT much less convenient.
To reach Singapore Zoo from Chinatown, for example, we preferred a ride-hailing car taking around 35 minutes, while the journey by public transportation could take close to an hour.
The idea is therefore not to use the MRT for absolutely everything, but to make it the backbone of your trip.
Rules to Know on the MRT
The network is clean and highly regulated.
The most important rule for visitors is simple: eating and drinking are prohibited on trains and in stations.
The air conditioning can also be very strong. A light layer can be useful if you spend a lot of time on public transportation.
Our view: there is no need to overcomplicate transportation in Singapore. A contactless bank card, Google Maps and the MRT are enough for the vast majority of tourist journeys.
Planning Your Stay?
Our TAMAP Singapore Guide includes our itinerary, the best neighborhoods to stay in, transportation, activities and practical advice to help you organize your trip without wasting time once you arrive.