You can also pay using your Ez-link transport card. Cards are available for purchase and top from customer service counters at MRT stations and at 7-Elevens for S$10; both prices include a S$5 nonrefundable deposit. Passengers are expected to pay in cash when you can Singapore taxis dont accept Visa, and other cards incur a 10% surcharge. [21][22] There are also daily scheduled ferry services from the Marina South Pier to the Southern Islands such as Kusu Island, Lazarus Island & Saint John's Island and Sisters' Islands. Looking to explore as many attractions as you can? In Singapore, you can flag a taxi along the street or at designated taxi stands, or book a ride anytime via mobile apps.
Singapore is equipped with well-planned road and transport systems that will get you around the city without much fuss. Gothere SG An awesome site everyone should become familiar with (also available as a free app), Gothere SG offers detailed directions, live updates on public transport timings, and estimated travel times across various transport and route options. This extensive and integrated network helps you get around with ease and keeps Singapore moving as a convenient business hub to live and work in. Singapore is a large city, which makes it difficult to explore entirely on foot. 
We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Whileabundant in numbers, taxis can become scarce during morning and evening peak hours, as well as on rainy days. From winter wonderlands to tropical retreats, these vacations won't disappoint. The Pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations listed here, or at the Concession Card Replacement Office at Somerset station. Once a popular mode of transport in the Little Red Dot, Singapores dwindling fleet of trishaws (three-wheeled bicycle taxis) have evolved to offer novelty rides through some of the city state's most atmospheric neighbourhoods courtesy of Trishaw Uncle, the city-states only licensed trishaw tour operator. In addition to the ferry terminals, the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) also operates a cruise terminal which is handled by the International Passenger Terminal (IPT), and has two berths of 310 metres and 270 metres with a height limit of 52 metres. Safe Travel Information
Here are a few taxi phone numbers worth remembering, to use when youre in Singapore: The two most commonly-used taxi apps are Comfort DelGro and Cabify/Easytaxi. The aviation industry is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, a statutory board of the Singapore government under the Ministry of Transport. The international airport is situated at the easternmost tip of the main island, and serves 185 cities in 58 countries. LTA also looks into initiatives to improve the accessibility and safety of journeys, no matter which route you take. You can also top-up your card through the EZ-Link app., Heres everything else you need to know about getting around Singapore.. You can also make future travel plans by inputting your time of travel and date of travel in the fields provided and Gothere SG will let you know the best ways to get to where you want to be, how long it will take you, and even an estimate on what it would cost you. Fares are based on the distance you travel and usually range from SG$1 to SG$2.50 (about $0.74 to $1.85). [2] With the emergence of driverless vehicles, Singapore is now among the favourite locations for autonomous vehicles development testing location for the big players in the automotive industry.[3]. The two main operators are SBS Transit and SMRT, both of which accept EZ-Link cards. Visit official website Motorists should also take note of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) timing and prevailing charges that may apply during your drive. Getting around Singapore is a breeze Eternity in an Instant / Getty Images, Getting around Singapore: how to navigate the garden city, Getting around sultry Singapore is an absolute breeze thanks to the Lion Citys excellent public transport system, which is continually expanding. Not to mention driving is done on the left in Singapore. Taxis are technically only allowed to stop at designated taxi stands, so make a beeline for a hotel or shopping centre, but you may be able to flag one down if you're lucky. Take a break from the beach by exploring one of these top-notch Miami museums. These travel insurance plans will cover most testing, treatment and quarantine costs related to COVID-19. In the inner city, the MRT runs underground, emerging overground out towards the suburban housing estates. 2022 Lonely Planet. Singapore is also notable for being one of the world's busiest transshipment ports. However, you'll want to walk through individual neighborhoods to absorb the local atmosphere and sights. Singapores trains and stations are also designed to be accessible to wheelchair users, the visually impaired, as well as families with strollers. Besides being an economical way to get around, its one of the most scenic youll be able to indulge in air-conditioned comfort, as you admire the lush greenery and beautiful architecture of our 'city in a garden'. Based on all those factors, you could end up spending the same amount that you would for a metro ride. Copyright 2022 Singapore Tourism Board. Mike Aquino is a travel writer covering Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. But still, pack an umbrella just in case. Remember to tap your card again, on the reader located at the rear exit, when you alight. Look for a marked taxi queue stand to catch a cab, or summon one either by calling their number or by using their smartphone app to pick you up at your location. Singapores extensive bus service is clean, efficient and regular, reaching just about every corner of the island. This underground network has lines that stretch across the entire city. MRT-Accessible Tourist Attractions in Singapore, Taxi and Ride-Share Prices and Surcharges, Tips for First-Time Commuters in Singapore. Singapore's public transport system is fast and efficient, and will whizz you to memorable attractions without fuss. Youll be able to plan your itinerary, get tips on must-see attractions, purchase tickets for sightseeing, book accommodation and even pick up a souvenir (or two). Terms Privacy Policy, The GoodMigrations logo and the Cost/Time/Condition metric are service marks of GoodMigrations LLC. We are working towards building a liveable and sustainable city, where walking, cycling, taking public transport and other viable alternatives to driving are convenient and accessible. Many of the. If you want to get somewhere in a hurry, flag a cab. [8] However, there are some trishaws left which now serve as tourist attractions, taking tourists for a ride around the downtown district. The Singapore Changi Airport is a major aviation hub in Asia. Top draws include the 300km (186-mile) Park Connector Network of trails connecting Singapores green spaces, and the dedicated mountain-biking areas at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Tampines and Pulau Ubin. If youre planning a visit to the laid-back island escape of Pulau Ubin, youll need to board a bumboat (motorised sampan) at Changi Point Ferry Terminal, near the airport, for the 15-minute trip. Since 1 July 2011, Woodlands Train Checkpoint serves as the southern terminus of the KTM rail network. If youre in a hurry, you can open up the app to order the nearest Grab car or taxi to pick you up and then drop you off where you need to be. To plan your route, you can download and access a number of free apps or websites that let you input Point A and B, and generate a travel plan based on both points. All public buses are fully air-conditioned. Use the links at the top navigation bar to help you find what you are looking for, Jump straight into the popular pages that. The other major form of transportation within Singapore is rail: the Mass Rapid Transit which runs the length and width of Singapore, and the Light Rail Transit which runs within a few neighbourhoods. The GoodMigrations logo and the Cost/Time/Condition metric are service marks of GoodMigrations LLC. However, if you really want a car, there are rental offices at the airport and throughout the city. road infrastructure, driving rules and regulations and guiding signages, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) timing and prevailing charges. These include: Travel through certain areas: Congestion penalties called ERP charges apply if you pass under an ERP gantry in your taxi. You can also pay in cash, exact change only. Theres a map of the network on the Land Transport Authority website. Get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20). This line links Siloso Point to Imbiah. Google Play. Singapore's bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore. Interchanges throughout the MRT network allow travelers to change lines without exiting the paid area, though some of the more recently-built crossings force commuters to walk long distances from one track to another. Standard tickets are available for single/return trips for short-term use, and can be purchased from ticketing machines or Ticket Offices in the MRT stations. Buy a Singapore Tourist Pass, a special EZ-Link stored-value card for unlimited travel between one and three days. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our, The top 25 free things to do in Singapore, Buy Lonely Planets Beautiful World Mini. [15], In 2018, Singapore was ranked second globally in terms of containerised traffic, with 36.6 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) handled,[16] and is also the world's busiest hub for transshipment traffic. The aim was to encourage residential development in other parts of the island and give residents in these new "satellite towns" a convenient link between their homes and their workplaces (which were mostly situated around the city centre.). Complementing the MRT system is the LRT (Light Rail Transit) system, a smaller network of trains acting as a feeder service which allows commuters to alight closer to home. Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) runs Tanah Merah and HarbourFront Ferry Terminals which are connected by ferry services to Indonesian Riau Islands of Batam, Bintan and Karimun.[24]. If youre staying downtown, water taxis are a fun way to get around, with stops at Robertson Quay, Clemenceau, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the Esplanade. 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There are also around 5,800 buses, majority of which are single-deck and double-deck, and a minority of articulated buses currently in operation. Most buses are fitted with ramps for wheelchair accessibility, and the Land Transport Authority aims to have all buses fully wheelchair accessible by 2020. You can also pay with cash, but youll need the exact fare as no change is given. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. TermsPrivacy Policy. Find out more aboutroad infrastructure, driving rules and regulations and guiding signagesfor your drive in Singapore. Taxis hereare metered, though surcharges may apply depending on where and when you board the taxi, which company of taxi you are taking, and whether or not you used a booking service. If you wish to be in a car, take a taxi. For more frequent/long-term use, you can purchase an EZ Link stored-value card that you can top up in value as you use it. Other excellent places for cycling include East Coast Park, Sentosa, Pasir Ris Park and the Southern Ridges. Although subsequently hit by over 50 incidents, some of which resulted in several days of system suspension, similar systems albeit from a different company were introduced in Sengkang and Punggol in 2003 and 2005 respectively, both operated by SBS Transit.
Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass a special EZ-Link stored-value cardfor unlimited travel between one and three days. Enjoy the convenience of contactless payment on buses and trains, by using your preferred contactless bank cards for your fare payments. Water transport within the main island is limited to the River Taxi along the Singapore River. The Fast Forward Bus Service also operates only during peak hours, makesfewer stops, and hasmore flexible routing to avoid congestion, saving commuters up to 20% of travel time. You can also visit four of Singapores Southern Islands by public ferry, with services bound for St Johns Island, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island, and Sisters Island departing from the Marina South Pier. All rights reserved. Courtesy of Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61. Single-trip tickets cost from S$1.70, but if youre using the MRT a lot its more convenient and cheaper to use the EZ-Link card. If youre planning to buy or sell a car, please visitOneMotoring for more information. Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Create your own Singapore guide with up to 12 of your Favourites. It has a draft of 12 metres. Singapores entire fleet of public buses was declared wheelchair-friendly in December 2020; almost all bus stops are barrier-free.. The Johor-Singapore Causeway, built in the 1920s to connect Johor Bahru in Johor, Malaysia to Woodlands in Singapore, carries a road and a railway line. In total, there are three local airlines, all operating out of Changi Airport: Malaysia's Firefly is the sole operator with scheduled services out of Seletar Airport. This quick tour will bring you through the key enhancements. You can find out more details at TransitLink's SimplyGo website. Taxis may be flagged down at any time of the day along any public road outside of the Central Business District (CBD), while private hire cars may be booked via ridesharing apps. Simply swipe the card over sensors as you enter and leave a station or bus. In terms of transport, all MRT stations have priority lifts, tactile wayfinding, easy-to-follow signage, visual and audible indicators in lifts and on platforms, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Traffic drives on the left which is typical in Commonwealth countries. In 2019, it handled a total of 626 million tonnes of cargo. You can find guidelines for cycling in Singapore here. If an IDP is not available, an official translation of the foreign license in English is required. Land Transport Authority For more information on Singapores transportation systems. [18] The Port of Singapore is also ranked the Best Seaport in Asia. Driving can be a huge hassle, and parking will cost you an arm and a leg in the city. Journey to the planet's most magnificent places with this thought-provoking portrait of our world. California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. Singapores Land Transport Authority has MyTransport, which lets you customize a trip based on your favorite transport services. Singapore boasts a well-connected network of cycling paths, and you can rent shared bicycles from licensed operators. Singapore is one of the worlds most accessible cities, as befits one of a handful of countries that have officially adopted Universal Design principles. Payment using a credit card: For credit card payments, taxis add an extra 10 percent administrative fee. The rail system, which moves millions of passengers daily, is complemented by a public bus network that covers almost every part of Singapore. Fares are based off distance traveled, time of dayas well as traveler type (adult, children and senior citizen fares are offered). In order to drive in Singapore after 12 months of stay, it is necessary to obtain a valid Singaporean driving license. Walk Cycle Ride SG is our vision for an inclusive city with a transport system that enables everyone to take part in our lively city. You can hail a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by queuing for one at a taxi stand, which youll find at most malls hotels and attractions. Bikes can be rented at several places along East Coast Park and on Sentosa Island and Pulau Ubin, with adult prices starting from S$7 a day on Pulau Ubin and around S$12 an hour elsewhere. Whatever your preferred mode of commute, travelling in Singapore is convenient and efficient, thanks to an extensive and integrated network of roads, trains, buses and taxis. To get a taxi within the CBD, look for an allocated taxi stand (available at most shopping malls, hotels, and tourist attractions), or call a taxi to your nearest car drop-off/pick-up point. [23] Changi Point Ferry Terminal in the east offers daily ferry services to Pulau Ubin and some destinations in Johor, Malaysia. The MRT (or Mass Rapid Transit) system is probably the fastest and most cost-efficient method of getting around town. Scenic river cruises are also available.. Home to more than 5 million people, Singapore definitely has some traffic. For each Singapore neighborhood you'll see a Transit ratingand a Walkability rating. Luckily, the efficiency means that it's easy to ride Singapores public transportation system like a local from the minute you touch down. With its high interconnectivity and exceptional cleanliness standards, public transport is a very comfortable and cost-efficient way to travel here. Efficient, clean, and blissfully air-conditioned, Singapores Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) metro system is the easiest and quickest way to get around Singapore. These form key transport arteries between the distinct towns and regional centres as laid out in Singapore's urban planning, with the main purpose of allowing vehicles to travel from satellite towns to the city centre and vice versa in the shortest possible distance. 2. The first LRT line, which is operated by SMRT Light Rail, opened in Bukit Panjang in 1999 to provide a connection to Choa Chu Kang in neighbouring Choa Chu Kang New Town. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Do take note that admin fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards you can check out the details at TransitLinks SimplyGo website. An additional cruise terminal, the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, began construction in 2009 and was completed in 2012 in order to accommodate bigger cruise ships that are not able to dock at the Singapore Cruise Centre. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Explore Singapore and its attraction is a breeze with our recommended guides. You can pay for your bus fare using an adult stored value smartcard (EZ-link / Nets FlashPay) or the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP). You can also opt to pay in cash, but make sure you have the exact amount in change. The Land Transport Authority, the main planning authority of the MRT, plans to provide a more comprehensive rail transport system by expanding the rail system to a total of 360km (223.69mi) by the year 2030, with eight in ten households living within a 10-minute walking distance of an MRT station. Instead of purchasing single fare tickets, consider purchasing an EZ-Link rechargeable card for SG$12 (about $9) to save some extra coin and avoid ticket lines if you're in Singapore for an extended period. Google Play. Globehunters has compiled a report to select the worlds top backpacking hotspots in relation to safety, value and internet access. Next time youre, The future has arrived early in Singaporewith more ultra-modern infrastructure - skyscrapers, parks, metro lines - being built every day. You can also check out this website for a quick and easy comparison. However, cars are not cheap to buy or maintain in Singapore, and are considered a luxury that many can only aspire to have. You can use your foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore for the payment of public transport fares in Singapore. If you need assistance or have any queries, drop by one of any of the seven Singapore Visitor Centres. Buses traverse the entire country and can take you everywhere you need to go. Additionally, Singapore is the world's largest bunkering hub, with 49.8 million tonnes sold in 2018.[17]. For more useful informationincluding traffic news, journey planning and nearby transport servicesdownload the MyTransport app (available for iOS and Android). Each taxi company has their own booking hotline, and some like Comfort Delgro also have a booking app available. Singapore is hot and humid all year round, making it a joy to visit whatever you're planning to do. Convenient. In 1947 they were banned on humanitarian grounds, and replaced by trishaws (cycle rickshaws).[7]. Visitors centers, run by the Singapore Tourism Board, provide free street maps and suggested walking tours.
Simply download the app, create an account, locate a bike, and off you go! [1] Singapore also has one of the most cost-efficient public transport networks in the world, according to a study by London consulting firm Credo. [13] With the recent opening of the fourth terminal, Changi is now capable of handling more than 70 million passengers every year. Open strollers are allowed on all public buses, and parents can approach our friendly bus captains should they require assistance. The flat rate per journey is S$4.50. We recommend avoiding car rental, as parking is expensive and traffic can be painful. It's an extensive network that reaches all across the island, covering far-flung public housing estates too far to reach by train. Do note that admin fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards. EZ Link cards can be purchased from Ticket Offices or Passenger Service Centres in MRT stations, and can be topped up at various outlets (e.g. The Tuas Second Link, a bridge further west, was completed in 1996 and links Tuas in Singapore to Tanjung Kupang in Johor. The city's numerous parks are another place to stretch your legs. Another bonus for the tropical weather of Singapore? To get a clearer idea of the MRT systems range, look at the official MRT network map. Additional surcharges will be tacked onto your fare if the following conditions are met: Travel during peak periods: A peak period taxi surcharge of 25 percent of your metered fare applies if youre riding a taxi from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m on weekdays (excluding Singapore public holidays), and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Travel after midnight: A midnight surcharge of 50 percent of your metered fare applies for taxi travel from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Travel from certain areas: A location-based taxi surcharge applies for taxi trips departing from certain areas at certain times. Singapore Changi Airport, with its four terminals, is one of the most important air hubs in the region. The Walkability ratingtells you how many local amenities (shops, restaurants, fitness options, etc.) Our road system is designed to take you to every corner of Singapore. HELPFUL TRANSPORTATION WEBSITES See the Big Apple from a new perspective during one of these aerial outings. Most trains operate between 5:30amand 12:00amdaily, with extended hours applied for certain festive periods. The visitor centres boast a range of helpful services and information. The same apps that can plan your MRT trip also help plot out your bus trip, too: MyTransport, CityMapper, and GoThere.sg can program an itinerary using both public transportation methods based on your point of origin and planned destination. These are the hallmarks of Singapores public transport system. McKinseys Urban Transportation report rank Singapore's transport system world's best overall based on five criteria - availability, affordability, efficiency, convenience, sustainability. Note that only fold-up bikes are allowed on trains and buses, with only one fold-up bike allowed on buses at any time. An open skies agreement was concluded with the United Kingdom in October 2007 permitting unrestricted services from Singapore by UK carriers. Taxis are a highly convenient and comfortable way to travel around Singapore (especially for getting to places that are less accessible by train or bus) and are considered to have relatively low fares compared to that of other developed countries. In 2007, the Port of Singapore was ranked the world's busiest port, surpassing Hong Kong and Shanghai. There are two bridges which link Singapore to Malaysia the Causeway, and the Second Link. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can sometimes be flagged down, but wheelchair-accessible maxicabs can be booked through Limousine Transport. App Store The international railway line to Malaysia is an extension of the Malaysian rail network operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railways). 1.04 billion gross tons were handled in 2004, crossing the one billion mark for the first time in Singapore's maritime history. 2022 GoodMigrations LLC. A third stage connecting Caldecott with Marina Bay is scheduled to open in 2022, with a final section running through to Changi Airport due to be completed by 2040. Once youve made sense of the MRT, ride the rails to any one of these key MRT-accessible stops in Singapore: Singapores MRT may be fast, but the bus system has a better range. The Transit ratingtells you how good and reliable public transportation options are in that neighborhood. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Singapore Tourist Pass Singapore carriers were allowed to operate domestic UK services as well as services beyond London Heathrow to a number of destinations, including the United States along with Canada.[12]. These expressways include: The influence of expressways on Singapore's transport policy developed shortly after independence during the history of Singapore because of frequent traffic congestion in the Central district. [4] There are more than 365 scheduled bus services, operated by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit Singapore and Go-Ahead Singapore. The latter opened its first three stations in 2020, followed by six more in mid2021.