Getting Around in Singapore
From Track2Asia
The public transportation in Singapore is among the world’s best, so going from point A to point B in the city is quite easy and hassle free. You don’t even need to rent cars.
Your best bargain would be to get the EZ-link [37] farecard, especially if you’re planning to stay in Singapore for quite a while. The farecard costs S$15. This includes a S$3 refundable deposit plus S$7 stored value. You can “refill” the card’s value at any of the 7-Eleven stores and farecard vending machines in the city. Refills are in increments of at least S$10. With the EZ-link card you can ride the MRT and the bus while enjoying a 15% discount, plus 25 cents discounts on transfers.
If you are staying for only a few days, you can also try the EZ-link card that are valid for only a specified number of days. This provides similar conveniences with additional discounts for tourist attractions. The 3-day farecard is valued at S$45.
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By Bus
There are several bus companies that ply the routes in Singapore. SBS Transit and SMRT are among these lines. These companies have their own websites that provide you with helpful route finders.
You can pay for your ride in cash or using your EZ-link card. The card is the easiest way to pay – you need only to tap your card n the reader when getting on and alighting the bus. You can also pay for cash, but don’t expect to get your change.
On weekends and on public holidays, the NightRider [41] services provide you with a ride after midnight. The NightRider has 7 lines, with trips at 15-minute intervals. These lines pass through the major nightlife hotspots including Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Orchard Road and Mohamed Sultan. The fare is a flat rate of S$3 and EZ-link cards are accepted. A service guide outlining the routes can be obtained at the Singapore Visitor’s Centre or at the MRT Stations (Green line and Red line). You may also download the guide at http://www.smrt.com.sg/buses/documents/nightrider_serviceguide.pdf.
By train
Singapore’s mass transit system is comprised of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). These are efficient and highly affordable ways of getting around. Singaporeans don’t call this the “subway”, because here “subway” is understood to refer to the pedestrian underpass. The transit system also has an extensive network that covers a lot of the territory. Single journey tickets are sold at the vending machines or the cashier at the train station. Fares start from S$1.80 to S$3.00. This includes a S$1.00 refund if you return your ticket (just insert the ticket into the machine). What’s more, you need only to buy one ticket for all lines.
By Taxi
Taxis are also another way to go. The taxis in Singapore are metered and give out receipts. Taxi drivers are courteous and honest. Taxi rides are also reasonably priced, with a $2.50 flagdown rate plus increments of 10 cents for every 200 meters. Fares within the city center costing around $5 - $10 while a trip from Jurong to Changi will not cost over $30 dollars.
However, take note that there are surcharges added to your fare (these may include city centre, peak hour, holiday, road pricing and phone booking surcharges). These may increase your fare by a dollar or two. There is also a midnight surcharge, where fares increase by 50%. Some taxicabs accept credit cards, but to be sure, if you are paying through credit card, ask the driver first before getting in. Credit card payments have a surcharge of 15%.
Here are some taxi companies you can call if you want a taxi, particularly during the weekends or when it is late at night:
- City Cab 6522-2222
- Comfort 6552-1111
- Smart 6485-7700
- SMRT 6555-8888
- Transcab 6553-3333
By Trishaw
Trishaws are available in Chinatown and around the Singapore River. These are three-wheeled bicycle taxis and are good for sight-seeing. It’s quite expensive, though with short rides costing $10 to $20 while an hour of sightseeing will cost you around $50 per passenger.
By Car
With the many transport options you already have, renting a car may not be advisable, as a car can cost at least $100 a day. This does not include the electronic road pricing fee (ERP) and the gasoline ($150 per litre). There is also an extra fee if you plan to drive to Malaysia.
If you want to drive to Malaysia, what we recommend is for you to ride to Johor Bahru. There you can rent a car for half the price. Gasoline is also cheaper at the border.
Now, if your are planning to drive in Singapore, remember that you are to drive on the left side of the road. If you have been driving on the right side of the road, this may take some getting used to. It is also helpful to read up on road rules.
By foot
Walking around Singapore is safe and also enjoyable. Singapore is geared to be pedestrian-friendly, there are pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and well signposted roads. Drivers are also considerate of pedestrians, as drivers are made to take responsibility whenever there is an accident between a vehicle and a pedestrian.
There are also highly enjoyable walks along the Quays. You can also enjoy ambling along the streets of Bugis, Little India or Chinatown.
The only snag would be the humidity and the heat you’ll have to put up with when walking. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, a handkerchief or a packet of tissues. Also, pop into the malls and air-conditioned shops to cool down. This way, you avoid feeling too sweaty and exhausted even before the day is done. The best time to take a walk would be during the evenings (particularly by the river), when there is a cool breeze wafting along.
