The Singapore MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
is one of the best public transport
systems in the world. Clean,
air-conditioned, punctual and
remarkably affordable, the MRT
is the backbone of Singapore's
transport network and the primary
way that most expats get around
the island every single day.
If you have just arrived in Singapore
or are about to move here, mastering
the MRT is one of the most important
life skills you can develop. Once
you know how it works, getting
around Singapore becomes incredibly
easy and stress-free.
In this complete MRT guide for
new expats, we cover everything
from buying your EZ-Link card
to understanding the different
MRT lines, calculating fares
and navigating the network
like a true local.
Overview of Singapore's MRT Network
The Singapore MRT network is
extensive and continues to expand.
As of 2026, there are six main
MRT lines covering virtually
every part of the island.
North-South Line (NSL) — Red Line
The North-South Line runs from
Jurong East in the west to
Marina South Pier in the south,
passing through the city center
including Orchard Road and
City Hall. This is one of
the busiest and most important
lines in Singapore.
Key stations: Jurong East,
Buona Vista, Orchard,
City Hall, Raffles Place,
Marina Bay
East-West Line (EWL) — Green Line
The East-West Line runs across
the entire width of Singapore
from Tuas Link in the far west
to Pasir Ris in the east.
It connects Changi Airport
via the Changi Airport Branch Line.
Key stations: Jurong East,
Bugis, City Hall, Tampines,
Changi Airport (via branch)
Circle Line (CCL) — Orange Line
The Circle Line forms a loop
around the central and eastern
parts of Singapore. It connects
many residential areas to
the city center and key
interchange stations.
Key stations: Dhoby Ghaut,
Botanic Gardens, one-north,
HarbourFront, Marina Bay
Downtown Line (DTL) — Blue Line
The Downtown Line is Singapore's
newest fully automated MRT line.
It runs from Bukit Panjang
in the northwest to Expo
in the east passing through
the city center and serving
many popular neighborhoods.
Key stations: Bukit Panjang,
Little India, Bugis,
Chinatown, Telok Ayer,
Bedok Reservoir, Expo
Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) — Brown Line
The Thomson-East Coast Line
is Singapore's newest MRT line
and is still being progressively
opened in stages. When fully
complete it will run from
Woodlands in the north
to the East Coast in the south.
Key stations: Woodlands,
Springleaf, Caldecott,
Stevens, Orchard Boulevard,
Gardens by the Bay,
Marine Parade
North East Line (NEL) — Purple Line
The North East Line is a fully
automated line running from
HarbourFront in the south
to Punggol in the northeast.
It serves several popular
residential and entertainment areas.
Key stations: HarbourFront,
Outram Park, Dhoby Ghaut,
Serangoon, Hougang, Punggol
How to Pay for the MRT in Singapore
There are several ways to pay
for MRT travel in Singapore.
Understanding your options helps
you choose the most convenient
and cost-effective method.
EZ-Link Card — The Most Popular Option
The EZ-Link card is a contactless
stored-value card that is the
most popular way to pay for
MRT travel in Singapore.
Simply tap the card on the
reader when entering and
exiting the MRT gantry.
How to get an EZ-Link card:
Purchase at any TransitLink
customer service office at
major MRT stations
Available at 7-Eleven stores
across Singapore
Cost: SGD 12 (includes SGD 7
stored value and SGD 5 card fee)
Benefits of EZ-Link:
Small discount on fares compared
to single trip tickets
Works on MRT, buses and Light
Rapid Transit (LRT)
Accepted at many non-transport
merchants as a payment method
Easy to top up at MRT stations,
convenience stores and online
How to top up your EZ-Link:
At any MRT station Add Value Machine
At 7-Eleven and other convenience stores
Through the EZ-Link app on your phone
Auto-top-up feature when balance
falls below a set amount
SimplyGo — The Modern Alternative
SimplyGo allows you to use your
contactless bank card (Visa or
Mastercard) or mobile payment
(Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly
on the MRT gantry reader.
No separate transport card needed.
Benefits of SimplyGo:
No need to carry a separate card
No card fee to pay upfront
Fares are charged to your bank
card or mobile wallet
Works with most major bank
debit and credit cards
Note: SimplyGo fares are slightly
higher than EZ-Link fares as
you do not receive the stored
value card discount.
Single Trip Tickets
Single trip tickets can be
purchased from ticket machines
at every MRT station. They are
more expensive than using
an EZ-Link card and are
best for one-off journeys
by visitors who do not have
an EZ-Link card yet.
Our recommendation: As an expat
living in Singapore, always
use an EZ-Link card. Get one
immediately upon arriving at
Changi Airport where they are
available for purchase.
Understanding MRT Fares in Singapore
MRT fares in Singapore are
distance-based which means
the further you travel,
the more you pay.
Adult fare range:
Minimum fare: SGD 0.92
(with EZ-Link)
Maximum fare: SGD 2.17
(with EZ-Link)
Average fare for typical
commute: SGD 1.20 to SGD 1.60
Fare concessions are available
for seniors, students and
persons with disabilities
but these do not apply
to most expats on work passes.
Monthly transport budget estimate:
Light commuter (5 days per week,
short to medium distances):
SGD 80 to SGD 120 per month
Heavy commuter (long distances
plus bus connections):
SGD 120 to SGD 160 per month
MRT Operating Hours in Singapore
Knowing the MRT operating hours
is essential to avoid being
stranded late at night.
Standard MRT operating hours:
Monday to Saturday:
First train around 5:30am
Last train around midnight
Sunday and Public Holidays:
First train around 5:30am
Last train around midnight
Note: Operating hours vary
slightly by station and line.
Always check the official
SMRT or SBS Transit app
for exact first and last
train times at your specific
station.
Night Owl Bus Services:
After the last MRT train,
Singapore operates Night Owl
bus services on selected
routes. These buses run
from about 12:30am to 6am
on Friday and Saturday nights
and the eve of public holidays.
Grab and taxis are the
alternative for late-night travel.
MRT Peak and Off-Peak Hours
Understanding peak and off-peak
hours helps you plan your
commute and potentially save money.
Peak hours (busiest and most crowded):
Morning peak: 7:00am to 9:30am
on weekdays
Evening peak: 5:30pm to 8:00pm
on weekdays
Off-peak hours:
All day on weekends
and public holidays
Before 7:45am on weekdays
After 8:15pm on weekdays
Between 9:30am and 4:30pm on weekdays
Off-peak travel tip: If you
travel before 7:45am on weekdays
from selected stations, you
get a free or discounted trip
as part of Singapore's efforts
to spread peak hour travel.
How to Navigate the MRT Like a Local
Using the MRT efficiently requires
knowing a few insider tips
that make your daily commute
smoother and faster.
Use Google Maps or the Singapore MRT App
Google Maps works excellently
for MRT navigation in Singapore.
Simply enter your destination
and it will give you step-by-step
MRT directions including which
platform to use and where to
change lines.
Other useful apps:
SG Bus Arrival: Shows real-time
MRT and bus arrival times
MyTransport.SG: Official LTA
transport app
Citymapper: Comprehensive
transport navigation for Singapore
Stand on the Right, Walk on the Left
On Singapore MRT escalators,
the unwritten rule is to stand
on the left and keep the right
side clear for people who
want to walk up or down.
This is taken seriously
by regular commuters so
follow this rule to avoid
awkward situations.
Wait for Passengers to Alight First
When the MRT doors open,
always wait for passengers
to exit the train before
boarding. Stand to the side
of the door markings on
the platform. This is
basic MRT etiquette
in Singapore.
No Eating or Drinking
Eating and drinking on
the MRT is prohibited
in Singapore and can
result in a fine of
up to SGD 500. Keep
all food and drinks
packed away while
on the MRT.
Give Up Priority Seats
Priority seats (marked
with a specific sticker)
should be offered to
elderly passengers,
pregnant women, passengers
with young children
and passengers with
disabilities. Always
give up your seat
for these passengers.
Keep Noise to a Minimum
Singaporeans value a
quiet commuting environment.
Keep phone calls brief
and at a low volume.
Use earphones for music
and videos. Avoid loud
conversations on the MRT.
Major MRT Interchange Stations to Know
Interchange stations allow
you to switch between
different MRT lines.
Knowing the key interchange
stations makes navigation
much easier.
City Hall:
Connects NSL (Red) and EWL (Green)
Central location in the city
Raffles Place:
Connects NSL (Red) and EWL (Green)
Heart of the CBD financial district
Dhoby Ghaut:
Connects NSL (Red), CCL (Orange)
and NEL (Purple)
Three-line interchange
Outram Park:
Connects EWL (Green), NEL (Purple)
and TEL (Brown)
Important for southern Singapore
Buona Vista:
Connects NSL (Red) and CCL (Orange)
Gateway to one-north business park
Jurong East:
Connects NSL (Red) and EWL (Green)
Major western Singapore hub
Serangoon:
Connects CCL (Orange)
and NEL (Purple)
Important for northeastern Singapore
Getting to and from Changi Airport by MRT
One of the most useful MRT
routes for expats is the
connection to Changi Airport.
Whether you are arriving
in Singapore for the first
time or catching a flight,
the MRT is the most
affordable and often
most convenient way
to reach the airport.
Changi Airport MRT station
is on the East-West Line
(Green Line). To get
to the city center
from the airport:
From Changi Airport:
Take EWL towards Tuas Link
Change at Tanah Merah station
to the main EWL line
Continue to your destination
Journey time from Changi Airport:
To Raffles Place:
Approximately 35 to 40 minutes
To Orchard:
Approximately 45 minutes
To Jurong East:
Approximately 60 minutes
MRT fare from airport to city:
SGD 1.60 to SGD 2.10
depending on destination
MRT Accessibility Features
Singapore's MRT system is
designed to be accessible
to all passengers including
those with mobility needs.
All MRT stations have:
Lifts from street level
to platform level
Wheelchair-accessible
boarding areas
Tactile guidance paths
for visually impaired passengers
Accessible toilets at
most major stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a stroller or pram on the Singapore MRT?
Yes, strollers and prams
are allowed on the Singapore MRT.
Use the designated wider
doors at the front and
rear of the train and
position your stroller
in the wheelchair
and stroller area.
Can I bring a bicycle on the MRT?
Folded bicycles are allowed
on the MRT during non-peak
hours. Full-size bicycles
are not permitted.
What happens if I tap in but forget to tap out?
If you forget to tap out,
the maximum fare for
that journey will be
deducted from your
EZ-Link card. You can
apply for a refund
of the difference
at a TransitLink
customer service office
within 14 days.
Is the Singapore MRT safe?
The Singapore MRT is
extremely safe. Crime
on the MRT is virtually
non-existent. Security
cameras are present
at all stations and
trains and police
presence is regular.
Useful Resources
Land Transport Authority (LTA)
Website: lta.gov.sg
TransitLink (EZ-Link and fares)
Website: transitlink.com.sg
SMRT (MRT operator)
Website: smrt.com.sg
Singapore MRT map:
Download from lta.gov.sg
Final Thoughts
The Singapore MRT is truly
one of the great urban
transport systems in the
world. Once you get the
hang of it which usually
takes just a week or two,
you will wonder how you
ever got around without it.
Get your EZ-Link card at
the airport when you arrive.
Download Google Maps and
the MyTransport app on
your phone. Stand on the
left on escalators, wait
for passengers to exit
before boarding and
never eat or drink
on the train.
Follow these simple guidelines
and you will be navigating
Singapore's MRT network
like a seasoned local
in no time at all.
Welcome to Singapore and
happy commuting!
Have questions about the
Singapore MRT? Leave a
comment below and we
will be happy to help!
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