Singapore has an excellent transport system, with an efficient bus and train (the MRT) systems, and an abundance of taxis which are very reasonably priced. Here’s the lowdown of the public transport system. There is a separate guide for driving in Singapore if this is what you are looking for.
Buses and MRT trains
The coverage around Singapore by bus and MRT is fantastic. For those coming from hubs like New York or London, you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that the MRT is air-conditioned! Both arrive and leave from stops frequently and on time until the early hours. First things first: get an EZ link card for S$15 (S$5 deposit and S$10 of credit) and save yourself a lot of cash. These orange cards can be picked up at any MRT station or at 7/11s. The SMRT web site has information on fares, travel times, and the MRT system map.
Taxis
Getting a taxi is a simple and very reasonable task, compared to the price of everything else in Singapore. Taxis can be hailed from the side of the road, approached at taxi stands or booked both online or by phone. Significant surcharges apply for going to the airport and for getting a taxi at peak periods (7-9.30am and 5-8pm from Monday to Saturday).
Taxi fare starts at S$3.00 – S$3.40 for the first mile and you pay S$0.22 for every 400m traveled up-to 10km, and S$0.22 per 350m thereafter. Some taxis like a Mercedes or a London cab start at a higher rate of about S$3.90. You can hail a cab on the road or call their number (S$2.30 – $3.30 extra) to book a service. During peak hours (weekday mornings 6:00am – 9:30am and evenings through Sundays 6pm – 12 midnight), you will incur extra charges of about 25% of the fare while the late night surcharge (from midnight until 6:00am) is 50% of the metered fare. There are location-based surcharges that apply in the CBD area (S$3 from Monday to Saturday, 5pm until midnight) airport (S$3-S$5), etc. You may also have to pay any ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) charges on selected expressways during certain peak hours.
taxis for $5? i thought living in singapore was supposed to be expensive!
Taxis are not cheap anymore and they are not easy to come by either. During peak hours, which seem to be most of the day these days, they can become quite expensive and it is very difficult to get one. Booking one by phone or smartphone app used to be convenient till about a year ago.
Singapore is losing the charm and simplicity that made it a nice place to live many years ago. Its fast becoming just another crowded and expensive city.