Singapore Commute Tips
Singapore has an efficient public transport system, so it's really easy to get from one point to another. Here are just a few tips when taking the train or buses.
EZ Link Card vs. Singapore Tourist Pass
Depending on the length of your stay, it could be wiser to get a Singapore Tourist Pass than an EZ Link card. An EZ Link card can be used to pay for a ride at the MRT, selected buses and even taxis. You can get an EZ Link at the following areas:
1. Airport Sky Train (MRT station)
2. MRT Stations (cashiers)
3. 7-Eleven stores
The EZ Link costs 10-12 SGD, depending on where you purchase it. The card costs 5 SGD, and the remaining amount becomes your credit. Whenever your EZ Link credit goes low, you can buy more credit (top up) at the same places mentioned above. The minimum top-up amount per card is 10 SGD. There are discounted rates for EZ Link users.
The Singapore Tourist Pass, however, can be used for unlimited rides on the MRT and basic bus services. Their 3-day pass costs 20 SGD, plus a refundable 10 SGD (total 30 SGD) when you return the card within 5 days from rental.
If you plan on taking the MRT or bus a lot, then maybe the tourist pass will save you more Singapore dollars. :)
MRT
Taking the Singapore MRT is just like taking our own MRT, only the Singapore MRT is more efficient (sorry, Philippine MRT), with its interconnected lines and more frequent train arrivals.
To enter the station, just tap your EZ Link or Tourist Pass on the card reader. Once the entry gate opens, go inside. Check the overhead signs to know which train to take. If you get confused as to what direction the train is going, just check what station you are in, and what station you'd like to go to. If all else fails, ask! The locals are friendly, and most of them speak English, so chances are, they'd be happy to help you find your way.
The MRT stations in Singapore have different exits. It's better to know which exit your destination is near to, to avoid longer walks and waste of time. Unless of course, your plan is to just wander the streets of Singapore. ;)
Sentosa Express MRT
Going to Sentosa Island is pretty easy, because there is a dedicated train line for the island. The station is at the uppermost level of VivoCity mall, which you can reach by taking the yellow MRT line all the way to Harbourfront.
Sentosa Express passes can be bought at the designated kiosks, but the EZ Link card can also be used to pay for the train access (around 3 SGD). So if you see a long queue at the kiosks, and you have an EZ Link card (with enough credit, of course), just use your EZ Link!
There are four stops in this line: Sentosa, Waterfront, Imbiah and Beach. The VivoCity stop is actually Sentosa Station.
If you are going to Universal Studios, your stop would be the Waterfront Station.
Bus
The bus is a bit more intimidating than the MRT at first. But once you get the hang of it, you'll realize that it's also a good option. The fares are cheaper than the MRT, but sometimes, it will take more time to reach your destination. If you do decide to take the bus, don't forget to tap your EZ Link or tourist pass on the card reader located near the doors as you enter AND leave the bus.
Also, be sure to remember what stop you have to get off at. Sometimes, you'll have to ring the STOP bell before you reach your stop, to inform the driver.
On our first day, we took the bus from Lorong 10 - Geylang (right in front of the 7-Eleven) to Orchard Road. We changed buses at St. Michael School, to Orchard. The whole trip took about 45 minutes. I couldn't remember the exact amount, but I think it cost only 1.50 SGD per person.
For our second day, we took Bus 2 and got off at the next stop (After Sims Way). Then we just walked to Kallang MRT. Easy. :)
Taxi
Taking a cab in Singapore is much more expensive than the two options above. Again, the flag-down rates depend on the type of taxi you hail--- there are regular taxis, Mercedes Benz taxis, Premium taxis, Chrysler taxis (!!!), etc.
The time of day and areas also play a huge part in the increase in fare. Surcharges apply during rush hour, as well as if the taxi crosses an area "border". If you take a cab from the airport, there is also a surcharge. Our taxi fare from the airport to the hotel cost us about 17.80 SGD. But from the hotel to Terminal 1, it was just 13.90 SGD.
So, that's pretty much it. I hope they help you on your trip to Singapore! Enjoy!
EZ Link Card vs. Singapore Tourist Pass
Depending on the length of your stay, it could be wiser to get a Singapore Tourist Pass than an EZ Link card. An EZ Link card can be used to pay for a ride at the MRT, selected buses and even taxis. You can get an EZ Link at the following areas:
1. Airport Sky Train (MRT station)
2. MRT Stations (cashiers)
3. 7-Eleven stores
The EZ Link costs 10-12 SGD, depending on where you purchase it. The card costs 5 SGD, and the remaining amount becomes your credit. Whenever your EZ Link credit goes low, you can buy more credit (top up) at the same places mentioned above. The minimum top-up amount per card is 10 SGD. There are discounted rates for EZ Link users.
The Singapore Tourist Pass, however, can be used for unlimited rides on the MRT and basic bus services. Their 3-day pass costs 20 SGD, plus a refundable 10 SGD (total 30 SGD) when you return the card within 5 days from rental.
If you plan on taking the MRT or bus a lot, then maybe the tourist pass will save you more Singapore dollars. :)
MRT
Taking the Singapore MRT is just like taking our own MRT, only the Singapore MRT is more efficient (sorry, Philippine MRT), with its interconnected lines and more frequent train arrivals.
To enter the station, just tap your EZ Link or Tourist Pass on the card reader. Once the entry gate opens, go inside. Check the overhead signs to know which train to take. If you get confused as to what direction the train is going, just check what station you are in, and what station you'd like to go to. If all else fails, ask! The locals are friendly, and most of them speak English, so chances are, they'd be happy to help you find your way.
The MRT stations in Singapore have different exits. It's better to know which exit your destination is near to, to avoid longer walks and waste of time. Unless of course, your plan is to just wander the streets of Singapore. ;)
Sentosa Express MRT
Going to Sentosa Island is pretty easy, because there is a dedicated train line for the island. The station is at the uppermost level of VivoCity mall, which you can reach by taking the yellow MRT line all the way to Harbourfront.
Sentosa Express passes can be bought at the designated kiosks, but the EZ Link card can also be used to pay for the train access (around 3 SGD). So if you see a long queue at the kiosks, and you have an EZ Link card (with enough credit, of course), just use your EZ Link!
There are four stops in this line: Sentosa, Waterfront, Imbiah and Beach. The VivoCity stop is actually Sentosa Station.
If you are going to Universal Studios, your stop would be the Waterfront Station.
Bus
The bus is a bit more intimidating than the MRT at first. But once you get the hang of it, you'll realize that it's also a good option. The fares are cheaper than the MRT, but sometimes, it will take more time to reach your destination. If you do decide to take the bus, don't forget to tap your EZ Link or tourist pass on the card reader located near the doors as you enter AND leave the bus.
Also, be sure to remember what stop you have to get off at. Sometimes, you'll have to ring the STOP bell before you reach your stop, to inform the driver.
On our first day, we took the bus from Lorong 10 - Geylang (right in front of the 7-Eleven) to Orchard Road. We changed buses at St. Michael School, to Orchard. The whole trip took about 45 minutes. I couldn't remember the exact amount, but I think it cost only 1.50 SGD per person.
For our second day, we took Bus 2 and got off at the next stop (After Sims Way). Then we just walked to Kallang MRT. Easy. :)
Taxi
Taking a cab in Singapore is much more expensive than the two options above. Again, the flag-down rates depend on the type of taxi you hail--- there are regular taxis, Mercedes Benz taxis, Premium taxis, Chrysler taxis (!!!), etc.
The time of day and areas also play a huge part in the increase in fare. Surcharges apply during rush hour, as well as if the taxi crosses an area "border". If you take a cab from the airport, there is also a surcharge. Our taxi fare from the airport to the hotel cost us about 17.80 SGD. But from the hotel to Terminal 1, it was just 13.90 SGD.
So, that's pretty much it. I hope they help you on your trip to Singapore! Enjoy!
And Bikes!! This is my favorite way to commute in Singapore!
ReplyDeleteHi, Brad! Thanks for visiting!
DeleteUnfortunately for me, I don't know how to ride a bike. Hehe. But yes, bikes are a great way of going around Singapore. Eco-friendly, too! :)
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