Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is consistently ranked among the world's best metro systems: clean, punctual, air-conditioned, and connected to every major tourist destination on the island. With a network of six lines and over 130 stations, the MRT makes it entirely feasible — and very comfortable — to navigate Singapore without ever taking a taxi. For tourists arriving at Changi Airport, one of the world's most celebrated international hubs, the MRT station is right inside the terminal.
The most convenient payment method for tourists is the EZ-Link card — a reloadable contactless smart card that works on the MRT, LRT, public buses, and selected taxis. Buy one at any TransitLink Ticket Office (found at major MRT stations including Changi Airport) or 7-Eleven stores for SGD 10, which includes a SGD 5 non-refundable card cost and SGD 5 of initial credit. Top up at any MRT station machine, 7-Eleven, or Cheers store.
Alternatively, contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at all MRT fare gates through the SimplyGo system — tap in and tap out as you would in London or New York. Fares are charged to your card without the need for a physical transit card. However, you cannot see your account balance on the gates, and some older card types may not be accepted, so the EZ-Link card remains the more reliable choice for tourists.
Single-journey tickets can also be purchased from machines, but these cost more than EZ-Link fares and do not allow seamless bus transfers. The EZ-Link card pays for itself very quickly — MRT fares start at SGD 0.83 per journey with a card.
North South Line (NSL, red) — the original MRT line, running from Jurong East in the west through Orchard Road, City Hall, and Raffles Place, and up to Woodlands and Yishun in the north. Orchard Road (shopping), City Hall (St Andrew's Cathedral, National Gallery, Padang), and Raffles Place (Marina Bay area) are all on this line.
East West Line (EWL, green) — connects Pasir Ris in the east with Tuas Link in the far west, passing through City Hall, Bugis (Arab Street, Haji Lane), Lavender, Paya Lebar, and Tampines. This line also branches to serve Changi Airport at Expo and Tanah Merah stations.
Circle Line (CCL, yellow/orange) — a fully circular line linking HarbourFront (VivoCity mall, Sentosa Gateway), Dhoby Ghaut, Botanic Gardens, MacPherson, and Marina Bay. It connects all radial lines and is essential for Sentosa island trips.
Thomson East Coast Line (TEL, brown) — the newest line (fully opened 2024), running from Woodlands North through the city and down to the east coast. Stops include Gardens by the Bay (Garden Dome), Marina Bay (interchange with NSL), Maxwell (for Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre), and the Marina Bay Sands area.
North East Line (NEL, purple) — connects Little India, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and HarbourFront. Clarke Quay (nightlife), Little India, and Chinatown stations are highlights.
Downtown Line (DTL, blue) — serves Bugis, Promenade (Marina Bay Sands), Bayfront (Gardens by the Bay), and Little India. Bayfront station has a direct connection to Marina Bay Sands casino and hotel.
Changi Airport is arguably the world's best-connected airport for public transit. The East West Line (EWL) runs from Changi Airport station directly into the city. Trains run from around 05:30 to midnight. To reach the city centre:
The MRT fare from Changi Airport to the city centre is around SGD 2.00–2.50 with EZ-Link. Compare this to a metered taxi (around SGD 25–40) or a Grab ride (SGD 20–35 depending on surge pricing). The MRT is the overwhelming choice for cost and reliability.
← See the full Singapore city guide with transit lines and stations
Take the East West Line (EWL, green line) from Changi Airport station. Change at Tanah Merah for city-bound services. Raffles Place (for the Marina Bay area) takes around 30 minutes and costs about SGD 2.10 with an EZ-Link card. The MTA runs from around 05:30 to midnight daily.
The EZ-Link is Singapore's reloadable transit card, used on MRT, LRT, and buses. Buy one at any TransitLink Ticket Office inside MRT stations (including Changi Airport) or at 7-Eleven stores. Total cost: SGD 10 (SGD 5 non-refundable card cost + SGD 5 initial credit). Top up at station machines or 7-Eleven.
Yes — the Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides on MRT and public buses for 1 day (SGD 22), 2 days (SGD 29) or 3 days (SGD 34). These include a SGD 10 refundable deposit. For a tourist making 5+ trips per day, the pass is good value; for lighter usage, a standard EZ-Link card is usually cheaper.
Yes, Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world and the MRT is safe at all hours. The last trains run around midnight. After midnight, night owl bus services cover major routes. Taxis and Grab are readily available for late-night journeys.
Free walking and driving directions for all 28 cities. Premium unlocks offline transit, AR navigation and SOS emergency.
Open CityNav — it's free