| | | Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) & Light Rail Transit (LRT) The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates a network of trains, which serves 51 stations, covering most business, shopping and residential areas in Singapore. These trains are highly reliable, arriving every three to eight minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is a 7.8km feeder rail service of 14 stations, covering only Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang estates currently. Click here to find out more details on train routes, fares and travel times. To travel on both the MRT and LRT, you can either buy tickets at any train station, or pay using an EZ-Link cash card purchased at any station or bus terminal. You can use the same EZ-Link card to travel on public buses in Singapore. |
Buses
Public buses run daily from 5.30am to midnight, and their pick-up routes are extremely comprehensive throughout the island at regular intervals (less than 30 minutes between buses). There are also extended night services which cost slightly more. You can either pay via cash, or an EZ-Link cash card you can buy or top up value at any bus interchange or MRT station.
The two main bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd. Visit their websites for more information on respective bus routes and fares.
Taxis
Over 19,000 taxis ply the streets of Singapore round the clock. You may flag down a taxi from the street, queue for one at a taxi stand, or make a booking through the taxi company’s hotline or website. Taxis carry a maximum of four passengers by regulation in Singapore. Other than the travel fare, surcharges may include Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), peak hour and public holiday charges. A surcharge is also imposed by taxis for picking up passengers from the Changi International Airport.
To find out more details or to book a taxi, please contact the respective taxi companies:
| 6552 2222 | |
| 6552 1111 / 6552 2222 | |
| Premier Taxis Pte Ltd | 6476 8880 |
| 6299 1551 | |
| 6555 8888 | |
| 6287 6666 | |
| 6552 1111 / 6552 2222 |
Driving in Singapore
Cars in Singapore are on right-hand drive, driven on the left side of the road. If you find it too expensive to own a car, leasing a car from major companies like Avis and Hertz is another option.
If you are here on a Social Visit Pass, all you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). This Permit is valid for a year. Visit the AAS website for more details on how to apply.
However, if you are a Permanent Resident or have been in Singapore for more than twelve months, a Singapore driving licence is required by the Traffic Police. You need to obtain a Class 3 licence for cars and a Class 2 licence for motorcycles. To convert your foreign driving licence, please contact any of the following driving centres:
While driving in Singapore, it is of utmost importance that you adhere to local traffic rules, such as putting on your safety belt, avoiding the bus lane during certain hours, or using your mobile phone without the hands-free device. Visit the Singapore Police Force website for a complete guide to local traffic regulations and penalties.
Buying a Car
The number of vehicles on Singapore roads is carefully controlled by the Vehicle Quota System. The Land Transport Authority determines the number of new vehicles allowed for registration every year, and administers this quota through the release of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) every month. A prospective owner is required to go through a tender process to bid for one, in order to register his new car.
Visit the Land Transport Authority One Motoring website for more details on how to:
- Bid for a COE
- Bid for a Vehicle Number
- Calculate Car Cost including Road Tax
- Calculate your Monthly Fuel Consumption
- Self-import and Register your Vehicle
- Install your Vehicle License Plate
Please visit the Land Transport Authority website for more details on vehicle ownership, policies and schemes.
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