Going around in Singapore....
First thing to do is familarise yourself with the MRT system, its the most economical means to get around Singapore, not to mention one of the cheapest + comfortable. MRT trips cost S$0.70 to $2.20 depending on distance.
Tourists can also use The Visitors Card to travel around
- A booklet consisting of discount coupons for various goods and services e.g. attractions, shopping, golf, hotels, restaurants etc.
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- Terminal 1 Arrival Hall (Booth 7)
- Terminal 2 Arrival Hall (Booth 11)
You can obtain a copy of A Quick Guide to MRT Travel from the Station Control Rooms in all MRT stations. For more information on both the MRT and bus services, you can refer to the TransitLink Guide which is available at SGD 1.50 in most MRT stations and bus interchanges as well as at major bookstores.
The public bus system is also extensive (and complex) and you might want to print out this info page if you intend to travel around by bus, it shows the various bus numbers and a summary of its route : http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/geninfo_buservices.asp
If you're using the bus alot, you might want to get a bus guide. A physical one is available for S$5 and is found in most bookshops, I found a software bus guide for the palm OS.
If you try it, leave a comment to say if it works.
The easiest way to get around is using taxis. Taxi fares are considered relatively low compared to that in most cities in more economically developed countries. There is a total fleet of 21,881 taxis operated by seven taxi companies and independent drivers.Taxis may be flagged down at any time of the day along any public road. Issues of high traffic and demand in certain locations and areas, particularly in the downtown area and other major buildings and establishments around the island, require the building of taxi stands. As taxis may conversely be relatively rare in more secluded areas, as well as to meet the needs of time-sensitive users, taxis may be booked via telephone or through the internet for a fee, which is then transmitted to individual taxis via a Global Positioning System or digital voice despatch.
| Fares and surcharges | CityCab, Comfort, Yellow-Top Cab, SMRT Taxis | Premier Taxis |
|---|---|---|
| Flagdown fare | S$2.40 (up to first 1km) | |
| Meter fare | S$0.10 (every 225m thereafter or less after 1km and up to 10 km) S$0.10 (every 200m thereafter or less after 10km) | |
| Waiting | S$0.10 (every 25 seconds or less) | S$0.10 (every 30 seconds or less) |
| Booking | S$4.00 (0730 - 0930 and 1700 - 2300 hours Monday - Friday) S$2.50 (all other times including public holidays) S$5.20 (30 minutes in advance) | S$3.00 (all times) S$5.00 (30 minutes in advance) |
| Peak hours | S$1.00 (0730 - 0930 and 1700 - 2000) | |
| Late night | 10% of meter fare (2330 - 2344 hours) 20% of meter fare (2345 - 2359 hours) 35% of meter fare (0000 - 0059 hours) 50% of meter fare (0100 - 0600 hours) | 50% of meter fare (0000 - 0600 hours) |
| Public holidays | S$1.00 (1800 hours eve to 2400 hours of New Year's Day, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Christmas Day, first and second day of Chinese New Year. Should public holiday fall on a Sunday, the surchage will be imposed till 2400 hrs on Monday) | |
| CBD | S$1.00 (1700 - 2000 hours, Monday - Thursday; 1700 - 2330 hours, Friday, Saturday, except public holidays) | S$1.00 (1700 - 2000 hours, Monday - Thursday; 1700 - 2400 hours, Friday, Saturday, except public holidays) |
| Locations | S$5.00 (Singapore Changi Airport: Friday - Sunday from 1700 to 2400 hours) S$3.00 (Singapore Changi Airport: all other times) S$3.00 (Seletar Airport) S$2.00 (Singapore Expo) | |
Ultimate Tips
- Avoid travelling during the rush hour. About 7:30-9:30am and 5-6:30pm. The buses & MRT trains are crowded packed like sardines and getting a taxi can be quite a hassle.
- Driving is not a good option. There are many reasons not to drive in Singapore. It is expensive to drive in Singapore. The Singapore government has put in place many financial disincentives to discourage people from driving and clogging up the Singaporean streets. These include very high fuel tax (60%), electronic road pricing and expensive parking. Visitors from North America and Europe will find driving in Singapore extremely difficult - the roads are narrow and congested. The drivers are mean probably due to a high level of stress of having to pay for all the taxes and fees related to driving. .... and yes...Singapore has the highest cost of driving in the world.
- When in doubt ask. If you do get lost, just ask someone on the street. If they don't reply its probably because they don't speak English - ask the younger folks most of them received an English education. Speak slowly when you ask someone for help.
- Bring a map along. There are probably free maps available at your hotel lobby and at the airport, remember to grab some of these
