Singapore Travel Costs: Getting Around By MRT And Bus

Photo Credit: Tripadvisor

Most visitors can tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express card straight on the MRT and bus gates, and it costs the same fare as an EZ-Link card, according to a 2026 fare guide from SmartCalculator. Adult card fares run from S$1.28 for a short trip to about S$2.57 for the longest trips. The Singapore Tourist Pass costs S$17 for one day and S$45 for five days, according to SimplyGo’s own page.

This guide compares your options, shows what each one covers and flags what to check.

How Much Does A Single MRT Or Bus Ride Cost?

Fares depend on distance. After the 27 December 2025 fare adjustment, adult card fares on MRT, LRT and bus run from S$1.28 for up to 3.2km to about S$2.57 for trips over 40.2 km, according to SmartCalculator. EZ-Link, SimplyGo EZ-Link and contactless bank cards charge the same fare.

You also get a transfer benefit. SmartCalculator says transfers within 45 minutes on the same card are billed as one distance-based journey. That helps if you switch between bus and train.

A short answer to “what is the cheapest way to pay?” is a contactless bank card or an EZ-Link card, because both use card fares. Cash costs more, according to Public Transport Guide.

Is The Singapore Tourist Pass Worth It?

The Tourist Pass is a card for unlimited rides on trains and basic buses. SimplyGo lists the fixed prices as S$17 for one day, S$24 for two days, S$29 for three days, S$37 for four days and S$45 for five days. It excludes premium services such as the Sentosa Express, RWS8 and express buses, according to the same page.

Public Transport Guide says that for most visitors taking three or four MRT rides a day, paying per trip with a contactless card costs less than the pass. TravJoy suggests the pass works when you take about six or more rides a day.

Here is a quick comparison.

If you want ideas for what to do with a day of free travel, our guide to free things to do in Singapore this weekend can help you fill it.

What Should I Check Before I Tap?

Check that your card works. LTA says Visa, American Express and NETS contactless fares are accumulated daily. Foreign cards may add fees, so TravJoy lists a small admin charge on some foreign cards. Ask your bank.

Check how the fare is charged too. LTA says fares on Visa, American Express and NETS contactless cards build up throughout the day, so you may see one total rather than a charge per ride.

Check that your trip is covered. Sentosa Express is not included in the Tourist Pass, according to SimplyGo. Singapore Spirit notes the pass covers the MRT to HarbourFront but not the Sentosa Express itself.

Here is the blunt limitation. Fares, card rules and pass prices change, and some guides disagree on details such as deposits. Check SimplyGo and LTA before you travel. Do not assume an older price still applies.

For more trip planning ideas, browse our Travel section for more Singapore travel guides.

How Do Transfers Work For Singapore Travel?

Transfers make the system cheap. SmartCalculator says the card supports MRT, LRT, basic bus and BusPlus services, and that a transfer within 45 minutes on the same card is billed as one distance-based journey. Fares are shown by distance band, so a bus-plus-train trip costs the same as one trip over the same distance.

Where you buy matters. LTA says you can buy SimplyGo EZ-Link cards at SimplyGo Ticket Offices, and Public Transport Guide says standard EZ-Link cards are also sold at 7-Eleven and Cheers stores. SimplyGo says the Tourist Pass is sold at selected SimplyGo Ticket Offices, Ticketing Service Centres and automated kiosks.

If you plan a longer stay, Public Transport Guide lists the Adult Monthly Travel Pass at S$128 for unlimited train and basic bus rides. Do the sums before you buy. For a short trip, a bank card is simpler, and for a long stay, a monthly pass can cut your daily cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children pay full fares? Singapore Spirit says children under 7 travel free on the MRT and buses. Check LTA’s current rules for older children.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay? Public Transport Guide says contactless cards in Apple Pay or Google Pay work at the gantry, at the same fare as EZ-Link.

Is a taxi or ride-hail cheaper? Not usually for solo trips. Ride-hail and taxi fares change with demand and time of day, so compare the app’s quote with the MRT fare before you decide.

Where can I buy a Tourist Pass? SimplyGo says you can buy it at selected SimplyGo Ticket Offices, Ticketing Service Centres and automated kiosks.

How can I see what I was charged? SmartCalculator says that if you want to see the deducted fare at the gantry, a traditional EZ-Link card shows it. A bank card is charged later, so check your statement to see the fares.

If you have a transport tip to add, email us at admin@dei.com.sg.