The Singapore Metro is a technical landmark of the city-state. But there is no one here to boast of the profession of a subway train driver. The Singapore MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the world’s largest automated transportation network. Trains, escalators, elevators, air conditioners and other infrastructure here are controlled by computer programs with elements of artificial intelligence.
Also, Singapore is the only state in the world where the metro has the status of the main form of public transport. Its wagons carry 3,300,000 passengers daily.
Check this Singapore metro first time visitor’s guide and get up-to-date information about ticket prices, map, stations, how to use and other important details.
Singapore Metro routes
Traveling on Singapore MRT is the fastest, most comfortable and inexpensive way to get anywhere in the huge city. The subway will take you to the main attractions (for example, Gardens by the Bay ), and “give you a lift” to all the ethnic quarters of Singapore.
There are six lines marked on information banners with different colors. On the way, you can freely pass from a carriage to an adjacent carriage. In January 2020, the length of the lines of Singapore metro was more than 205 kilometers, with 122 operating stations. In the next decade, it is planned to expand the subway to 400 km.
Singapore metro lines
The Singapore Metro has 6 main lines.
East-West Line (green)
Green line will take you from Changi Airport in the east to the westernmost point of the city, Tuas Link.
- Number of stations: 35.
- Travel time between final stops: 77 minutes.
- Distance: 57 kilometers.
The main feature of green line is its “ground” character. Most part of the way between the terminal stations, you will ride on the surface and will be able to see the beauty of the city. The only underground section is located between Lavender and Tiong Bahru stations.
North-South Line (red)
The red line will take you from north to south, but before that, it will make a large detour around the entire northern part of the city.
- Number of stations: 29.
- Travel time between final stops: 64 minutes.
- Distance: 45 km.
On the red line there are interesting tourist stations – Orchid Garden and Marina Bay. Take a walk at these two stations if you want to see the beautiful architecture, bay, parks and other attractions of Singapore.
Northeast Line (purple)
One of the smallest branches of the city. On this line you can drive in a northeast direction in Singapore.
- Number of stations: 16.
- Travel time between final stops: 33 minutes.
- Distance: 19 km.
This metro line is mainly used by tourists for transfers to other lines. But the purple line also takes you to the famous ethnic quarters of Singapore – Chinese and Indian. In these neighborhoods you will find souvenir shops, street food stalls, pagodas and other architectural structures.
Circular branch (yellow)
Trains on this line follow in a circle. From it you can transfer to other branches.
- Number of stations: 30.
- Travel time between final stops: 65 minutes.
- Distance: 35 km.
The main station on the yellow line is Botanical Garden. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. In addition, from the circular line you can get to Holland Village. This station will appeal to those who miss Western cafes, bars and restaurants.
Central Line (blue)
Any central station can be reached via the blue line. But be warned: there is simply no overcrowding here during rush hour!
- Number of stations: 34.
- Travel time between final stops: 75 minutes.
- Distance: 42 km.
If you are hungry and want an inexpensive, but very tasty snack, then take the blue line and go to the central station. After crossing the street, you will come to Telok Ayer market – the oldest market in the country! Here you will find national street food and many other entertainments.
Also in the city center is the Singapore waterfront, which offers stunning views. Wait for the evening and watch the free light and music fountain show.
Finally, go to the Bugis area, which is also in the center. Here you will find temples, shops and the largest market in the country.
Thomson-East Coast Branch (brown)
This line is the shortest in Singapore. So far, there are only three stations on the line, but their length is as much as 43 kilometers. At the end of the route, a brown line connects to the rest of the Singapore Metro lines.
How to understand the subway in Singapore: signs and diagrams
Tourists getting acquainted with the metropolis can get a free map of the lines in the metro, the names of the stations in the booklet are accompanied by images of the nearest attractions. The same schemes are hung in carriages and on platforms.
In addition to escalators, the stations are equipped with lifts, and there are toilets at the exit. Many stations of cross lines are connected by crossings, here you can walk or drive by stepping on one of the moving paths. The well-lit lobbies have clear pictographic signs so there is no question of how to use the Singapore subway.
Subway fares and opening hours
The metro in the city operates from 05:30 to 00:30. The fare depends on the distance and ranges from 0.77 SGD to 2.7 SGD. Tickets are bought from vending machines, they are located in the upper lobbies of the stations. The line diagram is shown on the display. Touch the name of the required stop, and the price to be paid will immediately appear on the screen. In the same terminals, you can replenish the balance of electronic travel cards. It is convenient to purchase an Ez Link credit card, while you will spend 35-40% less.
You can buy an EZ-Link pass at metro stations or in 7-Eleven supermarkets. The cost of the card at the stations is $ 12. From this amount, 5 SGD is for the card, and 7 SGD will be deposited into your account. Supermarkets offer EZ-Link for ten dollars, and the half of this sum can be spent on travel. In the future, you can top up EZ-Link at metro stations.
Keep your ticket while traveling. You can’t get out of the metro without it. If you lose it, you will have to pay 2 SGD at the exit.
Singapore Metro Pass STP
Another way to save on metro tickets is to buy a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP). It will allow you to use the subway unlimited times from one to three days. The price of the pass depends on the number of days:
- one day – 10 SGD;
- two days -16 SGD;
- three days – 20 SGD.
This option is ideal for those who come to the city maximum for three days. If you are planning to drive along the coast, visit Sentosa island or spend some time outside the country, then it’s better to consider to buy EZ-Link.
Singapore Classic Subway Pass (Standard Ticket)
These are regular paper tickets that can be purchased at any metro station in Singapore. You can buy such a ticket for only a 10 cents, and then replenish it before the trip. But remember that after top-up, you can use the Standard Ticket only six times a month.
This is one of the cheapest and most affordable ways to get around the Singapore MRT, but you can waste a lot of time as you have to wait in a long queue before traveling to recharge your Standard Ticket.
Singapore metro bans and fines
Smoking is prohibited in Singapore subway, and the fine is SGD 1,000. If you decide to take a bite of the saved cookies or sandwich, sip mineral water from a bottle, get ready to pay 500 SGD: video cameras are installed everywhere here. The most impressive penalty of 5,000 SGD is provided for transporting flammable substances – from a spray of hairspray to a can of gasoline. Also, you cannot bring durian to the local metro – a tropical fruit with a very specific smell.
