Getting Around Singapore
Singapore's public transport is world-class — the MRT and bus network are so efficient and affordable that the vast majority of expats never own a car. Car ownership costs (Certificate of Entitlement S$80,000–100,000+ alone) are prohibitive by design.
- MRT: 6 lines (North-South, East-West, Circle, Downtown, Thomson-East Coast, North-East), 130+ stations, runs 5:30am–midnight, 3–5 minute headways at peak
- EZ-Link card: contactless reloadable card for MRT, buses, and some taxis; buy at any MRT station for S$10 (includes S$7 credit); single journey S$1.00–3.20
- SimplyGo monthly pass: S$128 for unlimited MRT and bus travel — significant saving for regular commuters
- Buses: cover areas not on MRT; apps: MyTransport.SG (official, real-time arrivals) and Citymapper work perfectly
- Grab (Uber equivalent): widely used for late nights and convenience; typical S$8–20 for most island journeys
- No car needed: COE is S$80,000–100,000+; total car ownership cost S$150,000–200,000+ for a mid-range vehicle
