How to catch the MRT in Singapore (video guide)

If you need more detail, I wrote a full text guide on how to catch the train in Singapore, check it out here: reachingsingapore.com/singapore-catch-train-guide

Key Moments from the video

Trains are an affordable and convenient way to get around Singapore. The MRT network of trains is fast, frequent, and inexpensive.

Buying a ticket

Visa and Mastercard are the most common tickets that are used on the Singapore MRT network. Credit or debit cards will work, as well as foreign ones.

Alternatively, prepaid EZ Link cards are available. These can be purchased for S$10 from MRT stations, and they come with S$5 of credit.

Single trip tickets are no longer available for the MRT.

It costs roughly S$1.09 (it became more expensive since I made this video) for the shortest journey; fares increase with distance but the most you’ll pay is around S$2.37 (it will go up again soon…). See below for more detail on fares.

Planning your route

A map of the MRT network can be found at every MRT station. Most visitors to Singapore don’t have to worry about all the stations - the network is very extensive.

Every station also has a locality map with landmarks and important buildings that help you figure out which exit to take from a station.

If you get lost, I’ve found staff to be very friendly - even the security guards are usually happy to help you figure out which way to go.

Google maps is a convenient way to plan your route, but I’ve found it doesn’t always have the right timing or exit locations. The pace of MRT development in Singapore is so fast, I feel Google doesn’t always keep pace with the latest lines.

Even when using Google maps I like to check I’m going the right way with the station locality map.

Timetables are not published for trains in Singapore - the trains operate as a ‘turn up and go’ concept. You can arrive at the platform at any time and there should be a train within a few minutes. Even late at night, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 5-7 minutes for a train.

Catching the train

Find an entrance to your train station and descend towards the platforms.

Tap your card at the barriers to start the journey (remember to tap out again as you leave). Fares are calculated based on the total distance travelled, even if you changed to a different train line.

Make sure you head to the platform for the train heading in the correct direction. Some lines can be confusing. There is a map of stops on every platform so that you can make sure the train you’re getting on is heading to the station you want to get off at.

Doors open automatically when the train arrives, and will close automatically as well after 20-40 seconds (a notification will sound). Make sure you’re ready to board and that you’re clear of the doors before they begin to close. There are no train drivers in Singapore to check to make sure you are clear before the train departs.

On-board announcements are made for each station. Trains in Singapore stop at every station; there are no express services, and there are no cases where two lines operate through the same platform.

When you arrive at your station, tap your card again to exit. The fare is calculated automatically and deducted from your card.

Find your exit using one of the handy locality maps located at every station. The locality map will show you which exits you can take to get to the roads outside the station. They also often have a list of nearby buildings and points of interest associated with each exit.

How much it costs

I wrote a full guide on how much it costs to use the MRT in Singapore, check it out here: reachingsingapore.com/singapore-train-cost.

The cheapest fare for adult visitors is now S$1.09 (at the time I made the video above it was slightly cheaper).

The maximum fare for a single journey is now S$2.37. You have to travel really fare to spend this much on train travel in Singapore.

No daily cap on the fare exists, meaning that if you catch the train or bus a lot, you will be charged for every journey.

Unlimited rides are available however using the Singapore Tourist Pass. These are expensive and not always worth it for many visitors. Check out my guide here where I did the calculations to see if it is worth it for you: reachingsingapore.com/is-stp-worth-it.

You need to catch the train roughly 6 times in a day to make the Singapore Tourist Pass worth it.