How much an MRT card is in Singapore
Buying an MRT card is a common query I get from tourists who are visiting Singapore. The MRT network is extensive and one of the best ways I recommend that tourists travel around the city. While I mostly recommend visitors to Singapore use a Visa or Mastercard for travel on the MRT, I know there are many who prefer to use the prepaid EZ Link card. I put together this guide to help those visitors figure out how much a new MRT card costs, where it can be purchased from, and how to refund it.
The MRT card is called EZ Link, it may also be referred to as SimplyGo which is a brand name for the operator of the system - many people in Singapore use these terms interchangeably. Buses use the same card as the MRT.
| Basic facts of EZ Link card | |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | S$10 (with S$5 included credit) |
| Per journey cost | S$1.09 to S$2.37 depending on distance |
| Refundable | Yes (but difficult for tourists) |
A special EZ Link card - called Singapore Tourist Pass - is available for tourists that offers unlimited travel on buses and MRT across Singapore. I find only a small number of people will get benefit from this card, to find out more check out my full analysis here: reachingsingapore.com/is-stp-worth-it.
Children under 7 years old travel the MRT for free in Singapore when accompanied by an adult. An MRT card is only needed if they are taller than 90cm. Proceed to a ticketing counter with the child’s passport to collect this card. For non-Singaporean children older than 7 years old, I’ve found it necessary to pay the adult fare (starting from S$1.09 per journey).
New MRT card costs S$10
Buying a new MRT card costs S$10 if purchased from ticketing counters at MRT stations or the vending machines at Changi Airport. Other stores, such as convenience stores, are allowed to sell MRT cards at a higher price, typically this is S$12 to S$15 for the same card.
New EZ Link cards start with an S$5 balance (except the Tourist SIM card EZ Link card and the Singapore Tourist Pass - see below for more detail)
Visitors can expect to pay the following for a new adult MRT card purchased in Singapore:
| Location | Price | Initial Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Changi Airport | S$10 | S$5 |
| MRT stations | S$10 | S$5 |
| Convenience Stores | S$12 - S$15 | S$5 |
Special tourist MRT cards are available at Changi Airport, these include:
- Airport Tourist SIM card for S$18 from Singtel includes an EZ Link card with S$3 of credit
- Singapore Tourist Pass, which starts at S$22 (including 1 day of unlimited MRT rides)
- Special printed cards from the vending machine at the airport MRT station (starting from S$10)
I’ve found in the past that the S$18 Tourist SIM is not available for purchase and they direct you to the S$30 SIM instead, which does not have EZ Link included.
For a full guide on the Singapore Tourist Pass, check out my guide here on whether or not it’s worth it for you (it’s probably not): reachingsingapore.com/is-stp-worth-it
Child MRT cards are free for children under 7 years old; travel is also free for them. Only children that are taller than 90cm (and younger than 7 years old) are required to use a child MRT card - this must be collected using the child’s passport at SimplyGo ticket offices. Non-Singaporean children older than 7 years old are not really eligible for discount fares in Singapore, most tourists will have to pay full price for their travel.
My preferred alternative to buying a new MRT card is simply to use a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. These are accepted on all MRT and public bus services throughout the city and the journey cost is the same as the prepaid EZ Link card. Even after adding on the 60 cent per day charge for using a foreign credit card, I find that foreign credit cards are still worth it for most visitors to Singapore.
EZ Link cards are valid for 5 years; if you have one from a previous visit to Singapore, you can always bring it along to a ticket counter to check if it is still valid and has balance.
Topping up an MRT card can be done at MRT stations
MRT cards can be topped up with value that can be spent travelling the MRT network. The stored value can also be used to pay for bus rides, taxis, and for small purchases at convenience stores.
The easiest place I’ve found to add value to an MRT card is at an MRT station. Automated machines are available to add value to a card; using a credit card to add value is the preferred method. Cash can be used at certain machines (harder to find), or at the passenger service centre.
| Basic Facts | |
|---|---|
| Top up machine location | All MRT stations |
| Top up counter location | MRT station passenger service centres |
| Minimum top up amount | S$10 |
| Payment methods | Credit card (preferred), cash |
Top up machines are located at all MRT stations. The preferred top up method for foreigners is Visa or Mastercard. Cash top up machines are available, but difficult to find.
Topping up an MRT card can also be done at the passenger service centre, where cash is readily accepted.
A S$10 top up is enough for 5-6 rides on an MRT or bus. Fares vary based on distance travelled, and start at S$1.09. For more details on how much it costs to use the MRT in Singapore, check out my guide here: reachingsingapore.com/singapore-catch-train-guide
Refunding an MRT Card
Refunds are available for the remaining balance on an MRT card. Simply take the card to a ticketing office during its opening hours to process the refund.
I’ve found it difficult for tourists to get refunds of their remaining balance as the preferred method is transfer to local bank account. This is one of the reasons I recommend visitors use their home-country credit or debit cards to pay for MRT rides - the 60 cent per day charge is usually worth it compared to the risk of not being able to refund the remaining balance on the prepaid card.
Refunding the deposit on the Singapore Tourist Pass is slightly easier, as it’s intended for tourists to use. Refunds can be processed at ticketing counters. Unused days of unlimited rides are not refunded, only the deposit that was included in the purchase price of the card.
Refund locations that are convenient for tourists I’ve included in the table below:
| Refund location | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Changi Airport MRT Station | 8am to 9pm, 7 days per week |
| Orchard MRT station | 8am to 9pm, 7 days per week |
| Raffles Place MRT station | 8am to 9pm, 7 days per week |
| Bayfront MRT station | 8am to 8pm, 7 days per week |
A complete list of refund locations, including opening hours, can be found on the Transit Link website here. I’ve seen tourists get caught out before trying to process refunds at Changi Airport outside of the ticket office opening hours.
Refunds are usually processed to a local bank account, which is why I say that it’s possible but difficult to do for tourists.
Best alternative to an MRT card is a credit card
The only real alternative to buying an EZ Link MRT card is to use a credit or debit card issued by Visa or Mastercard.
Foreign Visa or Mastercard cards will work on Singapore MRT trains, as well as buses. Simply tap the card to the reader when you enter the station and tap off again when you leave.
Fares are exactly the same as the EZ Link card, however if you are using a foreign credit card, an additional 60 cents is added at the end of each day you used your card as a ticket. This is to cover foreign exchange costs. The fee is 60 cents regardless of if you took 1 journey or 10 journeys in a single day.
References
For more details about the EZ Link MRT cards, check out their website:
I also wrote a complete guide to all the ways you can pay for transport in Singapore. Check it out here: reachingsingapore.com/transport-payment-methods
For a step-by-step guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore, check out my full guide here: reachingsingapore.com/singapore-catch-train-guide
