What is the cheapest way to commute in Singapore?

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) The MRT is a cheap, fast and convenient way for you to get around Singapore. The trains are frequent, arriving about every 5 minutes, as well as extremely clean and safe.



The cheapest way to commute in Singapore in 2026 remains the highly efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the public bus network. By using the SimplyGo system—which allows you to tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay) directly at the gantry—you benefit from "distance-based" fares. This means you only pay for the exact distance traveled, with most trips costing between S1.10andS2.30. Buses are equally affordable and often more convenient for "last-mile" connectivity. In 2026, for those staying in Singapore for a week or more, the Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited travel for a flat daily fee, but for most standard commutes, the pay-per-ride SimplyGo method is the most cost-effective. Avoid taxis or private hire cars (like Grab or Gojek) during peak hours, as "Electronic Road Pricing" (ERP) tolls and surge pricing can easily make a 15-minute journey five times more expensive than the equivalent sub-S$2.00 train ride.

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MRT will be significantly cheaper, The total cost for the 3 of you to most places in the city by MRT will cost less than the basic flag down rate of a taxi!

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Generally, Singapore is pretty cashless - most retailers and restaurants, and even many small food stores at hawker centers, will take a card payment. There are also ATMs everywhere if you decide you really need cash - making spending with a travel card a smart option for many people.

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In Singapore tipping is not customary, the country does not have a tipping culture and in some areas including the airport, tipping is not allowed.

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The Singapore Tourist Pass offers tourists unlimited travel on the MRT and LRT trains and basic bus services during the validity period of the pass. The ez-link card is used to pay the exact fare for every journey made on the public transport system.

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Generally, Singapore is pretty cashless - most retailers and restaurants, and even many small food stores at hawker centers, will take a card payment. There are also ATMs everywhere if you decide you really need cash - making spending with a travel card a smart option for many people.

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If you are entering or leaving Singapore carrying a total value of Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI)* exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency), you are required by law to submit a full and accurate report to the Singapore Police Force.

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Bringing super-big luggages on board – $500 fine If kena reported, there's a chance you might face a fine of $500. Big pieces of luggage don't only refer to the ones we use for travelling; they can refer to almost anything that you've brought with you onto the MRT that exceeds the dimensions of 90cm x 60cm x 30cm.

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There are several ways to pay for your bus or MRT/LRT rides: contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, stored value cards, concession cards or cash*. Children travel for free on buses and trains if they are below 0.9m in height and are accompanied by a fare-paying commuter.

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