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Singapore MRT

Discover the most detailed and specific experience of taking the Singapore subway, for first-time travelers or those who have traveled to Singapore many times. Let’s check out The ULTIMATE Singapore MRT Guide (Singapore MRT Travel Guide): How to Use Singapore Subway, Tips & MORE in this post!

singapore mrt guide
The ULTIMATE Singapore MRT Guide: How to Use Singapore Subway, Tips & MORE
Clean, modern MRT Singapore | Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Singapore, a small country but rich in cultural diversity and impressive economic development. Not only is it an attractive tourist destination, but it is also a typical example of technological progress, including an extremely modern and advanced subway system. Let’s explore tips for traveling by Singapore subway below!

Singapore MRT Travel Guide: What is Singapore Subway – MRT?

| public transport in singapore for tourists
MRT Singapore | Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Singapore Subway – MRT is MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), the most important public transportation system in this country. With a wide and convenient network, MRT is a popular and convenient means of transportation for both locals and tourists.

The accuracy, reliability and convenience of using the subway have laid the foundation for connecting areas in the city, making travel easier and more efficient than ever. Currently, to be able to buy a travel card in Singapore, you can book right on Klook, having this travel card in hand will save you time and travel costs.

Inside the MRT train, Singapore
Inside the MRT train, Singapore | Guide for Using the Singapore Subway for First-time Visitors

Singapore NETS FlashPay Travel Card

How to Use Singapore Subway?

When using the subway in Singapore, there are some important instructions and information that you should know to move easily and efficiently.

Note the Train Timetable

| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

To not miss the Singapore subway, you need to note its operating time and frequency. Singapore MRT trains usually operate from 5:30 am to 12 pm. At each station, there is an information board about the trains and departure times for you to easily grasp the time.

Determine Current Location and Destination

| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Am I Addicted Pottery Workshop in Singapore

In Singapore, when taking the subway, determining current location and destination is important for efficient travel. Once you have entered the MRT lobby, for the starting point of the Line, both sides of the platform can be accessed. In addition, you can observe on the train doors, there are arrows indicating the MRT line, helping you easily distinguish between lines and avoid confusion.

Distinguishing Singapore MRT Trains

Singapore MRT Map | Singapore MRT Travel Guide
  • North-South Line (North South – Red): This is a high-capacity and crowded line, including 28 stations, starting from Jurong East (NS1) and ending at Marina Bay (NS28).
  • East-West Line (East West – Green): This is the longest line in the city with 31 stops, starting from Changi Airport/Pasir Ris and ending at Boon Lay.
  • North East Line (Purple): The world’s first fully automated rapid transit line with 17 stations, starting from Harbour Front (NE1) and ending at Punggol (NE17).
  • Circle Line (Orange): Includes 30 stations, starting from Dhoby Ghaut (CC1), ending at HarbourFront (CC29), with Bayfront station (CE1) included in the line.
  • Downtown Line (Blue): Currently has 6 stations: Bugis DT14, Promenade DT15, Bayfront DT16, Downtown DT17, Telok Ayer DT18 and China Town DT19.
| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Singapore River Cruise

For example: You are in Chinatown and want to use the MRT to go to City Hall, so you have to take a connecting line. First, you choose the North – East line (purple) from Chinatown and go to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. From here, you choose to continue on the North South line (red) and then get off at City Hall station.

Notes When Using the Singapore MRT

Getting-around-Singapore-MRT-subway-train
| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

When taking the MRT in Singapore, there are some important notes as follows:

  • Stand at the safety line: Always stand at the safety line and wait for the train to stop completely before getting on/off.
  • Train doors: Avoid standing near the doors while the train is running and make sure the train doors are closed before the train departs.
  • Prohibition of food and drinks on the MRT: Do not consume food and drinks on the train, if caught, you may have to pay a fine of $500 SGD.
  • Follow announcements and timetables: Always follow announcements and timetables to know the train times and frequency.
  • Red seats on the train: These are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women or injured.
  • Getting on and off the train: When you want to get on the train, go on both sides of the door, people will line up on both sides, and the middle is for people getting off the train.
  • Download the Singapore MRT app: To easily look up the subway, you should download the app in advance or buy a paper map to look up.

Instructions for Using the NETS FlashPay Card to Ride the Singapore Subway

Buy a NETS FlashPay Card

| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Albatross Speedboat Adventures

When preparing to travel to Singapore, you should buy a NETS FlashPay card, this card also has the same functions as the Singapore EZ link card. This card not only helps you travel, but it is also used for cashless payments at food and beverage outlets as well as shopping at convenience stores and food stores.

To save the most time, you should pre-order this card on Klook and will receive it in advance at the location you chose when ordering. Additionally, when you purchase a NETS FlashPay card on Klook, you will have pre-loaded funds at 3 prices: 7SGD, 15 SGD and 30 SGD.

Card Top-up Points

source: klook | Singapore MRT Travel Guide

When you run out of pre-loaded funds, you can top up at the following locations:

  • 7-Eleven stores (except Shell petrol stations)
  • Buzz Pods
  • Cheers
  • FairPrice Xpress
  • TransitLink ticket offices
  • NETS self-service stations
  • NETS top-up machines
  • NETS FlashPay Reader app
  • Add Value Machine Plus (AVM+)
  • General Ticketing Machines (GTMs)
  • Local bank ATMs (DBS/POSB, OCBC and UOB)
  • NETS customer service centre
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| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Please note that the balance after topping up will be recorded immediately after tax has been deducted. You can also check your balance on your phone using the NetsFlashpay app, which is very convenient. If you still have money left on your card, you can get a refund at all TransitLink ticket offices at MRT stations or bus interchanges!

Time to Redeem Voucher and Use Card

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Sentosa Discovery Pass

As soon as you book a card directly on Klook, you will immediately receive an email notifying you of your order confirmation. You will then redeem the card directly at the pre-selected locations. The time limit for you to exchange the voucher for a physical card is only valid for 180 days from the date of order confirmation and expires at 23:59 on the last day. The NETS FlashPay physical card is valid for up to 5 years after purchase.

Card Pickup Location

| Singapore MRT Travel Guide

If you have chosen one of the self-pickup packages, you will need to redeem your voucher for your physical card at the respective pick-up location listed in your chosen package, such as:

  • Klook Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), departure hall (4th floor), in row K in front of immigration (next to Kbank counter)
  • Klook Central World Pickup, 1st floor, Hug Thai area

Popular Singapore Tourist Destinations Accessible by MRT

Marina Bay

Marina Bay Sands | Singapore MRT Travel Guide

Marina Bay Mini Segway Guided Tour

Location: Near Marina Bay Station (NS27/CE2).

Marina Bay is the modern and classy center of Singapore, home to prominent icons such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. From Marina Bay Station, visitors can easily access impressive architectural works, tropical gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Marina Bay.

Orchard Road Shopping District

Ion Orchard @cict.com.sg

Location: Near Orchard MRT Station (NS22/TE14).

Orchard MRT Station is located near the famous Orchard Road shopping area. This is a diverse shopping, entertainment and dining center with many fashion stores, restaurants and luxury cafes.

Chinatown

Chinatown Singapore | source: thehoneycombers.com

Location: Near Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19).

Chinatown MRT Station leads to the historic Chinese old town with traditional architecture, vibrant night markets, rich restaurants and cultural attractions such as Kreta Ayer and Sri Mariamman Temple.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Discovery Pass

Location: Can be reached by train or cable car from HarbourFront (NE1/CC29).

From HarbourFront MRT Station, visitors can easily access Sentosa Island via cable car or MRT. This is an entertainment area with parks, beaches, amusement parks and exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Don’t forget to use the Sentosa Fun Pass with many attractions, fun and is a powerful ticket to take you to the lands of adventure at an extremely reasonable price!

Universal Studios Singapore

USS @singapore-tickets.com

Universal Studios Singapore Ticket

Location: Near HarbourFront Station (NE1/CC29)

Universal Studios Singapore is an ideal destination for both families and entertainment lovers. With six exciting and thrilling amusement zones, this park promises to bring you an unforgettable experience.

Explore worlds from Hollywood, New York, Madagascar to Far Far Away, where you can meet your favorite characters from cartoons and join exciting adventures. At the same time, don’t miss the lively shows that preserve memorable memories in Singapore!

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Location: Take the Downtown (Blue) or Circle (Yellow) line by stopping at Botanic Gardens MRT Station (CC19/DT9)

The Singapore Botanic Gardens invites you to step inside a 160-year-old tropical wonderland, the first and only tropical garden to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spectacular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love to be in touch with nature.

Changi Airport

The Rain Vortex, Jewel. source: klook

Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Ticket in Singapore

Location: Near HarbourFront MRT Station

Changi Airport, one of the world’s leading airports, offers a wide range of amenities, from shopping to entertainment, creating a wonderful experience for passengers. It is not just a place to travel, but also a tourist destination with its lush flower gardens, butterfly gardens, and luxurious amenities. Changi Airport is a great starting and ending point for an amazing adventure in Singapore.

If you want to travel a lot and still save money, choose Klook Pass Singapore. Do you know how to use the Singapore MRT?

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