No Asian trip is ever complete without a trip to Singapore. It is not only one of the most developed cities in Asia, but it is also known for its friendly people, happening nightlife, and varied cuisine. While it is known for its food and tall buildings, the Singapore transport system is also something every local and tourist fall in love with. We are not kidding!
Singapore’s public transport is by far the most efficient and tourist-friendly in all of Asia. Since this city is known for its crowded streets, the Singapore transport system will be a huge help for you when you travel there. As already known, the Lion’s City is one of the costliest places for a vacation; it is advisable to go for the ticket booking in advance and take Singapore public transport for going out and seeing the iconic tourist spots. So if you are planning a vacation to Singapore soon and do not want to spend too much on transportation, we are about to give you some great hacks!
Singapore Public Transport Hacks: How to Save Money and Travel More
As we already told you before, Singapore transport is hugely efficient mostly because of their on-time buses and the popular Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). In this article, we will tell you how to save money in MRT and travel a long way at reasonable bus fare.
1. Board early to get a free MRT ride or even a concession!
MRT is the most-used Singapore public transport. Thus, it is always crowded. There is, although, a way to dodge the crowd and even travel free! Commuting on the early morning train will ensure a free ride for you. If you finish your trip and tap out from certain stations before 7:45, the ride is considered free.
The 18 stations where this is possible are – Bayfront, Bras Basah, Bugis, Chinatown, City Hall, Clarke Quay, Dhoby Ghaut, Downtown, Esplanade, Lavender, Marina Bay, Orchard, Outram Park, Promenade, Raffles Place, Somerset, Tanjong Pagar and Telok Ayer. No need to worry if you miss the cut-off time by a few minutes as you will get 50 cents off your train ticket if you tap out before 8 am!
2. Out late at night on the weekend? Fret not, as you can use the NightRider services instead of a cab!
Except for the locals, not many know about this excellent Singapore transport hack. SMRT’s NightRider bus services operate after midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and eves of public holidays. These buses are way cheaper and will not cost a hole in your wallet in the same way as a cab would.
The buses travel all around to places like Marina Centre Terminal to Bedok. It even travels through Choa Chu Kang! The bus fare would be less than five dollars, and you can even snooze away, knowing you are in safe hands. But do remember, you cannot use these if you want a bus to Changi Airport. The NightRider bus fare can be paid through cash or EZ-link card. Ticket booking for the same is made on the bus itself.
3. Plan better by knowing the train timings from beforehand!
This is possibly the most important hack to remember while traveling in Singapore. You will not have a ‘last-minute plan change’ or would hurry to the train station if you know the exact arrival and departure time of the trains. Thus, download the SG MRT Arrival Time app or the SG MRT Telegram bot. This will help you catch the train you need and not be late!
4. Discounted fares on transfer trips, which are under 45 minutes!
Once again, not many know about this money-saving travel hack in Singapore. As is known, the best part about public transport there is that the fares are calculated on the basis of the journey and not the number of transfers.
However, one can take a maximum of five transfers in a single journey, and there will be a 45-minute limit for each transfer. Thus, as long as you have transferred to a different bus or train within 45 minutes, you’ll get a discounted rate on your fare. 🙂
5. Traveling a shorter route, you can get your transfer ride for free!
This is possibly the most favorite hack of all Singaporeans and even the tourists. If you are traveling a shorter route, it is advised to take a different bus to and from the place.
If the distance is less than 3.2 kilometers, then your transfer ride is absolutely free! This means that you will be getting two separate rides at the cost of one! Isn’t that a great way to reduce your bus fare? You can even use this trick if you are taking a bus to Changi Airport.
Getting to Major Tourist Attractions via Public Transport
The best thing about Singapore public transport is that it is not only cheap but also extremely easily available. The MRT system is used a lot but locals, as well as tourists, but bus traveling is also an affordable and easy transport choice.
The Singapore transport system is in a way that almost every important place is connected to make life easier for locals and travelers. The main bus that is the bus to Changi Airport covers almost all the hot tourist spots like the Singapore Flyer, Chinatown, Little India, Garden by the Bay, and more.
There is a bus stop at almost every junction, so all you have to do is purchase an EZ link card. Ticket booking can also be made for a luxury coach, those will have a little higher fare, but it will be worth it! The luxury coach service is available easily in Singapore, and you can even book tickets for it online.
If you are traveling to the airport, it is advisable to take public transport. Do not think that a bus will get you there later than a car. But if you do need to save time, the bus to Changi Airport will drop you at your desired terminal. 24, 27, 36, 110, 858, 36, are all numbers of the bus to Changi Airport.
Book a bus to Changi Airport!
So instead of waiting any longer, go to redBus and book your bus ticket for Singapore. redBus is also serviceable inside the city, so you will have nothing to worry about. With redBus, you will get several offers and discounts that will not make your pocket lighter but will definitely make you happy! So, have a wonderful time touring Singapore with redBus!