Quick Facts
- Opened
- 7 November 1987
- Operators
- SMRT Trains & SBS Transit (under LTA)
- Stations
- 131
- Lines
- 6
- Daily riders
- ~3.0 million
- Network
- 200 km
- Airport
- Changi Airport direct on East-West Line
- Payment
- EZ-Link, Contactless bank card, Tourist Pass
The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is one of the cleanest, most punctual, and most tourist-friendly metro systems in the world. Opened on 7 November 1987, it now operates 131 stations across 6 lines and 200 km of track, serving a city-state of 6 million people.
The MRT is operated under the Land Transport Authority (LTA) framework, with SMRT Trains running the North-South, East-West, and Circle Lines, and SBS Transit operating the Downtown and North East Lines. Despite the two operators, all lines integrate seamlessly — one fare card, one map, one system.
Singapore's MRT stands out for its extraordinary coverage of Changi Airport. The East-West Line (EWL) runs directly to Changi Airport and Expo, and the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will add another direct connection. For visitors, this means you can travel from the airport to Orchard Road or the city centre in 30–40 minutes for just SGD $2.00–$2.50.
Paying for the MRT is simple: tap in and out with an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass. The EZ-Link card (SGD $12 including $7 stored value) works on MRT, buses, and Light Rail Transit (LRT) feeder services. Contactless Visa/Mastercard bank cards also work directly on all fare gates since 2019 — no separate card needed.
Singapore charges distance-based fares with no peak surcharge. The minimum fare is SGD $0.83 and the maximum for a single journey is SGD $2.83 using an EZ-Link card or contactless payment. The Singapore Tourist Pass (SGD $10/day, 3-day SGD $20) offers unlimited rides and is ideal for visitors.
How to Pay
Payment methods: EZ-Link card · Contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex · Singapore Tourist Pass · NETS FlashPay.
💡 A contactless bank card works directly at all MRT gates — no need to buy an EZ-Link card unless you want the Singapore Tourist Pass unlimited rides deal.
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — but early morning off-peak discount (before 07:45 at city stations) offers free or discounted rides — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Singapore MRT Lines
Key Stations on the Singapore MRT
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: EZ-Link card, Contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex, Singapore Tourist Pass, NETS FlashPay.
💡 A contactless bank card works directly at all MRT gates — no need to buy an EZ-Link card unless you want the Singapore Tourist Pass unlimited rides deal.
| Journey | Off-Peak (SGD) | Peak (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum fare (short journey) | SGD $0.83 | SGD $0.83 |
| Typical journey (5–10 stops) | SGD $1.50 | SGD $1.50 |
| City to Changi Airport | SGD $2.10 | SGD $2.10 |
| Maximum single fare | SGD $2.83 | SGD $2.83 |
| Singapore Tourist Pass (1-day) | SGD $10 | SGD $10 |
| Singapore Tourist Pass (3-day) | SGD $20 | SGD $20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the Singapore MRT?
Tap in and out with a contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex bank card or phone — no separate card needed. Alternatively, buy an EZ-Link card (SGD $12, includes $7 stored value) or a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited daily rides.
How do I get from Changi Airport to the city?
Take the MRT East-West Line (Green) from Changi Airport station directly to the city. Raffles Place (CBD) takes about 30 minutes, Orchard Road about 40 minutes. Cost is approximately SGD $2.10. Trains run every 5–8 minutes.
What is the Singapore Tourist Pass?
The Singapore Tourist Pass (SGD $10/day, $16/2-day, $20/3-day) gives unlimited rides on all MRT lines, LRT, and public buses. Includes a SGD $10 refundable card deposit. Buy at Changi Airport MRT station or major stations. Ideal for visitors planning 4+ trips per day.
Is the Singapore MRT safe and clean?
Yes — the Singapore MRT is consistently ranked among the world's cleanest and safest metro systems. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are prohibited and strictly enforced. Air-conditioned throughout. Crime is extremely rare.
What time does the Singapore MRT operate?
MRT services run from approximately 05:30 to midnight daily. Some lines have slight variations. Night buses (NightRider and owl services) operate after midnight on weekends.
Can I use Google Pay or Apple Pay on the MRT?
Yes — any contactless payment via NFC-enabled phone works at all MRT fare gates. This includes Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay on contactless Visa or Mastercard. Charged at the same distance-based rates as the EZ-Link card.
Are there early morning discounts on the MRT?
Yes — the Off-Peak Discount programme gives free travel for trips that start at city-area stations before 07:45 on weekdays, and discounted fares for trips between 07:45 and 08:00. This applies when paying with SimplyGo (contactless card or phone).
Does the MRT cover all of Singapore?
The MRT covers most areas of Singapore, including Changi Airport, Orchard Road, Marina Bay, HarbourFront, Jurong, and the new Thomson-East Coast Line serving the east and south. Some suburban areas are served by feeder LRT systems that connect to MRT stations.
Source: SMRT Trains & SBS Transit (operated under LTA) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.