Getting around
Very high
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: spor.performancereports.gov.sg, lta.gov.sg
Overall9.6/10Among the 5% easiest cities to get around
Good to know
Good to Know
- Public transit is genuinely reliable, integrated, and cheap; MRT/bus is the best option for most city travel. Use a SimplyGo card or download the Singabus app for real-time timing.
- Grab is the standard rideshare app (Uber doesn't operate here); surge pricing during peak hours (5-7 PM, midnight-6 AM) can make taxis cheaper at those times.
- Walking is viable in commercial/central areas but can be uncomfortable in the heat and humidity; many neighborhoods designed around car travel rather than pedestrians.
- Taxi card payment adds 10% surcharge + 7% GST; have cash in SGD for smaller amounts or taxis at airports and during off-peak hours.
- Cycling infrastructure is expanding rapidly (600+ km of paths), but ridership remains low due to heat/humidity; bike lanes are mostly separated from traffic.
- Motorcycle/scooter rental is affordable (S$30-160 per day for 50-150cc) if you have proper license, but traffic is heavy and driving standards vary.
Transit Fares
- Concessions
- Students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and workfare card holders receive discounted fares (increased 3-4 cents per journey Dec 27, 2025). Children under 7 travel free.
- Adult Card Fares SGD
- As of December 27, 2025: fares range from approximately S$1.28 for short trips to S$2.28 for longer trips (exact fare depends on distance). Card fares increased by 9-10 cents per journey effective Dec 27, 2025.
- Distance Based System
- Fares are distance-based for both buses and MRT/LRT. Tap in and out on all services.
- Cash Fares Note
- Cash fares on buses did not increase in December 2024. No single-trip tickets; all fares via stored-value card.
Sample Adult Fares
Short Trip Example (Distance Varies by Service)
- Short Trip Example (Distance Varies By Service)
- SGD 1.28
Mid-distance Trip Example
- Mid Distance Trip Example
- SGD 2.28
Bicycle Rental
GoCycling (Multiple Locations)
- Daily
- SGD 20
- Hourly
- SGD 10
City Scoot (Esplanade, Marina Bay)
Motorcycle Scooter Rental
50cc Scooter Rental (Marketplace, Multiple Providers)
- Daily
- SGD 30
- Weekly
- SGD 160
150cc+ Motorcycle/scooter (International Rental Platforms)
Walkability
- Overview
- Singapore is highly walkable in urban neighborhoods, though car-centric design dominates some areas. 92% of residents can reach their nearest neighborhood center within 20 minutes on foot. The city is investing in pedestrian infrastructure, including sheltered walkways and grade-separated crossings that separate pedestrians from traffic.
- Getting Around Tier
- Very high
- Pedestrian Infrastructure
- Pedestrian-friendly facilities are expanding. Expanded cycling paths and 'Friendly Streets' initiatives aim to repurpose road space for pedestrians and cyclists. However, the city remains car-oriented in design, with wide expressways and arterials that prioritize vehicle flow over walkability.
- Getting Around Tier Rationale
- Singapore combines extensive, world-class MRT/bus public transit, high pedestrian accessibility to neighborhood centers, and abundant taxis/rideshare, making car-free daily life easy despite some car-centric road design.
- Climate Note
- Hot and humid year-round (27°C average), which can discourage walking.
Regulatory Note
E-scooters are restricted to cycling paths since late 2019 and must be registered with the Land Transport Authority. Motorcycles/scooters require appropriate driving license (B/AM for small scooters, A1/A2/A for larger bikes). International Driving Permit may be required by some operators.
Kick Scooter Rental
- Hourly
- SGD 8.00
- Provider
- JoyScoot (Marina Bay, Esplanade Mall)
Public Transit System
- Buses
- Over 4 million bus rides per day. More than 365 scheduled bus services operated by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit Singapore, and Go-Ahead Singapore. Comprehensive coverage across the island.
- MRT LRT
- The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) form the backbone. As of late 2024, the network spans 229.7 km with 166 stations. Expansion targets 360 km by 2030, putting 80% of households within 10 minutes walk of an MRT station. Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 4 (opened June 2024) shortened travel times to the east by up to 50%.
- Overview
- Singapore has a world-class public transit system ranked as the world's best overall by McKinsey's Urban Transportation report, excelling in availability, affordability, efficiency, convenience, and safety.
- Integration
- Seamless integrated network with unified fare payment (SimplyGo/EZ-Link cards). Transfers between bus and rail are free within a single journey (up to 45 minutes for bus-to-rail/rail-to-bus transfers, up to 15 minutes for rail-to-rail). Children under 7 ride free.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this walkability & transport research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Singapore
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.