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By Amber
January 16, 2026

The Singapore MRT is the most convenient way for tourists to explore the city. It is clean, fast, and easy to use, connecting airports, city centre, shopping districts, and major attractions, making it easy for even first-time visitors to get around.
This guide covers the MRT map, major lines, fares, ticket options, operating hours and the EZ Link card. You will also find simple tips for using the MRT and choosing hotels near stations. Let this guide help you travel around Singapore with confidence.

Source: MRT Map (LTA) - MRT Map
Singapore's MRT is the main way for visitors to travel around the city. It opened in 1987 and has grown into a modern network with six main metro lines covering the whole island. The trains are fast, clean and easy to use, linking the airport, city centre, shopping areas and major attractions, so you can explore Singapore without relying on taxis.
The North-South Line and East-West Line form the backbone of the system. They connect key places such as Orchard Road, Raffles Place, Jurong East and Changi Airport. The North East Line serves the north-east suburbs and HarbourFront, the gateway to Sentosa Island. The Circle Line loops around the city, stopping near the Botanic Gardens and Holland Village, while the Downtown Line runs through Marina Bay and Fort Canning, popular with tourists.
The newest route, the Thomson–East Coast Line, links the north of Singapore with the city and the East Coast, making it easier to reach residential areas and seaside spots. Together, these lines make it simple to move between transport hubs, business districts and famous sights, helping visitors see more of Singapore in less time.
Why I love the MRT:
Most Singapore MRT lines run from around 5:30 am to midnight every day. Trains are more frequent during peak hours, and timings may change on public holidays, so it is best to check before travelling.
Line | First Train | Last Train | Major Spots | Notes |
North-South Line (NSL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Orchard Road, Raffles Place, Marina Bay | Busiest line, links major shopping and business areas |
East-West Line (EWL) | 5:30–5:59 | 23:18–00:06 | Changi Airport, Jurong East, Bugis | Main east–west route; airport branch starts later on Sundays |
North East Line (NEL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | HarbourFront, Chinatown, Little India | Fully driverless line serving the north-east |
Circle Line (CCL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Botanic Gardens, Holland Village | Loops around the city, great for attractions |
Downtown Line (DTL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Bayfront, Fort Canning, Bugis | Fast access to the city centre |
Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL) | 5:30–5:45 | 23:30–24:00 | Woodlands, Orchard, Marina Bay | New north–south route, still expanding |
Timings are based on official MRT information and typical schedules. Actual first and last trains may vary by station and date.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a lot of SGD to get around.
🚆 Fares range from SGD 0.90 to SGD 2.50, depending on the distance. Even the longest journey costs less than £2!





There are three main ways to pay:
You can grab your tickets from the machines at the station. It’s a handy option if you’re only travelling once or twice, but let’s be honest – it’s not the most convenient way to get around!
Enjoy unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days – perfect for those jam-packed trip itineraries. Available at TransitLink offices.
This is the best option. It works just like our Touch ‘n Go – simply tap in and out. You can use it on buses and in some shops too! 🛒
Ticket Type | How to Get It | Best For | Typical Fare (SGD) | Pros | Cons |
Standard Ticket | Machines at any MRT station | One-off trips | $1.40–$2.50 | No card needed | No discounts, queue each time |
EZ-Link Card | MRT stations, 7-Eleven, TransitLink | Regular travel | $0.83–$2.20 | Cheaper fares, works on buses | $10 start-up cost |
NETS FlashPay | MRT stations, convenience stores | Similar to EZ-Link | $0.83–$2.20 | Also usable in shops | Less widely accepted |
Singapore Tourist Pass | Airport & TransitLink offices | Busy sightseeing days | $22–$34 (1–3 days) | Unlimited rides | Poor value if used lightly |
Contactless Bank Card | Tap your Visa/Mastercard/Amex | Maximum convenience | Same as EZ-Link | No top-up needed | Possible foreign fees |
The MRT map might look like spaghetti at first 🍜, but once you get used to the colours and names, it’s super easy. Each colour-coded line serves different areas – perfect for planning your day.
Here’s a quick guide:

Colour: Red
Route: NS1 Jurong East ➝ NS28 Marina South Pier
Total Stations: 27
As the very first MRT line, this route remains a firm favourite! It seamlessly connects the north to the south, whisking you through vibrant local heartlands and iconic shopping districts.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
🧭 Tip: Very convenient for hotel stays around Orchard or Novena.
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14 booked![Singapore Singapore Joo Chiat/Katong Travel Photography[Nyonya Photography]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0354112000m8n1vmr260D_C_568_320.jpg)
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Colour: Green
Route: EW1 Pasir Ris ➝ EW33 Tuas Link / CG1 Changi Airport
Total Stations: 35
This line stretches from east to west, and even has a branch to Changi Airport! 🎒✈️
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
🧭 Tip: Use this line if you're travelling to or from the airport – it'll save you a fortune on transport costs!

Colour: Blue
Route: DT1 Bukit Panjang ➝ DT37 Sungei Bedok
Total stations: 37
This one’s a traveller’s dream – linking heaps of attractions across the city. I always rely on it when staying around Bugis or Chinatown.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
🧭 Top Tip: It’s incredibly easy to explore nearby spots on foot – many city centre exits lead straight into shopping centres or air-conditioned underpasses.

Colour: Yellow
Route: CC1 Dhoby Ghaut ➝ CC33 Marina Bay (The loop is still being completed as of 2025)
Total Stations: 33
As the name suggests, it forms a loop, connecting many outer-city areas and interchanges. It’s my favourite line for exploring those less touristy spots.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
🧭 Tip: This line avoids the central crowds!
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Colour: Brown
Route: TE1 Woodlands North ➝ TE27 Bayshore (future extension to TE29 Sungei Bedok)
Total stations open so far: 24 (and we're still expanding!)
This latest MRT line is sleek, futuristic, and is slowly becoming the go-to for seamless access from the east to the centre.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
🧭 Tip: Once completed, this will connect Johor Bahru to the Singapore MRT via the RTS – a huge win for travellers!

Marked in grey on the MRT map, the Sengkang and Punggol Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines might be smaller and a little slower than the main MRT, but they’re perfect for reaching those essential local spots. The Sengkang LRT is a clever, driverless system featuring two loops: the East Loop and the West Loop. Similarly, the Punggol LRT is also split into two loops, making it a breeze to explore these vibrant areas.

The Bukit Panjang LRT, marked in grey on the MRT map, was Singapore's very first light rail system. Despite its compact 7.6 km route, it’s a brilliantly convenient link to the North-South and Downtown Lines, making your city exploration smoother than ever!

Colour: Purple
Route: NE1 HarbourFront ➝ NE17 Punggol
Total Stations: 16
The first fully automated underground line – and super handy for cultural spots and trendy cafes ☕.
🛑 Key stations for travellers:
🧭 Top tip: Combine this with the Circle Line for a culture-filled, chilled-out day trip!
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1170 booked
14 booked![Singapore Singapore Joo Chiat/Katong Travel Photography[Nyonya Photography]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0354112000m8n1vmr260D_C_568_320.jpg)
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Colour: Orange
Phase 1: Expected to open in 2030
This is set to be another total game-changer – connecting Jurong directly to Changi. It’s brilliant for the long-term future, especially for those travelling from JB via Tuas.
Here are a few handy interchange stations where you can switch lines with ease:

Source: https://www.tripindicator.com/
This little card is your golden ticket to travel freedom. 🎟️
I always keep mine from past trips – they stay valid for five years. The best bit? You skip the queues, avoid paper tickets, and get discounted fares. Every time I tap mine, I feel like a local. 😎
🧠 Tip: Pick up a cool character-themed EZ-Link card as a souvenir – I’ve spotted Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and even Gudetama ones at Changi Airport! 🐱🎮
1590 booked![[Up to 15% off] Singapore Toast Box Coffee Shop Voucher(Traditional Singaporean Foods!!)](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350v12000l9agt1a47EC_C_568_320.png)
1170 booked
14 booked![Singapore Singapore Joo Chiat/Katong Travel Photography[Nyonya Photography]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0354112000m8n1vmr260D_C_568_320.jpg)
84078 booked
109 booked

After countless trips across the Causeway, I can confidently say this: the Singapore MRT system is one of the most tourist-friendly transport networks in the world. 🚆✨
As a frequent traveller who values both comfort and cost-efficiency (the SGD exchange rate can definitely sting at times!), the MRT has been a total lifesaver for me. Whether I’m heading to the luxury malls at Orchard, exploring the street eats in Bugis, or catching the sunset at Marina Bay, the Singapore MRT Map is always my go-to navigation tool.
It's:
So, if you’re planning your next trip down south, don’t worry about transport. Just grab an EZ-Link card, screenshot the latest Singapore MRT map, and enjoy your own smooth, air-conditioned, and traffic-free adventure! ❄️🚉
Singapore MRT