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.
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Singapore MRT Map
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:
- No need to worry about parking 🅿️
- Super clean (hospital-standard clean 😄)
- Efficient, even during peak hours 🕒
- Air-conditioned trains ❄️ (so refreshing on a hot day!)
Hotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on H5)
Homes & Apts: Save up to £39 (App-only deal)
Singapore MRT Lines, Operating Hours & Major Stations
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.
How to Buy Singapore MRT Tickets?
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!
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There are three main ways to pay:
🎫 Standard Tickets
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!
🎟️ Singapore Tourist Pass
Enjoy unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days – perfect for those jam-packed trip itineraries. Available at TransitLink offices.
💳 EZ-Link Card (Recommended!)
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 |
Singapore MRT Line Guide
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:
🔴 North–South Line (NSL)
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:
- 🚉 Jurong East – Explore JEM and Westgate shopping malls!
- 🚉 Orchard – Luxury shopping at ION Orchard
- 🚉 Dhoby Ghaut – A major interchange connecting the Circle and North East Lines
- 🚉 City Hall – A short walk to Marina Square and Raffles City
- 🚉 Marina Bay – Near Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay 🌿
🧭 Tip: Very convenient for hotel stays around Orchard or Novena.
709 booked
🟢 East–West Line (EWL)
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:
- 🚉 Changi Airport (CG2) – Direct access from the airport
- 🚉 Bugis – Food heaven and shopping paradise
- 🚉 Lavender – ICA, backpacker hostels
- 🚉 Tanjong Pagar – Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre are just a short walk away
- 🚉 Jurong East – Interchange with the NSL
🧭 Tip: Use this line if you're travelling to or from the airport – it'll save you a fortune on transport costs!
🔵 Downtown Line (DTL)
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:
- 🚉 Little India – Indian grocers and temples
- 🚉 Rochor – Next to Sim Lim Square (tech stuff!)
- 🚉 Bugis – Everything from food to fashion
- 🚉 Telok Ayer – Near Amoy Street Food Centre
- 🚉 Downtown – Dive into the heart of the city's financial district, where magnificent skyscrapers touch the sky!
- 🚉 Bayfront – Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay 🌃🌊
🧭 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.
🟡 Circle Line (CCL)
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:
- 🚉 Esplanade – Near the arts centre & Suntec
- 🚉 Stadium – Singapore Sports Hub
- 🚉 Bras Basah – Museums & Arts
- 🚉 HarbourFront – Your gateway to Sentosa
- 🚉 Buona Vista – Star Vista Mall and the university area
- 🚉 Botanic Gardens – A beautiful & free UNESCO site 🌸
🧭 Tip: This line avoids the central crowds!
🟤 Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL)
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:
- 🚉 Orchard Boulevard – The quieter side of Orchard
- 🚉 Great World – Easy access to Great World City Mall
- 🚉 Shenton Way – Financial district
- 🚉 Gardens by the Bay – Direct access from the TEL is amazing!
- 🚉 Woodlands North – The future JB-SG RTS link is on its way! 🚉🇲🇾
🧭 Tip: Once completed, this will connect Johor Bahru to the Singapore MRT via the RTS – a huge win for travellers!
Sengkang LRT and Punggol LRT
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.
Top Hotels in Singapore
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Breakfast
Swimming pool
Bukit Panjang LRT: The First Light Rail System
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!
🟣 North–East Line (NEL)
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:
- 🚉 HarbourFront – VivoCity, the gateway to Sentosa
- 🚉 Clarke Quay – Bars, river cruises, nightlife 🌃
- 🚉 Chinatown – Heritage buildings, temples, and local delicacies
- 🚉 Little India – Tekka Centre, Indian food & shops
- 🚉 Dhoby Ghaut – A major interchange
🧭 Top tip: Combine this with the Circle Line for a culture-filled, chilled-out day trip!
🟠 Cross Island Line (CRL) – Coming Soon
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.
🧩 Interchange Stations to Remember 🔁
Here are a few handy interchange stations where you can switch lines with ease:
- Dhoby Ghaut – NSL, NEL, CCL
- Bugis – DTL, EWL
- Newton – NSL, DTL
- Outram Park – NEL, EWL, TEL
- Marina Bay – NSL, CCL, TEL
- Serangoon – NEL, CCL
- Paya Lebar – EWL, CCL
EZ-Link Card: Simplify Your Singapore Travel
Source: https://www.tripindicator.com/
This little card is your golden ticket to travel freedom. 🎟️
- 💵 It costs around SGD 10 (with SGD 5 credit pre-loaded)
- 🔁 Simply top up at any MRT station, 7-Eleven, or Cheers outlet
- 🚌 Works on buses and some taxis too!
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! 🐱🎮
Summary of the Singapore MRT – Why It's a Game-Changer
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:
- 🧭 Easy to get the hang of (once you've ridden it once or twice!)
- 💰 Affordable (compared to taxis or ride-hailing)
- 🚄 Efficient (trains arrive frequently, with no long waits)
- ♻️ Eco-friendly (reduce traffic and your carbon footprint!)
- 💳 So convenient with an EZ-Link or even your own credit card!
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! ❄️🚉
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👉 EZ-Link Card
FAQ – Singapore MRT
How do I pay for MRT in Singapore?
You can tap an EZ-Link card, NETS FlashPay, a contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard/Amex), or buy a standard ticket from the machine at any station.How to use MRT in Singapore for tourists?
Simply tap in and out with a contactless bank card, or buy an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass for easy travel.Is the Singapore MRT open 24 hours?
No. Most MRT lines run from about 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., with extended hours on weekends and public holidays.What is the difference between MRT and LRT in Singapore?
MRT lines cover the whole island and connect major areas, while LRT lines serve smaller neighbourhood loops and feed into MRT stations.Is the bus or MRT faster in Singapore?
The MRT is usually faster for longer distances and cross-city travel, while buses are better for short trips within one area.Can I tap my credit card on the Singapore MRT?
Yes. You can use a contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card to tap in and out at the gates, with fares charged automatically.