MRT
How to Navigate the MRT During Peak Hours
Trains on the North South and East West lines carry over 500,000 passengers each weekday. Here's how to move efficiently during the 8am and 6pm rushes.
Singapore Transit
Getting Around
Getting Around
Singapore Has
Never Been Easier
From MRT lines that cut across the island in minutes to night buses that keep the city moving — Singapore's public transport is one of the most efficient systems in Asia. This guide breaks it all down.
6
MRT lines operating
MRT Network
Six Lines, One Seamless Network
Each MRT line serves distinct corridors across Singapore, with colour-coded trains and real-time service updates on station screens.
NSL
North South Line
29 stations · 45 km
Runs from Jurong East in the west through the city centre to Marina Bay and up to Woodlands in the north. The busiest corridor for daily commuters.
EWL
East West Line
36 stations · 57 km
Stretches from Tuas Link in the far west to Changi Airport in the east, passing through the CBD at Raffles Place and City Hall.
NEL
North East Line
17 stations · 20 km
A fully underground, driverless line connecting HarbourFront in the south to Punggol in the north-east, passing through Little India and Chinatown.
CCL
Circle Line
30 stations · 36 km
The Circle Line forms an arc around the city centre, linking all radial MRT lines and enabling cross-transfers without travelling into the CBD.
DTL
Downtown Line
35 stations · 42 km
Runs from Bukit Panjang in the north-west through the Bukit Timah corridor and into the city, then east to Expo and Sungei Bedok.
TEL
Thomson-East Coast Line
32 stations · 43 km
The newest addition to the network, running from Woodlands North in the north through Orchard and Marina Bay, continuing along the East Coast.
Bus Network
Buses Reach Where Trains Don't
Singapore's bus network operates over 300 services, run by three main operators: SBST, Tower Transit, and Go-Ahead Singapore. Night buses (NightRider and Nite Owl) extend coverage past midnight.
Real-time arrival
MyTransport app and bus stop displays show next arrivals in minutes with crowding indicators.
Express bus routes
Limited-stop express services (prefix 'e') run during peak hours, cutting travel time on major corridors.
Integrated ticketing
The same EZ-Link card or NETS FlashPay card works on all bus services, MRT, LRT and certain ferries.
Payment
The EZ-Link Card: One Card for Everything
Forget exact change. The EZ-Link card is Singapore's contactless transit card — it works on MRT, buses, LRT and even some taxis and retail outlets. Top up at any MRT station or 7-Eleven.
Distance-based fares
You pay only for the distance you travel. Always tap in and tap out to ensure you're charged correctly.
Transfer discounts
Seamless transfers between MRT and bus within 45 minutes earn a rebate of up to $0.22 per transfer.
Tourist Day Pass
Unlimited rides for 1, 2 or 3 days — ideal for first-time visitors who plan heavy sightseeing.
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About TransitSG
TransitSG is an independent editorial project run by transit enthusiasts who live in and regularly travel across Singapore. All information is compiled from official LTA data, TransitLink resources, and first-hand commuting experience. Content is updated regularly to reflect service changes and new line openings.