What is the MRT?
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is Singapore's heavy rail backbone, operated by two companies — SMRT Trains (North South, East West, Circle and Thomson-East Coast lines) and SBS Transit (North East and Downtown lines). Together they serve over 3 million journeys daily across six colour-coded lines and 130 stations.
The system runs on a mix of elevated, surface-level and underground track. Fully air-conditioned trains operate between 5:30am and midnight daily, with extended hours on New Year's Eve and selected public holidays.
The Six MRT Lines
North South Line (NSL) — Red
Spanning 45.3 kilometres across 29 stations, the NSL is the original MRT line, opened in 1987. It runs from Jurong East in the west, through the central business district via City Hall and Raffles Place, and north to Woodlands and Jurong East. The CBD interchange cluster — City Hall, Raffles Place and Dhoby Ghaut — handles the highest passenger volumes on the entire network.
East West Line (EWL) — Green
The longest MRT line in Singapore at 57.2 kilometres, the EWL connects Tuas Link in Jurong Industrial Estate with Changi Airport, branching off at Tanah Merah. It serves major employment nodes in the west and is the only direct link between the airport and the city without a transfer.
North East Line (NEL) — Purple
Opened in 2003, the NEL was Asia's first fully automated heavy metro. All 17 stations are underground. It connects HarbourFront in the south through Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Little India to Punggol New Town in the north-east — a corridor that has grown rapidly over the past decade.
Circle Line (CCL) — Orange
The CCL is the only MRT line that doesn't terminate — it runs in an open arc from HarbourFront to Dhoby Ghaut without a direct end-to-end tunnel. Designed as a connector between the radial lines, it passes through Bishan, Serangoon, Paya Lebar, Esplanade and Marina Bay, enabling passengers to switch lines without going into the city centre.
Downtown Line (DTL) — Blue
With 35 stations across 42 kilometres, the DTL is the longest fully underground MRT line in Singapore. It serves the Bukit Timah and Bukit Panjang corridors — previously underserved by rail — and connects through the city to Expo and Sungei Bedok in the east. The DT1–DT3 service variation means some peak-hour trains terminate early; check the destination board before boarding.
Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) — Brown
The TEL is the newest line, with the last stage expected to complete in 2026. It runs from Woodlands North through Orchard, Marina Bay and continues along the East Coast to Sungei Bedok. When fully operational, it will connect four existing MRT lines and reduce travel time from Woodlands to Orchard to under 20 minutes.
Fares and Payment
Singapore's MRT uses a distance-based fare system. Fares are calculated from entry station to exit station, not by journey time. The minimum adult fare is $0.83 (EZ-Link) and maximum is around $2.24 for the longest trips.
Always tap out. If you forget to tap out at your exit station, the system charges a maximum fare of $4.00 and you'll need to visit a TransitLink Ticket Office to request a refund.
| Fare Type | Min Fare | Max Fare | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (EZ-Link) | $0.83 | $2.24 | All adults (12+) |
| Senior Citizen | $0.51 | $1.37 | 65+ with concession card |
| Student | $0.42 | $1.06 | Full-time students with card |
| Single-trip ticket | $1.10 | $2.70 | Occasional users, tourists |
Operating Hours and Frequency
MRT trains operate from approximately 5:30am to midnight, seven days a week. During peak hours (weekdays 7:30–9:00am and 5:30–7:30pm), trains run every 2–3 minutes on the busiest sections. Off-peak frequency is typically 5–8 minutes. During late nights, some lines have reduced frequency, with trains every 8–12 minutes after 10pm.
Travelling From Changi Airport
Changi Airport is served by the East West Line (Changi Airport Branch). Trains run directly to the city at Tanah Merah interchange, where you transfer to the main EWL towards Raffles Place or Jurong East. Journey time to Raffles Place is approximately 30 minutes. The fare is around $1.90–$2.00 by EZ-Link. Trains run until approximately midnight; for late-night arrivals, taxis and private hire vehicles are the practical alternative.
Accessibility on the MRT
All MRT stations have lifts connecting all levels, platform edge doors for safety, tactile guidance paths, and wheelchair-designated spaces in each train car. Barrier-free access routes are marked from street level to fare gates. Passengers with disabilities travelling in groups can contact SMRT or SBS Transit in advance for assistance at major interchange stations.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- Purchase an EZ-Link card at any MRT station General Ticketing Machine (GTM). You'll pay $10: $5 card deposit + $5 stored value.
- The MyTransport.SG app (free, iOS and Android) gives real-time train status, service alerts and journey planning.
- Google Maps integration is excellent — the Singapore MRT is fully mapped with live disruption alerts on the platform.
- Eating and drinking inside trains or stations is strictly prohibited and carries a $500 fine.
- Priority seats near the doors are reserved — vacate them for elderly, pregnant or mobility-impaired passengers.
- During disruptions, MRT stations display alternative bus routes on station screens.