Cheapest Ways to Travel Around Singapore

Overview

Singapore's public transport is already affordable, but with smart planning, you can save even more. This guide reveals insider tips to minimize your transport costs.

Fare Saving Strategies

• Use buses instead of MRT: Buses typically 20-30% cheaper than MRT for same distance. Example: Bedok to Orchard - Bus: $1.80, MRT: $2.20
• Transfer wisely: Free/discounted transfers within 45 minutes (bus-bus, bus-MRT, MRT-bus)
• Monthly concession passes: Consider Monthly Travel Pass if you commute daily (128 trips threshold)

Cheapest Routes Analysis

• Cross-island travel: Bus 14 (Bedok-Clementi): $1.80 vs MRT $2.30 (22% savings)
• Airport transfer: Bus 36: $2.00 vs MRT $2.30 vs Taxi $25+
• North-South travel: Bus 67 (Choa Chu Kang-Tampines): $2.00 vs MRT $2.50 (20% savings)

Money Saving Tips

• Travel during off-peak (save $0.30-0.50 per trip before 7:45am)
• Use SimplyGo for automatic rebates (no need to tap out correctly)
• Senior/Student concession cards offer 25-50% discounts
• Walk short distances instead of 1-2 stop trips

Local Insights

• Monthly pass pays off at ~$128/month in fares (about 2 trips/day)
• Bus+MRT combination often faster and cheaper than MRT-only
• Some express buses same price as regular but save 20-30 minutes