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Local Transport in Singapore

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🚆 Student Transport in Singapore – Complete Guide for International Students

1. 🚇 MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – Fast, Reliable & Student-Friendly

The MRT is the backbone of Singapore’s public transport — clean, safe, air-conditioned, and always on time.

  • Serves all major universities: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT
  • Key Lines:
    📍 East-West Line (Green) – NUS, Clementi, Changi Airport
    📍 Downtown Line (Blue) – SUTD, Little India, Bugis
    📍 North-South Line (Red) – SMU, Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut

👉 MRT Map & Route Finder – LTA
👉 Realtime MRT Arrival Times

💡 Tip: Trains operate from 5:30 AM to midnight, with 2–3 minute frequency during peak hours.

2. 🚌 Public Buses – Cheap & Widely Connected

Singapore’s bus network complements the MRT and offers convenient access to campuses and housing.

  • Major providers: SBS Transit and SMRT Buses
  • All buses are air-conditioned and accept contactless cards
  • Plan your route easily with the MyTransport.SG app

👉 Bus Route Planner – TransitLink
👉 Download MyTransport App

💡 Student fare: Around SGD 0.50 – 0.80 per ride with a concession card.

3. 💳 EZ-Link Card & Concession Passes

The EZ-Link card (or SimplyGo student card) is essential for travel across MRT, buses, and even some retail stores.

  • Use it on MRT, buses, and even at selected retail outlets
  • Apply for a student concession pass through your university or TransitLink

👉 EZ-Link Official Site
👉 Student Concession Cards – TransitLink

💡 Pro Tip: Link your EZ-Link to mobile wallets (Apple Pay / Samsung Pay) for quicker tap-in.

4. 🚖 Taxis, Grab & Ride-Hailing Services

For convenience or late-night travel, students often use ride-hailing apps.

  • 🚗 Grab – Singapore’s most popular app
  • 🚕 Gojek – Usually cheaper, with frequent promos
  • 🚖 ComfortDelGro Taxis – Reliable metered cabs

👉 Grab Singapore
👉 Gojek Singapore
👉 ComfortDelGro Taxi Booking

💡 Note: Avoid peak-hour surges (8–10 AM and 6–8 PM). Use promo codes often offered to students.

5. 🧑‍🎓 University Shuttle Services

Some universities operate free or low-cost shuttle buses within large campuses like NUS and NTU..

💡 Tip: Check university apps for real-time shuttle tracking.

6. 🛫 Airport Access for International Arrivals

Changi Airport is connected directly to the MRT and bus network.

  • 🚆 Take the East-West Line (Green) from Changi Airport MRT Station
  • 🚖 Grab/taxi fare to the city: SGD 20–30
  • 🧳 Many universities offer airport pickup during orientation week

👉 Changi Airport Transport Options

7. 🚴 Cycling, Walking & Eco-Friendly Travel

Singapore is a car-lite city promoting sustainable mobility.

  • 🛴 Use bike-sharing apps like SG Bike or Anywheel
  • 🚶‍♀️ Many students walk to campus housing within 10–15 mins
  • 🚲 Cycling is safe in university zones with dedicated bike racks

👉 Anywheel App
👉 SG Bike

💡 Tip: Use the Park Connector Network (PCN) to explore Singapore by bike safely.

8. 💰 Estimated Monthly Transport Budget

Transport Mode Estimated Monthly Cost (SGD)
MRT & Bus (with student card) 40–70
Grab/Gojek (occasional use) 50–100 (optional)
University Shuttle Usually Free
Bike/Walking Free/SGD 2 per ride
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