Local Transport in Singapore

🚆 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..
- 🚌 NUS Internal Shuttle Bus (ISB) – Free and frequent service
👉 NUS Shuttle Bus Schedule - 🚌 NTU Campus Loop – Electric buses every 10–15 minutes
👉 NTU Shuttle Route Map
💡 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 |
