Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT)

Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT)

Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT)
4.5
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Top ways to experience Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) and nearby attractions

The area
Neighbourhood: Marina Bay
More of a mini city than a neighbourhood in the traditional sense, the iconic Marina Bay aims to dazzle and entertain visitors of all kinds. This is the Singapore found in glossy brochures, featuring a world-class hotel, casino, shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions all geared towards pure entertainment. The SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands provides a stunning view of the city, a must-see photo opportunity for visitors and locals alike. The ArtScience Museum always has a top-quality exhibition, and Gardens by the Bay is a fascinating manifestation of the government’s vision of Singapore as a “city in a garden”. Enticing Marina Bay is well worth a visit.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Trevor B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Save your money
    Fast clean and on time. Don't bother with the tourist card as costs way more than a standard card if you don't plan on traveling on multiple+5 trips a day. Ten dollar card still good three days later after being used on two trips a day. Bargain
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 November 2023
  • Kathleen J
    29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved the SMRT
    SMRT was so clean and accessible. I use a mobility scooter and was able to get around easily. It is well sign posted and everyone was very helpful. I highly recommend this transport system to get around Singapore easily, efficiently and safely.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 November 2023
  • Nena
    Sydney, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Convenient and affordable way
    SMRT is Singapore's leading mass rapid transit system, offering a reliable, efficient and safe mode of transport. It is fully automated and clean, making it a pleasant experience for commuters. SMRT also provides quality service, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 9 November 2023
  • bill s
    New York City, New York3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fast and streamlined journey
    SMRT is Singapore's comprehensive network of advanced technology that makes travelling a breeze. With fast and streamlined services, you can get to your destination quickly and conveniently. Enjoy a hassle-free journey with SMRT's top-notch facilities and services. With its reliable and efficient operations, you can be sure to get to your destination in no time!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 11 November 2023
  • Karine
    Coventry, United Kingdom15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Modern and Safe
    Its modern trains and quality service make travelling a breeze. SMRT has revolutionised the way we commute, with its comprehensive network of stations, SMRT ensures a safe and efficient journey for its passengers. Highly recommended!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 18 November 2023
  • Suratrichard
    Surat Thani, Thailand2,513 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy way to get around.
    Pre Covid, we visited Singapore annually always making use of this mode of travel to get around Singapore. There have been changes since we were last in this fascinating city. Everything is now cashless which is fine once you know what to do! It’s possible to use credit cards but how much you are being charged is unclear at the time. The card can only be used by one person so it’s not possible to gain access through the auto gate and hand the credit card back to your companion. We found the easiest way was to buy a 10 dollar card from a 7-11 store within the station and use that. There are very few staff around and they weren’t particularly helpful unfortunately but two local Singaporeans were extremely helpful. The trains are modern, clean and run on time. There are designated seats for the elderly etc although not always available to those for whom they were intended! Once we got used to the changes, the system was easy to use. At some stations be prepared for quite a walk!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 December 2023
  • Ddan7777
    Raleigh, North Carolina4,663 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    much better then NYC subway system: clean, easy to navigate, safe
    The Singapore subway system is much better than the NYC one: no trash all over the stations, clean trains to sit down in, easy to navigate, and not too expensive. The only small disadvantages are that there are no toilet facilities within the system (of course, some would point out that that keeps the subway system clean). Also, transferring between different subway lines can sometimes involve lengthy walks. International visitors can use this subway by simply tapping with their foreign credit cards. I tried it, I couldn't believe how simple it was, though you do have to remember to tap before you leave the system (unlike the NYC system).
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 January 2024
  • Aslanda24
    162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spotless efficiency and inexpensive
    I have never known a public transport system to be so spotlessly clean, and to be so incredibly efficient. We bought a three day tourist pass for our stay at a cost of $20 for the travel and $10 for the cost of the card ; so a total of $30. The card deposit is said to be refundable. Yet to try it. The only drawback is that not all stations sell the tourist pass. Our two day extensive sightseeing travel on the MRT cost only $8.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 February 2024
  • Georgie
    Perth, Australia374 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love the MRT!
    The Singapore MRT system is so easy to use, and a cheap and great way to great around rather than relying on taxis. No need to purchase any tourist cards - the system now accepts all banks cards. For my 8 day stay, I paid $17 in total and I used the MRT every day. A fast, easy transport system to use and very clean.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 February 2024
  • Lawry
    Auckland Central, New Zealand9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Navigating Singapore with ease on SMRT
    We felt like tech-savvy explorers gliding efortlessly through Singapore on the SMRT. The system is so streamlined and safe, it made getting around a breeze. Plus, with its accessibility features, we had no trouble hopping on and off to explore all the city has to offer. Highly recommend for a stress-free journey!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled on business
    Written 25 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles24,478 reviews
Excellent
19,521
Very good
4,014
Average
647
Poor
135
Terrible
161

NJKJ444
Derby, UK47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
We used the MRT to hop around Singapore including going to Marina Bay and China town. You can buy a tourist pass and we got one for three days which was really good value and was much easier than having to keep buying tickets. The MRT system is very easy to use and is clean and efficient. We never waited very long for a train and although they were busy at times they never got too full or overcrowded. If you visit Singapore I would recommend using the MRT to get around.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NZTraveller666
New Zealand101 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
As is everthing else in Singapore, the MRT is very clean. It's easy to ride once you get used to the system. It's easy if you remember which is the LAST station on the line you are travelling, as that's what all the signs go by, ie, get on at a red-line station and want to get off at a green-line station, remember the name of the LAST station on the green-line then you know which direction train to get onto.
Using a Tourist Pass it was cheap travel, costing $20 (+$10 refundable deposit) for 3 days consecutive unlimited travel. You can also purchase 1 & 2 day tickets. The MRT Website prices and information are NOT up to date as of Feb.2020!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anthony G
Karratha, Australia29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
I would strongly recommend any visitor to Singapore to use the public transport system. The MRT has a number of lines that reach most of the main attractions, and everywhere else can usually be reached by buses. Common ticketing system for buses and trains - stored value card can be topped up at any station. Very cheap and services run every few minutes. Only drawback is that for anyone staying out late at night, system shuts down around midnight - but there are still plenty of taxis on the road.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Helen J
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We purchased an EZCard. $12 each of which $5 is the non refundable deposit and $7 credit. This can be topped up using one of the automatic machines at each station. So easy to do with instructions clearly written in English. On our first visit we purchased a Tourist Travel Card which we didn't feel was value for money as we tended to go to one area and walk around. Travel in Singapore is so cheap.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KylieIsTravelling
Perth, Australia4,097 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Solo
Using the SMRT is a great way to get around the city, very inexpensive and fast - once you find the platforms for each MRT station.

My preference was the buses as they’re more accessible, however if you buy the Singapore Tourist Pass it includes unlimited travel on the MRT as well.

The MRT is the best way to get to and from the airport. I arrived in Singapore and got a taxi from the airport to the hotel and it cost me $25. On the return, I walked to the local MRT and got a train to Changi airport and it only cost me $2.80!

I’ll definitely be getting the MRT for travelling around Singapore next time I’m back.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeff1903
King's Lynn, UK1,472 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The trains are great and punctual. The whole system is spotless and works like a dream. The ticketing system seems to be the most complicated in the world. We could not buy a day pass or period pass at the station we used, but had to go to one of half a dozen where they are sold. The ticket we did buy can be topped up and used again, but only a maximum of six times. If you use it three or more times there seems to be a small discount, but the first time there is a deposit added.
Even with the staff speaking English it took a long explanation and two visits to his desk.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

daisysnicks
Salisbury, UK164 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Other cities should look at themselves in shame. The MTR in Singapore is a showcase for how to move people around the city quickly and efficiently. Tourists can purchase 1-3 daily passes or use bank cards to access turnstiles at each end of their individual journeys
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

badmintontim
Hastings, UK4,531 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
If you buy a card upfront and you can then preload it with a minimum of $10 Singapore dollars. When you have finished then you can have the balance refunded at the airport stop and keep the card for future use.
The trips are very reasonable and the platforms spotless but eerily quiet compare to other major cities - no drinking or eating though anywhere including the trains.
Definitely the best way to get around.
Recommended- Enjoy.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chun
Honolulu, HI12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The MRTs in Singapore make it so easy to get around. If you're planning to visit for more than a couple days (or come back in the near future), get an EZ-link card which can be reloaded and reused. When planning your route, it's good to know that especially during rush hours, the red and green lines tend to be more busy than the purple, orange, blue, and brown lines.

Tip - Look out for the "special seats" in each cabin! They're marked for those who may need it more for you. Food, drinks, and smoking are also prohibited on the MRT trains and stations.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fred T
Reno, NV727 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
I tried to buy the 3 day tourist pass at the closest MRT station to the place we were staying. They do not sell them there. They can only be bought at a limited number of stations. So, had to buy a regular card, use it to get to the airport, and there I could buy the 3 day pass (there are other places to buy it, but not near our hotel). The cars on the subway are air conditioned. Most stations have escalators, so climbing steps is rarely required. One may have to go up or down a level or two to change between lines. One may also have to walk some distance in one station to change lines. Some cars are better than others for marking where one is and what is up coming. Make sure you get a map of the lines (can be on cell phone or paper map).
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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