The Ultimate Guide to Singapore Transport Passes — EZ-Link, MRT, Changi Airport, and Tourist Pass 2026
Mastering Singapore's public transport — from MRT and buses with EZ-Link and contactless cards. A comprehensive guide on getting around Changi Airport, the Tourist Pass, fares, and tips for 2026.
🤖 Translated automatically by AI (GPT-4o-mini). Reviewed periodically.
From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.
Singapore is a hot and humid city, making it tough to walk around. Fortunately, the MRT and buses connect every corner of the city comfortably. The key is having a transport card. As soon as I arrived, I charged my EZ-Link card and tagged it to travel from Marina Bay to Chinatown. Nowadays, it’s even easier with the option to tag my contactless credit card from Korea. In this article, I’ll cover everything from EZ-Link to getting around Changi Airport and the Tourist Pass.
Overview
- Options: EZ-Link card or contactless credit card (SimplyGo) directly tagged
- Airport → City: MRT about S$2 (45 minutes to 1 hour) · Taxi S$25–40
- City Travel: Both MRT and buses are tag-based, fares S$1–2.5
- Tourist Option: Singapore Tourist Pass (unlimited 1-day pass)
- Recommendation: If you have a Korean contactless card, tagging it directly is the most convenient.
EZ-Link vs Contactless Card — Which to Use?
Payment for transport in Singapore has two options.
- EZ-Link Card — A traditional rechargeable transport card. Purchase and recharge at MRT stations or 7-Eleven. Card cost S$5–10 + recharge amount.
- Contactless Credit/Debit Card (SimplyGo) — Tag your Visa or Master contactless card directly at the gate. You can use your existing card from Korea without needing to buy a separate card (check with your card issuer for foreign transaction fees).
For travelers, if you have a contactless card, use that; if not, go for EZ-Link. With contactless, you don’t have to worry about refunds or recharging, making it increasingly popular.
MRT (Subway) — Routes and Fares
The Singapore MRT is easy to remember with its color-coded lines: Red (NS), Green (EW), Blue (DT), Purple (NE), Yellow (CC). Most major tourist attractions are accessible via the MRT.
- Fares: Distance-based S$1–2.5, tag-based
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to around midnight, with intervals of 2–5 minutes
- Key Stations: Marina Bay, Chinatown, Orchard, Bugis, HarbourFront (Sentosa)
I’ve outlined the route from Marina Bay to Chinatown in my 6-day free travel itinerary for Singapore.
From Changi Airport to the City — MRT, Taxi, Shuttle
Here’s how to get from the world-renowned Changi Airport (SIN) to the city.
- MRT (East-West line) — The cheapest option. About S$2 to the city, taking 45 minutes to 1 hour (transfer at Tanah Merah station). Not operational during early morning or late night.
- Taxi/Grab — Costs S$25–40 to the city, taking about 30 minutes. There’s a surcharge for late-night rides. Convenient if you have a lot of luggage.
- Airport Shuttle Bus — Fixed fare to hotels (around S$10), reservation required.
If you arrive late at night, keep in mind that the MRT stops running, so consider taking a taxi or Grab.
Buses and the Singapore Tourist Pass
Buses also operate on a tag-based system like the MRT and are distance-based. Riding the double-decker buses is a great way to see the city. Remember to tag both when getting on and off to ensure the fare is calculated correctly (if you forget, you’ll be charged the maximum fare).
The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides on MRT and buses for a day (around S$17). If you plan to use public transport 5–6 times or more in a day, it’s worth it; otherwise, just recharge your EZ-Link card for a cheaper option.
Tips to Maximize Your Transport Experience
- Prioritize Contactless: Tagging your existing Korean card means no need to buy or refund a card
- Tag Both on Buses: Forgetting to tag off will incur the maximum fare
- Google Maps = Accurate: Singapore's public transport directions are very precise
- Getting to Sentosa: Transfer from HarbourFront to Sentosa Express or cable car
For stories about food and shopping in Singapore, check out my Hawker Center Food Guide and Shopping Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use my Korean credit card directly on the subway?
Yes. If you have a Visa or Master contactless card, you can tag it directly at the gate (SimplyGo). It’s convenient without needing to purchase an EZ-Link, but check with your card issuer for foreign transaction fees.
Q2. Can I get a refund for my EZ-Link balance?
Yes, but the process can be cumbersome. Usually, it’s cleaner to use up the balance at a convenience store or near an MRT charging station on your last day.
Q3. Do I have to buy the Tourist Pass?
No. It’s only beneficial for tight schedules where you plan to ride 5–6 times in a day. For a more relaxed itinerary, tagging with EZ-Link or a contactless card is cheaper.