Singapore City Guide - Getting Around

Public transport in Singapore is efficient, ultra-modern, clean, cheap and mostly air-conditioned. TransitLink Hotline (tel: 1 800 225 5663; website: www.transitlink.com.sg) is a one-stop number set up by all the major transport providers (bus, underground etc) to help co-ordinate people's transport needs (0800-1800 daily except public holidays).

The train system is operated by Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (tel: 1 800 336 8900; website: www.smrtcorp.com.sg). The MRT system extends north-south and east-west with trains every 3 to 6 minutes 0530-0030 daily.

MRT also operate the Light Rapid Transit System (tel: 1 800 336 8900 Mon-Fri 0730-1830; website: www.smrtcorp.com). There are currently 14 LRT stations - the system runs from Bukit Panjang New Town to Choa Chu Kang and Fajar in the suburbs. Trains run every 3 to 5 minutes.

The bus system is operated by the Singapore Bus Service (SBS) (tel: 1 800 225 5663; website: www.sbstransit.com.sg) and SMRT Buses (tel: 1 800 336 8900; website: www.smrtbuses.com.sg). SBS buses run 0600-2400. They also run the BusPlus service (tel: 6481 0166; website: www.busplus.com.sg), which operates during peak hours to shuttle passengers between residential areas and MRT stations or the Central Business District. NightRider night buses, operated by SMRT Buses, run on limited routes between the city centre and residential suburbs until around 0400.

Electronic Smart Cards, known as ez-link Cards (website: www.ezlink.com.sg), may be used on any MRT, LRT or bus journey, and can be purchased and topped up from general ticketing machines at all MRT, LRT,  bus stations and also online. They may be topped up to any value. A small deposit is required, which may be returned once the card is returned. These cards may be kept in a wallet or bag and placed near the card reader at ticket gates on trains or on entering a bus.

Over 15,000 cheap, metered, safe and air-conditioned taxis ply the city, but their convenience and affordability means they are hard to find during peak hours, especially in the Central Business District (CBD) - and during a downpour. Taxis can be hailed 24 hours a day on the street, as well as at well-marked stands outside most shopping centres and hotels. Fares vary slightly between companies, and are subject to a number of surcharges such as advance booking fees, toll fees, during peak hours or a pick up in the CBD. There is a 50% surcharge 0000-0600 daily, and a S$5 surcharge 1700-2400 Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and surcharges for driving along certain highways at certain times.

It is not customary to tip taxi drivers. Drivers changing shifts will only take passengers heading in their direction - the red board on the dashboard or windscreen indicates the destination. Although there is no longer a bell that rings if the taxi breaks the speed limit, most drivers adhere strictly to the 80kph (50mph) limit. Major taxi firms include CityCab (tel: 6552 2222 (cash payment) or 6553 8888 (credit/charge card payment); website: www.citycab.com.sg), Comfort (tel: 6552 1111; website: www.comfort-transportation.com.sg) and SMRT Taxis (tel: 6369 0111; website: www.smrttaxis.com.sg/website/1/ct_aboutus.html).

Singapore's highways are all designated by acronyms - AYE, ECP, CTE, AMK, PIE, ORR and CBD. Various tolls are levied in morning and evening peak hours to relieve congestion on expressways and busy roads, using the Electronic Road Pricing Scheme (ERP), which automatically deducts tolls from the In-Vehicle Unit or IU. This is fitted in all Singaporean vehicles and drivers purchase a rechargeable Cashcard and insert it in the IU. Vehicles that are not fitted with the IU drivers may pay a fixed ERP fee, where S$5 is deducted per day on passing an ERP gantry. This is paid together with the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and toll charges via the Auto Pass card when departing Singapore. To help traffic flow in the Central Business District, all vehicles entering between 0730 and 1900 are also expected to pay a toll, which varies depending on the time. More information on the ERP is available from the Land Transport Authority (tel: 1 800 225 5582; website: www.lta.gov.sg).

The highways are easy to negotiate and traffic generally moves smoothly thanks to the ERP. Wearing seat belts in the front and back is mandatory and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. Offences are treated seriously, with tough fines and even jail sentences. Singaporean drivers have a habit of lane drifting but otherwise traffic flows with very few abuses of etiquette.

Parking is cheap and easily available all over the city, especially in hotel basement car parks. Rates vary depending on location, management and timing but public car parks cost around S$0.50 per half hour, double that inside the Central Business District. Some require parking coupons; others will take cash.

A valid national driving licence is required, although an International Driving Permit (IDP) is preferred and is mandatory where the driver's national licence is not in English. Drivers also require a passport and credit card to hire a car. Minimum third-party insurance is compulsory and can be extended to cover Malaysia. The minimum age limit for hiring a car is 25 years.

Major providers include Avis (tel: 6737 1668; website: www.avisworld.com) and Hertz (tel: 6734 4646; website: www.hertz.com).

Cycling in Singapore tends to be restricted to public parks, with East Coast Park a popular venue for cyclists and rollerbladers. Bicycle hire is available at several outlets in the park, from about S$1.50 per hour. Bicycles can also be hired at Sentosa, Pasir Ris and Bishan parks. The island of Pulau Ubin (see Excursions) has mountain bike facilities, with many hire shops near the jetty.