Singapore MRT Map Guide: Routes, Fares, Lines & EZ-Link Tips for Travellers

Hi there, fellow travelers! 😊 As a Malaysian who has always loved popping over to Singapore for a weekend escape, I can’t tell you how many times the MRT has saved me – from getting lost, overspending on taxis, or roasting under the midday sun! If you’re planning your next trip across the Causeway and want to explore Singapore like a local, this blog is for you.

Let’s dive into my experience with the Singapore MRT Map – the real MVP of my Singapore trips. 🙌

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🏙️ Introduction to the Singapore MRT

Source from MRT Map (LTA) - MRT Map

The Singapore MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is literally a lifesaver when you’re exploring the Lion City. 🦁 Trains arrive on time, the stations are spotless, and best of all – most major attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.

Imagine getting from Changi Airport to Orchard Road in just 30 minutes – without traffic, and for less than the price of a nasi lemak! 🍛

Here’s why I love the MRT:

• No need to worry about parking 🅿️
• Super clean (macam hospital clean 😄)
• Efficient, even during peak hours 🕒
• Air-conditioned trains ❄️ (syok on a hot day!)

🗺️ An Overview of the Singapore MRT Lines

The MRT map might look like spaghetti at first 🍜, but once you get used to the colors and names, it’s super easy. Each color-coded line serves different areas – perfect for planning your day.

Here’s a quick guide:

🔴 North–South Line (NSL)

Color: Red
Route: NS1 Jurong East ➝ NS28 Marina South Pier
Total Stations: 27

This was the first MRT line and is still one of the most used! It connects north to south, passing through key heartland and shopping areas.

🛑 Key stations for travelers:

• 🚉 Jurong East – JEM, Westgate shopping malls
• 🚉 Orchard – Luxury shopping, ION Orchard
• 🚉 Dhoby Ghaut – Major interchange with Circle and NE Lines
• 🚉 City Hall – Walk to Marina Square, Raffles City
• 🚉 Marina Bay – Near Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay 🌿

🧭 Tip: Very convenient for hotel stays around Orchard or Novena.

🟢 East–West Line (EWL)

Color: Green
Route: EW1 Pasir Ris ➝ EW33 Tuas Link / CG1 Changi Airport
Total Stations: 35

This line stretches across east to west, and even has a branch to Changi Airport! 🎒✈️

🛑 Key stations for travelers:

• 🚉 Changi Airport (CG2) – Direct access from the airport
• 🚉 Bugis – Food heaven and shopping paradise
• 🚉 Lavender – ICA, backpacker hostels
• 🚉 Tanjong Pagar – Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre nearby
• 🚉 Jurong East – Interchange with NSL

🧭 Tip: Use this line if you're coming in or leaving via the airport – saves big time on transport costs!

🔵 Downtown Line (DTL)

Color: Blue
Route: DT1 Bukit Panjang ➝ DT37 Sungei Bedok
Total Stations: 37

This one’s a traveler’s dream – linking tons of attractions in the city. I always rely on it when staying around Bugis or Chinatown.

🛑 Key stations for travelers:

• 🚉 Little India – Indian groceries, temples
• 🚉 Rochor – Next to Sim Lim Square (tech stuff!)
• 🚉 Bugis – Everything from food to fashion
• 🚉 Telok Ayer – Near Amoy Street Food Centre
• 🚉 Downtown – Financial district, skyscrapers
• 🚉 Bayfront – Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay 🌃🌊

🧭 Tip: Convenient for walking to nearby spots – many downtown exits lead right into malls or air-conditioned underpasses.

🟡 Circle Line (CCL)

Color: Yellow
Route: CC1 Dhoby Ghaut ➝ CC33 Marina Bay (Circle incomplete as of 2025)
Total Stations: 33

As the name suggests, it forms a loop, connecting many outer-city areas and interchanges. It’s my favorite line for less touristy areas.

🛑 Key stations for travelers:

• 🚉 Esplanade – Near the arts centre & Suntec
• 🚉 Stadium – Singapore Sports Hub
• 🚉 Bras Basah – Museums & arts
• 🚉 HarbourFront – Sentosa access
• 🚉 Buona Vista – Star Vista Mall, university area
• 🚉 Botanic Gardens – Beautiful & free UNESCO site 🌸

🧭 Tip: This line avoids central crowd congestion!

🟤 Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL)

Color: Brown
Route: TE1 Woodlands North ➝ TE27 Bayshore (future extension to TE29 Sungei Bedok)
Total Stations (open so far): 24 (ongoing expansion)

This newest MRT line is sleek, futuristic, and slowly becoming the go-to for seamless east-to-central access.

🛑 Key stations for travelers:

• 🚉 Orchard Boulevard – Quieter end of Orchard
• 🚉 Great World – Easy access to Great World City Mall
• 🚉 Shenton Way – Financial district
• 🚉 Gardens by the Bay – Direct access from TEL = amazing!
• 🚉 Woodlands North – Future JB-SG RTS link coming! 🚉🇲🇾

🧭 Tip: Once complete, this will connect Johor Bahru to the Singapore MRT via RTS – big win for us Malaysians!

Sengkang LRT and Punggol LRT

The Sengkang and Punggol Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines, marked in grey on the MRT map, are smaller and less speedy than the MRT lines, but they cover essential areas. The Sengkang LRT, a driverless and fully automated train, has two loops: the East Loop and the West Loop. Similarly, the Punggol LRT is divided into two loops.

Bukit Panjang LRT: The First Light Rail System

The Bukit Panjang LRT, marked in grey on the MRT map, was the first light rail system in Singapore. Despite its short length of 7.6 km, it conveniently connects with the North-South Line and Downtown Line.

🟣 North–East Line (NEL)

Color: Purple
Route: NE1 HarbourFront ➝ NE17 Punggol
Total Stations: 16

The first fully automated underground line – and super handy for cultural spots and trendy cafes ☕.

🛑 Key stations for travelers:

• 🚉 HarbourFront – VivoCity, gateway to Sentosa
• 🚉 Clarke Quay – Bars, river cruises, nightlife 🌃
• 🚉 Chinatown – Heritage buildings, temples, local eats
• 🚉 Little India – Tekka Centre, Indian food & shops
• 🚉 Dhoby Ghaut – Major interchange

🧭 Tip: Combine this with Circle Line for a culture + chill day trip!

🟠 Cross Island Line (CRL) – Coming Soon

Color: Orange
Phase 1: Expected to open in 2030
This will be another game-changer – connecting Jurong to Changi directly. Great for the long-term future, especially for those coming from JB via Tuas.

🧩 Interchange Stations to Remember 🔁

Here are a few useful interchange stations where you can switch lines easily:

• Dhoby Ghaut – NSL, NEL, CCL
• Bugis – DTL, EWL
• Newton – NSL, DTL
• Outram Park – NEL, EWL, TEL
• Marina Bay – NSL, CCL, TEL
• Serangoon – NEL, CCL
• Paya Lebar – EWL, CCL

💰 Singapore MRT Fares & Ticketing Systems

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a lot of SGD to get around.

🚆 Fares range from SGD 0.90 to SGD 2.50 – depending on distance. Even the longest trip costs less than RM10!

There are 3 main ways to pay:

🎫 Standard Tickets

Buy them at the station using machines. Good if you’re just riding once or twice – but honestly, not that convenient.

🎟️ Singapore Tourist Pass

Unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days – perfect for those jam-packed trip itineraries. Available at TransitLink offices.

💳 EZ-Link Card (Recommended!)

This is the best option. It works like our Touch ‘n Go – just tap in and out. You can use it for buses and some shops too! 🛒

⏰ Singapore MRT Operating Hours

The MRT is super dependable – almost military precision. 💂‍♂️

• 🚉 Starts around 5:30 AM
• 🚇 Ends around 12:00 AM (midnight)

I’ve used it for early trips to Universal Studios 🎢 and even for catching the Marina Bay light show 🌃. Just check the official website or Google Maps for last train times, especially on Sundays and public holidays.

📱 Apps like SG MRT or MyTransport.SG are very helpful too!

💳 EZ-Link Card – The Malaysian Must-Have! 😍

source from https://www.tripindicator.com/

This little card is your golden ticket to travel freedom. 🎟️

• 💵 Costs around SGD 10 (with SGD 5 credit preloaded)
• 🔁 Top up at any MRT station, 7-Eleven, or Cheers outlet
• 🚌 Works on buses and some cabs too!

I always keep mine from past trips – they stay valid for 5 years. The best part? You skip the queue, avoid paper tickets, and get discounted fares. Every time I tap mine, I feel like a local. 😎

🧠 Tip: Get a cool character-themed EZ-Link card as a souvenir – I’ve seen Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and even Gudetama ones at Changi Airport! 🐱🎮

🧭 Summary of the Singapore MRT Map – Why It’s a Game-Changer

After countless trips across the Causeway, I can confidently say this: the Singapore MRT system is one of the most tourist-friendly transportation networks in the world. 🚆✨

As a proud Malaysian traveler who values both comfort and cost-efficiency (you know lah, SGD exchange rate hurts sometimes 😅), the MRT has been a real lifesaver for me. Whether I’m heading to the luxury malls at Orchard, street eats in Bugis, or catching the sunset at Marina Bay, the Singapore MRT Map is always my go-to navigation tool.

It’s:

• 🧭 Easy to understand (once you ride it once or twice!)
• 💰 Affordable (compared to taxis or ride-hailing)
• 🚄 Efficient (trains come fast, no long waits)
• ♻️ Eco-friendly (reduce traffic and carbon footprint!)
• 💳 Convenient with the EZ-Link or even your own credit card!

So, if you’re planning your next trip down south, don’t stress about transport lah. Just grab an EZ-Link card, screenshot the latest Singapore MRT Map, and enjoy your own smooth, air-conditioned, jam-free adventure! ❄️🚉

🎟️ Ready to explore the Lion City like a pro?

👉 Book your flight to Singapore now on Trip.com

👉 Find hotel deals in Singapore here

👉 Need internet? Pre-order your Singapore eSIM here

👉EZLink Card