When you are spending your vacation time in Singapore and want to explore the beauty of the city, express bus services can be your ideal choice. Express bus services are bus services that operate on express sectors with skipping bus stops or travel via expressways. Using this service will save your travel time and allow you to reach your destination faster compared to using regular trunk services.

Traveling by express bus is one of the best ways to get around Singapore. This service offers various benefits, including convenience, speed, and comfort during your journey. Express Bus Services are not the same as designated trunk bus services with express sectors. Many mainline services traversing the Tampines Expressway and Bukit Timah Expressway/Pan-Island Expressway corridors are designated as main routes rather than express routes.

Singapore Express Bus Service plays a vital role in Singapore's comprehensive public transportation network. Operating throughout the city, it covers a diverse range of residential areas, commercial districts, and tourist attractions. Express bus service serves as a key mode of transportation for you to travel to various tourist destinations in Singapore.

Express Bus Services in Singapore operated by public and private bus operators offer more than 220 bus services and a fleet of over 3,400 buses with 3 main types of services.

1. Full Day Express Services

Full Day express services commenced operations in 1997 under the 5xx numbering series. These services can take you to travel either from residential neighborhoods to the city center or between different residential areas.

2. Limited-stop Express Services

These services have limited stops similar to their main routes, but with fewer stops along the way. Limited-stop Express Services were first introduced in 1975 with six routes and expanded in 1976. Targeted at residents in private residential areas, these services offer fixed fares connecting them to the CBD during peak hours. Due to low demand, some of these services were withdrawn and converted into trunk services. Eventually, in 2005, limited-stop express services were rebranded as Fast-Forward routes, offering similar routes to trunk buses with express sectors.

3. Central Business District (CBD) Express Services

Introduced between 2010 and 2016, CBD express services cater to commuters during peak hours, offering connections between residential areas and the CBD. These routes were established to compete with Premium Buses, providing links from housing estates to the CBD.

It's essential for you to be aware of several aspects when using express bus services in Singapore, such as bus schedules, travel routes, and travel points, and operator services.

1. Operating Hours and Travel Routes

Express bus services typically operate from early morning until late at night, with frequencies varying depending on the route and time of day. Services are more frequent during peak hours to accommodate higher demand, especially on routes serving transportation hubs and major employment centers.

There are various express bus services in Singapore that operate on popular routes, such as Central Boulevard, Tampines, Pan-Island Expressway, Pasir Ris Interchange, Orchard, Bedok North, and Bayfront Avenue. You can find the information about bus services, operating times, and available routes on various websites. Pay close attention to schedules as some services operate daily while others only run on weekdays and during specific peak hours.

2. Boarding and Drop-Off Locations

Express bus services have specific boarding and drop-off points. For instance, if you intend to travel to Bayfront Avenue, you can select a departure route from Pasir Ris Interchange, which also passes through Tampines, Bedok North, Moulmein, Orchard, and Suntec City. Understanding the travel routes as well as the boarding and drop-off points is highly beneficial for ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

3. Exploring Operator Services

There are several bus operators in Singapore that offer express bus services. You can choose an operator according to your preferences. Some operators provide a range of bus options, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses.

You can also explore various promotional offers and discounts provided by several bus operators. Typically, promotional offers are available for first-time users. Check the bus operator's website or contact their customer service for more information and comprehensive details on promotions.

Express bus services in Singapore offer a range of prices that vary depending on the distance traveled, type of bus, and facilities provided. Generally, express bus services have higher fares compared to regular bus services, but they offer additional comfort and time savings during the journey. You can purchase tickets for express bus services at terminals or bus stops. Some bus operators and services also offer discounts for online bookings through platforms.

Payment transactions for using express bus services can be made using credit cards, debit cards, or net banking, and cash. Some services also offer options like M-Ticket or Print My Bus Ticket. You can use the same fare payment method, such as using an ez-link card, for seamless transfers between different modes of transportation.

The fare for adult card users on express buses ranges from 1.69 SGD for the first 3.2 km to 2.97 SGD for distances exceeding 40.2 km. Meanwhile, for those using the workfare transport concession scheme card, fares start from 1.24 SGD for the initial 3.2 km and go up to 2.29 SGD for journeys over 40.2 km. Additionally, adult and workfare transport concession scheme cash fares range from 1.90 SGD for the first 3.2 km to 3.00 SGD for distances beyond 40.2 km.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities using card fares pay 1.10 SGD for the initial 3.2 km, increasing to 1.44 SGD for journeys over 7.2 km. As for senior citizens and persons with disabilities using concession cash fares, prices start from 1.30 SGD for the first 6.2 km and reach 1.60 SGD for distances exceeding 6.2 km.

For students, card fares are set at 0.78 SGD for the first 3.2 km, rising to 1.00 SGD for distances beyond 7.2 km. Meanwhile, student concession cash fares range from 0.95 SGD for the initial 6.2 km to 1.15 SGD for journeys exceeding 6.2 km.

Using express bus services to get around Singapore will give you many benefits that may not be available with other modes of transportation!

1. Time-saving Travel

Express bus services in Singapore are designed to help passengers save time, allowing for faster travel compared to regular bus services by skipping bus stops and traveling via expressways or dedicated lanes. With fewer stops or direct routes, express buses offer a more efficient journey, reducing travel time and minimizing transfers.

2. Comprehensive and Comfortable Facilities

Many express buses are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable seating, and onboard facilities to enhance passenger comfort during the journey. Additionally, there are private express buses and premium services that offer exclusive comforts, such as spacious seats, onboard entertainment systems, and free Wi-Fi. These buses are designed to provide a premium travel experience focused on comfort and convenience.

3. Safety and Reliability

Singapore Express Bus Service maintains high standards of safety and reliability to ensure a smooth and safe journey for passengers. Buses undergo regular maintenance checks, and drivers are trained to adhere to strict safety protocols, instilling confidence in passengers regarding the service's safety and reliability.

4. Accessibility and Inclusivity

Express Bus Service in Singapore prioritizes accessibility for all passengers, including people with disabilities or special needs. The buses are equipped with features, such as wheelchair-accessible ramps and dedicated seating areas to ensure a comfortable and inclusive travel experience for everyone.

5. Integration with Public Transport Network

The Singapore Express Bus Service seamlessly integrates with other modes of public transportation, including the Light Rail Transit (LRT) network, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, and regular bus services.

Experience the ultimate convenience and comfort of exploring Singapore with Express Bus Services! Don't wait any longer – pack your bags, book your flight ticket to Singapore, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through Singapore's vibrant streets using Express Bus Services!