The Ultimate Singapore MRT & LRT Guide (2026 Edition): Navigate Like a Local

Traveloka Team
13 min read

Welcome to the Lion City! If you’ve just landed at Changi or you’re a local trying to navigate the ever-expanding web of tracks, you’ve come to the right place. In 2026, the Singapore MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is more than just a train system; it is the cool, air-conditioned lifeblood of an island that rarely sleeps and never stops sweating.

Navigating the city using a map of Singapore metro can feel like looking at a bowl of colorful spaghetti, but don't worry. This guide will turn you from a confused tourist into a savvy commuter who knows exactly which carriage to board for the fastest exit.

The Pulse of the Lion City

Singapore is famous for two things: incredible food and relentless humidity. While taxis and ride-sharing apps are available, the Singapore MRT is the undisputed champion of efficiency. Why? Because while the traffic on the PIE (Pan Island Expressway) might be at a standstill, the metro moves with clockwork precision.

The 2026 Network: Bigger and Better

As of early 2026, the mrt system singapore has seen some massive upgrades. We’ve witnessed the full completion of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), with Stage 5 now connecting Bedok South and Sungei Bedok to the rest of the island. Furthermore, the Circle Line Stage 6 (CCL6) has finally "closed the circle," making the commute from the West to the CBD significantly faster.

While the Jurong Region Line (JRL) is still putting on its finishing touches for its 2027 opening, the sg mrt map is now more interconnected than ever, boasting over 140 stations. Whether you call it the singapore metro map or peta mrt singapore, the reality is the same: you are never more than a few hundred meters away from a station in most parts of the city.

Singapore MRT Map

Quick Glance at All Lines (2026)

LineAbbreviationKey Colours on MapsTotal StationsTypical Operating Hours
North‑South LineNSLRed275:30 AM – 12:15 AM
East‑West LineEWLGreen555:30 AM – 12:15 AM
Circle LineCCLOrange315:30 AM – 12:15 AM
Downtown LineDTLBlue345:30 AM – 12:15 AM
Thomson‑East Coast LineTELBrown315:30 AM – 12:15 AM
Jurong Region LineJRLPurple (LRT)245:30 AM – 12:15 AM
Cross‑Island Line (Phase 1)CRL‑1Pink13 (operational)5:30 AM – 12:15 AM

If you need a “singapore mrt map 2026” or a “new mrt map singapore”, simply download the latest PDF from the LTA site. The file includes colour‑coded lines, major interchanges, and a legend for wheelchair‑friendly stations, bicycle parking, and bus‑MRT integration points.

1. Singapore MRT Operating Hours Comparison

One of the most common searches related to the new mrt map singapore is “When is the last train in Singapore?” Since the city doesn't have a 24-hour train system (maintenance happens at night!), understanding the singapore mrt service time is crucial for getting home.

Weekday vs Weekend MRT Hours Comparison

MRT Line

Weekday First Train

Weekday Last Train

Weekend First Train

Weekend Last Train

East-West Line (EWL)

04:59 AM

00:16 AM

05:19 AM

00:15 AM

North-South Line (NSL)

04:59 AM

00:15 AM

05:23 AM

00:15 AM

North-East Line (NEL)

05:39 AM

11:25 PM

05:55 AM

11:45 PM

Circle Line (CCL)

05:50 AM

11:59 PM

06:10 AM

12:05 AM

Downtown Line (DTL)

05:36 AM

11:40 PM

06:00 AM

11:50 PM

Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)

05:36 AM

11:30 PM

06:05 AM

11:50 PM

Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT)

05:05 AM

11:30 PM

05:29 AM

11:30 PM

Sengkang LRT (SKLRT)

05:18 AM

00:37 AM

05:38 AM

00:35 AM

Punggol LRT (PGLRT)

05:27 AM

00:45 AM

05:47 AM

00:45 AM

The "Last Train" Trap

Don't just rely on a standard sg mrt time table to tell you when to leave the bar. While some lines run until 12:30 AM, if you need to make a transfer—like switching to a new mrt line singapore project or moving from the East-West to the North-East line—you need to be at the station much earlier.

Pro Tip: To be safe with singapore mrt time, aim to be at your starting station by 11:45 PM. If you miss that final connection, you'll be relying on a significantly more expensive late-night taxi.

Special Cases & Service Extensions

On the Eves of Public Holidays—such as New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali—the mrt metro singapore usually extends its hours by 1.5 to 2 hours. This turns the metro map singapore mrt into a late-night lifeline for partygoers.

Train and Bus Services Operational Hours Changes during big day

During the big days like Christmas or New Year, SBS Transit will be extending its train and bus services.

Train services on the Downtown and North East Lines as well as on the Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit systems will be extended by about two hours and fifteen minutes.

Source: sbstransit.com.sg

To complement the extension of train service hours, 19 SBS Transit bus services – 60A, 63M, 114A, 222, 225G, 228, 229, 232, 238, 261, 269, 291, 292, 293, 315, 325, 410W, 804 and 812 – will also run later at their respective interchanges. 

As offices will be closed earlier on that day, 25 SBS Transit bus services – 10e, 14e, 30e, 89e, 174e, 196e, 454, 456, 513, 652, 654, 655, 660/660M, 667, 668, 671, 672, 675, 676, 677, 679, 680, 681, 682 and 850E – that operate only during peak hours will have their evening trips brought forward. There is no change to the operating hours of these services for their morning trips.

Bukit Panjang LRT Full-Day Closure

The Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) will be closed on Sunday, 25 January 2026 to support system renewal.

Take these alternative bus and LRT services to continue your journey:

LRT Shuttle B
Existing bus services: 67, 171, 920, 922, 960, 963, 972, 972M, 973, 974 & 976.

2. The "Rush Hour" Survival Guide

If you value your personal space, you’ll want to avoid the sg mrt during peak hours. But if you must join the fray, here is how to survive like a local while navigating the singapore mrt line map.

Morning Peak: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Evening Peak: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The "Golden Window": 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is when the sin mrt map feels less like a sardine can and more like a private lounge.

The "First Carriage" Strategy

Check the singapore metro train map indicators on the platform. Most crowds cluster near the escalators. If you walk to the very ends of the platform (the first or last carriage), you are much more likely to find a seat or at least some breathing room while you check the map mrt singapura for your next stop.

3. Money Matters: How the Fares Actually Work

In 2026, the mrt singapore price is remarkably competitive compared to other global cities. Singapore utilizes a distance-based pricing model—this means you don't pay per stop, but rather for the exact number of kilometers you travel.

Understanding the Singapore MRT Fare

Whether you're using a physical card or a mobile wallet, the sg mrt fare is calculated automatically. For most adult commuters, the singapore mrt fare price typically ranges from $1.09 to $2.50 per journey. If you are trying to calculate your singapore mrt charges for a day of sightseeing, you can expect to spend around $10–$15 if you’re hitting multiple ends of the island.

The "Transfer" Rule

The mass rapid transit singapore is built for seamless connectivity. You can switch between the MRT and a bus (up to 5 times) without paying a new "boarding fee," provided:

The transfer occurs within 45 minutes.
The entire journey is completed within 2 hours.
You use the same singapore mrt ticket or payment method for all legs of the trip.

Early Bird & Off-Peak Discounts

Want to lower your sg mrt price? If you tap into any station before 7:45 AM on weekdays, you automatically receive up to $0.50 off your fare. Furthermore, in 2026, commuters on the North East Line (NEL) and Sengkang-Punggol LRT can even enjoy free travel if they tap in before 7:30 AM!

SimplyGo: The Modern Singapore MRT Ticket

By 2026, the traditional paper singapore mrt ticket has been almost entirely replaced by SimplyGo. You no longer need to queue at machines to buy a single-trip ticket. Simply tap your contactless credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at the gantry. The sg mrt fare will be processed in the background, and you can track your total singapore mrt charges via the SimplyGo app.

Note on SG MRT Time: Remember that fares are slightly higher during "Peak" hours, but the sg mrt time efficiency usually justifies the cost compared to sitting in traffic.

4. Payment & Card Types (2026 Standard)

The way you pay for your sg mrt line map journey has evolved. In 2026, convenience is king, and choosing the right travel card in Singapore depends entirely on your pace.

ezlink singapore

SimplyGo Singapore (The Default)

You no longer need a special card or singapore mrt tourist tickets to get through the barriers. Most commuters and long-term visitors use simply go singapore, which allows you to tap in and out using:

Phone/Smartwatch: Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
Contactless Bank Cards: Direct use of Visa, Mastercard, or NETS.
SimplyGo App: This has officially replaced the old ez link singapore app as of early 2026, serving as the unified hub for all balance checks and top-ups.

The Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)

Is the "unlimited" singapore tourist card worth it? This is the most popular singapore mrt tourist pass for visitors who want to explore without counting cents.

1-Day Pass: ~$17
2-Day Pass: ~$24
3-Day Pass: ~$29
Expanded Options: You can now also find 4-day (~$37) and 5-day (~$45) versions of the sg tourist pass for longer stays.

Verdict: If you are hunting for a singapore metro tourist pass or a singapore metro pass for tourist use, this is it. If you plan on hitting 5+ attractions a day, the sg tourism pass (or tourist pass singapur) is a steal. If you’re a "one museum and a long lunch" kind of traveler, your contactless credit card is more cost-effective.

EZ-Link & NETS FlashPay

The classic ez link card singapore is still a reliable staple.

Cost: ~$10 ($5 for the card fee, $5 travel credit).
Availability: Pick up an ez link card sg at any 7-Eleven, Changi Recommends, or SimplyGo Ticket Office.
2026 Update: All new cards are now SimplyGo-compatible. While the physical ez link singapore card is still sold, the backend system is fully integrated into the SimplyGo account-based framework.

5. Time-Saving Hacks for Frequent Riders

Knowing the singapur metro map is one thing; mastering it is another.

The "Citymapper" Edge

While Google Maps is fine, Citymapper or the SimplyGo App will tell you exactly which carriage to board so that when the doors open, you are standing directly in front of the escalator for your transfer.

The Interchange Shortcut

Stations like Jurong East, City Hall, and Raffles Place offer "cross-platform transfers." This means if you are switching from the Red Line to the Green Line, you just walk across the platform—no stairs required.

The MRT Map "Lie"

The metro in singapore map is a schematic, not a geographical map.

Example: On the map, Raffles Place and Telok Ayer look far apart. In reality, it’s a 5-minute walk above ground.
Example: Switching from the Blue Line to the Red Line at Newton requires a long underground walk. Sometimes it's faster to stay on the bus!

6. Etiquette & Local Customs: Don’t Be "That" Tourist

lrt map singapore

Singaporeans take their MRT etiquette seriously. If you want to blend in with the locals on the singapore mrt, follow these unwritten (and written) rules:

The Reserved Seat

The "Yellow Seats" at the end of each row are for the elderly, pregnant, or those with mobility issues. Even if the train is packed, locals will often leave them empty. If you sit there, be prepared to jump up the second someone who needs it boards.

The "Left-Side" Rule

On escalators, stand on the LEFT. The right side is a fast lane for people who are sprinting to catch their train.

The Silence Factor

Singaporean trains are remarkably quiet. You’ll notice most people are buried in their phones. Loud conversations or playing music without headphones will get you some very pointed "death stares."

The Fines (The "Fine" City)

Singapore isn't joking about its regulations.

No Drinking/Eating: $500 fine. Yes, this includes plain water!
No Durians: You won't get a fine, but you will be asked to leave. That smell stays in the upholstery forever.
No Smoking: $1,000 fine.

7. The Tourist Route: Attractions & Hotels

Using the singapore mrt line map to see the sights? Here are the stations you need to know:

Bayfront MRT (DT16/CE1): Direct access to Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
HarbourFront MRT (NE1/CC29): Steps away from Sentosa Island & Universal Studios Singapore
City Hall MRT (EW13/NS25): Walking distance to Merlion Park & National Gallery Singapore
Chinatown MRT (DT19/NE4): Right at the heart of Chinatown & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Orchard (NS22/TE14): Shopping, shopping, and more shopping.
Little India (NE7/DT12): Incredible food and the 24-hour Mustafa Centre.

Each spot offers a mix of shopping, dining, or adventure. Grab your tickets through Traveloka and take all the hassle out of planning your fun side trips!

How to Check MRT Timings in Real-Time

Remember when we said we’d tell you how to get the full scoop on MRT schedules? Well, guessing train schedules are so last decade. Just use the MyTransport.SG app to check the Singapore MRT operating time in real time!

Here’s how to make it your new commuting BFF:

1.
If you haven’t installed MyTransport.SG, head to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “MyTransport.SG” and download the official app.
2.
Once installed, open the app.
3.
On the home screen, look for the “Train Services” option. This section will provide information on train schedules, including live updates.
4.
To search for your MRT station, type in the name of your MRT station on the search bar at the top of the screen.
5.
Select the correct station from the list that appears.
6.
After selecting your station, the app will show the estimated arrival times for the following few trains.
7.
If you see a yellow or red warning icon, tap on it to read service announcements. This will inform you about any delays, disruptions, or planned maintenance that might affect your journey.

Best Hotels near MRT in Singapore

If you want the ultimate connectivity, look for a dhoby ghaut hotel. Dhoby Ghaut is the only interchange where three major lines (North-South, North-East, and Circle) meet, making the entire sg mrt map accessible in minutes.

🛍️ Near Shopping & Orchard Road

Staying in this area puts you at the doorstep of Singapore's retail heart.

YOTEL Singapore: The premier choice for a hotel near orchard mrt.
Hilton Singapore Orchard: A stylish and convenient luxury option.

🏛️ Near City Hall, Bugis & Bencoolen

This district blends colonial history with modern arts and great food.

Carlton Hotel Singapore: A high-end hotel near city hall mrt with excellent views.
Andaz Singapore: A stunning lifestyle hotel near bugis mrt station (also searched as a hotel near mrt bugis).
Ji Hotel Orchard: One of the best-rated options for a hotel near dhoby ghaut mrt.

🏮 Heritage & Cultural Stays

Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in these vibrant enclaves.

💼 Near Business & Marina Bay

Perfect for those who want to be near the iconic skyline and the CBD.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay: Just a 5-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT. Check the other hotel near raffles place mrt.
Marina Bay Sands: Integrated resort with direct access from Bayfront MRT. Check the other hotel near bayfront MRT. 
ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove: A luxury escape near the Promenade MRT (CCL/DTL). Check the other hotel near promenade MRT.

🌿 Quiet & Local Neighborhoods

For a more relaxed stay away from the main tourist bustle:

Park Avenue Rochester: A peaceful hotel near buona vista mrt, ideal for business or academic visits.
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa: A beachfront resort near Sentosa Island (accessible via HarbourFront MRT). Check the other hotel near harbourfront MRT.
ibis budget Singapore Ruby: A top value-for-money hotel near aljunied mrt for food lovers.

[!TIP] Planning Note: If you are searching for hotels near ximen mrt station, please note that station is located in Taipei! For a similar vibe in Singapore, stay at a hotel near aljunied mrt for incredible local street food or a hotel near lavender mrt for trendy cafes.

📌 Tip: Use Traveloka to compare prices, read verified reviews, and score last-minute hotel deals for your 2026 trip!

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Q: What if my travel card in Singapore shows an "Error" at the gantry?

A: This is usually "card clash." Ensure you are only tapping one card at a time—don't tap your entire wallet. If your ez link card sg still fails, head to the Passenger Service Centre located at every station for an instant check.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi on the trains?

A: No, there is no public Wi-Fi on the actual trains. However, Singapore has 100% 5G coverage throughout the entire tunnel network, so your data will work perfectly for checking the sg mrt map or using the SimplyGo Singapore app.

Q: What do I do if I lose an item?

A: Every station has a Lost & Found. You can also file a report through the SMRT or SBS Transit websites. If you lose your singapore tourist card, unfortunately, the balance or "unlimited" days cannot be replaced unless it was registered in the app.

Q: Is the map of Singapore metro easy to read for non-English speakers?

A: Yes! All signs, singapore mrt tourist tickets, and announcements are in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. The system is color-coded and uses alphanumeric codes (e.g., NS1, DT16) making it a very user-friendly singapore metro pass for tourist users.

Q: Where is the best place for a singapore mrt tourist pass where to buy?

A: You can buy the singapore mrt tourist pass at Changi Airport (Terminals 2 & 3) or major city stations like Orchard, City Hall, and Bugis. Look for the SimplyGo Ticket Office or automated STP kiosks.

Q: Can I use my foreign credit card for simply go singapore?

A: Yes! Most foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard contactless cards work. However, do note that a small administrative fee (approx. $0.60 per day) is applied to foreign cards. For zero fees, stick to a local ez link card singapore.

Q: Is the singapore tourist pass refundable?

A: In 2026, the standard sg tourist pass is non-refundable. However, the card itself is yours to keep as a souvenir! It remains valid for 5 years, so you can use it as a regular ez link singapore card if you return.

Q: Does the sg tourism pass cover the train to Sentosa?

A: No, the sg tourism pass (and tourist pass singapur) covers basic bus services and the MRT/LRT. It does not cover the Sentosa Express monorail, but you can walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk for free or use your card's stored value to pay the monorail fare.

Q: How do I check my balance on an ez link card sg?

A: The easiest way is to download the SimplyGo Singapore app and link your card. You can also check it at any MRT ticket machine or the card reader as you exit the station.

Q: Can two people share one singapore metro tourist pass?

A: No. Every traveler must have their own individual travel card in Singapore. You cannot "double tap" for a friend at the MRT gantries.

Final Thoughts

The Singapore MRT is more than just a way to get from A to B; it’s a marvel of modern engineering. In 2026, with the full operation of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and the final Circle Line extensions, there truly is no better way to explore the island.

By choosing the right travel card in Singapore—whether it's a simply go singapore compatible bank card or a singapore tourist pass—you’ll have the freedom to discover every hidden gem on the sg mrt map. From the futuristic Supertrees to the historic streets of Chinatown, your singapore metro tourist pass is your golden ticket to the city.

Plan Your Next Steps:

Explore: Check out our top picks for the best things to do in singapore this year, including the latest 2026 events at Gardens by the Bay.
Book: Don't wait at the gate! Grab your singapore attraction tickets online to skip the lines at Universal Studios and the Night Safari.
Stay: Travelling on a budget? See our curated list of cheap hotels in singapore that offer great value without sacrificing comfort.
Fly: Ready to start your adventure? Compare cheap flights and find the best deals on cheap airline tickets to Changi Airport today.

Safe travels, and enjoy the ride!

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