Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

SINSingaporeTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore, Singapore

Drop-off

City Hall / Downtown Singapore

Pin before customs

Fastest

MRT East West Line (via Tanah Merah)

metro · 7-13m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: MRT East West Line (via Tanah Merah)
Headway: 7-13
Backup: MRT Downtown Line (via Expo) · 7-10m

Note

From Changi Airport MRT (CG2), take the shuttle to Tanah Merah (EW4) and transfer to the East West Line towards Tuas Link for City Hall, Raffles Place and other downtown stops; first trains depart around 05:31 and last connections to the city run around 23:18–00:06 depending on day. Trains typically run about every 7–9 minutes at peak and 12–13 minutes off-peak, with total travel time to City Hall around 30 minutes.

Budget focus

Singapore: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likesingapore airport busandsin to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: SBS Transit Bus 36 / 36A
Mode: bus
Freq: 8-20m
Note: Bus 36/36A runs from the basement bus bays of Terminals 1–3 and from Terminal 4 towards the city via Marine Parade, Somerset and Orchard Road, connecting to central MRT stations. It is a cheaper but slower option than MRT, with daytime service roughly from 06:00 until around 23:00–00:00 depending on variant and day.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: MRT East West Line (via Tanah Merah)
Mode: metro
Freq: 7-13m
Note: From Changi Airport MRT (CG2), take the shuttle to Tanah Merah (EW4) and transfer to the East West Line towards Tuas Link for City Hall, Raffles Place and other downtown stops; first trains depart around 05:31 and last connections to the city run around 23:18–00:06 depending on day. Trains typically run about every 7–9 minutes at peak and 12–13 minutes off-peak, with total travel time to City Hall around 30 minutes.

eSIMComing Soon

Stay connected from landing

Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.

✓Instant activation✓Local rates✓No SIM swap

FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.