Bus & MRT Fares, Explained

Singapore charges by distance, not by trip — and if you transfer correctly, several buses and trains still count as one journey. Here's how the system works and how to avoid paying more than you should.

One journey, one fare

Fares are calculated on the total distance travelled across your whole journey, regardless of how many buses or trains you use along the way. Card fares for adults start at just over a dollar for short hops and are capped at roughly two-and-a-half dollars for the longest cross-island journeys.

This is why transferring is nearly free: when you switch from bus to MRT (or bus to bus), the system simply continues measuring distance instead of starting a new fare. You only pay a fresh boarding charge if you break the transfer rules below.

The transfer rules

For multiple legs to count as one journey, all of these must hold:

1

Transfer within 45 minutes of tapping out of the previous leg (and complete the whole journey within 2 hours).

2

Maximum of 5 legs per journey.

3

Don't re-board the same bus service number, and don't exit and re-enter the rail network — either one starts a new fare.

Ways to pay

Contactless bank card (SimplyGo)

The simplest option for most people, including visitors: tap any contactless Visa or Mastercard (or your phone's wallet) at the gate or bus reader. No top-ups, no separate card — fares are charged to your bank card. Use the same card or device for the whole journey, or transfers won't link.

Stored-value travel cards

EZ-Link and NETS travel cards work on SimplyGo. Top up at station machines or via the operator's app. Useful if you prefer not to link a bank card, or for children who don't have one.

Concession cards & passes

Students, seniors, persons with disabilities and lower-wage workers get significantly discounted fares with the relevant concession card. Heavy users can consider monthly travel passes with unlimited rides. Tourists can look at the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel over 1–3 days.

Things that cost extra

  • Express bus services charge a premium over regular routes.
  • Night buses (after regular services end on Fri/Sat nights and holiday eves) charge a flat fare rather than a distance fare.
  • Forgetting to tap out of a bus charges you the maximum fare for that route — always tap the exit reader, even if the driver has opened both doors.
  • Cash on buses (where still accepted) costs more than card and requires exact fare — drivers don't give change.

Practical tips

  • Fares between rail and bus are aligned — take whichever is faster; the price difference is usually a few cents.
  • If you're doing a return trip with a stop of under 45 minutes (say, picking something up), be aware the return leg may still chain into the same journey — that's in your favour price-wise.
  • Kids below 0.9 m tall (roughly under 4) travel free with a fare-paying adult.
  • Check your journey history and disputed fares in the SimplyGo app; refunds for over-deductions are straightforward.

Never miss your bus

Knowing the fare is half the trip — SGHere tells you exactly when your bus arrives, live, for every stop in Singapore.

Check live arrivals

Fare structures and rules are set by the Public Transport Council and revised periodically. Information correct as of July 2026 — for the current fare table, see the PTC or SimplyGo websites.