For most visitors and many residents in Singapore, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is the undisputed king of public transport in Singapore. Singapore’s public transport system is a comprehensive, efficient, and affordable network that includes MRT, buses, taxis, and ridesharing services, making it easy and convenient for both residents and visitors to get around the city. It’s fast, efficient, and air-conditioned—a cool, subterranean escape from the tropical heat. But to truly understand the rhythm of the city and see its hidden corners, you need to come above ground. You need to take the buses.

Singapore buses are a vital part of the city’s transportation landscape, connecting neighborhoods and offering a unique perspective on daily life across the island. Living the Ultimate Expat Life in Singaporemeans knowing how to navigate the city like a local—and that includes mastering the bus system that connects every corner of the island.

While the MRT rockets you between major hubs and train stations, the public bus network meanders through the heart of neighborhoods. On a double-decker bus, snagging the front seat on the top deck, you’ll watch Singapore’s public transport system unfold in a way the MRT never can. You glide past vibrant shophouses, lush parks, and bustling local markets—scenes you’d completely miss underground. A bus ride isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about discovering the real, living Singapore that exists between MRT lines.

Understanding the Bus System: A Cost Effective Way Around Singapore

At first glance, the web of bus routes can feel intimidating. But the bus system is more logical than it looks—and surprisingly cost effective.

Who Runs the Show?

The public buses are mainly operated by two companies: SBS Transit (in red and white) and SMRT Buses (in green). Don’t worry about company differences—the system is fully integrated. Your EZ-Link card (a physical card you can tap on readers and easily purchase at transit stations), bank card, or mobile wallet works across all bus services, and routes are centrally planned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Cracking the Bus Service Number Code

• Feeder Services: Three-digit numbers starting with 2, 3, 8, or 9 (e.g., 386, 912). They connect residential areas to bus interchanges or MRT stations.
• Trunk Services: Main bus routes like 23, 67, and 168 travel longer distances, linking towns and key hubs.
• Express Services: Often with an “E” (e.g., 502E), these buses make fewer stops, using expressways to shorten your travel route during peak hours.

Bus Stops, Bus Interchanges, and the Wider Bus Network

Every journey begins at a bus stop, and there are thousands of bus stops scattered across the island. Most bus stops are sheltered—a blessing on rainy days—and provide route maps, schedules, and other useful information for travelers, along with next bus arrival timings. Digital tools and apps can also help users quickly locate the nearest bus stop for their bus journey.

At bus interchanges, multiple bus services converge with MRT lines, often connected to shopping malls for added convenience. Think of them as mini transport hubs in Singapore’s larger bus network.

Navigating the Public Bus System with Digital Tools

Forget juggling paper maps. Public transportation in Singapore is made easier with several apps and digital aids.

• Google Maps: Reliable for step-by-step journey plans, with real-time next bus info.
• MyTransport.SG (official LTA app): Detailed route details and live bus tracking.
• Third-Party Apps: Tools like Citymapper and Singabus compare multiple sources and suggest the fastest or most scenic bus options.

Payment Options: From EZ-Link Cards to Apple Pay

The system is entirely cashless—no need for exact change. To join the ranks of a true fare paying commuter, here’s what you can use:

• EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay Cards: Classic prepaid cards, available at convenience stores, MRT stations, or 7-Eleven outlets.
• Contactless Credit Cards & Bank Cards: Just tap your Visa or Mastercard at the reader.
• Mobile Wallets & Smart Watches: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted. You can also pay for your bus or train ride using a smart watch with NFC technology, making it convenient to use integrated, contactless payment systems directly from your wearable device.
• SimplyGo Concession Card: A digital upgrade for locals and long-term bus commuters.

Note: Single trip tickets are no longer available for the MRT. Visitors should use stored value cards or contactless payment methods instead.

If you’re a visitor, consider the Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited travel across buses and trains for a set validity period. It’s especially handy when exploring Singapore across multiple MRT lines and bus routes.

Crucial tip: Always tap in when boarding buses at the front and tap out at the rear door to ensure you are charged the correct fare. Failing to do so means you’ll be charged higher fares for the full distance.

Strategic Tips for Bus Rides Around Singapore

• Avoid Peak Hours: Between 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM, buses are most packed. These peak hour periods are the busiest commuting times, with more congestion and crowds. Travel during off peak times for a smoother bus ride.
• Use Express Bus Services: For longer distances, they cut travel time significantly.
• Plan with Bus Interchanges: These hubs make transfers seamless, often doubling as tourist attractions with connected malls and food courts.
• Watch Out for Bus Lanes: Marked bus lanes during peak times give buses priority.

Scenic Bus Routes for Exploring Singapore

This is where the bus system shines brighter than the MRT. For the price of a standard fare, you get a moving bus tour.

• Bus 36: Perfect for airport transfers. From Changi Airport, it cruises the East Coast Parkway with sea views, passes Marina Bay, and heads up Orchard Road. Think of it as a low-cost sightseeing bus.
• Bus 117: Runs through Seletar Aerospace Park and along Punggol Reservoir, showing Singapore’s green side.
• Bus 975: A rare look at the rural west—army camps, Lim Chu Kang farmland, and sprawling cemeteries.

Bus Rides vs. Other Public Transport Options

While trains are faster between hubs, buses connect you directly to various locations. Want to eat your way through Joo Chiat’s Peranakan shophouses or sip coffee in Tiong Bahru’s indie cafes? Buses take you closer than MRT stations ever could.

Compared to private hire cars or rideshare apps, buses are more cost effective, even for short rides. Plus, they drop you at designated taxi stands and taxi stands near malls and offices—perfect for onward travel. A taxi stand is a designated area outside major shopping malls, hotels, and in the central business district (CBD) where taxis wait for passengers, making it easier to find a cab, especially where street-hailing is restricted.

Tips for First-Time Bus Riders

• Board at the Front, Exit at the Back: Always.
• Press the Bell: The bus driver won’t stop unless you signal.
• Be Ready to Stand: During peak hours, standing is common.
• Priority Seats: Marked for the elderly, pregnant, or those with children. Give them up politely.
• No Eating or Drinking: It’s strictly enforced—save it for later.

Airport Transfers: Getting To and From Changi by Bus

When it comes to airport transfers in Singapore, the public bus system is a hidden gem—cost effective, reliable, and a great way to start your adventure. Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world’s best, is seamlessly connected to the city by a robust public bus network. Whether you’re arriving or departing, you’ll find that public buses offer a wallet-friendly alternative to taxis or private hire cars, with the added bonus of a scenic introduction to Singapore.

All Changi Airport terminals are served by clearly marked bus stops, located at the basement levels of each terminal. From here, you can hop onto several public bus services that link the airport to key destinations across the island. For example, Bus 36 is a popular choice, whisking you from Changi through the East Coast and into the heart of the city, passing iconic sights along the way.

Paying for your bus ride is a breeze—just tap your EZ-Link card, contactless credit card, or mobile wallet as you board. If you’re visiting, the Singapore Tourist Pass is a smart pick, giving you unlimited travel on the public bus network (and trains) for a set period. Fares are distance-based, making the bus system one of the most cost effective ways to get between the airport and your hotel.

Buses run frequently from early morning until late at night, and air-conditioned comfort is standard. While the journey may take a bit longer than the MRT or a taxi, you’ll get a street-level view of Singapore’s neighborhoods and daily life—perfect for first-time visitors eager to soak in the city from the moment they land.

So next time you touch down at Changi Airport, skip the taxi queue and let Singapore’s public bus network welcome you to the Lion City.

Exploring Singapore at Street Level

The next time you’re planning your journey plan, pause before defaulting to the MRT. Check the bus network on an app, and see how the bus system can serve your destination. You may save a long walk, avoid multiple train changes, or uncover new tourist attractions along your travel route.

Singapore continues to invest in its public transport system, with six MRT lines (including the North East Line) and hundreds of bus services making travel smooth. But it’s the bus rides, with their windows on daily life, that often provide the most memorable experiences.

So go ahead—tap your EZ-Link card, bank card, or contactless credit card. Climb to the top deck, look out at the city, and let the public bus network show you a side of Singapore the trains can’t.

For more guides on living, commuting, and exploring Singapore, visit Expat Life Singapore, your go-to resource for expat-friendly insights and everyday tips.

FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Buses

Navigating Singapore’s public bus system is straightforward, but a few questions come up time and again—especially for first-time visitors.

How do I pay for my bus ride? You can use EZ-Link cards, contactless credit cards, or mobile wallets to pay for your fare. Just tap your card or device on the reader when you board and again when you alight. Cash is not accepted on public buses.

What are the operating hours for buses? Most public buses in Singapore run from around 5:30 am to midnight. For late-night travel, there are special night bus services on select routes, but these operate on a limited schedule.

What is the Singapore Tourist Pass? The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special card for visitors, offering unlimited travel on public buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) for a set period. It’s a great way to explore Singapore without worrying about topping up your card or paying for each ride.

How do I find the right bus or bus stop? Resources like Google Maps, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) website, and the SimplyGo app are invaluable for planning your journey, checking bus stops, and finding the best routes.

Can I use the same card for buses and trains? Yes! EZ-Link cards, contactless credit cards, and the Singapore Tourist Pass work seamlessly across public buses and MRT trains, making transfers easy.

By knowing the answers to these frequently asked questions, you’ll be ready to navigate Singapore’s bus system like a pro.