How is public transport and getting around Singapore for Indian students who arrive from major Indian cities?

You will find getting around Singapore far smoother than in Indian cities, since the MRT and bus network is clean, fast, air-conditioned, and fully cashless. You simply tap in and out using a contactless card or your phone, and trains arrive every 2 to 7 minutes with English announcements throughout. Once your student pass is active, you can also apply for a discounted concession card to cut your monthly commute costs.

How to Pay and Get Around

Apps and Rules Worth Knowing

• Download Google Maps or Citymapper for routing, and MyTransport.sg for real-time bus timings and crowd levels.
• Always tap out when you alight the bus, or you are charged the maximum fare for that route.
• Eating, drinking, smoking, and carrying durian are strictly banned on trains and stations, with heavy fines for violations.
• Form an orderly queue behind the yellow line and let passengers exit before you board, unlike rush-hour habits back home.

My Advice

Apply for your SimplyGo Student Concession Card the moment your university confirms enrollment, since it meaningfully lowers your monthly transport spend from month one. Until then, load a contactless card or set up Grab for backup, and use MyTransport.sg to plan your commute around your class schedule before your term starts.