By admin 
Choosing the right payment method can make travelling around Singapore easier, whether you take the MRT every day or are visiting for a few days. This Singapore MRT Card Guide compares the main options, including the SimplyGo EZ-Link card, contactless bank cards and the Singapore Tourist Pass. You’ll learn how much they cost, where to buy them, how to top up your balance and which option may suit your travel plans.
Quick Information: Singapore MRT Card Guide at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main payment options | EZ-Link, contactless bank cards, Singapore Tourist Pass |
| Pay-per-journey options | EZ-Link and eligible contactless bank cards |
| Unlimited travel option | Singapore Tourist Pass, subject to conditions |
| Where to buy | Selected MRT stations, ticket offices and vending machines |
| How to pay | Tap in and tap out |
| Official information | SimplyGo and LTA |
TL;DR: Which Singapore MRT Card Should You Choose?
- EZ-Link card: Suitable if you prefer a dedicated transport card with stored value.
- Contactless bank card: Convenient if you have a compatible card and want to pay for each journey without topping up a separate travel card.
- Singapore Tourist Pass: Worth comparing if you plan to take frequent eligible public transport trips during a short visit.
Your best option depends on how often you travel, your eligibility, any extra fees and the total cost of your journeys.
Types of Singapore MRT Cards and Payment Options
1. SimplyGo EZ-Link Card
An EZ-Link card is a stored-value transport card used to pay fares on Singapore’s MRT and public buses. You load money onto the card before travelling, and the applicable fare is deducted when you use public transport.
A standard SimplyGo EZ-Link card costs S$10, comprising S$5 in stored value and a S$5 non-refundable card cost. The initial stored value is available for travel, but the card cost is not refundable.
You can purchase a card at SimplyGo Ticket Offices and Ticketing Service Centres at selected MRT stations and bus interchanges. Selected convenience stores and vending machines also sell transport cards, although prices and availability may vary.
This option suits people who prefer not to use a bank card for every journey. Keep enough stored value on the card, and top it up when necessary.
2. Contactless Debit or Credit Card
You may be able to pay your MRT and bus fares directly with an eligible contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express or NETS bank card. Supported mobile wallets can also be used, depending on the card and device.
You do not need to buy a separate MRT card or top up stored value when paying this way. Your journeys are charged to the linked bank card or account.
However, foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards incur a S$0.60 administrative fee per day of use under the published SimplyGo rules. Your bank may also charge foreign-transaction fees. Check the current terms before travelling.
Contactless payment is convenient for commuters who already carry a compatible card. Remember to use the same physical card or mobile payment method when tapping in and out.
3. Singapore Tourist Pass
The Singapore Tourist Pass is designed for visitors who want unlimited travel on eligible basic bus services and trains during the pass’s validity period.
It can be useful if you plan to visit several attractions and expect to make multiple journeys each day. However, unlimited travel does not cover every transport service. Premium services such as the Sentosa Express, RWS8 and certain express or niche bus services are excluded.
Compare the pass price with the fares you expect to pay individually. If you only plan a few MRT journeys each day, paying per trip may cost less.
4. Concession Cards for Eligible Commuters
Singapore offers concession cards for eligible children, students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other qualifying groups. These cards can provide concessionary fares, subject to the relevant eligibility rules.
Some eligible commuters can also purchase monthly travel passes. If you live in Singapore and use public transport regularly, check the official SimplyGo travel card information to find the card or concession scheme that applies to you.
Singapore MRT Card Guide: Prices and Comparison
The following table compares the main payment options. Prices and terms should be checked against official information before you travel.
| Payment option | Published price or cost | How you pay |
|---|---|---|
| SimplyGo EZ-Link card | S$10, including S$5 stored value | Pay per journey |
| Contactless bank card | No separate MRT card purchase required | Pay per journey; foreign-card fees may apply |
| Singapore Tourist Pass | From S$17 per day | Unlimited eligible journeys during validity |
| Concession card | Depends on card type and eligibility | Applicable concession fares |
The S$10 EZ-Link price and Tourist Pass starting price are listed by SimplyGo. A contactless bank card avoids a separate transport-card purchase, but it is not necessarily the cheapest option for every traveller.
Singapore MRT Card Guide: Singapore Tourist Pass Prices
SimplyGo lists the following adult Singapore Tourist Pass prices:
| Pass duration | Price | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | S$17 | A short stopover |
| 2 days | S$24 | A short city visit |
| 3 days | S$29 | Several days of sightseeing |
| 4 days | S$37 | A longer visit |
| 5 days | S$45 | A five-day stay |
Prices are in Singapore dollars. Check the official Tourist Pass information for current availability and conditions before purchasing.
Two-day and three-day passes must be used on consecutive days. The one-day validity period runs from first use until the end of public transport service that day, rather than necessarily lasting 24 hours. Eligible travel is limited to the services covered by the pass.
To decide whether a pass is worthwhile, estimate your daily journeys and compare their regular fares with the pass price. Do not assume unlimited travel automatically means a lower total cost.
Where to Buy a Singapore MRT Card
MRT Stations and Ticket Offices
SimplyGo EZ-Link cards are available at SimplyGo Ticket Offices and Ticketing Service Centres at selected stations and bus interchanges. Selected vending machines also sell transport cards.
Convenience Stores
Selected outlets, including 7-Eleven, Buzz and Cheers, may sell EZ-Link cards. The available card type and retail price can vary by outlet.
Buying a Card at Changi Airport
If you want a transport card when you arrive, check the official sales locations at Changi Airport before travelling. SimplyGo lists automated kiosks at Changi Airport MRT Station in Terminals 2 and 3, as well as a ticket office at Terminal 2. Check current opening hours and availability before relying on a particular outlet.
How to Use and Top Up a Singapore MRT Card
How to Tap In and Tap Out
- Take out the card or device you intend to use.
- Tap it on the reader at the MRT station entry gate.
- At your destination, tap the same card or device at the exit gate.
- On buses, tap when boarding and when alighting.
Do not tap your wallet with several contactless cards together. The reader may detect a different card from the one you intended to use. If you enter with a physical bank card and exit with a mobile wallet linked to that card, the system may treat them as different payment methods.
How to Top Up an EZ-Link Card
You can top up eligible EZ-Link and SimplyGo EZ-Link cards at supported SimplyGo Ticket Offices, kiosks and designated top-up machines. Some convenience stores also offer top-up services.
SimplyGo lists a minimum top-up of S$2 for cash and S$10 for electronic payment at the specified machines. Not every machine accepts foreign-issued bank cards, so check the payment options before starting a top-up.
How to Check Your Card Balance
For supported EZ-Link cards, use the SimplyGo app or an eligible ticketing machine to check card details and balance. The available information and functions depend on the card type and whether it is registered.
For the latest instructions, visit the official SimplyGo website.
Is the Singapore Tourist Pass Worth It?
The Singapore Tourist Pass may suit visitors who expect to make frequent journeys on covered public transport services during a short stay. For example, a visitor spending the day travelling between several attractions may benefit from unlimited eligible rides.
If you plan to make only a few journeys, compare the pass price with the normal fares for your itinerary. Also consider whether you need buses as well as trains, and remember that certain premium services are excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore MRT Card Guide
What is the best MRT card for tourists in Singapore?
It depends on your plans. A contactless bank card is convenient for pay-per-journey travel, an EZ-Link card suits people who prefer stored value, and the Singapore Tourist Pass may suit visitors making frequent eligible journeys.
Can I use Visa or Mastercard on the Singapore MRT?
Eligible contactless Visa and Mastercard cards can be used on Singapore’s public transport network. Foreign-issued cards incur an administrative fee, and your bank may apply additional charges.
How much does an MRT card cost in Singapore?
A standard SimplyGo EZ-Link card is listed at S$10, comprising S$5 in stored value and a S$5 non-refundable card cost. Other card products may have different prices.
Can I use one card for MRT and buses?
Yes. Eligible EZ-Link cards and supported contactless bank cards can be used for both MRT and public bus journeys. Use the same card or payment device for entry and exit.
Where can I top up my EZ-Link card?
Use supported SimplyGo Ticket Offices, kiosks or designated top-up machines. Check the current payment methods accepted at your chosen location.
Do children need an MRT card?
Children below 0.9 metres in height can travel free on basic bus services and trains when accompanied by a fare-paying commuter. Eligible children may also travel using a Child concession card. Check LTA’s current child travel rules for details.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Singapore MRT Card
The right Singapore MRT card depends on your travel habits and budget. An EZ-Link card offers stored-value convenience, a contactless bank card lets you pay per journey, and the Singapore Tourist Pass provides unlimited eligible travel during its validity. Compare current prices, fees and journey plans before deciding. This Singapore MRT Card Guide can help you choose a payment method that fits your visit or daily commute.
