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Getting Around by Air
Sightseeing flights can be arranged locally through the Republic of Singapore Flying Club (website: www.singaporeflyingclub.com).
Getting Around by Water
The Singapore Cruise Centre is located at the World Trade Centre, about 10 minutes' drive from the city centre. Harbour cruises and ferry services to Singapore's islands, Malaysia and the Indonesian Riau islands may be boarded at the ferry terminals located at the World Trade Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at Changi. A ferry for Sentosa (tel: 6534 9339; website: www.islandcruise.com.sg), the most popular offshore island, leaves every 20 minutes starting at 0730.
Getting Around by Rail
Singapore's modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (tel: 1 800 336 8900, in Singapore only; website: www.smrt.com.sg) network (see Getting Around Towns and Cities) covers much of the island.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. All motorists driving into the city or travelling on some major roads are required to pay the ERP (Electronic Road Pricing).
Bus: There is a well-developed system of local services run by two main companies. The service is cheap and efficient and operates throughout the day. Three City Buzz services loop the city. A SIA hop-on, hop-off service operates daily. There are additional peak-hours-only shuttle and minibus services. A flat fare system operates on the one-man routes. A timetable and route map is available from bookstores. Service buses are operated by SBS (tel: 1 800 225 5663, in Singapore only; website: www.sbstransit.com.sg).
Car hire: There are several car hire/self-drive firms with offices at the airport and in hotels.
Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient for stays up to one month. For visits beyond one month, an International Driving Permit is required.
Bus: There is a well-developed system of local services run by two main companies. The service is cheap and efficient and operates throughout the day. Three City Buzz services loop the city. A SIA hop-on, hop-off service operates daily. There are additional peak-hours-only shuttle and minibus services. A flat fare system operates on the one-man routes. A timetable and route map is available from bookstores. Service buses are operated by SBS (tel: 1 800 225 5663, in Singapore only; website: www.sbstransit.com.sg).
Car hire: There are several car hire/self-drive firms with offices at the airport and in hotels.
Documentation: A national driving licence is sufficient for stays up to one month. For visits beyond one month, an International Driving Permit is required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Trishaws: This traditional form of chauffeur-pedalled transport is a fun and exciting way to tour the streets of Singapore.
Taxi: These are numerous and relatively cheap. They can be picked up from outside hotels and official ranks or flagged down in the streets. Taxis are metered. Some surcharges are not shown on the meter. It is possible to negotiate hourly rates for round-island tours.
Metro: Singapore has one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. The trains operate 0530-0300 (0600-0000 on Sundays and public holidays) with stations being served on average every six minutes. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (tel: 1 800 336 8900, in Singapore only; website: www.smrt.com.sg) is a modern, comfortable, efficient and cheap way to explore Singapore.
Over 40 stations link the city centre and suburbs, thus providing an opportunity to visit some of Singapore's attractions along the three main routes. The MRT system also extends out to Changi Airport (journey time from city centre - 25 minutes). A Quick Guide to the MRT Travel is available from MRT stations.
Taxi: These are numerous and relatively cheap. They can be picked up from outside hotels and official ranks or flagged down in the streets. Taxis are metered. Some surcharges are not shown on the meter. It is possible to negotiate hourly rates for round-island tours.
Metro: Singapore has one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. The trains operate 0530-0300 (0600-0000 on Sundays and public holidays) with stations being served on average every six minutes. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (tel: 1 800 336 8900, in Singapore only; website: www.smrt.com.sg) is a modern, comfortable, efficient and cheap way to explore Singapore.
Over 40 stations link the city centre and suburbs, thus providing an opportunity to visit some of Singapore's attractions along the three main routes. The MRT system also extends out to Changi Airport (journey time from city centre - 25 minutes). A Quick Guide to the MRT Travel is available from MRT stations.