To learn how to get around Singapore from Bugis, start at Bugis MRT station, where the East-West and Downtown lines meet. The Snooze Hotel at Bugis is about a four-minute walk from the station; you can check Snooze Hotel at Bugis rooms when planning your stay.
- Station: Bugis MRT serves the East-West and Downtown lines.
- Train hours: MRT and LRT services generally run from 5:30 a.m. to around midnight daily.
- Peak intervals: Typical train intervals are 2 to 3 minutes during the morning peak and about 5 to 7 minutes off-peak.
- Payment: Contactless bank cards, supported mobile wallets and stored-value cards are among the payment options for bus and rail rides.
Start with Bugis MRT station
Bugis MRT is the most direct starting point for rail journeys from Bugis, with access to both the East-West and Downtown lines. Check the station exits and your route before choosing a platform, particularly if you are connecting to a bus.
The Downtown Line’s first stage, from Chinatown to Bugis, opened on 22 December 2013. That section comprised six stations over 4.3 km; the full line now spans 42 km, with 35 stations and 11 interchanges. For a first outing, that direct Chinatown connection can make the line a practical way to reach another central neighbourhood.
For a route that begins at the airport, the journey from Singapore Changi Airport to Bugis follows a different set of rail connections.
Using the MRT and bus network
Singapore’s MRT and bus network lets you combine rail with bus services, while the MyTransport app provides information on train operating times, station exits, public bus services and bus arrival times. LRT services also run as part of the rail network.
MRT and LRT services generally operate from 5:30 a.m. to around midnight daily, with operating hours usually extended during festive periods. Land Transport Authority figures give typical train intervals of 2 to 3 minutes during the 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. peak and about 5 to 7 minutes off-peak. Hours and services can change.
The Downtown Line has 35 stations and 11 interchanges across its 42 km route. The East-West Line is about 57 km long and has 35 stations. At Bugis, switching between these lines gives you two different directions to consider when planning a journey; check the rail-system map for the stations on your route.
Tickets, cards and payment
- Hours
- weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 5:00 a
You can pay for bus and MRT/LRT rides with contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, stored-value cards and concession cards; cash is limited to bus fares.
Contactless cards from American Express, Mastercard, NETS and Visa are accepted, as are supported American Express, Mastercard and Visa cards in mobile wallets. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay are among the supported wallet options.
Contactless bank cards, mobile wallets and SimplyGo EZ-Link cards are charged regular adult fares, while SimplyGo Concession cards retain subsidised fares. Foreign-issued contactless bank cards incur a S$0.60 administration fee per day of transit use. Single-trip train tickets have been phased out since March 2022, so plan to use another payment method for rail travel.
The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited travel on basic bus services and trains, from S$17 per day. It does not cover premium services such as the Sentosa Express, RWS8 and express buses, or other premium and niche bus services.
A one-day pass runs from first use until the end of public transport service that day; two-day and three-day cards must be used on consecutive days.
SimplyGo gives the Tourist Pass automated kiosk location beside the Bugis MRT ticket office and its hours: weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. The ticket office is open on those days from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Check the official site before you go.
Routes to central Singapore sights
Bugis has direct rail connections to Chinatown and to Downtown station on the Downtown Line, offering two useful starting points for central Singapore journeys. The rail-system map shows Bugis and Chinatown on the Downtown Line, and Bugis and Downtown on the same line for travel towards the Marina Bay area.
For a day that includes the bay, plan the rail leg from Bugis to Downtown station as part of your route to Marina Bay Sands and the bay.
For Changi Airport, the airport station connects to the East-West Line. The passenger guide advises taking the train from Changi Airport station to Tanah Merah, then transferring to a westbound train for the city centre.
To combine transport with nearby stops, a one-day itinerary starting in Bugis puts the neighbourhood and central Singapore in the same plan.
FAQs
Which MRT lines serve Bugis?
Bugis MRT station is served by the East-West Line and the Downtown Line.
Can you use a contactless bank card on Singapore public transport?
Yes. Contactless American Express, Mastercard, NETS and Visa bank cards are accepted, along with supported mobile wallets. Foreign-issued contactless cards incur a S$0.60 administration fee per day of transit use.
Does the Singapore Tourist Pass cover every bus and train?
The pass covers basic bus services and trains, but excludes premium services such as the Sentosa Express, RWS8 and express buses, along with other premium and niche bus services.
How do you travel from Changi Airport to the city centre by train?
Take the train from Changi Airport station to Tanah Merah, then transfer to a westbound train for the city centre.