Getting to Singapore

With the advent of modern transportation tools, we no longer have to endure months of travelling on ships in cramped and overcrowded conditions the way our forefathers did.

For visitors from most parts of the world, air travel will be the fastest way of getting to Singapore.

Others in the Southeast Asia region have a bit more variety and can choose to travel by train, ferry, bus or car. Knowing your budget and time constraints will help you to make the most appropriate travel choice for your journey into Singapore.

Plane

Our status as major aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region makes air travel the natural choice for visitors travelling to Singapore. The world class Singapore Changi Airport is host to 80 airlines serving more than 180 cities in over 50 countries, and is a popular starting or ending point for travellers touring the region.

No discussion on Singapore air travel is complete without the mention of Singapore Airlines. The award-winning airline provides a flying experience that is truly unparalleled. For even the weariest of traveller, the Singapore Girl is indeed a sight for sore eyes.

Ferry

Sea transportation is mainly for commercial use; however, there are ferry services for travellers which ply the route between Singapore and Malaysia/Indonesia. You can travel between Singapore and the Malaysian resort island of Tioman and Tanjong Belungkor (east of Johor) or between Singapore and nearby Riau islands of Bintan and Batam. These ferries operate at the Singapore Cruise Centre, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Changi Ferry Terminal.

Train

If you are travelling from Malaysia and are not in a hurry, you can also choose to enter Singapore by rail. Train services operated by the Malaysian Railway connect Singapore and key cities and towns on the western seaboard of Malaysia and provide a comfortable and affordable means of travel between the two countries.

For those entering Singapore from Thailand, if you can afford to splurge on the journey, you may want to think about travelling in style on the luxurious and exotic Orient Express.

Bus

For the budget conscious, there are also numerous bus companies providing frequent bus services between Malaysia and Singapore. Bus Service 170 (operated by SBS Transit) departs from Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru to Singapore via the Singapore-Johor checkpoints. Those looking to travel in greater comfort can opt for luxury coaches operated by both Singaporean and Malaysian companies.

Taxi

As Malaysia and Singapore are only about 1 kilometre apart, you can easily travel in comfort by taxis between both countries.

Car

If you choose to drive to Singapore from Malaysia, there are a few things you will need to take note.

1. Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) & Toll Charges
   If your vehicle is foreign-registered, you must purchase an Autopass Card (a stored-value smart card available for sale at clearance/immigration booths or VEP/Tolls Office at Singapore checkpoints) to pay for your Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees and toll charges.
   

   Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) Fees	Mondays to Fridays (2.00am to 5.00pm)	Mondays to Fridays (5.00pm to 2.00am), Saturdays, Sundays and Singapore Public Holidays
   Cars	SGD 20	Nil
   Motorcycles	SGD 4	Nil

   From 1 June 2005, motorists of foreign-registered cars can drive into Singapore for a maximum of 10 days per calendar year without paying VEP fees.
   

   Toll Charges	Tuas Checkpoint (arrival or departure)	Woodlands Checkpoint (departure only)
   Cars	SGD 3.70	SGD 1.20
   Motorcycles	SGD 0.60	Nil

   Toll charges are applicable to both local and foreign-registered vehicles. For more information, please refer to Singapore Land Transport Authority’s guide on driving into and out of Singapore.

2. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)
   ERP is a scheme implemented to reduce congestion on Singapore roads during peak hours.

   

   Motorists travelling on certain roads and expressways during ERP operating hours must pay ERP fees. Fees are deducted from the In-Vehicle Unit (IU) installed in the vehicle each time it passes the ERP gantry. For drivers of foreign-registered vehicles who do not wish to rent or install the IU, you can opt to pay a fixed ERP fee of SGD 5 per day. This fee will be paid together with the VEP fees and toll charges using the Autopass card when departing from Singapore.

   Please click here for a full list of ERP rates.