--- title: "How to Pay for the MRT: Tourist Passes vs. Credit Cards" description: "Wondering how to pay for the Singapore MRT? Compare the Singapore Tourist Pass, EZ-Link cards, and using your contactless credit card (SimplyGo) to find the best option." keywords: "Singapore MRT payment, Singapore Tourist Pass, SimplyGo, EZ-Link card, how to pay for MRT, Singapore travel tips" url: "https://www.mrtmap.sg/blog/how-to-pay-singapore-mrt-tourist-pass-vs-credit-card" language: "en" --- * Option 1: Your Regular Contactless Bank Card \(The Easiest Way\) * Option 2: The Singapore Tourist Pass \(For Heavy Travelers\) * Option 3: The EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay Card \(The Classic Way\) * The Final Verdict May 19, 2026 # How to Pay for the Train: Tourist Passes vs. Your Regular Credit Card A clear breakdown of the best ways to pay for public transport in Singapore, comparing contactless credit cards with the Singapore Tourist Pass. If you are planning your first trip to Singapore, you might be wondering how to buy a ticket for the MRT. The good news? You probably don't need to buy a ticket at all. Singapore’s public transport system is incredibly advanced, and the days of queuing at machines for paper tickets are long gone. But with several payment options available, which one is right for you? Here is a breakdown of how to pay for the MRT: Tourist Passes vs. Your Regular Credit Card. ## Option 1: Your Regular Contactless Bank Card \(The Easiest Way\) For the vast majority of tourists, this is the best, cheapest, and most convenient option. Singapore uses a system called SimplyGo, which accepts contactless bank cards directly at the fare gates. * **How it works:** Just tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro credit/debit card on the card reader at the MRT gantry when you enter, and tap it again when you exit. You can also use mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on your phone or smartwatch. * **The Cost:** You are charged the exact same adult fare as locals. There are no sneaky tourist markups. * **Things to Note:** Since you are using a foreign card, your home bank might charge a small foreign transaction fee. SimplyGo also groups transactions and charges your card every few days \(or when the accumulated fare reaches SGD 15\), rather than charging you for every single trip. ## Option 2: The Singapore Tourist Pass \(For Heavy Travelers\) The Singapore Tourist Pass \(STP\) is a special card that offers unlimited travel on basic bus services and the MRT for a set number of days. * **How it works:** You buy the pass for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days. You tap it at the gates just like a regular card. * **The Cost:** A 1-day pass is SGD 22, 2-day is SGD 29, and 3-day is SGD 34 \(prices are subject to change\). This price usually includes a SGD 10 refundable deposit if you return the card within 5 days. * **Is it worth it?** MRT fares in Singapore are very cheap \(usually between SGD 1.00 and SGD 2.50 per trip\). To make the 1-day pass worth the money, you would need to take the train about 6 to 8 times in a single day. If you plan on zipping across the island non-stop, it is great. If you are only taking 2 or 3 trips a day, using your own credit card is much cheaper. ## Option 3: The EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay Card \(The Classic Way\) These are the traditional stored-value transport cards that locals have used for years. You buy the card, load it with money, and tap to pay. * **How it works:** Buy a card at a TransitLink Ticket Office or a convenience store \(like 7-Eleven\). Tap to enter and exit. When the balance runs low, you must top it up at a ticketing machine. * **The Cost:** A card typically costs SGD 10 or SGD 12, which includes a non-refundable card cost \(usually SGD 5\) and some pre-loaded travel value. * **Is it worth it?** If your home bank charges massive foreign transaction fees for every tap, or if you simply want a physical card as a cute souvenir of your trip to Singapore, this is a good option. Otherwise, topping up cards can be an unnecessary hassle. ## The Final Verdict Skip the queues\! Unless you are planning an intense, fast-paced sightseeing marathon, just use your contactless credit card or Apple/Google Pay. It is cheaper, faster, and one less thing to carry in your wallet. Now that you know how to pay, it is time to plan your route\! Use our [interactive MRT Map](/) to find the quickest way to your next destination. Published May 19, 2026 Updated May 19, 2026 Be first to comment ##### Leave a reply Comment