Navigating Singapore’s public transport system is straightforward once you understand the fare cards available. For visitors staying near the Singapore River precinct — including Liang Court, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay — choosing between the legacy EZ-Link card and the newer SimplyGo system can affect both convenience and cost. This guide explains how each works, where to buy them, and what to expect when tapping in and out of MRT stations and buses. We focus on practical details for short-term visitors, with prices in Singapore dollars (SGD) and references to nearby locations such as Fort Canning MRT station and the retail outlets at Liang Court.

How Singapore’s Fare System Works

Singapore’s public transport network is operated primarily by SBS Transit and SMRT, covering the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and public buses. All fare payments are handled by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) through a common ticketing system. You can pay using a stored-value contactless card, a bank card with contactless functionality, or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. The two main dedicated transport cards are:

  • EZ-Link — a contactless stored-value card launched in 2002, now being phased out in favour of the newer Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) system.
  • SimplyGo — the LTA’s account-based system introduced in 2019, which links your payment directly to a bank card or a dedicated SimplyGo card, eliminating the need to pre-load value.

Both allow you to tap in and out on MRT gantries and bus readers. Fares are distance-based: a typical adult MRT trip within the city centre (e.g., from Fort Canning to Raffles Place) costs between SGD 0.92 and SGD 1.20. Bus fares start around SGD 0.90 for short hops. Children, students, and seniors enjoy discounted fares on concession cards, but visitors over 7 years old will pay the standard adult fare.

EZ-Link: The Legacy Card

The EZ-Link card is a CEPAS-compliant contactless smart card that you pre-load with credit. It works like a debit card for transport: you tap to pay, and the fare is deducted from your stored balance. EZ-Link cards are sold at all passenger service centres in MRT stations, at 7-Eleven outlets, and at selected convenience stores. A standard adult EZ-Link card costs SGD 10 — SGD 5 for the card itself (non-refundable) and SGD 5 of stored value. You can top up at General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) in stations, at Add Value Machines (AVMs), or over the counter at 7-Eleven and AXS stations. Minimum top-up is SGD 10; maximum stored value is SGD 100.

EZ-Link cards are also accepted at some retail shops, including Meidi-Ya supermarket at Liang Court, and at food courts and vending machines that display the EZ-Link logo. However, the card’s use outside transport is limited compared to a bank card. One advantage for visitors is that EZ-Link offers a transit pass option: the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), which gives unlimited travel on MRT and buses for 1 day (SGD 22), 2 days (SGD 29), or 3 days (SGD 34). The STP is an EZ-Link card with a fixed validity period, available at selected MRT stations such as Changi Airport, Orchard, and HarbourFront. It is not sold at Fort Canning MRT, but you can buy it at nearby City Hall MRT (one stop away).

As of 2024, EZ-Link cards are still widely used, but the LTA has announced that the system will be fully replaced by SimplyGo by 2025. New EZ-Link cards are no longer issued at some stations, and top-up machines are gradually being converted to support SimplyGo. Visitors arriving in 2025 should check whether EZ-Link is still available at their point of entry.

SimplyGo: The Account-Based System

SimplyGo is the LTA’s next-generation ticketing system. Instead of storing value on a card, SimplyGo links your payment to a bank account or a dedicated SimplyGo account. You can use any contactless Mastercard, Visa, or American Express card (physical or digital in Apple Pay/Google Pay) to tap in and out. Fares are calculated daily and charged to your bank account, usually within 1–2 business days. There is no pre-loading required. Alternatively, you can buy a SimplyGo card — a stored-value card similar to EZ-Link but designed for the account-based system. These cards cost SGD 10 (SGD 5 non-refundable fee plus SGD 5 value) and are sold at passenger service centres and 7-Eleven.

SimplyGo offers several advantages for visitors:

  • No separate card needed — if you already have a contactless bank card or smartphone wallet, you can use it directly. This eliminates the need to queue for a card or top up.
  • Automatic fare calculation — the system applies the same distance-based fares as EZ-Link, with no extra charges. There is no foreign transaction fee from the LTA, but your bank may charge a cross-currency fee (typically 1–3%) if your card is issued outside Singapore.
  • Real-time transaction history — you can view your trips and fares via the SimplyGo app (iOS/Android) or website, which is useful for expense tracking.

However, SimplyGo does not support the Singapore Tourist Pass. If you want unlimited travel, you still need an EZ-Link-based STP. Also, some older EZ-Link top-up machines do not support SimplyGo, so you may need to use the SimplyGo app or a passenger service centre for card top-ups.

Where to Buy and Top Up Near Liang Court and the Singapore River

For visitors staying at hotels near Clarke Quay or serviced residences such as Somerset Liang Court Singapore, the most convenient place to buy a transport card is Fort Canning MRT station (DT20, Downtown Line). The station has a passenger service centre and GTMs where you can purchase both EZ-Link and SimplyGo cards. Fort Canning MRT is a short walk from Liang Court (about 5 minutes via Canning Walk). Alternatively, Clarke Quay MRT station (NE5, North East Line) also has a service centre and GTMs, though it is slightly further from Liang Court (about 10 minutes on foot).

If you prefer to buy a card before heading to the river precinct, Changi Airport MRT (CG1/CG2) and Orchard MRT (NS22) have large passenger service centres with longer operating hours. At Changi Airport, you can also purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass. For top-ups, the most convenient locations near Liang Court include:

  • 7-Eleven at Liang Court (ground floor, near the entrance to Meidi-Ya) — sells EZ-Link and SimplyGo cards and offers top-up services.
  • AXS stations — located at Liang Court (near the escalators to the basement car park) and at Clarke Quay Central (within the mall).
  • General Ticketing Machines at Fort Canning MRT and Clarke Quay MRT — accept cash and NETS FlashPay (a competing stored-value card, now mostly phased out).

Note that GTMs at some stations no longer accept cash for top-ups; they require NETS or credit cards. Check the machine’s instructions before queuing. The SimplyGo app allows you to top up a SimplyGo card via credit card, which is faster than using a machine.

Using Your Card on MRT and Buses

Using either card is simple: tap the reader at the MRT gantry when entering and exiting, or on the bus when boarding and alighting. The system calculates the fare based on the distance between entry and exit points. Always remember to tap out — if you forget, you will be charged the maximum fare for that journey (typically SGD 2.50–3.00 for MRT, higher for buses). On buses, you must tap both when boarding and alighting; otherwise, the system may charge the maximum fare for a single bus trip.

For visitors exploring the Singapore River area, common MRT stations include Fort Canning (for Liang Court, the Istana, and Fort Canning Park), Clarke Quay (for the nightlife and dining strip), and Raffles Place (for the financial district and Merlion Park). Bus routes that serve the area include:

  • Bus 32, 54, 195 — stop along River Valley Road near Liang Court.
  • Bus 63, 143, 166 — stop along Clemenceau Avenue, a short walk from Robertson Quay.
  • Bus 75, 100, 970 — stop along Havelock Road, near the Singapore River.

Fares for these short hops are typically under SGD 1.20. If you plan to take multiple trips in a day, the Singapore Tourist Pass may be cost-effective: three trips per day would cost roughly SGD 3.60 in standard fares, while a 1-day pass costs SGD 22. For most visitors, the pass is only worthwhile if you take 5+ trips per day. Otherwise, using a SimplyGo-linked bank card or an EZ-Link card with pre-loaded value is cheaper.

Retail and Dining Discounts with Transport Cards

Both EZ-Link and SimplyGo cards can be used for payments at selected retailers, though acceptance is not universal. EZ-Link is accepted at many convenience stores (7-Eleven, Cheers), some food courts (e.g., Koufu), and at Meidi-Ya supermarket in Liang Court. SimplyGo cards (the dedicated card, not bank-linked) also work at these merchants if they display the SimplyGo logo. Using your card for small purchases can help you avoid carrying excess cash, but note that there is no reward points system for transport card payments — unlike using a credit card with cashback or miles.

Some restaurants and cafés near the river, such as those listed in Japanese restaurants along Clarke Quay, may not accept EZ-Link or SimplyGo. For dining at higher-end establishments, a credit card is more reliable. For quick bites at food courts or hawker centres (e.g., the nearby Selegie Food Centre or the basement food court at Liang Court), EZ-Link is handy.

Which Card Should You Choose?

For most visitors, the best option depends on your length of stay and payment preferences:

  • Short stay (1–3 days): Use your own contactless bank card or smartphone wallet via SimplyGo. No need to buy a separate card. Just ensure your card has contactless capability and check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees. If you prefer a fixed budget, buy an EZ-Link card and load SGD 20–30, which covers 2–3 days of moderate travel.
  • Longer stay (4–7 days): An EZ-Link card with SGD 30–50 stored value is convenient. You can top up at 7-Eleven or GTMs. If you plan to use public transport heavily (5+ trips daily), consider the Singapore Tourist Pass (1-day SGD 22, 2-day SGD 29, 3-day SGD 34). The 3-day pass costs about the same as 10 individual trips, so it is only economical if you travel extensively.
  • Family or group travel: Each person needs their own card. Children under 7 travel free on MRT and buses (no card needed). For older children, you can buy a child concession card at passenger service centres (requires proof of age, e.g., passport). Alternatively, simply use a contactless bank card for each child — the system charges the adult fare automatically.

One important note: as of 2025, the LTA plans to fully retire the EZ-Link system. The SimplyGo system will become the only payment method for public transport. Visitors arriving after the transition date will only be able to use SimplyGo-linked bank cards or SimplyGo stored-value cards. Check the LTA website or ask at a passenger service centre for the latest timeline.

Practical Tips for Using Transport Cards Near Liang Court

Here are some tips to make your transport experience smoother while staying near the Singapore River:

  • Keep your card separate from other contactless cards — if you carry multiple contactless cards in the same pocket or wallet, the reader may detect more than one, causing a “multiple card detected” error. Use a dedicated card holder or keep your transport card alone.
  • Check your balance regularly — for EZ-Link, you can check the balance at GTMs or at the SimplyGo app (if you link the card). For SimplyGo, the app shows real-time balance and transaction history. Running out of value mid-trip is inconvenient; you can top up at any 7-Eleven or AXS station.
  • Use the MRT for longer distances — buses are slower due to traffic, especially along River Valley Road and Havelock Road during peak hours. For trips to Orchard (3 stops from Fort Canning), the MRT is faster. For short hops within the river precinct (e.g., Liang Court to Robertson Quay), walking along the Robertson Quay promenade is pleasant and takes 10–15 minutes.
  • Plan your route with the LTA’s MyTransport app — available for iOS and Android, it provides real-time bus arrival times, MRT service alerts, and fare estimates. The app also supports SimplyGo account management.
  • Consider a guided tour if you prefer not to navigate public transport — the Singapore River boat tours offer a scenic way to see the precinct without needing a transport card. However, for getting to attractions like the National Museum of Singapore or Fort Canning Park, the MRT is more efficient.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Liang Court and the Singapore River Precinct
  • Fort Canning MRT Station Guide
  • Hotels Near Clarke Quay
  • Robertson Quay Walk and Cafés
  • Japanese Restaurants Along Clarke Quay