Singapore Transport System - Taxi (2025)

Singapore prides itself on having one of the most modern and best public transport systems in the world. The public transport system in Singapore is considered convenient, comfortable, safe, reliable and affordable.

Singapore has been voted by the World Bank as the most ideal destination for business for 10 consecutive years. In addition to preferential tax policies and government support for businesses established in Singapore, the infrastructure and transportation system is a factor that the Singapore government always pays great attention to developing.

Singapore's Ministry of Transport aims to build an integrated transport system to create a seamless transport network - a well-connected network of MRT, buses and taxis that meets the travel needs of people and is also a strategic reason for business and environmental development.

Thanks to that, the public transport system in Singapore is constantly developing, both in terms of infrastructure and customer service quality.

This series of articles by Global Links Asia is divided into 3 parts, which will provide information about the bus, MRT and taxi systems in Singapore as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type of transport, to help make traveling in Singapore easier and more convenient.

1. Getting around Singapore by taxi

Taxis are considered the most expensive means of transport in Singapore. However, in many cases, taxis are the most comfortable because they are personal, door-to-door services with comfortable interiors and air conditioning. 

Traveling by taxi is also very quick because Singapore's infrastructure is designed to allow for quick movement between locations.

2. How to call a Taxi in Singapore?

Taxis are available in most places in Singapore. There are several ways to catch a taxi:

Take a bus on the way (except for routes in the central business district where there are many public buses operating)
Queue at taxi stands or stations.

Call (6-3425-222 or press the corresponding alphabet on the keypad 6-DIAL-CAB), and the call will be transferred to the taxi company's taxi switchboard.

In case you cannot catch a taxi, you can send a message with the syntax: Book + Postcode number and send to 71222 (note that in Singapore each address has its own postal code also called Postcode) and the car will arrive within a few minutes. 

3. How much does it cost to take a taxi in Singapore?

Compared to buses or the MRT, travelling by taxi can be quite an expensive option. Taxis in Singapore have different fares and fees, depending on the company, time of departure and destination.

In Singapore, blue, red, and yellow taxis are affordable, while white taxis are expensive and are usually Mercedes or Limousines.

Passengers are charged a basic fare (approximately SGD 3-5 and SGD 0.22 for the first kilometre and SGD 0.22 for every additional 350m).

If the weather is bad or there is traffic jam, customers have to pay extra for waiting.

Passengers will have to pay additional surcharges (about 2.8 – 3.2 SGD) at times such as late at night, peak hours, public holidays; fees to enter central locations (Central Business District - CBD) or ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) routes; even pre-peak bookings are also charged.

To limit traffic, fares vary by time frame. Rush hour (7am to 9:30am and 5pm to 8pm) charges an additional 35% and from midnight to morning charges an additional 24%.

4. Characteristics of the taxi system in Singapore

1. Almost all taxi drivers will greet passengers as they board the taxi and will ask for the route they want to take instead of deciding which direction they will take them. Taxi drivers in Singapore are also very familiar with the routes and locations in Singapore.
2. All taxis are very clean, equipped with air conditioning and enough seats for 4 passengers.
3. The meter is turned on at the start of the trip and will charge the exact fare, no cheating. The taxi driver will always receive the exact amount according to the meter, even if it is only 0.05 SGD
4. Most taxi drivers can communicate in basic English, so there is no barrier for tourists.
5. Taxi stands are usually located along routes with high demand for taxi travel such as large shopping malls, retail centres, office buildings and near the entrances to MRT stations.
6. In particular, taxis or Grab cars will only stop at designated stations in Singapore. Passengers must be present at those stations to take the car, the taxi will not proactively come to where you are standing to pick you up.
7. For every minute late, the taxi will automatically deduct your fare if you do not get in the car on time.

5. Popular taxi companies in Singapore

According to current statistics, there are about 20 thousand taxis in the whole territory of Singapore. Some of the main taxi companies in the city are:

1. Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd / CityCab Pte Ltd: (65) 6552 1111
2. Premier Taxis Pte Ltd: (65) 6476 8880
3. Maxi Cab: (65) 6535 3534
4. SMRT Taxis: (65) 6555 8888

6. Some notes when using taxi services in Singapore

There are certain rules when taking a taxi in the Central Business District (CBD) - Taxis are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers along the routes in the central business district, where buses operate regularly from 7am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday, except on public holidays.

It is advisable to book a taxi in advance at certain times, if you cannot find a taxi (even if you have dialed 6-DIAL-CAB) such as on rainy days, Friday nights, places with high taxi demand (Little India, Clarke Quay,...)

In the city center around 21pm - 22pm, you may have to wait for a taxi for more than 30 minutes.

To know if a taxi is carrying passengers, you can look at the sign on the taxi or the board attached to the windshield. When a taxi is ready to carry passengers, the word "Taxi" will be displayed in green. Conversely, if the taxi is already carrying passengers, the sign will be red "Hired", "On call" or "Busy".

Taxi drivers will change shifts at 4:30pm and will announce where they are headed. If passengers need to go to the same destination or somewhere along the way, they can take a taxi.

Passengers must wear seat belts throughout the trip or face a fine if caught not wearing a seat belt.

Usually the driver will ask the passenger if they need a receipt. Passengers should take the receipt, in case they forget something, it will be easier to get it back.

When losing something, you should immediately call the taxi company's phone number to report the loss.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about Taxis in Singapore

Highlights

• Taxi is one of the three popular means of transportation in Singapore, besides bus and MRT.
• Taxis are one of the most expensive means of transport in Singapore but are the easiest way to get to your desired destination.
• Taxis will only pick you up at the waiting stations, you must be present at the stations to board the taxi.