Singapore is such a busy city is sometimes easy to forget that it’s also an island. The Straits of Singapore is important for the shipping industry and enticing to holidaymakers visiting Sentosa. Marina Bay, where our hotel is located, is home to the prime business district, but also an ideal base for leisurely shopping and excursions within the city. And from Clarke Quay one can journey along the Singapore River to see the city from a new perspective.
But how to get there or anywhere in Singapore? The answer is simple – hail a taxi, hop on a bus, use the underground, or walk. It’s all efficient, all easily navigated and all clean. Driving too is easy in Singapore if you wish to hire a vehicle. Just be sure to brush up on local traffic rules.
Around Town
On Foot
It’s worth your while to take a stroll when staying at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Our pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood includes landscaped parks, gardens and a seaside promenade. We are also adjacent to Marina Square Shopping Mall and just across from Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, where myriad of local and international acts perform.
By Taxi
Taxis in Singapore are strictly metered so no bartering is to be expected. Flag fall is SGD 2.8 for the first kilometer or part thereof. Thereafter it is SGD 0.2 for every 385m up to 10km, then SGD 0.2 for every 330m from 10km onwards. There are additional charges for taxis hired in the city area, during peak hours, for waiting and for advanced booking.
By Bus
Singapore’s public buses are mostly air-conditioned and reliably frequent. Passengers pay the fares, which range from SGD 0.9 to SGD 1.9 via EZ-Link card or cash, in exact change. EZ-Link cards can be used for both bus and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) transport systems. The cards can be purchased at MRT stations at a minimum stored value of SGD 10.
By Our Limousine
Our fleet of chauffeur-driven cars includes Mercedes E200 and Mercedes S-class models. Charges are SGD 105 nett per hour (minimum3 hours) for a Mercedes E200 and SGD150 nett per hour (minimum 3 hours) for a Mercedes S class.
By MRT
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) has three main lines that serve the entire island. Trains are frequent and air-conditioned; stations are easily navigated. Fares range from SGD 0.8 to SGD 1.7 and can be paid by EZ-Link card, which can be purchased in the stations.
To and From the Airports
By Our Limousine
The easiest and most comfortable way to make the 20-minute journey from Singapore Changi Airport to Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is in one of our chauffer-driven cars. Rates are SGD 105 nett for a Mercedes E200 (one way) and SGD 150 nett for a Mercedes S Class (one way). When making your reservation, please let us know if you require airport transfer and we will be happy to arrange a car for you.
By Taxi
Expect to pay about SGD 25 for the 20-minute ride from the airport. Flag fall is SGD 2.8 for the first km or part thereof plus SGD 0.2 for every 385m thereafter up to 10km and SGD 0.2 for every 330m from 10km onwards. There are additional charges for hiring a taxi during peak hours or for hiring the taxi after midnight. There is also an additional surcharge for journeys starting from the airport.
By "Rent a Car"
Cars can be hired at the Arrival Hall rental counters in all terminals of Singapore Changi Airport. Be advised, you should purchase a cash card to pay for the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees if you are entering the East Coast Parkway (ECP), Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) and Central Expressway (CTE) on weekdays and Saturdays during rush hours. We have more information on car rental in the box to the right.
By Bus
Taxis are not expensive and are recommended for visitors, but if you feel adventurous on arrival, you can always catch a public bus to town. Bus terminals are located in the basement of all airport terminals, where you will also find information on routes and fares. To get to our hotel take bus number 36, and alight on Raffles Avenue outside Esplanade. The hotel is across the street.
To & From the Airports
From Singapore Changi Airport to Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
• Take the East Coast Parkway (ECP) toward the City
• Exit at Rochor Road (Exit 15)
• Turn left into Temasek Boulevard
• At the roundabout, turn into Temasek Avenue
• Go straight until you reach the second traffic junction
• Turn right onto Raffles Avenue
• Entrance to Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is on the right
Car Rentals
• Minimum age of 23, maximum of 65.
• Drivers must produce a passport, international driving license and a major credit card.
• Singapore’s transportation authority strongly discourages driving in the city to alleviate traffic congestion. There are hefty taxes on all vehicles operating in the city. Please note that all drivers who enter the city during rush hours will have to pay fees based on the city’s Electronic Road Pricing system. Cash cards for paying these fees are available at the car rental counter.
