Commuters in Singapore Survey 2025

Quick Commuter Stats

• More than half of our survey respondents (57%) are fully working in the office.
• The most commonly used modes of transport to and from work are the Singapore MRT/LRT, public buses, and walking.
• An overwhelming majority consider commute time an important factor when evaluating a new job.
• Among those with a one-way commute of 46 to 60 minutes, more than half consider it too long.

How We Work and Commute

More Office Days for Most

Over half of those surveyed (57%) are fully back in the office post pandemic, while others enjoy hybrid or fully remote work setups. Hybrid workers typically head into the office earlier in the week—Monday to Wednesday sees the most on-site activity.

Top Modes of Transport

The MRT/LRT (60%) and public buses (56%) are the go-to options for most commuters surveyed, with walking (25%) being a close third. Only 23% rely on private cars, and 12% use private hire vehicles like Grab or Gojek.

What We Care About in Our Commutes

Convenience is King

When choosing how to get to work, respondents rank convenience (69%), commute time (66%), and cost (60%) as the most important factors.

Shorter Commutes, Happier Lives

Most respondents spend less than an hour each way commuting, and it’s no secret why this matters. A shorter commute is one of the top considerations for Singaporeans when evaluating new job opportunities.

Changing Commute Patterns

Impact of Hybrid Work

The shift to hybrid work means fewer crowds on Fridays and more flexibility during traditional peak hours. It’s a small but noticeable change in how we travel.

Peak Hours Still Rule

Most commuters still hit the roads and trains during peak morning and evening hours. While hybrid work has created some flexibility, the rush hour hustle is far from gone

Survey of Commuters in Singapore

Work Arrangement - On-site/Remote/Hybrid Work

Q. Which of the following best describes your current working arrangement?

The data shows that 3 in 5 respondents (57%) work fully from the office or on site, making it the most common work arrangement.

On the other hand, 1 in 12 respondents work only from home.

Among those with hybrid arrangements, 1 in 6 respondents primarily work on-site, while 1 in 8 respondents split their time evenly between the office (on-site) and working from home.

Additionally, 1 in 12 respondents primarily work from home in a hybrid arrangement.

Days Worked in the Office

Q. On which days do you usually need to work on-site?

Work from the office is most common earlier in the week, with 69% of respondents working on-site on Wednesdays, equivalent to approximately 2 in 3 respondents. Tuesday follows closely at 63%, and Monday has 59%. On Thursday, 54% respondents work from the office.

By Friday, about 2 in 5 respondents are present in the office. On the weekend, the numbers are much lower: 10% on Saturday and only 5% on Sunday.

Modes of Transport to Work

Q. When working on-site, what modes of transport do you normally use to get to and from work?

The Singapore MRT/LRT is the most commonly used mode of transport, with 60% of respondents relying on it for their commute. Public buses are the second most popular choice, used by 56% of respondents. Walking comes in third, with 25% of commuters choosing this mode. Private cars are used by 23% of respondents, roughly 1 in 4.

Taxis and private hire services, such as Grab or Gojek, are used by 12% of commuters, equivalent to about 1 in 8. Other modes of transport include bicycles and vans, each used by 6%, while trucks and ridesharing/carpooling account for 4% each. Motorcycles are used by just 3%, and other transport options make up 2%.

Overall, public transportation, walking, and private vehicles dominate commuting choices in Singapore.

Consideration Factors in Modes of Transport

Q. When considering which modes of transport to use to get to work, which of the following factors are important to you?

Convenience is the top priority, with 69% of respondents identifying it as important, followed by commute time at 66% and cost at 60%.

Waiting time is significant for 52% of respondents, while accessibility is a factor for 44%. Comfort matters to 39%, while safety is important to 33%. Lastly, sustainability is a consideration for 18%, making it the least prioritised factor among the options provided.

The data shows that practical and time-efficient factors dominate commuters' preferences, with environmental concerns having a smaller influence.

Commuting Time Period

Q. When working on-site, when do you usually commute to and from work?

• For commuting to work, the majority of respondents (67%) travel between 8 AM and 6 PM, while 29% commute during the early morning hours (between 12 AM and 8 AM). Only 4% commute in the evening or night hours (between 6 PM and 12 AM).
• For commuting from work, 46% travel between 8 AM and 6 PM, while 48% commute in the evening or night (between 6 PM and 12 AM). A smaller portion (6%) commutes between 12 AM and 8 AM.

This data shows that the majority of commutes align with traditional working hours, with most travelling to work in the morning and returning in the evening. However, there is some overlap with non-traditional hours, particularly for evening commutes.

Current Commute Time

Q. On average, how long is your commute to and from work?

To Work:

• The majority of respondents (32%) take 31 to 45 minutes to commute to work.
• 26% have a commute lasting 46 to 60 minutes, while 23% take 16 to 30 minutes.
• 5% have a short commute of 1 to 15 minutes, while longer durations include 7% taking 61 to 75 minutes, and 3% each for 76 to 90 minutes and more than 90 minutes.

From Work:

• The commute duration from work follows a similar trend, with 29% spending 31 to 45 minutes commuting.

Most respondents spend between 30 to 60 minutes commuting one way to work and a similar duration returning home. Only a small percentage have very short or very long commutes.

Importance of Commute Time When Considering a New Job

Q. When considering a new job, how important or unimportant is commute time to you?

An overwhelming 95% of respondents consider commute time a crucial factor when assessing a new job opportunity. This highlights the significant role that travel time plays in job decisions, with the vast majority prioritising convenience in their career choices

Rating of Current Commute Time

Rating of current commute time (To work) | 16 to 30 minutes

• Almost three-quarters of respondents feel their commute time to work is "just right", indicating satisfaction with this duration.
• 21% rate their commute as "short", suggesting it is quicker than average or preferable.
• 9% consider their commute time to be "long", indicating dissatisfaction or that it exceeds their preference.

Overall, the majority are satisfied with a 16 to 30-minute commute, with a smaller portion viewing it as too long.

Rating of current commute time (To work) | 31 to 45 minutes

• More than half of respondents feel their commute time is "just right", indicating general satisfaction with this duration.
• 15% rate their commute as "short", suggesting it is quicker than average or preferable.
• Nearly a third consider their commute time to be "long", indicating dissatisfaction or that it exceeds their preferred duration.

While the majority find this commute duration acceptable, nearly a third perceive it as too long.

Rating of current commute time (To work) | 46 to 60 minutes

• 35% feel their commute time is "just right", indicating moderate acceptance of this duration.
• 9% rate their commute as "short", suggesting that a small portion considers this duration quicker than expected.
• 56% consider their commute time to be "long", reflecting dissatisfaction or a perception that this exceeds their preferred duration.

The majority of respondents perceive this commute duration as too lengthy, with only a third finding it acceptable.

Rating of current commute time (To work) | 61 to 75 minutes

• Only a fifth feel their commute time is "just right", indicating a small portion finds this duration acceptable.
• 3% consider this commute "short", reflecting that very few view this duration as quick.
• 77% rate their commute time as "long", indicating significant dissatisfaction or a perception that this duration is excessive.

The majority of respondents perceive a commute of 61 to 75 minutes as too lengthy, with only a small fraction finding it acceptable or short.

Key Commuter Survey Takeaways

Singaporeans Prioritise Convenience and Commute Time as Hybrid Work Culture Evolves

Hybrid Work Shaping Commuting Habits

As Singapore adapts to evolving work models, commuting patterns are shifting to reflect the needs of a hybrid workforce. While more than half of Singaporeans (57%) have fully returned to the office, those with hybrid work arrangements tend to front-load their workweek.

Six in ten employees (59%) work from the office on Mondays, increasing to almost two-thirds (63%) on Tuesdays, and peaking at nearly seven in ten (69%) on Wednesdays. By Friday, fewer than half (41%) of respondents are in the office. This suggests that employees strategically balance productivity and flexibility, easing into remote work modes as the week progresses.

Public Transport Remains the Preferred Choice

Public transport continues to be the backbone of Singapore’s daily commute. Three in five workers (60%) rely on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) to get to work, while public buses also remain popular, with more than half (56%) commuting to work by bus

Walking is another significant commuting method, with one in four (25%) using it to get to work and slightly more (27%) for their return journeys. In contrast, fewer than one in four (23%) drive to work, with a similar number (22%) making the return trip by car. Ride-hailing services, such as Grab and Gojek, account for just over one in ten (12%) of commutes to work and 11% for the journey home.

Commute Time a Key Employment Factor

The length of the daily commute plays a crucial role in job decisions, with most Singaporeans seeking shorter travel times. Close to a quarter of workers commute between 16 to 30 minutes, while nearly one in three travel between 31 to 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, just over a quarter spend 46 to 60 minutes commuting each way.

Interestingly, while a 46 to 60-minute commute is common, 56% of respondents perceive it as 'long,' suggesting a misalignment between actual travel times and preferred commuting durations, potentially indicating dissatisfaction

With the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance public transport infrastructure, Singaporeans continue to prioritise efficient travel. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is actively advancing a car-lite strategy, expanding MRT lines, improving bus networks, and enhancing pedestrian pathways.

Car-Lite Strategy in Action

Singapore’s push towards a car-lite society is taking shape through extensive transport initiatives. Plans include expanding the Cycling Path Network to over 1,000 km by 2040 and rolling out the Walk Cycle Ride SG initiative to encourage active mobility. Additionally, upcoming new MRT lines will significantly cut travel times across the city.

Beyond infrastructure expansion, strict car ownership regulations play a key role in shaping Singapore’s transport landscape. High Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) discourage private car ownership and usage, prompting residents to explore alternative transport options.

By reducing reliance on private vehicles and investing in sustainable mobility solutions, Singapore aims to create a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and accessible transportation system. With continued infrastructure improvements and policies that regulate car ownership, the city-state is well-positioned to support both commuters and businesses in the years ahead.

Future of Commuting in Singapore

As hybrid work models persist, public transport remains the most viable commuting option for most Singaporeans. Employers are increasingly factoring in commute time when designing workplace strategies, with flexible work arrangements and decentralised office locations gaining traction.

Singapore’s commitment to a car-lite future, coupled with improvements in transport infrastructure, will further enhance urban mobility. By prioritising convenience, commute time, and cost, the nation continues to refine its transportation landscape to meet the needs of an evolving workforce.

About the Survey

This data was collected through a YouGov survey of 1,055 Singaporean workers across various industries, analysing current work arrangements, commuting behaviours, and transport preferences.

FAQs Singapore's Commuters and Public Transport

How many Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines are there in Singapore?

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the backbone of Singapore’s public transportation network. With six MRT lines, including the North-South Line, North-East Line, East- West Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, Thomson-East Coast Line, and construction of the Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line, the MRT system provides efficient and convenient travel across the city-state.

How frequent are MRT trains during peak hours?

MRT trains in Singapore run at high frequencies during peak hours, typically between 2 to 5 minutes apart. During off-peak hours, the frequency ranges from 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the line and demand.

Are Singapore’s MRT trains fully automated?

Yes, Singapore's MRT system is one of the most advanced in the world. Most lines operate fully automated, driverless trains using a semi-automatic signalling system. This ensures efficient and safe operations, with minimal human intervention.

How many MRT stations are there in Singapore?

As of now, there are over 140 MRT stations across Singapore, with more stations under construction as part of future expansions. With trains running at frequencies of 2-5 minutes during peak hours, the MRT system is fully automated, with driverless trains operating on a semi-automatic signalling system.

What does LRT stand for?

In Singapore, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is a feeder network that connects residential areas to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The LRT operates in towns like Bukit Panjang, Sengkang, and Punggol, providing convenient transport for residents to the nearest MRT stations. LRT trains are automated and driverless, similar to the MRT system, and run on elevated tracks.

How good is Singapore’s public bus network?

Singapore has a comprehensive and well-connected public bus network, covering nearly every part of the island. Buses serve areas that are not directly accessible by MRT, providing a seamless transportation system. The network includes hundreds of bus routes, with a combination of feeder, trunk, and express bus services.

How often do public buses run in Singapore?

Bus frequencies vary based on the route and time of day:

• Peak hours: Every 5 to 15 minutes
• Off-peak hours: Every 10 to 30 minutes
• High-demand routes, such as those serving MRT stations or major commercial areas, have more frequent bus services.

Is the public bus system in Singapore reliable?

Yes, Singapore’s public bus system is highly reliable and efficient. Commuters generally find buses clean, punctual, and well-maintained. The government continues to improve bus services through initiatives like the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP), which increases bus frequencies and adds new routes. However, some commuters experience longer waiting times during non-peak hours and occasional overcrowding on popular routes.

How much does it cost on the MRT and bus?

Using public transportation in Singapore is relatively affordable. The cost of a single trip on the MRT or public bus network ranges from SGD 0.69 to SGD 3.50, depending on the distance travelled. Stored value cards, such as the EZ-Link Card, can be used to pay for fares, and contactless bank cards and mobile wallets are also accepted. Pre-Peak discounts apply during certain times of the day, but overall, public transportation costs in Singapore are relatively low compared to other major cities.