Singapore Travel Forum

We'll be flying into Paya Lebar Air Base, and staying on Sentosa Island. I know we can order a cab easily enough, but does anyone know how far an MRT or bus station is from the main gate (schlepping 2 kids + luggage)? This is a seriously, tigthtly budgeted trip, any idea what a cab would cost for 4 people, around 3p on a weekday?

Under 20 Singapore Dollars at 3pm on a weekday assuming you hail one from the kerbside (not likely). Add maybe $5 max for a taxi booking.

For more info you can visit this website:
http://www.efxsoft.com/tripsum/taxisurcharges.asp

Why are you coming in via Paya Lebar Airbase? Are you on some military exchange? And why of all places Sentosa? That's not quite a budget location.

We are coming in on a military flight. We got a really great rate (at least by our budget standard) for Rasa Sentosa, about $70/nt (US). From what I can figure round trip to Sentosa on the bus would run about $20 vs. $50 for a cab. Every penny I can save in other places = more money for shopping! LOL

Thanks for the update.

Rasa Sentosa is very comfortable indeed and certainly not a budget hotel by any stretch of imagination.

The "bus" you seem keen to try is the public bus service. Your estimate is about right, but the aggro factor is much too high for the money you save, especially with kids and luggage. You will probably have to change buses at least twice as well. The time taken is likely to be at least twice as long (maybe 30 minutes by cab, and 80 minutes by bus). The bus also has limits on bag size (basically if you can tuck something under your arms, you can carry it on the bus, if it must roll behind you - then absolutely forbidden on the bus).

By all means try it once going into the hotel, I'm quite sure on the way out of Sentosa you will opt for a taxi (in which case you should make a booking by phone - Sentosa does not quite have empty cabs cruising around waiting for fares like the rest of Singapore).

IMHO I prefer to treat myself well when it comes to logistics, and then save by eating street food. Singapore is known for it's street food (but found in food centres not literally on the street). Avoid food courts in shopping malls except for the one in Vivo City or Wisma Atria (same brand of food court) - such food courts are generally a far cry from standalone food centres for quality and authenticity.

Thanks so much for the helpful info diver! My hub is of the same mindset, "quick, easy and comfortable". Looks like we'll be taking a cab!

buying tickets for three people in bus/train costed the same as going by one cab in many places in singapore.so dont feel too bad about taking the cab.

Just wanted to let you all know we had an AWESOME trip! Singapore is now one of my most favorite places in the world!!!!! So much to see and do, we'll be going back again in July for my b-day! We loved EVERYTHING! And the taxi? Only $10US all the way to Sentosa!!! I pay $10 for a 10 min ride in Tokyo! Thanks everyone for all the info.

Thanks for getting back and glad that you enjoyed.Yes it is a real fun place.
Regards,