Commuting in Singapore: Insights from Budget Direct's 2025 Survey

Commuting in Singapore has long been a topic of interest, not only for those who travel daily but also for the urban planners and policymakers shaping the city's future. As one of the most densely populated cities globally, efficient transportation is essential for both residents and businesses. In 2025, Budget Direct Insurance, in collaboration with YouGov, surveyed over 1,000 working Singaporeans to gain insights into commuting behaviors, preferences, and how hybrid work is reshaping travel patterns.

This article takes a closer look at the findings of the Commuters in Singapore Survey 2025, highlighting the key commuter statistics, transport preferences, and what factors influence people's decisions on how they get to work.

Key Commuter Stats: Understanding the Commuter Landscape in Singapore

The Commuters in Singapore Survey 2025 reveals several important insights into the country's commuting habits:

Workplace Arrangements: Over half of the respondents (57%) are fully back in the office post-pandemic. While many are embracing hybrid work models, the majority still spend significant time commuting to physical office spaces.
Top Modes of Transport: The MRT/LRT system remains the most popular mode of transport, with 60% of respondents relying on it daily. Public buses are the second most common option, followed closely by walking.
Commute Time Preferences: An overwhelming majority of Singaporeans (95%) consider commute time a crucial factor when evaluating a new job. With a strong preference for shorter commutes, it's clear that commute duration significantly impacts job satisfaction.

The Hybrid Work Effect: Changing Commute Patterns

The shift to hybrid work has created noticeable changes in commuting patterns. While more than half of workers have returned to the office full-time, many hybrid workers prefer to commute earlier in the week. According to the survey, Mondays to Wednesdays are the busiest office days, with 69% of respondents working from the office on Wednesday, 63% on Tuesday, and 59% on Monday. By Friday, fewer than half (41%) are in the office. This indicates that while the hybrid model offers greater flexibility, it doesn't necessarily eliminate peak commute times, though it does ease congestion on Fridays.

Why Convenience and Commute Time Matter

When it comes to choosing a mode of transport, convenience ranks as the top priority for most commuters, followed by commute time and cost. According to the survey, 69% of respondents value convenience, 66% prioritize shorter commute times, and 60% consider cost an essential factor when selecting how to travel to work.

For those spending 46 to 60 minutes commuting one way, over half of the respondents consider it too long. This highlights the growing demand for shorter, more efficient commutes and raises important considerations for employers and urban planners. A 30 to 45-minute commute is viewed as "just right" for many, while commutes lasting longer than an hour are often seen as an obstacle to work-life balance.

Top Modes of Transport: MRT and Buses Lead the Way

Singapore's extensive public transportation system remains a preferred choice for the majority of commuters:

MRT/LRT (60%): The MRT system continues to dominate as the primary mode of transport. It’s efficient, well-connected, and provides access to key commercial and residential areas.
Public Buses (56%): Buses are another popular choice, offering flexibility and complementing the MRT network for a seamless commuting experience.
Walking (25%): A quarter of respondents prefer walking to work, especially for those living near their workplace or using it as part of a multi-modal commute.
Private Cars (23%): Although less common, owning a car remains a preferred option for some. With fewer than one in four relying on private cars, it's clear that public transport is the go-to for most.

Ride-hailing services, such as Grab or Gojek, are also used by a small portion of commuters (12%), indicating that for some, convenience outweighs cost or time when it comes to getting to work.

Shorter Commutes = Happier Lives

The survey underscores the importance of shorter commutes for overall happiness and job satisfaction. Most Singaporeans prefer commutes of less than an hour, and for many, a lengthy commute is a dealbreaker when considering a new job. In fact, 56% of respondents with a commute between 46 and 60 minutes feel that it's "too long," reflecting the desire for more time outside of work.

Changing Transport Choices: Flexibility and Sustainability

With Singapore's focus on sustainability, environmental concerns are becoming more significant, although not as pressing as convenience, time, or cost. 18% of respondents consider sustainability a key factor in their transportation choices, highlighting the growing but still secondary role of eco-friendly transport options.

The government’s ongoing initiatives to promote a car-lite society are shaping these preferences. Plans to expand the MRT network, enhance bus services, and encourage cycling and walking are all part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on private cars and promote sustainable travel.

The Future of Commuting in Singapore

As hybrid work continues to gain traction, the commuting landscape in Singapore is likely to evolve further. Employers are placing greater importance on commute time, offering flexible work arrangements and decentralizing office locations to reduce travel times for employees. Additionally, Singapore’s investment in expanding its public transport network, along with policies aimed at regulating private car ownership, will help reduce congestion and promote a more sustainable, efficient transport system.

In the future, commuters in Singapore can expect shorter commute times, improved accessibility, and better integration of transport modes. With a growing emphasis on hybrid work models, the traditional rush hour may become less congested, while alternative transport options like walking and cycling gain prominence.

Conclusion: A Transforming Commute

The data from Budget Direct's Commuters in Singapore Survey 2025 reveals a lot about how Singaporeans view commuting today and how it is evolving. With convenience, commute time, and cost topping the list of commuting priorities, it's clear that Singapore's commuters are looking for a balance between efficiency and comfort. Public transport remains the most popular choice, and with the government's car-lite strategy in full swing, the future of commuting in Singapore promises to be more sustainable, flexible, and commuter-friendly.

As hybrid work continues to shape travel patterns, and as infrastructure improves, we can expect commuting to become a less stressful part of daily life, allowing residents more time for leisure, family, and personal growth.

FAQs: Commuting in Singapore

How many Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines are there in Singapore?
Singapore’s MRT network consists of six operational lines, including the North-South Line, East-West Line, North-East Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, and the Thomson-East Coast Line, with additional lines such as the Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line under construction.
How frequent are MRT trains during peak hours?
MRT trains run at high frequencies during peak hours, typically 2 to 5 minutes apart, and around 5 to 7 minutes apart during off-peak hours.
Are Singapore’s MRT trains fully automated?
Yes, most of Singapore’s MRT lines operate with driverless trains using semi-automatic signalling, which contributes to their efficiency and punctuality.

This survey highlights that commuting in Singapore is about much more than just getting from point A to point B. It's a critical part of daily life that shapes job decisions, influences work habits, and informs transportation policies aimed at making the city-state a more connected and sustainable place to live.