Introduction: Ever wondered how your daily commute stacks up against the rest of the nation? With hybrid work, evolving office culture, and growing preferences for convenience, the way Singaporeans travel to work is changing. To understand these shifts, Budget Direct Insurance, in collaboration with YouGov, surveyed over 1,000 working individuals across various sectors in Singapore. The insights offer a compelling look at the pulse of commuting in Singapore today—what matters, what’s changing, and what the future might hold.
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Back to the Office: Hybrid Work’s Impact on Commuting
Although remote work once dominated headlines, the majority of Singaporeans—57% of survey respondents—have fully returned to the office. Only 1 in 12 works entirely from home, while hybrid work continues to thrive in certain sectors.
Interestingly, those with hybrid schedules tend to stack their office days earlier in the week. Wednesday sees the highest in-office presence at 69%, with Tuesday (63%) and Monday (59%) close behind. Come Friday, however, only 41% remain on-site, with numbers dipping even further over the weekend.
This shift in workplace dynamics is subtly reshaping commuter patterns. While traditional peak hours still exist, the hybrid work model is carving out quieter Fridays and slightly less congested travel windows.
MRT, Buses, and Foot Power: How Singapore Gets to Work
When it comes to modes of transport, public transportation reigns supreme. According to the BudgetDirect 2025 survey:
- 60% commute via MRT or LRT
- 56% use public buses
- 25% walk part or all of the way
Private transportation options lag behind:
- 23% drive their own cars
- 12% use private hire vehicles like Grab or Gojek
- Cycling (6%) and motorcycles (3%) remain niche choices
This shows a clear tilt toward sustainable, cost-efficient, and accessible options, in line with Singapore’s robust and interconnected public transport system.
What Really Matters to Commuters?
When deciding how to get to work, Singaporeans are practical:
- Convenience (69%) tops the list
- Followed by commute time (66%) and cost (60%)
- Waiting time (52%) and accessibility (44%) also influence decisions
- Surprisingly, sustainability was the least prioritized at just 18%
These insights underscore a commuter mindset focused on efficiency and affordability, even as global conversations about environmental impact grow louder.
How Long Is Too Long? Commute Times and Satisfaction
Singapore’s workers overwhelmingly value shorter commutes. A staggering 95% consider commute time an important factor when evaluating a new job—making it almost as crucial as salary or job role.
Here’s how current commute durations break down:
- 31–45 minutes: Most common (32%)
- 46–60 minutes: 26%
- 16–30 minutes: 23%
- More than 60 minutes: 13%
Despite the numbers, satisfaction varies:
- Among those commuting 16–30 minutes, nearly 75% say the time is “just right.”
- For 46–60 minute commuters, 56% find it too long.
- And if your commute stretches beyond 75 minutes, 77% say it’s excessive.
The takeaway? The sweet spot for Singaporeans seems to be under 45 minutes. Beyond that, patience and satisfaction start to wane.
Timing Is Everything: Peak Hours Still Dominate
Most commutes to work happen between 8 AM and 6 PM (67%), reflecting standard business hours. Yet, 29% begin even earlier—between 12 AM and 8 AM—perhaps reflecting flexible work starts or early-shift roles.
In the evenings, 48% commute home between 6 PM and midnight, showing how Singapore’s workforce disperses across different timelines. Hybrid work may offer some leeway, but the daily surge during peak hours still shapes the commuting landscape.
Commuting in Singapore: A Snapshot of Shifting Habits
The 2025 Commuter Survey by Budget Direct Insurance reveals that commuting in Singapore is a dynamic, evolving experience influenced by a blend of practicality, flexibility, and changing work patterns.
Read More: https://www.budgetdirect.com.sg/car-insurance/research/commuters-in-singapore-survey-statistics
Key takeaways:
- Hybrid work is front-loading the workweek, creating mid-week peaks in office attendance.
- Public transport remains king, but walking is gaining traction.
- Convenience and time outweigh environmental concerns, though sustainability may rise in priority over time.
- Commute duration directly affects job satisfaction, with anything over 45 minutes pushing the limits of tolerance.
What’s Next for Singapore’s Commute Culture?
As Singapore continues to invest in smart city infrastructure and expand its public transport offerings, the future of commuting looks increasingly efficient. But the cultural shift is just as important. Employers, take note: flexible hours, office location, and hybrid policies aren’t just perks—they’re strategic tools in attracting and retaining talent.
For workers, the emphasis is clear: a shorter, more convenient commute isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Thanks to Budget Direct Insurance’s 2025 survey, we now have a clear picture of how we move, why we move, and how much it really matters.