Welcome to the step-by-step guide on how to get to S.E.A. Aquarium by MRT. Once you have purchased your ticket for S.E.A Aquarium, this guide can hopefully save you valuable time and money getting there!
One of the cool things about visiting Sentosa Island Singapore is that there are so many different ways to get to each attraction on the island. Although you can get to S.E.A. Aquarium in many ways, we will focus on taking the MRT and the Sentosa Express Train. And, if you don’t want to commute everyday to Sentosa Island, there are tons of awesome hotels right on the beach!
We strongly suggest that you stick to public transport while you are in Singapore. This ensures that you avoid unnecessary taxi fees and parking fees throughout your entire trip. Also, don’t forget about road traffic. Another clear advantage is that you can take the MRT from Changi Airport directly to the city centre and also to Sentosa Island.
Why should you visit S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa Island?
S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa Island is a very popular family attraction that is part of Resorts World Sentosa. It is home to more than 100,000 marine animals and over 1,000 species, across 50 different habitats. Some of the most popular animals that you can see here include manta rays, leopard sharks and jellyfish.
One of the most popular places to visit inside S.E.A. Aquarium is the massive central ‘Open Ocean’ aquarium. It is common to see visitors check out this habitat in amazement of all the marine species swimming all over the place. Some reviewers feel like it’s similar to watching a cinema whereas others feel like they are on the bottom of the ocean staring at all the sharks.
Another great thing about S.E.A. Aquarium is that it is close to many hotels and other attractions on Sentosa Island. This makes it an easy place to integrate into an itinerary. You can explore many of Resort World’s top attractions while staying at the Resorts World Sentosa Hard Rock Hotel (5-star, 7.8/10 review score) which is right near the Aquarium.
Getting to S.E.A. Aquarium using MRT and Sentosa Express
Step 1: Book at a ‘strategic hotel’ and walk to the nearest MRT station.
If you are not staying on Sentosa Island then it is very important for you to book a strategically-placed hotel room. This is especially important if you plan on using the MRT as your mode of transport while you are in the city.
Fortunately, there are tons of hotel rooms in Singapore that are located within walking distance of stations. If you book near a station then you do not have to pay for a taxi or private vehicle throughout your entire stay.
We have included two popular hotels below for your convenience.
Fairmont Singapore (8.9/10 Review Score) (Esplanade Station)
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore (9.3/10 Review Score) (City Hall Station)
Both of these properties are only one minute from the MRT stations listed above. They receive excellent review scores, but they are a bit pricey so be sure to shop around before you confirm.
Once your room is sorted and you are ready to go to S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa, walk to the nearest MRT Station. It’s now time to get your ticket sorted.
Step 2: Buy your MRT ticket to HarbourFront Station
Getting to S.E.A. Aquarium by train requires a transfer from the MRT to the Sentosa Express (a different rail system).
You need to first take the MRT to HarbourFront Station. This is the best station to transfer at.
Conveniently, you can choose from two different types of MRT tickets/passes in Singapore at the time of writing:
- Stored value cards
- Singapore Tourist Passes
We have written a comprehensive guide on how to buy MRT tickets in Singapore. You can refer to this for all the specific details.
If you plan on travelling more frequently while you are in Singapore then you are best to get either a stored-value card or a Singapore tourist pass.
When we first figured out how to get to S.E.A. Aquarium by MRT we used an EZLink Card. This is a type of stored-value card. Once you buy one, just top it up with cash. Then, you can simply tap to enter and exit each station. This card is popular with long-term guests and Singaporeans.
The third option is a Singapore Tourist Pass. You can refer to our complete guide on how to buy Singapore Tourist Passes for all the details. They are great if you are in Singapore for 24-72 hours and want to explore a lot!
We highly recommend buying a multi-attraction pass to use along with these transportation cards (over 200,000 already purchased). You can get to the attractions affordably, and then receive up to a 52% discount by buying a bunch of entrance passes at the same time.
After you have decided what kind of ticket you want to use, get a ticket/pass to HarbourFront Station. This is the first step to S.E.A. Aquarium.
Step 3: Ride the MRT to HarbourFront Station
HarbourFront Station is located on the North-East Line (represented in purple colour on the train map). Once you have accessed the system refer to the MRT route maps in your station. This will help you to foresee if you need to transfer lines along the way to the S.E.A. Aquarium.
It is a good idea to know the preceding station to HarbourFront. In this case, it is Outram Park. When ‘Outram Park’ is announced on your train, it’s time to get closer to the nearest exit because you will be getting off at the next station.
Also, check out the signs above the exits on the train to show where you are on a given MRT line.
Step 4: Alight at HarbourFront and then walk to Sentosa Express Monorail Station.
You cannot directly access S.E.A. Aquarium by using only MRT. Therefore, when you arrive at HarbourFront Station you have to transfer to the Sentosa Express (if you want to take the train). The Sentosa Express is a monorail line that is not actually part of the MRT network.
To use the Sentosa Express you must first take Exit E to get out at HarbourFront Station. Then, walk to VivoCity shopping mall. Follow the relevant signs to the third floor of the mall.
Sentosa Express Monorail Station is located on the third floor of the mall. This is where you can get a train ticket to S.E.A. Aquarium.
Step 5: Purchase a Sentosa Express ticket to Resorts World Station and ride the train.
Now, buy a Sentosa Express train ticket to Resorts World Station (previously called Waterfront Station). Note: You can use your EZ link (stored value card).
Don’t expect this to be a long ride. Resorts World Station is the first stop on this short monorail line. It only takes a minute or two.
Step 6: Alight at Resorts World Station and walk to S.E.A. Aquarium.
Alight at Resorts World Station and make sure you bring all your belongings.
You can now walk from Resorts World Station to S.E.A. Aquarium.
Once you get off the train follow the red signs to the Aquarium. S.E.A. Aquarium is 400 m north of the station. Along the way, you should pass by Resorts World Sentosa Casino on your left and Universal Studios’ Rotating Globe on your right.
Keep left and cross the small bridge to arrive at the Maritime Experiential Museum.
S.E.A. Aquarium is located inside The Maritime Experiential Museum.
The walk from the Resorts World Station to S.E.A. Aquarium should take you about 4 minutes.
Should you stay near S.E.A. Aquarium while in Singapore?
If you are travelling with a family to Singapore then it is very convenient to stay near S.E.A. Aquarium. Since this is part of the Resorts World complex, staying at a hotel near the Aquarium makes it easy to walk from one attraction to the next on Sentosa Island.
The most affordable ‘family-oriented’ place to stay near S.E.A. is Resorts World Ora Hotel. It doesn’t receive the highest scores on the island but is definitely cheap in comparison to some of the other luxury Resorts available to guests.
Also, the Resorts World Sentosa – Hard Rock Hotel (5-star, 7.8 review score) is the closest property to S.E.A. Aquarium. You can walk to the hotel from the Aquarium in no time!
Best Luxury Hotels on Sentosa
If you are a wealthy visitor to the city then you may want to consider booking at one of Sentosa’s luxury hotels. Many of the choices listed below offer beautiful ocean view rooms and extremely high service standards.
Capella Singapore (5-star, rated 9/10)
Capella The Club Residences Singapore (5-star, rated 8.8/10)
The Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality (5-star, rated 8.9/10)
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove (5-star, rated 8.7/10)
Please take note that we are not a direct partner of any of these properties. The review scores are based at the time of writing from leading accommodation websites. Consequently, they are subject to change over time as more visitors review these hotels.
Any more questions about your trip to S.E.A. Aquarium using MRT and Sentosa Express?
We have written this step-by-step guide on how to get to S.E.A. Aquarium by MRT to make your trip faster and more convenient. This is particularly true in terms of transferring from the MRT to the Sentosa Express. You do not want to waste time at VivoCity looking for the ticketing office. If you do require more information about this trip kindly send us an email and we will be happy to help you!
One thing that you should remember about this trip to S.E.A. Aquarium is that the MRT is not the only way to get to this popular attraction. You can also get there using public bus, taxi, private car or by walking. The MRT is a popular and convenient way, but not the only one!
Remember, you can pre-purchase tickets to S.E.A. Aquarium online (already over 1,000,000 tickets booked online).
Once you have visited S.E.A. Aquarium you will be happy to learn that there are many other attractions on Sentosa island to explore. This is part of the Resorts World complex, so you can easily explore Adventure Cove Waterpark, Trick Eye Museum and other family attractions. Also, don’t forget about the beaches on Sentosa Island. Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong Beach are worth checking out!!