Get to Bras Basah Complex fast and affordably using the MRT network in Singapore.
Welcome to the best guide on how to get to Bras Basah Complex by MRT in Singapore.
In this article, we will summarize all the steps needed to reach Bras Basah Complex as fast and affordably as possible using Singapore’s extensive MRT network.
One of the most convenient things about getting to this shopping complex via MRT is that there are several MRT stations within walking distance of it. Therefore, you can reach it using different MRT lines, which will cut down the number of line transfers needed to get there and other attractions in Singapore.
An additional benefit of getting there via MRT is that you will bypass road traffic downtown. The last thing you want to deal with is a traffic jam during rush hour. Staying right beside an MRT station is an effective way to save time and money by using public transportation as much as possible.
Visiting Bras Basah Complex in Singapore
Bras Basah Complex is a very well-known shopping complex in Singapore. It was first built in the 1980s and quickly developed a reputation as the top place for book shopping in the city.
Currently, you can find a lot more than just books at Bras Basah Complex, however.
You can find musical instruments, sporting goods, and several art shops aside from other things. Many customers praise the affordable prices at Bras Basah Complex. Even though it isn’t the newest or fanciest mall in the city, it is known for its reasonable prices.
Bras Basah Complex is also known for its wide selection of office and art supplies. If you’re looking for paper, paintbrushes, or craft supplies for your kids you can find them here.
There are food vendors are Bras Basah Complex. They serve up traditional dishes at affordable prices but don’t expect 5-star cleanliness when you dine here.
Getting to Bras Basah Complex via MRT
Step 1: Plan your route to Bras Basah Complex in Singapore – best lines and stations?
Bras Basah Complex is located between North Bridge Road and Victoria Street.
Due to its central location, it is conveniently serviced by several MRT stations. We will focus on directions from the closest station but also summarize the walking time and distance from other stations nearby.
The closest station to Bras Basah Complex is Bras Basah Station (CC2).
It’s located on the Circle Line, which is shown in yellow on the metro map.
You can also walk to Bras Basah Complex from
City Hall Station (EW13/NS25)
Bugis Station (DT14/EW12)
Esplanade Station (CC3)
We will focus on getting there from Bras Basah Station.
Step 2: Walk to the nearest MRT station in Singapore.
There are several benefits to staying close to an MRT station while in Singapore.
Not only will you avoid road traffic, but you will also eliminate the use of taxis and ride-hailing services, which will save you a lot of money.
Avoiding parking fees is a clear benefit to booking a room near a station.
We have stayed all over Singapore, and based on our experience, these are two of the most convenient places to stay:
Marina Bay Sands Hotel – 5-star (Bayfront Station)
Sofitel Singapore City Centre – 5-star (Tanjong Pagar Station)
It also depends on your budget.
Head to Marina Bay and Sentosa luxury hotels with superb views. If you’re on a budget then try looking for rooms in Chinatown, Little India, Geylang and Kampong Glam. They have tons of well-priced, boutique hotels and hostels.
Read More: Top Luxury Hotels near Marina Bay
Step 3: Purchase a Tourist Pass or stored-value card to reach Bras Basah Complex in Singapore.
There are two main cards for getting around Singapore, and getting to Bras Basah Complex via MRT is no exception.
Stored Value Cards
We used a stored-value card while figuring out how to get to Bras Basah Complex by MRT.
These cards are very popular amongst Singaporeans and visitors staying more than a few days in the city. Once you buy one, simply tap to enter and exit the system. The cost of each trip will be automatically deducted from your account.
Singapore Tourist Passes are designed for foreign visitors to Singapore.
Typically, they are valid for 1-3 days and offer holders unlimited bus and train rides for a certain number of days. If you buy one, plan a busy itinerary for the days your card is valid to save some cash.
We don’t suggest buying a stored-value card unless you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing in several areas of Singapore. Otherwise, you might not save much money.
You should highly consider buying a multiple attraction pass for Singapore to use alongside your transport card. There have already been over 200,000 of these sold because you can save up to 52% when you buy several tickets online at the same time.
Step 4: Take the MRT to Bras Basah Station (CC2).
Ride the MRT all the way to Bras Basah Complex using the Circle Line.
Bras Basah Station has two neighbouring stations, Dhoby Ghaut to the north and Esplanade to the south.
Move close to an exit on the train when you stop and one of these.
Step 5: Alight at Bras Basah Station (CC2).
Alight upon arrival at Bras Basah Station.
Collect your belongings before getting off the train!
Exiting Bras Basah Station
Bras Basah Station is built underneath Bras Basah Road, bordering Waterloo Street and Queen Street.
It consists of 4 main levels:
L1 – Street Level
L2 – Ticketing
B4 – Transfer Hall
B5 – Train Platforms A and B
You will arrive at level B5 of Bras Basah Station, and that’s where the Circle Line train platforms are located.
Travel from the platform up to L1 – Street Level using the stairs, escalator or elevator.
Bras Basah MRT station has three exits leading to ground level: A, D and E.
Take Exit A if you want to walk from Bras Basah Station to the Complex.
Step 6: Walk from Bras Basah Station to Bras Basah Complex.
Exit A will bring you out onto Queen Street.
From there, you will have to travel east to reach Bras Basah Complex.
Walk south from Queen Street to Victoria Street.
Walk a little northeast along Victoria Street and then take the pedestrian crossing to get to the other side of the road.
Continue walking along Victoria Street until you reach Bain Street.
Turn right (south) onto Bain Street.
Walk southeast along Bain Street until you reach the entrance to Bras Basah Complex.
How long is the walk from Bras Basah Station to Bras Basah Complex?
The walk from Bras Basah Station to Bras Basah Complex is about 600 meters, and it should take you no longer than 5-6 minutes.
Other Stations within Walking Distance of Bras Basah Complex?
Getting to Bras Basah Complex is really easy because it is within walking distance of several stations in Singapore.
In the table below, we summarize the closest options.
Station Name |
Walking Distance to Bras Basah Complex |
Walking Time to Bras Basah Complex |
| Bras Basah (CC2) | 600 m | 6 minutes |
| Bugis Station (DT14/EW12) | 650 m | 7 minutes |
| Esplanade Station (CC3) | 600 m | 7 minutes |
| City Hall (EW13/NS25) | 750 m | 9 minutes |
As you can see, all of these stations are close to the shopping complex. Don’t even consider waiting for bus connections from these stations. The walking distance is so short it likely won’t be worth your time waiting for a bus.
It’s actually hard to find a place in Singapore where so many MRT stations service as Bras Basah Complex!
Other Points of Interest to Visit
Bras Basah Complex is located in a convenient area with Bugis to the northeast and Marina Bay to the southwest.
You can easily get here from the business district, and connections to/from the airport are also straightforward.
The MINT Museum of Toys is one of the closest places to check out relative to Bras Basah Complex. The National Library is also just across the street.
Further exploration north will lead you to some of Bugis’ best malls, such as Bugis Junction (Directions) and Bugis+ (Directions).
You can also walk over to Bugis Street Market (Directions) after exploring these malls.
If you walk south from Bras Basah Complex, you can explore Raffles City Shopping Mall and Suntec City – one of the largest and most popular shopping centres near Marina Bay.
Best Places to Stay?
Bras Basah Complex is within walking distance of some of Singapore’s best hotels.
For example, Raffles Hotel (Directions) is only a few minutes south. Every year it ranks as one of the best hotels in all of southeast Asia and features spectacular architecture and service.
InterContinental Singapore is another awesome luxury hotel. It’s only about 2 minutes northeast of the shopping centre.
Some other more affordable hotels near Bras Basah Complex include
You can also find more budget-friendly boutique hotels north of Bugis MRT station and further east in Kampong Glam.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now know how to get to Bras Basah Complex by MRT in Singapore.
Although it might not be located right in Marina Bay or Chinatown, it is still super easy to reach Bras Basah Complex via MRT. The four most convenient stations for getting there are:
Bras Basah (CC2)
Bugis Station (DT14/EW12)
Esplanade Station (CC3)
City Hall (EW13/NS25)
All of these stations are within walking distance of the shopping complex.
Several MRT lines service these, so in most cases, you should just stay on one of the lines as opposed to transferring. The walking distances are so similar that you will likely spend more time transferring lines than simply getting off and walking.
Expect the walking time to take between 5-10 minutes from any of these stations to Bras Basah Complex.