This article has been written to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get to the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore using the MRT.
We guarantee that the information we have included here is reliable. This information is based on our personal travel experiences visiting the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on multiple occasions using the MRT network.
What is ‘Gardens by the Bay’ in Singapore?
Depending on your experience visiting Singapore you may not be familiar with Gardens by the Bay. Gardens by the Bay has become extremely popular because of how photogenic this tourist attraction is near Marina Bay in Singapore. It is best described as a premier horticultural attraction for local and international visitors.
Chances are that if you have visited different websites or read magazines about Singapore you have already seen photos of Gardens by the Bay. It is an extremely modern garden complex that mixes elements of artistry and entertainment into a very enjoyable visitor experience.
PRE-PURCHASE GARDENS BY THE BAY TICKETS
As the name suggests, Gardens by the Bay consists of more than one Garden area. Actually, there are three distinct Waterfront Gardens that make up this attraction in Singapore:
- Bay South
- Bay East
- Bay Central
Why should you consider visiting Gardens by the Bay if you are in Singapore?
This article outlines how to get to the Gardens by the Bay.
Before you plan on visiting Gardens by the Bay you should consider whether or not it suits your interests. According to our opinion, this is a great family attraction and a place that any nature or garden lover should consider seeing while in Singapore.
According to Wikipedia Gardens by the Bay is part of Singapore’s plans to transform a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”. Initially, Gardens by the Bay was intended to be Singapore’s premier urban outdoor recreation space and something for locals, ex-pats and tourists to enjoy. Now, it has boomed into Singapore’s most popular tourist sights and a must-see before you depart the city.
Lots of tourists stay a few minutes away at Marina Bay Sands and millions of tourists from around the world visit Gardens By the Bay on an annual basis.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get to the Gardens by the Bay using MRT:
Step 1: Leave your hotel and access the closest MRT Station in Singapore.
If this is your first time visiting Singapore, you will be happy to hear that Singapore has an extensive public transport system. Actually, one could argue that it is one of the best in the world.
One of the main pillars behind this public transport system is the MRT. Singapore has multiple MRT lines that extend through most of the city. Therefore, it is possible to actually visit Singapore without stepping foot in a vehicle if you have planned correctly.
Be sure to check where your hotel is located in Singapore so that you can access the closest station without having to pay for additional transportation costs.
Step 2: Navigate Singapore MRT to Gardens by the Bay
Once you have found some time to arrange the transportation from your hotel to the closest MRT Station, you have to familiarize yourself with the MRT lines in Singapore and which connections you have to make to get to the Gardens by the Bay.
The most practical MRT station that you should travel to in order to reach Gardens By the Bay is Bayfront MRT Station.
Which MRT Lines Service Raffles Place MRT Station and the Gardens by the Bay?
Currently, the Singapore MRT network consists of six lines. Two of the six lines service trains to Bayfront MRT Station, and thus, Gardens By the Bay.
If you want to take the MRT to Gardens by the Bay then get on either the Circle Line or the Downtown Line.
The Downtown Line is represented with blue colour on Singapore MRT Maps, whereas the Circle Line is represented with green colour.
You can also transfer between these two lines at Bayfront.
Step 3: Purchase your MRT Ticket
Once you know whether you are going to take the Circle or Downtown Line to Bayfront MRT Station and Gardens by the Bay, the next step is paying for your journey.
Keep in mind that there are multiple ways to pay for your MRT ride in Singapore. We have included various methods below for your convenience:
- Stored value card
- Credit Card
- Singapore Tourist Card
When you are purchasing a ticket for your trip to Gardens by the Bay you have to consider how long you are going to be in Singapore for.
If you are going to be in Singapore for an extended period of time, you might want to get a stored value card. This is the most efficient method because you can top it up and then use the card for multiple rides.
There are two acceptable stored value cards for Singapore MRT:
- ez-link
- Nets FlashPay card
You can purchase these at any TransitLink Ticket Office, MRT station and 7-Eleven stores.
Once you have purchased your card you can top them up at the following venues:
- General Ticketing Machines,
- Add Value Machines
- TransitLink Ticket Offices
- SingPost Outlets
- AXS Stations
- DBS/POSB/OCBC Automatic Teller Machines
- 7-Eleven stores
If you’re a tourist consider getting a Singapore Tourist Pass for your transport within the city.
If you want to save money while in Singapore, buy a multiple attraction pass. These can be used alongside your transport card. You can save up to 52% on entrance fees to the city’s top attractions. Simply purchase the passes online in advance. Over 200,000 passes have already been sold to Singaporeans and visitors to the city.
Step 4: Take the MRT to Gardens by the Bay
Once the ticket for the MRT trip to Gardens by the Bay is paid for, it is time to start your stress-free journey.
Always remember when you are travelling via MRT in Singapore that they are extremely strict about rules. This means that you cannot eat or drink while using the MRT or even consider littering.
How long does it take to travel to Gardens by the Bay using the MRT?
The time it takes you to travel to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore really depends on your point of origin. If you are travelling via MRT from the downtown area you may only spend five or ten minutes on the MRT.
However, if you are beginning your journey near Changi Airport, then you’re probably looking at more like 45 minutes to one hour journey time.
If you want to know the exact amount of time this trip will take you then I suggest that you look at your hotel and the closest MRT station and then use Google Maps to see the expected journey time to Bayfront Station.
$$$ How much does it cost to take the MRT to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore?
MRT prices in Singapore are influenced by multiple variables. You can expect senior citizens and children to pay completely different amounts for their respective trips.
Also, keep in mind that Singapore’s MRT prices are subject to change throughout the day depending on peak travel times. You can expect to pay more during rush hour and last during non-peak travel periods.
One of the most important variables that will dictate the cost of your trip to Gardens by the Bay is how far your journey is. Travelling from Changi Airport will cost a completely different amount than if you are travelling from Clarke Quay, for instance.
Step #5: Which exit should I use from Bayfront Station to get to Gardens by the Bay?
Once you arrive at a Bayfront MRT Station you will have to walk to Gardens by the Bay.
Alight the train and exit the station using EXIT B. You will then walk through an underground linkway towards the Gardens.
Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge to access Gardens by the Bay.
How long should it take you to walk from Bayfront MRT Station to Gardens by the Bay?
Selecting the Best Hotel to Stay at Near Gardens by the Bay
When you are selecting a hotel in Singapore it really comes down to your budget and how much you are willing to spend.
Gardens by the Bay is located in a very prominent position in terms of accommodation. It is physically located beside Marina Bay Sands Resort. This is one of the most famous hotels in the world due to the skyline views that you can capture.
Aside from Marina Bay Sands, the best options near Gardens by the Bay are situated on the opposite side of the Marina, facing towards the Garden area. Some of the best options include:
You can walk from any of these properties to Gardens by the Bay in about 10 to 15 minutes. Expect world-class amenities and superb service. The added benefit of staying near Marina Bay in Singapore is that you go for really nice walks along the water throughout the day or during the evening. MRT Stations are very accessible from these properties as well.
Where did we stay in Singapore when we visited the Gardens by the Bay?
We have stayed at multiple hotels in Singapore. To be honest, if you want to stay near Gardens by the Bay you can expect to spend a lot of money. If your budget doesn’t allow for this, then you are better off staying in the vicinity of Boat Quay or Clarke Quay.
During our last few hotel stays in Singapore we stayed within walking distance of Clarke Quay MRT Station.
We stayed at Hotel Bencoolen Hong Kong Street.
This is a clean, affordable boutique hotel that is within walking distance of Clarke Quay’s nightlife and the MRT Station.
This is a practical option if you want close access to the MRT while still being within walking distance of Gardens By the Bay, Marina Bay and other attractions near the waterfront. During the day it can get hot walking to Gardens by the Bay from this property. Therefore, you may want to get a ride or make use of the MRT system in Singapore.
Staying near Clarke Quay and Boat Quay is also a smart idea because they have an extensive selection of restaurants. You can walk and within two minutes find many dining options.
You can access Gardens by the Bay in about 15-20 minutes from Hotel Bencoolen Hong Kong Street.
Along the way, you will pass by the beautiful Fullerton Hotel and Anderson Bridge.
Another property that we have recently stayed at is Jayleen 1918. This boutique hotel is located on Carpenter Street. It is a good affordable option that is cheaper than most hotels in Singapore, but it isn’t fancy by any means.
Note that these properties have not paid us anything to share this information. This is our honest opinion based on our travel experience in Singapore.
Any more questions about your trip to Gardens by the Bay using the MRT?
If you happen to have any additional questions about taking the MRT to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore please let us know.
A lot of travellers who visit this area of Singapore also visit the following attractions due to their close proximity to the Gardens.
- Boat Quay
- Clarke Quay
- Singapore Flyer (Directions)
- Raffles Place
- Gardens By the Bay
- Esplanade
- Merlion (Directions)
It is safe to say that most tourists that visit the Gardens by the Bay also check out various attractions during the same day. The Esplanade, for instance, is only about 2 minutes away from the Gardens by the Bay. Also, consider the Singapore Flyer that is really close to the Gardens.
This has been a step-by-step guide on how to get to Gardens by the Bay using the MRT.
Please don’t hesitate to send us an email if you require additional information about this trip!