The complete guide to reaching Katong Shopping Centre using bus, MRT, and taxi.
Welcome to the complete, step-by-step guide on how to get to Katong Shopping Centre by MRT and bus.
Regardless of where you are starting your trip in Singapore, we will make sure that you can each Katong Shopping Centre in a fast and affordable manner.
You have several options to reach the mall.
We will start by explaining how to get there using a combination of MRT and bus.
Even though Katong is loaded with shopping malls, currently, a few kilometres separate the closest MRT stations and Katong Shopping Centre. This might change in the future with the development of new MRT lines, but for the time being, most people take MRT and then connect to a bus that heads right near the mall.
Another option is taking a bus straight to the mall.
You can conveniently take a bus there, depending on where you are starting your journey.
In some cases, you will be better off taking the MRT to a closer station, but this is not always the case.
Aside from the metro and buses, we will also discuss taxiing or driving directly to Katong Shopping Centre.
We will then summarize the essential information about driving or taking a taxi to the mall.
Shopping at Katong Shopping Centre in Singapore
Katong Shopping Centre first opened its doors to shoppers back in 1973, making it one of the first air-conditioned malls in Singapore. It is located right in the heart of Katong, conveniently surrounded by several shopping malls, and is minutes from East Coast Park.
It consists of 7 commercial levels, spanning 8,400 m2 of space with over 300 shops and services. Some of the most popular shops and services that you will find at Katong Shopping Centre include:
- Textiles
- Shoes
- Food outlets
- Tailoring, photocopying
- Printing
- Several employment agencies
- Housing employment agencies
- Tailoring
- Printing services
- Opticians
- Cosmetic shops
- Katom Gourmet Food Center
- Food
- KTV
- Eateries
- Grocery stores
- Banks
- Retail shops
Once you reach Katong Shopping Centre, you can easily navigate your way to at least 5 other shopping centres. Walk along Joo Chiat Road to view some of Singapore’s best preserved Peranakan Houses north of the mall. Lots of restaurants, pubs and small boutique stores line Joo Chiat Road.
Getting to Katong Shopping Centre by MRT and Bus
It will take you over 20-minutes to walk from the nearest MRT station to Katong Shopping Centre. If you are up for getting some steps or biking, you can skip the bus altogether.
But many people take the MRT to a station close to the mall and then connect with bus services to get there.
In the section below, we will outline how to get to the closest MRT station to Katong Shopping Centre, and then explain how to connect with a bus to the mall.
Step 1: Walk to the most convenient MRT station in Singapore.
People can debate which is the best area to stay in Singapore, but one of the most important considerations is where you are staying relative to an MRT station.
You will save serious time on the way to Katong Shopping Centre by booking a room near a station. Immediately, your itinerary will become more efficient, and you will save cash by making fewer taxi trips.
A quick online search will reveal at least 50+ hotels within 3 minutes or less from stations in Singapore. Still, two of the best options, according to guest reviews, are
Fullerton Bay Hotel (3 minutes away from Raffles Place Station)
Marina Bay Sands (2 minutes away from Bayfront Station)
Not only are these superb hotels, but they are also prominently located with direct access to the MRT. Fullerton Bay Hotel is located right on Boat Quay (a super scenic spot).
On the other hand, Marina Bay Sands is located beside the Gardens by the Bay and overlooks Singapore’s fantastic skyline.
Step 2: Plan your route to Katong Shopping Centre – MRT transfers, stations and lines.
Conveniently, you can choose from a few different MRT stations to reach Katong Shopping Centre:
Dakota Station
Eunos Station
Paya Lebar Station
Of these stations, the closest to Katong Shopping Centre is Dakota Station (CC8), that’s why we will focus on it here.
Dakota Station (CC8) is located on the Circle Line.
It has the station shortcode of CC8 to denote that it’s the eighth one on the line.
The Circle Line is shown in orange colour on Singapore’s route map.
Probably the most challenging part of getting to Dakota Station is knowing where to transfer MRT lines.
Not everyone will start their trip on the Circle Line.
Here are the most popular interchange stations to the Circle Line (and Dakota Station) below:
Marina Bay
Bayfront
Promenade
Paya Lebar
You can find metro maps in each station (near the entrance gates) and also near the train platforms.
Step 3: Purchase your ticket to reach Dakota Station (CC8).
You can choose from several different types of MRT tickets in Singapore.
Here is a summary of the three main categories:
- Tourist Passes
- Stored Value Cards
- Multiple/Single Trip Tickets
Singapore Tourist Passes are an awesome choice for foreigners visiting the city.
If you have a short, action-packed itinerary, then a Tourist Pass is a convenient option that can save you money. Unlimited bus and metro rides are included for a specific number of days.
But, if you aren’t travelling around much, you might prefer a stored value card.
Stored value cards are the preferred choice for Singaporeans and long-term guests.
We used one of these when figuring out how to get to Kantong Shopping Centre by MRT and bus.
Transfer seamlessly from the train to the bus with these cards by simply tapping to enter and exit.
You can also buy single or multiple journey tickets at stations in Singapore.
Go to the electronic ticketing kiosk near the entry gates at each station.
If you have a credit card with a ‘wave feature,’ you can also tap and go using your card.
But if your credit card is issued from a foreign country, you might pay a bit more because of the currency conversions during each trip.
Step 4: Transfer (if necessary) to the Circle Line and ride the MRT Dakota Station (CC8).
Walk to the most convenient station to where you are starting from and map out any necessary transfers to the Circle Line.
Then, take the Circle Line all the way to Dakota Station (CC8).
Keep an eye out for Dakota Station’s two neighbouring stations:
Paya Lebar (north) and….
Mountbatten (south)
Verbal announcements are routinely made on Singapore trains to alert you of what station you are stopping at next. Move closer to an exit when you stop at one of the neighbouring stations.
Step 5: Get off at Dakota MRT Station (CC8).
Alight upon arrival at Dakota Station (CC8).
Collect all your stuff before getting off the train.
Step 6: Travel up from the B2 (Platform Level) at Dakota Station to L1 (Street Level) to access the exits.
Dakota Station is built under Old Airport Road, at the junction of Jalan Dua near Geylang River.
It consists of three levels:
Level 1 – Street Level
B1 – Concourse
B2 – Train platforms
You will arrive at Level B2, where the train platforms are located.
Travel up to Level 1 to access the station exits.
Dakota Station has two exits to choose from at street level, Exits A and B.
Take Exit A to connect to bus services to Katong Shopping Centre.
Step 7: Take the bus from Dakota Station to Katong Shopping Centre.
Once you arrive at Dakota Station, it should be an easy transition to the bus. In the section below, we will outline how to connect.
Bus Directions from Dakota Station (CC8) to Katong Shopping Centre
Exit A at Dakota Station will bring you to Old Airport Road, which is directly north of the station.
Cross to the other side of Old Airport Road.
Walk west until you reach the following bus stop:
Dakota Stn Exit A/Blk 99 – Stop ID: 81181
Wait at the bus stop and then get on Bus 10 (or Bus 32).
Stay on Bus 10/32 for 5 stops and then alight at
Katong Shop Ctr – Stop ID: 92101
Conveniently, Katong Shopping Centre is directly behind this bus stop.
Walk about 20-30 seconds to the entrance of the mall.
Approximate Bus Ride Length (including walking): 10 minutes
Bus Pick-up Frequency: Approximately every 12 minutes
Getting to Katong Shopping Centre using Public Bus
You can also altogether bypass Singapore’s MRT network on the way to Katong Shopping Centre.
We recommend using the bus when you are not staying close to an MRT station or when it doesn’t make sense to use the MRT to get to Katong.
In some cases, the bus might be more convenient and faster, but this will depend on your starting point in Singapore.
The table below summarizes the closest bus stops to Katong Shopping Centre and the buses servicing them.
Take a look and find the bus services nearest to your starting point.
Bus Stop |
Bus Numbers |
Approximate Walking Time from the Bus Stop to the Entrance of Katong Shopping Centre |
| Katong Shop Ctr
Stop ID: 92101
|
10, 10e, 12, 14, 14e, 32, 40, 47 | Less than 1 minute (30 m) |
| Opp Katong Shop Ctr
Stop ID: 92109 |
10, 10e, 12, 14, 14A, 14e, 32, 40 | 1 minute (110 m) |
| Roxy Sq
Stop ID: 92119 |
10, 10e, 12, 14, 14A, 14e, 32, 40 | 3 minutes (300 m) |
| Opp One Amber
Stop ID: 92091 |
10, 10e, 12, 14, 14A, 14e, 32, 40 | 2 minutes (190 m) |
According to the table above, many of the same buses stop at the stops around Katong Shopping Centre. The walking distance span from 30 m to 300 m so expect quick, easy walks to the mall from any of these bus stops.
Driving or Taking a Taxi to Katong Shopping Centre
If you have a vehicle, you might want to drive directly to Katong Shopping Centre.
Using a combination of MRT and bus services will likely take longer and waste more time.
Katong Shopping Centre has a large parking space that can hold several hundred vehicles. Once you enter you will pay every 30 minutes and the prices are quite reasonable. The cost shouldn’t be a major factor in your decision to drive to the mall.
Taking a taxi to Katong Shopping Centre is also a super convenient option. Taxis are more expensive than buses and trains in Singapore but still reasonable. If you are travelling with other people to the mall, taking a taxi might be a wise decision. Just consider traffic conditions because this area can get busy with so many shopping malls scattered around Katong.
Mountbatten Road and ECP are two of the most popular major roads for getting to Katong.
What to see and do near Katong Shopping Centre?
Fortunately, once you reach Katong Shopping Centre, there are many other shopping options within walking distance.
Some of the most convenient malls include
Parkway Parade (Directions)
I12 Katong (Directions)
Katong V (Directions)
Katong Square (Directions)
Roxy Square 1
Katong Plaza
Flow @ East Coast
You can also explore some fascinating cultural sites along the streets north of Katong Shopping Centre.
The Peranakan Houses, for example, attract lots of daily visitors. Bring along a camera to capture their colourful facades.
Some other noteworthy places to visit include:
Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
Koon Seng Road
Joo Chiat Road
Even further north, closer to Paya Lebar Station, is Geylang Serai Market (Directions) and Joo Chiat Complex (Directions). These places are known for competitive prices, and they are located across from each other.
East Coast Park is close to Katong Shopping Centre but to the south.
Lots of families and exercise enthusiasts head here on weekends and holidays. Cycling along the coastline is a popular activity and something you should consider doing!
Best Places to Stay near the Mall
Katong might not be the most popular area to stay in Singapore, but this area is surprisingly nice and under the radar of many tourists.
Some areas, such as Marina Bay and Sentosa Island, are more popular, but hotels in these areas tend to be more expensive. The 2,3, and 4-star properties near Katong Shopping Centre are conveniently located and provide good value.
We suggest checking the prices of the following hotels and seeing which one suits your budget:
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy (top choice)
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Village Hotel Katong
Santa Grand Hotel East Coast
Be sure to shop around and consider whether breakfast is included in your room price when you are booking a room in Singapore.
Conclusion
So there you have it, all the info you need on how to get to Katong Shopping Centre by MRT and bus.
And let’s not forget about driving or taking a taxi directly to the mall, either!
The closest station to the mall is Dakota Station. It’s at least 20 minutes walking distance from Katong Shopping Centre. This requires another form of transportation such as bus or taxi services.
In most cases, connecting to the mall with bus services or a taxi is the practical option.
The best bus stop is directly north Dakota Station, only 1 minute or less from Exit A. From there the bus ride to Katong Shopping Centre is only 10 minutes.
Lots of parking spots are available at Katong Shopping Centre. Therefore, driving there is an efficient and convenient option.
When you get dropped off near the entrance of Katong Shopping Centre, you can bypass the time and money spent parking.