Get to UE Square fast and stress-free with this comprehensive article.
Welcome to the complete guide on how to get to UE Square by MRT in Singapore.
By the end of this article, you should know exactly which lines to take and which MRT station is the closest for walking directly to UE Square.
Getting around Singapore using the MRT is super easy.
There are several established metro lines and more in development.
Consequently, it’s possible to stay at a convenient hotel in different areas of the city and then use the MRT and bus network to get around.
UE Square is minutes away from the main business district and popular areas such as Marina Bay and Chinatown. It’s well-serviced by the MRT and close to some of Singapore’s best attractions meaning you can walk to it from several MRT stations. We will share our recommendations, and then you can choose your preferred station based on the line you are travelling on downtown.
Shopping at UE Square in Singapore
UE Square is a mixed-use commercial complex consisting of a shopping mall, office tower blocks and Park Avenue Suites. Many locals visit the mall for weekly groceries and staple services. Expect to find salons, massage facilities and pharmaceutical stores.
Like most commercial centres in Singapore, UE Square has several restaurants and cafes. It’s common to see residents of the towers dining here due to the direct access.
There are two basement carpark levels and roadside cafes.
According to online reviews, visitors like the laidback vibe where access to shops and services is easy.
If you’re shopping at UE Square, then you should have no problem walking to Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. The closest shopping centre to it is called Robertson Walk, which is accessible as you walk towards the Singapore River.
Getting to UE Square using MRT
Step 1: Plan your route to UE Square – Best Lines and Stations.
There are several MRT stations located not far from UE Square, but the closest and most convenient one is definitely
Fort Canning Station (DT20)
It’s located on the Downtown (Blue) MRT line.
Step 2: Walk to the nearest MRT station.
If you are visiting Singapore, try to book a room as close as possible to an MRT station.
Getting to UE Square and other city areas will be faster, cheaper and worry-free.
For example, staying within 500 m of a station ensures zero parking fees and no traffic congestion during your stay.
Fortunately, Singapore is extremely convenient, with hotels almost attached to stations!
Here are a few examples of hotels that receive very positive review scores within minutes of the listed stations below:
Fairmont Singapore (8.9/10 Review Score) (Esplanade Station)
The Fullerton Hotel (9.0/10 Review Score) (Raffles Place Station)
Always check review scores, location and proximity to a station before booking a room in Singapore. Chinatown, Marina Bay and Bugis are three of the most popular areas.
Read More: Wow! The TOP Luxury Hotels near World-Famous Marina Bay in Singapore
Step 3: Buy a transportation card to reach UE Square using MRT.
There are two main cards for getting around Singapore (including to UE Square) via MRT:
Stored Value Cards
We used a stored value card while figuring out how to get to UE Square by MRT. Stored value cards are well-suited for long-term residents of the city. They are acceptable on buses and trains. Stored value cards do not offer unlimited trips. Instead, your balance gets deducted after each trip that you make.
Consider getting a Tourist Pass if you’re visiting from abroad.
Tourists Passes are usually valid for 1-3 days and offer cardholders unlimited public transportation rides throughout the same day. You could use the Tourist Pass to access UE Square and then explore multiple other city areas for a set amount per day.
Insider Tip: We highly recommend getting a multiple-attraction pass to use alongside your transportation card in Singapore. You can save up to 52% by booking several passes online before visiting. At the time of writing, already 0ver 200,000 passes have been sold!!
Step 4: Navigate the MRT network to Fort Canning Station (DT20).
Take the MRT to Fort Canning Station (DT20) when you’re ready to travel to UE Square.
Fort Canning Station (DT20) is on the Downtown Line, which is shown in dark blue colour on Singapore’s metro map.
Step 5: Alight at Fort Canning Station (DT20).
Alight at Fort Canning Station (DT20) along with your belongings.
Keep in mind that Fort Canning Station has two neighbouring stations that you should be familiar with:
Bencoolen Station (DT21)
Chinatown (DT19/NE4)
Once you stop at either one of these stations, you will be getting off at the next stop, so promptly move to the nearest exit on the train.
Exit Information from Fort Canning Station (DT20)
Fort Canning MRT Station (DT20) is built underground near the Clarke Quay and Fort Canning planning subzones.
It consists of three main levels:
L1 – Street Level
B1 – Concourse and Ticketing
B2 – Train Platform A and Train Platform B
You will arrive at Level B2 on your way to UE Square via MRT.
From B2 take the elevator, escalator or stairs to Level 1 – Street Level.
Fort Canning MRT station has two exits, A and B, and they are both located at L1 Street Level.
Take Exit A at Fort Canning Station to walk directly to UE Square.
Step 6: Walk from Fort Canning Station (DT20) to UE Square.
Exit A at Fort Canning Station (DT20) will bring you out onto River Valley Road, which is a little northeast of UE Square.
From Exit A, Head northwest on River Valley Rd toward Clemenceau Avenue.
Turn left onto Clemenceau Avenue.
Briefly walk south and enter UE Square using the northeastern entrance.
How long does it usually take to walk from Fort Canning Station (DT20) to UE Square?
The walk from Fort Canning Station to UE Square is fast and easy.
It should take you 2 minutes or less to walk from the station to the mall since the distance is only approximately 170 m.
Are there alternative MRT Stations to access UE Square in Singapore?
With Fort Canning Station only being a 1-2 minute walk from UE Square, there is no denying it’s the best option.
However, it’s possible to walk from other stations in Singapore to UE Square as well.
In some cases, it might make more sense to use another station as opposed to transferring lines. By the time you transfer lines, you might have already been at UE Square.
The table below summarizes all the closest stations to UE Square so can select the best option based on your starting point in Singapore:
Station Name |
Walking Distance toUE Square |
Walking Time toUE Square |
| Fort Canning (DT20) BEST CHOICE*** | 170 m | 1-2 minutes |
| Dhoby Ghaut (CC1/NE6/NS24) | 950 m | 10 minutes |
| Clarke Quay (NE5) | 1100 m | 11 minutes |
| City Hall (EW13/NS25) | 1400 m | 14 minutes |
Fort Canning is the Downtown Line, but the other stations provide access to the East-West, North-East and Circle Lines. Check your planned route to UE Square and which line/station combination is the most convenient.
What else should you visit near UE Square?
UE Square is within walking distance of some of the most scenic areas in all of Singapore.
Clarke Quay (directions from the airport) and Boat Quay (Directions) are close to the mall and offer an excellent selection of eateries, bars and cafes overlooking the water. Robertson Walk is the closest mall located along the river.
If you continue walking southeast, you will reach Marina Bay – one of the most famous areas in all of Southeast Asia. This is the place for superb views of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the Merlion and Singapore’s iconic skyline. It’s best to visit here during the day and at night to truly appreciate it.
Head to Roberston Quay if you enjoy high-end alfresco dining along the waterfront.
There are excellent waterfront sidewalks here, which are ideal for walking, cycling or rollerblading. Head to Fort Canning Park (Directions) for additional wellness opportunities.
Best Places to Stay near the Mall
The direct area around UE Square is well-served in terms of accommodation options, and the proximity to Fort Canning Station makes life easy.
Most of the hotels around QE square tend to be in the 3, 4 and 5-star range.
Some of the best options within direct walking distance of the mall are:
InterContinental Robertson Quay Hotel
Rooms here in Robertson Quay tend to be cheaper than in Marina Bay. It’s a nice, scenic area that is just far enough away from the party scene in Clarke Quay. Some of the property review scores are not quite as high as Marina Bay, so always double-check recent reviews before booking.
Conclusion
Ideally, this complete guide on how to get to UE Square by MRT will help you access the mall fast and affordably.
Although there are several stations near UE Square, Fort Canning Station is definitely the best one if you have the choice!
It’s on the Downtown Line.
Simply take Exit A from the station to walk to UE Square.
The walk is less than 200 m away, and it should take you less than 2 minutes.
If you’re not travelling on the Downtown Line to Fort Canning Station, then you can also get off at one of these stations
Dhoby Ghaut (CC1/NE6/NS24)
Clarke Quay (NE5)
City Hall (EW13/NS25)
The walk to UE Square from these stations will take 10-14 minutes which sounds like a lot farther than from Fort Canning Station. But, keep in mind that it might be faster from one of these stations than going through the process of transferring to the Downtown Line.
Once you are at UE Square, you can walk to Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Square, Fort Canning Park and Marina Bay in no time!