How to Get to the Merlion by MRT
Quick answer: Take the MRT to Raffles Place (NS26/EW14) and walk about 8 minutes towards the Fullerton Hotel; Merlion Park is on the waterfront just past it. Esplanade (CC3) is a similar walk across the Esplanade Bridge, and Bayfront (CE1/DT16) gives you the view of the Merlion from the Marina Bay Sands side.
Nearest MRT station to Merlion Park
- Station: Raffles Place (NS26/EW14)
- Lines: North South Line, East West Line
- Train times: see first and last trains by line
How to get to Merlion Park from the airport, Orchard and the city
| Starting from | Route | Stops | Changes | Adult fare | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changi Airport | Take the East West Line (Changi Airport branch) to Tanah Merah. Change at Tanah Merah to the East West Line (towards Tuas Link) to Raffles Place. | 12 | 1 | S$2.30 | about 40 min |
| Orchard | Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Raffles Place. | 4 | 0 | S$1.38 | about 15 min |
| City Hall | Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Raffles Place. | 1 | 0 | S$1.28 | about 10 min |
| Jurong East | Take the East West Line (towards Pasir Ris) to Raffles Place. | 10 | 0 | S$2.11 | about 30 min |
| Woodlands | Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Raffles Place. | 17 | 0 | S$2.44 | about 45 min |
Stops and changes come from the current network map. Fares are the adult card fare for the distance (50 cents less before 7.45am on weekdays). Times are estimates for the train ride only and do not include the walk at either end. Use the fare calculator for any other starting station.
From Raffles Place station to Merlion Park
From Raffles Place, leave towards the Fullerton Hotel and Boat Quay, follow Fullerton Road along the river, and you will see the Merlion statue spouting water at the mouth of the Singapore River, with Marina Bay Sands across the water. It is the classic photo spot and is busiest at sunset and during the evening light show. From Esplanade station, walk past the Esplanade theatres and across the Esplanade Bridge, which has its own good view of the statue.
Tips for the trip
- The Merlion faces east, so morning light is best for photos of the statue itself, while evening gives you Marina Bay Sands lit up behind it.
- City Hall station (NS25/EW13) is also within 12 to 15 minutes on foot via the Padang if you are combining it with the National Gallery.
- There is a smaller Merlion statue on Sentosa, but the original is here at Marina Bay.
- The park is free and open all day, and the nearby Fullerton Pavilion and One Fullerton have cafes and toilets.
Other places near Raffles Place station
- Lau Pa Sat (Food centre, about 6 min walk): Visit Lau Pa Sat for a wide variety of local hawker food options.
- Asian Civilisations Museum (Museum, about 7 min walk): Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum to explore the history and cultures of Asia.
- Nagore Durgha Indian Muslim Heritage Centre (Museum, about 8 min walk): Visit the Nagore Durgha Indian Muslim Heritage Centre to learn about Indian Muslim heritage in Singapore.
- Marina One (Shopping mall, about 11 min walk): Visit Marina One for retail shops and dining in a modern integrated development.
- National Gallery Singapore (Museum, about 12 min walk): Visit the National Gallery Singapore to see an extensive collection of Southeast Asian art.
- OUE Downtown (Shopping mall, about 12 min walk): Visit OUE Downtown for retail and dining in the central business district.
Frequently asked questions
Which MRT station is nearest to the Merlion?
Raffles Place (NS26/EW14), about 8 minutes on foot past the Fullerton Hotel. Esplanade (CC3) and Bayfront (CE1/DT16) are alternatives within a 10-minute walk.
How do I get to the Merlion from Changi Airport?
Take the airport branch to Tanah Merah, change to the East West Line and ride to Raffles Place, about 40 minutes and S$2.30, then walk to the waterfront.
Is Merlion Park free?
Yes. It is a public park on the waterfront, open all day.
Can I see the Merlion from Marina Bay Sands?
Yes. From Bayfront station walk out to the Event Plaza in front of The Shoppes and the Merlion is straight across the bay.
Plan the rest of the trip with the interactive Singapore MRT map, the fare calculator and the guide to paying for the MRT.
More places to reach by MRT
Sentosa Island | Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and Bird Paradise | Singapore Flyer | Universal Studios Singapore
See the full list: how to get anywhere in Singapore by MRT, or find your nearest MRT station.