How to Get to Chinatown by MRT
Quick answer: Take the MRT to Chinatown (NE4/DT19) and use Exit A, which comes up on Pagoda Street in the middle of the street market. Maxwell (TE18) on the Thomson-East Coast Line is closer to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Maxwell Food Centre.
Nearest MRT station to Chinatown
- Station: Chinatown (DT19/NE4)
- Lines: Downtown Line, North East Line
- Train times: see first and last trains by line
How to get to Chinatown 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 Outram Park. Change at Outram Park to the North East Line (towards Punggol Coast) to Chinatown. | 15 | 2 | S$2.36 | about 50 min |
| Orchard | Take the Thomson East Coast Line (towards Bayshore) to Outram Park. Change at Outram Park to the North East Line (towards Punggol Coast) to Chinatown. | 4 | 1 | S$1.38 | about 20 min |
| City Hall | Take the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Dhoby Ghaut. Change at Dhoby Ghaut to the North East Line (towards HarbourFront) to Chinatown. | 3 | 1 | S$1.28 | about 15 min |
| Jurong East | Take the East West Line (towards Pasir Ris) to Outram Park. Change at Outram Park to the North East Line (towards Punggol Coast) to Chinatown. | 9 | 1 | S$2.07 | about 30 min |
| Woodlands | Take the Thomson East Coast Line (towards Bayshore) to Outram Park. Change at Outram Park to the North East Line (towards Punggol Coast) to Chinatown. | 15 | 1 | S$2.40 | 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 Chinatown station to Chinatown
Exit A of Chinatown station puts you on Pagoda Street, with the Chinatown Heritage Centre a few doors down and Sri Mariamman Temple at the far end on South Bridge Road. Turn right along South Bridge Road for the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, about 5 minutes, and Maxwell Food Centre is just beyond it. Chinatown Point mall sits on top of the station if you want air conditioning or a supermarket. Telok Ayer (DT18) is one stop east and closer to Thian Hock Keng temple and Amoy Street.
Tips for the trip
- Chinatown station is an interchange between the North East Line and the Downtown Line, so it is a direct ride from HarbourFront, Little India, Bugis and Bayfront.
- Smith Street (Chinatown Food Street) and Maxwell Food Centre are the two main hawker options. Maxwell is cheaper and more local.
- During Chinese New Year the street market runs late into the night and the station entrances are crowded after 7pm.
- Outram Park (EW16/NE3/TE17) is a 10-minute walk west and useful for Keong Saik Road and Duxton Hill.
Other places near Chinatown station
- library@chinatown (Library, about 1 min walk): Visit for borrowing books, reading, or quiet study in a public library.
- Smith Street (Attraction, about 4 min walk): Explore a street known for its food stalls and traditional shophouse atmosphere.
- Speakers' Corner (Attraction, about 4 min walk): A designated public space where Singaporeans can gather for talks and events.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Museum (Museum, about 5 min walk): Discover Buddhist artefacts, relics, and cultural exhibits across the museum.
- Nagore Durgha Indian Muslim Heritage Centre (Museum, about 7 min walk): Learn about the heritage and history of the Indian Muslim community in Singapore.
- Chinatown (Attraction, about 8 min walk): Wander through the historic district known for temples, souvenirs, and street food.
Frequently asked questions
Which MRT exit is best for Chinatown street market?
Exit A at Chinatown station (NE4/DT19). It opens directly onto Pagoda Street.
Which station is nearest to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple?
Maxwell (TE18) is about 2 minutes away. From Chinatown station it is about 5 minutes along South Bridge Road.
How do I get to Chinatown from Changi Airport by MRT?
Take the airport branch to Tanah Merah, then the East West Line towards the city and one more change as shown in the table above, around 50 minutes and S$2.36.
Is Chinatown Point at the MRT station?
Yes. Chinatown Point mall is built over the station, with direct access from the concourse.
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
Bugis Street and Bugis Junction | Clarke Quay and Boat Quay | Holland Village | Kampong Glam, Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane | Katong and Joo Chiat | Lau Pa Sat and Satay Street | Little India | Orchard Road | Tiong Bahru
See the full list: how to get anywhere in Singapore by MRT, or find your nearest MRT station.