How to Get to the National Museum of Singapore by MRT
Quick answer: Take the Circle Line to Bras Basah (CC2); the museum is about 5 minutes on foot up Stamford Road. Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1) and Bencoolen (DT21) are each about 7 minutes away, so pick whichever line you are already on.
Nearest MRT station to National Museum of Singapore
- Station: Bras Basah (CC2)
- Lines: Circle Line
- Train times: see first and last trains by line
How to get to National Museum of Singapore 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 Paya Lebar. Change at Paya Lebar to the Circle Line (towards Dhoby Ghaut) to Bras Basah. | 13 | 2 | S$2.27 | about 45 min |
| Orchard | Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Dhoby Ghaut. Change at Dhoby Ghaut to the Circle Line (towards Prince Edward Road) to Bras Basah. | 3 | 1 | S$1.28 | about 15 min |
| City Hall | Take the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Dhoby Ghaut. Change at Dhoby Ghaut to the Circle Line (towards Prince Edward Road) to Bras Basah. | 2 | 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 Dhoby Ghaut. Change at Dhoby Ghaut to the Circle Line (towards Prince Edward Road) to Bras Basah. | 12 | 2 | S$2.20 | about 45 min |
| Woodlands | Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Dhoby Ghaut. Change at Dhoby Ghaut to the Circle Line (towards Prince Edward Road) to Bras Basah. | 16 | 1 | S$2.43 | 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 Bras Basah station to National Museum of Singapore
From Bras Basah station, come up at the Singapore Management University side and walk along Stamford Road towards Fort Canning; the museum is the white colonial building with the dome on your right, just before the hill. From Dhoby Ghaut, leave towards Plaza Singapura, cross to the far side of Orchard Road and the museum is a few minutes along Stamford Road. From Bencoolen, walk south along Bencoolen Street and turn right at Stamford Road.
Tips for the trip
- The Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Art Museum are both within a 5-minute walk, so one trip to Bras Basah covers three museums.
- Fort Canning Park starts directly behind the museum; the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel photo spot is on the Dhoby Ghaut side.
- Entry to the permanent galleries is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents; visitors pay at the counter or online.
- Bras Basah is one stop from Dhoby Ghaut on the Circle Line, so from Orchard the quickest route is often to walk from Dhoby Ghaut instead of changing trains.
Other places near Bras Basah station
- Singapore Management University (University, about 1 min walk): Visit for university campus facilities and student life in the city centre.
- Singapore Management University Campus (University, about 1 min walk): Explore the main SMU campus buildings and open spaces.
- National Museum of Singapore (Museum, about 5 min walk): Browse exhibitions covering Singapore's history and heritage.
- Bras Basah Complex (Shopping mall, about 5 min walk): Find books, art supplies and stationery across numerous specialist shops.
- Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film (Museum, about 6 min walk): Attend photography and film exhibitions or workshops.
- Peranakan Museum (Museum, about 6 min walk): Discover Peranakan culture through artefacts and interactive displays.
Frequently asked questions
Which MRT station is nearest to the National Museum of Singapore?
Bras Basah (CC2) on the Circle Line, about 5 minutes on foot. Dhoby Ghaut and Bencoolen are both about 7 minutes away.
How do I get to the National Museum from Orchard?
Take the North South Line two stops to Dhoby Ghaut and walk about 7 minutes along Stamford Road, or change there to the Circle Line for one stop to Bras Basah.
Is the National Museum near Fort Canning Park?
Yes. The park rises directly behind the museum, and Fort Canning MRT station (DT20) is on the far side of the hill.
How long does it take from Changi Airport to the National Museum?
About 45 minutes to Bras Basah with the changes shown above, then a 5-minute walk. The adult fare is S$2.27.
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
Haw Par Villa | National Gallery Singapore | Raffles Hotel and Chijmes | ArtScience Museum | Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
See the full list: how to get anywhere in Singapore by MRT, or find your nearest MRT station.