Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown Line) MRT Map & Stations

Quick facts about the TEL

• Map colour: Brown (so "brown line" and "TEL" mean the same thing)
• Line code: TE
• Type: Fully underground, driverless, operated by SMRT
• Length when complete: About 43 km, 32 stations
• Northern end: Woodlands North (TE1), also the future link to the Johor Bahru RTS
• Opened in stages: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, with the last eastern stretch arriving in 2026

Full list of Thomson-East Coast Line stations

Here is every station on the line, north to south and then east, with its station code and the lines you can transfer to.

A couple of station codes (TE10 Mount Pleasant and TE21 Marina South) are built but not yet open. They will start running once the developments around them are ready. The final eastern stations, TE30 Bedok South and TE31 Sungei Bedok, open in 2026.

Thomson-East Coast Line: Your Guide to Getting Around

I have lived in Singapore long enough to know the small daily frustrations of getting around. Buses that come in clusters after a long gap, the guessing game of whether the next train is two minutes or twelve away, and the slow crawl through traffic when you are running late. The brown line does not solve everything, but it genuinely takes the edge off. It runs straight through parts of the island that used to mean awkward, roundabout journeys, and once you start using it, a lot of trips suddenly get shorter and simpler.

Key Takeaways

• The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is Singapore's sixth and newest MRT line, coloured brown on the network map and often called the "brown line."
• It connects the north of the island to the city centre and the east coast, with seven interchange stations linking it to every other MRT line.
• The line is fully underground and driverless, operated by SMRT, and runs from Woodlands North all the way to the eastern coast.
• Green features like regenerative braking and energy-efficient trains make it one of the more sustainable ways to travel around Singapore.
• Step-free access, lifts and tactile guidance at every station make the TEL easy to use for commuters of all abilities.

Exploring the Thomson East Coast Line

The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is the sixth line on Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit network and the most recent to open. Built and run by SMRT under the Land Transport Authority (LTA), it ties together neighbourhoods that used to feel far apart, so a journey from one side of the island to another no longer means doubling back or hopping between several lines. For many commuters in the east in particular, it has been the first real alternative to a long bus ride or a drive into town.

Route and Stations

The Thomson-East Coast Line runs about 43 kilometres and will have 32 stations once it is fully complete. It links the northern part of Singapore with the eastern region, passing through the central shopping and business belt along the way, so it works just as well for daily commuters as it does for visitors. The line begins at Woodlands North, near the Causeway, and heads south through Thomson before curving east along the coast. Major stops along the route include Orchard, Marina Bay and the stations serving the East Coast, and the line will eventually reach all the way out towards Sungei Bedok.

Where the brown line connects to other MRT lines

One of the best things about the TEL is how many other lines it plugs into. Seven interchange stations link it to every other MRT line on the network, which means fewer long detours.

• Woodlands (TE2) to the North-South Line
• Caldecott (TE9) to the Circle Line
• Stevens (TE11) to the Downtown Line
• Orchard (TE14) to the North-South Line
• Outram Park (TE17) to the East-West Line and North East Line
• Marina Bay (TE20) to the North-South Line and Circle Line

Looking further ahead, the northern terminus at Woodlands North will connect to the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, and in the 2030s the line is set to extend to Changi Airport, taking over the Changi branch from the East-West Line. Together these additions will widen Singapore's transport options even further.

Incorporating Sustainable Design

Singapore's determination to remain a model of sustainability shows up in the design of the Thomson-East Coast Line. By using energy-efficient technologies and green building practices, the TEL is built to keep carbon emissions and its environmental footprint as low as possible.

Efficient and Reliable Transportation

Because the Thomson-East Coast Line is fully automated and driverless, trains can run frequently and consistently throughout the day. During peak hours services arrive every few minutes, which means less time waiting on the platform and a more predictable commute. The line runs from roughly 5.30am until around midnight, with a slightly later start on Sundays and public holidays.

By giving people a fast, reliable rail option, the TEL helps draw some traffic off the roads and offers a greener way to get around town. As the final stages come into service, the result is a more connected and accessible city, with a transport system commuters can count on day to day.

Seamless Connectivity: East-West Line Integration

One of the biggest benefits of the Thomson-East Coast Line is how neatly it plugs into the rest of the network, and the connection with the East-West Line is a good example. For commuters moving between districts, the ability to switch lines at a single interchange saves both time and effort, and turns what used to be a multi-step trip into a much simpler one.

At Outram Park, passengers can transfer directly between the Thomson-East Coast Line and the East-West Line, opening up a wide range of destinations from a single point on the network. For journeys to work, to family and friends, or out to the city's attractions, that integrated link makes the whole system feel like one connected whole rather than a set of separate lines.

Benefits of East-West Line Integration

1. Improved Connectivity: Easy transfers between the two lines mean you can reach more destinations faster, from the city centre out to residential neighbourhoods and popular attractions.
2. More Travel Options: Commuters gain extra routes and destinations, making it easier to explore more of Singapore, from lively neighbourhoods to shopping districts and cultural precincts.
3. Shorter travel times: The link cuts down on backtracking and unnecessary transfers, which helps keep daily commutes quick and efficient.
4. Seamless interchange: The transfer at Outram Park is laid out to make changing lines straightforward, with clear signage guiding you between the platforms so the two lines feel like part of one journey.

How the line opened, stage by stage

The Thomson-East Coast Line opened in stages, with each phase adding new stations and reach. Here is how the line came together and what is still to come.

Stage 4 (Opened 23 June 2024)

1. Tanjong Rhu
2. Katong Park
3. Tanjong Katong
4. Marine Parade
5. Marine Terrace
6. Siglap
7. Bayshore

Stage 5 (opening in 2026)

1. Bedok South
2. Sungei Bedok

Two further stations, Mount Pleasant (TE10) and Marina South (TE21), are already built but remain closed for now. They will open once the developments around them are ready. Looking further ahead, the line will also extend towards Changi Airport in the 2030s, taking over the Changi branch from the East-West Line.

Services

• The TEL improves connectivity to the northern, central and eastern areas of Singapore.
• It offers an alternative to travelling via the NSL (North-South Line) and the EWL, easing pressure on those busier routes.
• It improves access to destinations like the Central Business District (CBD), Marina Bay and East Coast Park.
• The line is designed to cut travel time and add convenience for commuters moving across the island.
• In the longer term, the TEL will improve connectivity to Changi Airport, giving travellers a direct rail link to the terminals once the airport extension is complete.
• Each new stage has added travel options and shorter commutes, strengthening Singapore's rail infrastructure as a whole.

Thomson East Coast Line: Sustainable Journey

Sustainability is built into modern transport systems, and the Thomson-East Coast Line is no exception. For both residents and visitors, it offers a greener way to travel, with energy-saving technology and thoughtful design behind the scenes. The line includes a range of energy-efficient features that make the system more eco-friendly and help create a greener urban environment.

Energy Efficiency and Reduction of Emissions

A key goal of the line is to cut energy use and lower emissions. The trains use regenerative braking, which converts the energy from braking back into electricity rather than wasting it as heat. That saves power and reduces the carbon footprint compared with older braking systems. On top of that, modern energy-management systems help the line use power efficiently across the whole network.

Green Spaces and Eco-Friendly Design

The line is about more than just moving people; it is also about fitting transport into the wider environment. Greenery and landscaping around the stations help soften the urban setting and improve air quality for everyone passing through.

The Thomson-East Coast Line shows how development and conservation can work together, balancing the need to connect people across the city with a commitment to greenery and sustainability.

Beyond looking pleasant, the planting around stations provides shade and helps reduce the urban heat island effect. Bringing natural elements into the design reflects Singapore's twin goals of protecting the environment while building world-class transport infrastructure.

Promoting Multimodal Transportation

The TEL is designed to work alongside other ways of getting around, making it easy to combine modes of transport on a single trip. You might walk or cycle to a station, take the train across town, and hop on a bus for the last stretch, all of which helps reduce reliance on private cars and eases traffic congestion.

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility was a priority from the start of the Thomson-East Coast Line, not an afterthought. The line is designed so that people of all abilities can use it comfortably, with a range of features built into every station.

Each station has barrier-free facilities for passengers with mobility needs, including ramps, lifts and tactile guidance strips. These make rail travel convenient for wheelchair users, older commuters, families with prams and anyone who finds stairs difficult. The line also considers passengers with visual impairments, with tactile paving and Braille signage to help guide people safely around the station and to the platform edge.

Catering to Diverse Needs

1. Priority Seating: Reserved areas for the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
2. Accessible Toilets: Spacious, well-equipped toilets suitable for people with disabilities, so everyone can travel with dignity and ease.
3. Assistance Hotlines: Help points and emergency-assistance hotlines so passengers who need support can get it quickly.

Effortless Commuting: Tips and Recommendations

Travelling on the Thomson-East Coast Line is convenient and efficient, and a few simple habits make it even smoother. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your journey, whether you ride the brown line every day or are planning your first trip.

1. Plan your route in advance. Check the Thomson-East Coast Line map before you set off, note your boarding and alighting stations, and work out where you will change lines if you need to.
2. Optimise your travel time. At peak hours the line can get busy. If your schedule allows, travel during off-peak periods for a more comfortable ride. Shifting your trip by even half an hour can make a noticeable difference.
3. Use a journey app. Apps like the official MyTransport.SG, along with options such as SG Buses and Citymapper, give real-time train timings, tell you which exit to use, and flag delays before they affect you.
4. Take advantage of the interchange stations. Use the seven interchanges to keep your journey short and direct, and follow the in-station signage to find the right platform for your transfer.
5. Be mindful of reserved seating. Priority seats are set aside for the elderly, pregnant women and passengers with disabilities, just as they are on other MRT lines in Singapore. Be ready to give one up to someone who needs it.
6. Be prepared with an EZ-Link card or SimplyGo. Top up before you travel, or simply tap in with a contactless bank card or your phone. Going cashless gets you through the gates faster.
7. Stay updated on service changes. Check the SMRT website or its social media channels for the latest updates before you travel, so you can plan around any disruptions.
8. Respect the rules and etiquette. Queue at the platform doors, let passengers off before you board, and be considerate of those around you.

Future Expansion Plans

The Thomson-East Coast Line is not finished growing. The next major milestone is the eastern extension, with Bedok South and Sungei Bedok opening in 2026 to complete the current route out to the east coast. Once these are running, the line will offer an even more direct link between the eastern suburbs and the city centre.

Looking further ahead, the biggest expansion is the planned link to Changi Airport in the 2030s. The line will absorb the Changi branch currently served by the East-West Line, giving travellers a direct rail connection between the airport and destinations across the island. At the northern end, the connection to the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will open up cross-border travel from Woodlands North.

The east coast extension brings the line into neighbourhoods like Marine Parade and Bedok that previously had no MRT station of their own, a change residents there have waited a long time for. You can also explore the connecting LRT lines to see how the rail network reaches into the heartlands.

Upcoming TEL Stations and Extensions

• Marine Parade Station: Serving the long-established Marine Parade neighbourhood, this station finally gives the area its own MRT link and broadens travel options for residents and visitors alike.
• Bayshore Station: Close to East Coast Park, Bayshore improves access to the park and the surrounding residential areas in the east.
• Woodlands North Station: At the northernmost end of the line, this station connects the north to the rest of the city and will link to the future Johor Bahru RTS for cross-border travel.

The Impact of the Thomson East Coast Line

The Thomson-East Coast Line is changing how both Singaporeans and visitors think about getting around. With its long reach and well-placed interchanges, it has a real influence on the city's transport system and on daily life for the people who use it.

Improved connectivity and accessibility

One of the line's biggest strengths is how much it improves connectivity across Singapore. It gives commuters easy links to other lines such as the East-West Line, opening up more of the city with fewer transfers. You can see how it fits into the bigger picture on the full MRT Line Singapore overview.

Minimal congestion and efficient travel time

By giving people a fast rail alternative, the Thomson-East Coast Line helps ease pressure on Singapore's roads. For many trips it is now quicker and less stressful to take the train than to drive, which encourages more people to leave the car at home and supports a shift towards greener travel. Its stations act as hubs where passengers can switch between rail, bus and other modes of transport, so journeys are smoother overall.

Economic Boost and Urban Development

The Thomson-East Coast Line also brings benefits to Singapore's economy. Building and running a line of this scale creates jobs across construction, engineering and operations. New MRT stations tend to spark development nearby, from shops and offices to homes and public spaces, helping create more vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods across the city.

What is it actually like to ride?

The trains are driverless and run roughly every few minutes during normal hours, with service from about 5.30am to past midnight. Because the whole line is underground, you get the same air-conditioned, weather-proof ride end to end. That is a real plus during a downpour or the midday heat. Travelling the full length of the line currently takes a bit over an hour, but most people are only riding a handful of stops. The signage was redesigned for this line to lean on pictures and colour rather than walls of text, so following the brown markers to your platform is genuinely easy.

Summary

The Thomson-East Coast Line has reshaped what is possible on Singapore's transport network, offering a direct, fully underground link between the north, the city centre and the east coast. With stations opening in stages from 2020 through to 2026, it connects neighbourhoods, business districts and popular destinations across the island. Whether you are commuting to work, visiting friends or exploring somewhere new, the brown line gives you a dependable, time-saving way to get there. Use the Thomson-East Coast Line Map above to plan your route, and check the full Singapore MRT map for everything else on the network.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the brown line the same as the Thomson-East Coast Line?

Yes. The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is shown in brown on the MRT map, so "brown line" and "TEL" refer to exactly the same line.

How many stations are on the Thomson-East Coast Line?

The line will have 32 stations along about 43 km when fully complete. Most are already open, with the final eastern stations arriving in 2026.

Where does the Thomson-East Coast Line start and end?

It starts at Woodlands North (TE1) in the north and runs down through the city centre before heading east along the coast, extending to Sungei Bedok once the last stage opens.

Which lines can I transfer to from the TEL?

You can interchange to the North-South, East-West, North East, Circle and Downtown lines at stations like Woodlands, Caldecott, Stevens, Orchard, Outram Park and Marina Bay.

Is the Thomson-East Coast Line fully underground?

Yes. The entire line is underground and driverless, so the ride is air-conditioned and weather-proof from start to finish.