Bayfront to Bishan by MRT
Quick answer: Take the Downtown Line (towards Bukit Panjang) to Newton, change at Newton to the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Bishan. That is 9 stops with one change, about 30 minutes on the train, and the adult card fare is S$1.86.
Step by step from Bayfront to Bishan
- At Bayfront board the Downtown Line towards Bukit Panjang and ride 5 stops to Newton.
- At Newton change to the North South Line towards Jurong East and ride 4 stops to Bishan.
Follow the overhead signs for the next line at each interchange; the platforms are linked by escalators and lifts and the change takes 2 to 5 minutes on foot. Station codes: Bayfront is CE1/DT16 and Bishan is NS17/CC15. See the interactive MRT map to check the route on the network.
Fare from Bayfront to Bishan
| Fare type | Adult card fare |
|---|---|
| Standard adult fare (card, contactless or phone wallet) | S$1.86 |
| Early bird, tapping in before 7.45am on a weekday | S$1.36 |
| From 26 December 2026, after the announced fare rise | S$1.99 |
The fare is based on the 10.0 km shortest rail distance between the two stations and is the same whichever route you take. Seniors, students and children pay concession fares that are much lower. Pay with a contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, or an EZ-Link card; the gates do not take cash. More in the guide to paying for the MRT and the fare calculator.
How long does it take?
Allow about 30 minutes on the train from Bayfront to Bishan. That assumes roughly 2 to 3 minutes per stop and about 5 minutes for each change, plus a few minutes waiting for the first train. Trains run every 2 to 3 minutes at peak times and every 5 to 7 minutes off-peak, so the wait is short. Add the walk at either end: most city-centre stations have several exits and the right one can save 5 minutes.
First and last trains
The Downtown Line runs from about 5:30 AM until about 11:40 PM at its first station, and the North South Line from about 5:16 AM until about 11:48 PM. Times at Bayfront itself depend on how far it is from the end of the line, and the last connecting train at an interchange leaves earlier than the last train of the night, so for a trip after 11.30pm check the first and last train times before you set off. Services start about half an hour later on Sundays and public holidays.
Return journey: Bishan to Bayfront
- At Bishan board the North South Line towards Marina South Pier and ride 4 stops to Newton.
- At Newton change to the Downtown Line towards Expo and ride 5 stops to Bayfront.
The return trip takes about 30 minutes and costs the same S$1.86.
Arriving at Bishan
Bishan station sits at the heart of a mature residential town that also serves as a busy local shopping hub. Junction 8 shopping mall and Food Junction are immediately adjacent to the station, making the area a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. The neighbourhood also has community amenities such as Bishan Public Library within easy walking distance.
Close to the station:
- Food Junction (food centre, about 1 min on foot)
- Junction 8 (shopping mall, about 1 min on foot)
- Bishan Cafeteria (food centre, about 1 min on foot)
- Bishan Public Library (library, about 2 min on foot)
- Gourmet Express (food centre, about 3 min on foot)
The Bishan station guide lists every exit, the lines it serves and first and last trains; the Bayfront station guide does the same for the start of the trip.
Places to visit at either end
Frequently asked questions
How many MRT stops from Bayfront to Bishan?
9 stops, with one change at Newton.
How much is the MRT fare from Bayfront to Bishan?
S$1.86 for an adult paying by card or phone, S$1.36 before 7.45am on weekdays, and S$1.99 from 26 December 2026.
How long is the train ride?
About 30 minutes, not counting the walk to and from the stations.
Do I need to change trains?
Yes, once, at Newton. Keep your card or phone in your pocket at the interchange; you only tap at the start and end of the trip, and the fare counts as one journey.
Which platform do I need at Bayfront?
Follow the signs for the Downtown Line platform towards Bukit Panjang. The platform screens show the next train and its destination.
More routes from Bayfront and Bishan
Bayfront to Bugis | Bayfront to Chinatown | Bayfront to Jurong East | Bayfront to Punggol | Bayfront to Tampines | Bayfront to Woodlands | Changi Airport to Bayfront | Changi Airport to Bishan | City Hall to Bayfront | City Hall to Bishan | HarbourFront to Bishan | Orchard to Bayfront | Orchard to Bishan | Raffles Place to Bayfront
All station pairs are on the MRT routes hub, and the fare calculator covers any pair of stations.