Orchard to Hougang by MRT
Quick answer: Take the North South Line (towards Marina South Pier) to Dhoby Ghaut, change at Dhoby Ghaut to the North East Line (towards Punggol Coast) to Hougang. That is 10 stops with one change, about 35 minutes on the train, and the adult card fare is S$1.98.
Step by step from Orchard to Hougang
- At Orchard board the North South Line towards Marina South Pier and ride 2 stops to Dhoby Ghaut.
- At Dhoby Ghaut change to the North East Line towards Punggol Coast and ride 8 stops to Hougang.
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: Orchard is TE14/NS22 and Hougang is NE14. See the interactive MRT map to check the route on the network.
Fare from Orchard to Hougang
| Fare type | Adult card fare |
|---|---|
| Standard adult fare (card, contactless or phone wallet) | S$1.98 |
| Early bird, tapping in before 7.45am on a weekday | S$1.48 |
| From 26 December 2026, after the announced fare rise | S$2.11 |
The fare is based on the 12.4 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 35 minutes on the train from Orchard to Hougang. 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 North South Line runs from about 5:16 AM until about 11:48 PM at its first station, and the North East Line from about 5:39 AM until about 11:55 PM. Times at Orchard 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: Hougang to Orchard
- At Hougang board the North East Line towards HarbourFront and ride 8 stops to Dhoby Ghaut.
- At Dhoby Ghaut change to the North South Line towards Jurong East and ride 2 stops to Orchard.
The return trip takes about 35 minutes and costs the same S$1.98.
Arriving at Hougang
Hougang station sits in a well-established residential town in the north-east of Singapore, with a strong mix of everyday amenities close by. Hougang Mall and Kang Kar Mall serve the local shopping needs, while several food centres cater to the area's large resident population. Hougang Central Interchange nearby makes the station a practical hub for onward travel across the town.
Close to the station:
- Hougang Central Interchange (bus interchange, about 2 min on foot)
- Seng Huat Coffee House (food centre, about 5 min on foot)
- Wu Fu (food centre, about 5 min on foot)
- Hougang Mall (shopping mall, about 5 min on foot)
- Kang Kar Mall (shopping mall, about 6 min on foot)
The Hougang station guide lists every exit, the lines it serves and first and last trains; the Orchard 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 Orchard to Hougang?
10 stops, with one change at Dhoby Ghaut.
How much is the MRT fare from Orchard to Hougang?
S$1.98 for an adult paying by card or phone, S$1.48 before 7.45am on weekdays, and S$2.11 from 26 December 2026.
How long is the train ride?
About 35 minutes, not counting the walk to and from the stations.
Do I need to change trains?
Yes, once, at Dhoby Ghaut. 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 Orchard?
Follow the signs for the North South Line platform towards Marina South Pier. The platform screens show the next train and its destination.
More routes from Orchard and Hougang
Changi Airport to Orchard | Hougang to Outram Park | Orchard to Ang Mo Kio | Orchard to Bayfront | Orchard to Bedok | Orchard to Bishan | Orchard to Boon Lay | Orchard to Bugis | Orchard to Bukit Panjang | Orchard to Buona Vista | Orchard to Chinatown | Orchard to Choa Chu Kang | Orchard to City Hall | Orchard to Clarke Quay
All station pairs are on the MRT routes hub, and the fare calculator covers any pair of stations.