Orchard to Little India by MRT
Quick answer: Take the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Newton, change at Newton to the Downtown Line (towards Expo) to Little India. That is 2 stops with one change, about 15 minutes on the train, and the adult card fare is S$1.28.
Step by step from Orchard to Little India
- At Orchard board the North South Line towards Jurong East and ride 1 stop to Newton.
- At Newton change to the Downtown Line towards Expo and ride 1 stop to Little India.
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 Little India is DT12/NE7. See the interactive MRT map to check the route on the network.
Fare from Orchard to Little India
| Fare type | Adult card fare |
|---|---|
| Standard adult fare (card, contactless or phone wallet) | S$1.28 |
| Early bird, tapping in before 7.45am on a weekday | S$0.78 |
| From 26 December 2026, after the announced fare rise | S$1.40 |
The fare is based on the 3.1 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 15 minutes on the train from Orchard to Little India. 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 Downtown Line from about 5:30 AM until about 11:40 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: Little India to Orchard
- At Little India board the Downtown Line towards Bukit Panjang and ride 1 stop to Newton.
- At Newton change to the North South Line towards Marina South Pier and ride 1 stop to Orchard.
The return trip takes about 15 minutes and costs the same S$1.28.
Arriving at Little India
Little India station sits at the heart of Singapore's historic South Asian district, surrounded by a lively mix of cultural attractions, wet markets, and shopping options. Tekka Centre draws visitors with its busy food and retail offerings, while the Indian Heritage Centre provides a deeper look at the area's rich heritage. The neighbourhood blends traditional shophouses with modern amenities, making it one of the most culturally distinct parts of the city.
Close to the station:
- Tekka Centre (shopping mall, about 2 min on foot)
- House of Tan Teng Niah (attraction, about 3 min on foot)
- Colourful house in little India (attraction, about 3 min on foot)
- Indian Heritage Centre (museum, about 6 min on foot)
- Tekka Place (shopping mall, about 7 min on foot)
The Little India 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
- How to Get to KK Women's and Children's Hospital by MRT
- How to Get to Little India by MRT
- How to Get to Mount Elizabeth Hospital by MRT
- How to Get to Orchard Road by MRT
Frequently asked questions
How many MRT stops from Orchard to Little India?
2 stops, with one change at Newton.
How much is the MRT fare from Orchard to Little India?
S$1.28 for an adult paying by card or phone, S$0.78 before 7.45am on weekdays, and S$1.40 from 26 December 2026.
How long is the train ride?
About 15 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 Orchard?
Follow the signs for the North South Line platform towards Jurong East. The platform screens show the next train and its destination.
More routes from Orchard and Little India
Changi Airport to Little India | Changi Airport to Orchard | City Hall to Little India | 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
All station pairs are on the MRT routes hub, and the fare calculator covers any pair of stations.