Orchard to Serangoon by MRT
Quick answer: Take the North South Line (towards Jurong East) to Bishan, change at Bishan to the Circle Line (towards Dhoby Ghaut) to Serangoon. That is 7 stops with one change, about 25 minutes on the train, and the adult card fare is S$1.86.
Step by step from Orchard to Serangoon
- At Orchard board the North South Line towards Jurong East and ride 5 stops to Bishan.
- At Bishan change to the Circle Line towards Dhoby Ghaut and ride 2 stops to Serangoon.
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 Serangoon is CC13/NE12. See the interactive MRT map to check the route on the network.
Fare from Orchard to Serangoon
| 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 9.3 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 25 minutes on the train from Orchard to Serangoon. 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 Circle Line from about 5:37 AM until about 11:56 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: Serangoon to Orchard
- At Serangoon board the Circle Line towards Prince Edward Road and ride 2 stops to Bishan.
- At Bishan change to the North South Line towards Marina South Pier and ride 5 stops to Orchard.
The return trip takes about 25 minutes and costs the same S$1.86.
Arriving at Serangoon
Serangoon station sits at the heart of a busy residential and commercial hub centred on Serangoon Central. The area is well served by shopping and dining options, with Food Junction and Food Republic both within a short walk. Serangoon Public Library and Serangoon Bus Interchange add to the everyday amenities that make this a practical base for residents and visitors alike.
Close to the station:
- Food Junction (food centre, about 1 min on foot)
- Serangoon Public Library (library, about 1 min on foot)
- Serangoon Bus Interchange (bus interchange, about 2 min on foot)
- Food Republic (food centre, about 2 min on foot)
- Serangoon Central Village (market / hawker centre, about 7 min on foot)
The Serangoon 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 Serangoon?
7 stops, with one change at Bishan.
How much is the MRT fare from Orchard to Serangoon?
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 25 minutes, not counting the walk to and from the stations.
Do I need to change trains?
Yes, once, at Bishan. 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 Serangoon
Changi Airport to Orchard | Changi Airport to Serangoon | 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.