Orchard to Tanjong Pagar by MRT
Quick answer: Take the Thomson East Coast Line (towards Bayshore) to Outram Park, change at Outram Park to the East West Line (towards Pasir Ris) to Tanjong Pagar. That is 4 stops with one change, about 20 minutes on the train, and the adult card fare is S$1.38.
Step by step from Orchard to Tanjong Pagar
- At Orchard board the Thomson East Coast Line towards Bayshore and ride 3 stops to Outram Park.
- At Outram Park change to the East West Line towards Pasir Ris and ride 1 stop to Tanjong Pagar.
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 Tanjong Pagar is EW15. See the interactive MRT map to check the route on the network.
Fare from Orchard to Tanjong Pagar
| Fare type | Adult card fare |
|---|---|
| Standard adult fare (card, contactless or phone wallet) | S$1.38 |
| Early bird, tapping in before 7.45am on a weekday | S$0.88 |
| From 26 December 2026, after the announced fare rise | S$1.51 |
The fare is based on the 3.9 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 20 minutes on the train from Orchard to Tanjong Pagar. 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 Thomson East Coast Line runs from about 5:36 AM until about 11:42 PM at its first station, and the East West Line from about 5:19 AM until about 11:23 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: Tanjong Pagar to Orchard
- At Tanjong Pagar board the East West Line towards Tuas Link and ride 1 stop to Outram Park.
- At Outram Park change to the Thomson East Coast Line towards Woodlands North and ride 3 stops to Orchard.
The return trip takes about 20 minutes and costs the same S$1.38.
Arriving at Tanjong Pagar
Tanjong Pagar station sits within one of Singapore's major central business districts, surrounded by tall office towers and commercial buildings that draw large crowds of professionals on weekdays. The area also borders the historic Chinatown district, giving it a mix of corporate and cultural character. Nearby landmarks such as Guoco Tower and the Singapore City Gallery reflect this blend of modern commerce and heritage.
Close to the station:
- Guoco Tower (shopping mall, about 1 min on foot)
- Icon Village (shopping mall, about 3 min on foot)
- Singapore City Gallery (museum, about 5 min on foot)
- Shenton Way Terminal (bus interchange, about 5 min on foot)
- OUE Downtown (shopping mall, about 6 min on foot)
The Tanjong Pagar 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 Tanjong Pagar?
4 stops, with one change at Outram Park.
How much is the MRT fare from Orchard to Tanjong Pagar?
S$1.38 for an adult paying by card or phone, S$0.88 before 7.45am on weekdays, and S$1.51 from 26 December 2026.
How long is the train ride?
About 20 minutes, not counting the walk to and from the stations.
Do I need to change trains?
Yes, once, at Outram Park. 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 Thomson East Coast Line platform towards Bayshore. The platform screens show the next train and its destination.
More routes from Orchard and Tanjong Pagar
Bugis to Tanjong Pagar | Changi Airport to Orchard | Changi Airport to Tanjong Pagar | 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.