Singapore Grand Prix ⋅ Getting to Marina Bay Circuit
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The Singapore Grand Prix takes place right in the heart of the city, with the circuit winding through Marina Bay and the Colonial District. Getting to the track is a breeze compared with many other F1 weekends.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of Asia’s major travel hubs, while the city’s public transport system is clean, efficient and affordable — ideal for navigating the steamy city-state without breaking a sweat.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from international flights and airport transfers to getting around once you’re here. You’ll find essential transport info for getting to the circuit, choosing the right gate for your grandstand, and travelling there by MRT, taxi or rideshare.
International Travel: Arrival in Singapore for the Singapore Grand Prix
Most fans heading to the Singapore Grand Prix arrive by air, touching down at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Consistently ranked among the world’s best airports, Changi is the country’s main international gateway and just a short journey from the Marina Bay circuit and the city centre.
For those travelling on a tighter budget, some choose to fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in neighbouring Malaysia, taking advantage of cheaper fares with low-cost carriers and then making the overland journey south to Singapore. While this adds several hours to your trip, it can be a cost-effective alternative and is worth considering if you plan to combine your Grand Prix visit with some time in Malaysia.
Flights to Singapore (SIN)
Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN) is a major transport hub in Southeast Asia and there are direct flights from all corners of the globe.
- Europe: Direct services from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Amsterdam, and more.
- Asia-Pacific: Extensive links with cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
- Middle East & Africa: Direct flights from Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and Johannesburg.
- North America: Non-stop connections from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver.
Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, and many others.
Onward Travel: The airport lies just 20 km from downtown Singapore, with onward journeys by metro or taxi taking between 20–30 minutes.
Skyscanner’s powerful search tools help to uncover the cheapest routes and the best flight deals. Set price alerts to get deals when they drop, or use the monthly chart view to find the best time to book.
How to Get from Changi Airport to the City Centre
MRT from Changi Airport
The cheapest option for getting into the city, though it can be less convenient with large luggage. Trains depart from Changi Airport station and require a change at Tanah Merah onto the East–West Line before continuing into central Singapore. This line gets very busy at peak times so you may have to stand for most of the journey.
- Fare: S$1.50–S$2.50
- Route: Changi Airport → Tanah Merah (transfer) → East–West Line towards the city
- Travel time: About 30 minutes
Taxi and Rideshare from Changi Airport
A comfortable, direct way into the city and a little quicker than the MRT. It’s the best way to get to and from the airport if you’ve got a lot of luggage.
- Fare: Typically S$20–30 to the city centre (an airport surcharge may apply for taxis)
- Travel time: Around 20 minutes, depending on traffic
- Where to find them: Taxi ranks are located outside each terminal; rideshare pick-up points are clearly marked in-app
Local Travel: Getting around in Singapore
Singapore’s metro network, known as the MRT, is extensive enough that most visitors won’t need to rely on other transport during a short stay.
Buses and taxis are available, but with the many road closures around Marina Bay during the Grand Prix, they can be less practical. Rideshare app Grab is widely used, though demand can be very high at peak times.
Walking is a convenient option if you’re staying near the circuit, but long distances in the heat and humidity are best avoided. Most fans will find a combination of MRT and short walks the simplest way to get around on race weekend.
How to Pay for MRT and Buses in Singapore: Transport Tickets & Passes
Public transport in Singapore is fully cashless, with the same tickets and cards working across both MRT trains and buses. For a short visit, the simplest option is pay-per-ride: tap your bank card or mobile wallet at the gate, or buy a reusable Standard Ticket from station machines (fares from S$0.92 per trip).
If you’ll be sightseeing beyond the Grand Prix, the Singapore Tourist Pass gives unlimited travel for 1–5 days (S$17–45) and is sold at Changi Airport and major MRT stations.
For longer stays, many locals use EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay cards — reloadable cards costing S$10 (S$5 non-refundable card fee plus S$5 credit), available at MRT stations, Changi, and convenience stores.
MRT (Metro)
Singapore’s MRT is clean, efficient and most importantly: air-conditioned. Most attractions and districts, including Marina Bay and the Grand Prix circuit area, are directly served by MRT lines, making it the simplest way to get around on F1 weekend.
Trains run frequently from early morning until around midnight and navigating the colour-coded lines is very easy. The MRT map is displayed in all stations, or you can view it here.
Note: Avoid eating or drinking on the trains or at the stations. You should also refrain from escorting any funky-smelling durian fruits on the MRT. As they say, Singapore is a ‘fine city’ – break any of these rules and you’ll get a hefty one.
Bus
Singapore’s bus network is extensive and easy to use — just tap in at the front and out at the back. Routes cover the whole island, often going where the MRT doesn’t.
For Grand Prix weekend, buses aren’t the most practical way to reach Marina Bay, since many roads nearby are closed, but they can be useful for getting to popular spots like the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari or the East Coast Park.
Taxi/Rideshare (Grab)
Singapore taxis are affordable, comfortable and unlike in many countries in the region, you don’t need to worry about being ripped off. A ride across central Singapore won’t usually be more than about S$10–15.
That said, taxis are a bit of a scarce resource here. At peak times, in heavy rain, or during the Grand Prix weekend, they can be hard to come by. You can still hail one on the street if the roof light is green, but you’ll have better luck at designated taxi stands or booking through an app.
If you need one at a specific time, ask your hotel if they can book one for you or schedule a Grab in advance.
Grab is the go-to ride-hailing service in Singapore. The app shows your fare upfront, and you can pick from budget to larger cars depending on your group size.
Note: Singapore taxis have surcharges for just about everything — airport pick-ups, late nights, peak hours, and even certain CBD zones.
How to Get to the Marina Bay Street Circuit
Thanks to its downtown location, the Singapore circuit is easy to reach. If you’re staying nearby, you may be able to walk; otherwise, take the MRT or a taxi/Grab to a station or drop-off point close to the gates.
With large crowds moving in and out at the same time, expect a bit of congestion at peak hours — especially right after the race. Overall, though, getting to and from Marina Bay is far simpler than at many other F1 circuits.
Gate Guide: Finding the Best Entrance for Your Grandstand
Whatever way you get to the circuit, pay attention to your gate number. This will depend on where you’re seated and will be displayed on your tickets. Arriving at the wrong gate could mean a long trip back to the right one and a chance you’ll miss some of the action on track.
| Gate 1 (Republic Boulevard) | Chicane @ Turn 1 & 2, Turn 1, Turn 2, Pit Exit, Premier Walkabout |
| Gate 2 (Temasek Avenue) | Republic, Pit, Super Pit, Marina Bay, Promenade, Raffles, Bayfront, Skyline |
| Gates 3A & 3B (Padang / Esplanade Drive) | Padang, Connaught, Stamford, Zone 4 Walkabout |
| Gates 4–6 (Raffles Place / Fullerton) | Empress, Fullerton, Jubilee |
| Gate 7 (Esplanade) | Stamford |
| Gate 8 (Helix Bridge / Marina Bay Sands) | Pit, Super Pit, Marina Bay, Promenade, Raffles, Bayfront, Skyline |
Taking the MRT to the Singapore Grand Prix
The MRT is generally the best way to get to the Grand Prix. The circuit’s 9 gates are a short walk from 7 different metro stops. Once you know which gate is nearest to your grandstand, take the train to the most convenient station. Use the information below to guide you.
| Gate 1 | Nicoll Highway CC5 (Exit B) |
| Gate 2 | Promenade CC4 DT15 (Exit C) |
| Gate 3A, 3B | City Hall EW13 NS25 (Exit A) OR Esplanade CC3 (Exit F) |
| Gate 3B, 3B | City Hall EW13 NS25 (Exit A) OR Esplanade CC3 (Exit F) |
| Gate 4 | Raffles Place EW14 NS26 (Exit A or B) |
| Gate 5 | Raffles Place EW14 NS26 (Exit A or B) |
| Gate 6 | Raffles Place EW14 NS26 (Exit A or B) |
| Gate 7 | Esplanade CC3 (Exit F) |
| Gate 8 | Bayfront CC1 DT16 (Exit E) |
Taxi and Grab Drop-Offs Near the Circuit Gates
There are a lot of road closures around the area of the Grand Prix circuit (it being a street circuit and all), but there are drop-off and pick-up points for taxis close to each gate (see below). After the race, be prepared for a long wait.
| Gate 1 | Bus stop 80161 behind The Concourse (cross overhead bridge) |
| Gate 2 | Suntec City (Towers 1–5, Convention Centre) |
| Gates 3A & 3B | North Bridge Road & Coleman Street (Capitol Piazza, Wyndham Hotel) |
| Gates 4–6 | Collyer Quay (Income @ Raffles building) |
| Gate 8 | Marina Bay Sands (Shoppes, Hotel, Convention Centre) |
About Me
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
