Public transport Singapore is efficient and affordable and you can get most places in the steamy city-state without working up a sweat. Spanning central Singapore’s Colonial and Marina Bay areas, getting to the circuit for the Grand Prix is a breeze.
Arrival in Singapore for the Singapore Grand Prix
Singapore’s Changi International Airport (SIN) is a major transport hub in Southeast Asia. Direct flights are common from all corners of the globe.
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Most international visitors fly to the Grand Prix but there is good overland transport from peninsular Malaysia too. If you can’t find a flight from Kular Lumpar that suits you it’s a painless 5-hour bus journey into Singapore, including a stop at the border to pass immigration.
Getting around in Singapore, going to the Grand Prix and transport to the Airport
Singapore’s metro network, known as the MRT is extensive enough that you probably won’t need to use any other public transport during a short stay.
Buses and taxis are an option but with the many road closures around the Grand Prix circuit, they may be less practical.
For sightseeing, the Singapore Tourist Pass allows unlimited travel on buses and the MRT. These are available for 1 to 3 days, starting at S$10 for a one-day pass. Pick one up at any TransitLink ticket office.
Walking is a good way to get to the track if you’re staying nearby, but long distances in the heat and humidity are best avoided.
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.
MRT (metro)
Singapore’s MRT is clean, efficient and most importantly – air-conditioned. If you’re just going to be going to and from the Grand Prix though, buying single journey tickets will work out cheaper. Tickets vary in price depending on distance ranging from S$0.80 to S$2.20.
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.
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 what gate is nearest to your grandstand take the train to the most convenient station. Use the information below to guide you.
GATE 1A
Nicoll Highway CC5 Lavender EW11
GATE 1B
Nicoll Highway CC5 Lavender EW11
GATE 2
Promenade CC4 DT15
GATE 3A, 3B
City Hall EW13 NS25 Esplanade CC3
GATE 4
Raffles Place EW14 NS26
GATE 5
Raffles Place EW14 NS26
GATE 6
Raffles Place EW14 NS26
GATE 7
Esplanade CC3
GATE 8
Bayfront CC1 DT16
to the Airport
It takes about 30 minutes on the MRT to reach central Singapore. The trip requires a transfer at Tanah Merah station onto the busy east-west line. At peak times this service is particularly crowded and not ideal with large luggage, so bear this in mind and plan accordingly.
Taxi
Singapore taxis are affordable, comfortable and unlike in many countries in the region – you don’t need to worry about being ripped off.
That said, I wouldn’t rely on them as a way of getting around since Singapore suffers a shortage of taxis at the best of times.
On a Grand Prix weekend, you’re usually better off sticking with the MRT. If you do plan to use taxis, be sure that you or the staff at your hotel arrange one in advance.
to the Grand Prix
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 1A, 1B
Temporary Taxi stand at Concourse along Nicoll Highway
GATE 2, 7
Millenia Walk at Raffles Boulevard
Millenia Tower at Temasek Ave
Suntec Towers 1 & 2 at Temasek Boulevard
Suntec Towers 3 & 4 at Temasek Boulevard
Suntec Tower 5 at Temasek Boulevard
Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre at Raffles Boulevard
GATE 3A, 3B
Capitol Piazza at North Bridge Roa
GATE 4, 5, 6
Income @ Raffles at Collyer Quay
GATE 8
Taxi stand at Marina Bay Sands Casino Driveway
to the Airport
It takes about 20 minutes from the airport to downtown Singapore, so it’s a little quicker than the MRT. Expect the fare to come to about S$20-30.
For the most stress-free arrival, book a ride in advance with global airport transfer specialists Kiwitaxi.com, and your driver will be ready and waiting for you. They offer a range of vehicle types depending on your needs, from budget small cars and luxury sedans to 16-seater minibuses.
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 30 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.
