Renowned as the "brown line" or the "Thomson Line," the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) stands as the sixth MRT line seamlessly integrated into Singapore's railway network. Adorning the map in a distinctive shade of brown, this underground marvel is a testament to cutting-edge urban transportation. With its modern technology, Alstom's Urbalis 400 Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system, the TEL operates with precision, autonomously navigating its path without needing any staff onboard.

Designed to be a medium-capacity rapid transit line, the TEL boasts 32 stations spanning 43 kilometers upon its completion. Linking Woodlands to Marina Bay, it serves as a dynamic alternative to the North-South Line (NSL), giving people connectivity and accessibility to get around the island.

Using Thomson-East Coast Line makes traveling easier, especially for residents living along the East Coast. With closer access and enhanced connectivity to the railway stations, it's quicker to get to the city center. In just 35 minutes, you can reach Orchard Road from Woodlands South, saving you time compared to buses or regular MRT routes that typically take around 50 minutes.

Thomson-East Coast Line Map, Singapore

Source: Land Transport Authority (LTA)

Exciting news awaits commuters as seven new MRT stations along the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 4 (TEL4) are set to open for passenger service starting June 23, 2024. These stations include Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, and Bayshore.

With the opening of these new stations, prospective passengers can enjoy a sneak peek and even take free rides along the seven TEL4 stations during the opening period.

Stay tuned for additional route options with eight interchanges connecting to all major lines, including the East-West Line (EWL), Circle Line (CCL), North-South Line (NSL), Downtown Line (DTL), North East Line (NEL), and the Cross Island Land (CRL). This network is projected to accommodate up to 1 million passengers daily and easing congestion on the North-South and East-West Lines once fully completed.

From 2020 to 2024, the Thomson-East Coast Line has seen an expansion in the number of stations, divided into several stages.

1. Stage 1, January 31, 2020

Connecting Woodlands to the North-South Line with Woodlands (NSL) as an interchange, Stage 1 comprises 3 stations: Woodlands North, Woodlands, and Woodlands South.

2. Stage 2, August 28, 2022

Thomson extends its reach with the Caldecott interchange (CCL). Stage 2 includes 6 stations: Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson, and Caldecott.

3. Stage 3, November 13, 2022

Stage 3 offers direct access to the Central Business District (CBD) and Marina Bay with interchanges at Stevens (DTL), Orchard (NSL), Outram Park (EWL and NEL), and Marina Bay (NSL and CCL). It features 13 stations: Stevens, Napier, Orchard Boulevard, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, then Marina South and Mount Pleasant, which will open simultaneously upon completion of construction.

4. Stage 4, 2024

Journey to (and from) the east includes 8 stations, namely Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, Bayshore, then Founders’ Memorial.

5. Stage 5, 2025

Stage 5 comprises 2 stations: Bedok South and Sungei Bedok with the Sungei Bedok interchange (DTL).

Operational schedules for Thomson-East Coast Line trains are different for each station. You can check the train schedule on the available website. The first train on the Thomson-East Coast Line typically departs between 05:36 AM and 06:17 AM on weekdays and between 05:56 AM and 06:37 AM on weekends. Meanwhile, the last train on the Thomson-East Coast Line is generally available every day from 11:40 PM to 12:23 AM.

1. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC)

Situated near Shenton Way MRT station, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) stands as a hub of Chinese arts and traditions in the heart of the city. Here you can find various cultural activities, events, and exhibitions that celebrate Chinese culture, including art, music, dance, literature, and cuisine.

Additionally, the SCCC promotes cross-cultural understanding through collaborations with local and international cultural organizations, fostering connections and exchange between different communities.

Whether you're a cultural enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about Chinese heritage, the SCCC offers a rich experience about the diversity of Chinese culture in Singapore. Admission is free, and the centre is open from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM, with a late opening at 02:00 PM on Mondays.

2. Sembcorp Coolhouse

Located near Napier MRT station, Sembcorp Coolhouse is an eco-friendly attraction nestled within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This unique structure showcases the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability practices. One of the highlights of the Coolhouse is its thematic zones, representing montane region, such as the Cloud Forests of Southeast Asia, the Andes Mountains of South America, and the Himalayas of Asia.

Here you can find educational displays and interactive exhibits offering insights into topics, such as biodiversity, climate change, and conservation efforts. You can engage with hands-on activities, guided tours, and interpretive panels that provide in-depth information about the plants and their natural habitats.

To visit Sembcorp Coolhouse, you only need to prepare money starting from 1 SGD. Visit this place which is open from 08:30 AM to 07:00 PM.

3. Jurassic Nest Food Hall

Near Gardens by the Bay MRT station, Jurassic Nest Food Hall offers a prehistoric-themed dining experience. The interior is adorned with dinosaur sculptures, lush greenery, and atmospheric lighting, creating an enchanting atmosphere that everyone alike.

The food hall features a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from local delicacies to international cuisine. You can explore a variety of food stalls offering a wide array of dishes, including Asian street food, Western classics, and fusion creations. In addition, Jurassic Nest also hosts live entertainment and interactive experiences. From dinosaur-themed performances to hands-on activities for children, there's always something exciting happening at the food hall.

The dish here has various prices, starting from 10 SGD. You can visit this food hall from 11:00 AM to 09:30 PM.

4. Sustainable Singapore Gallery

Just a short walk from Gardens by The Bay MRT station, you can find the Sustainable Singapore Gallery. The gallery features a range of exhibits, displays, and multimedia installations that educate about sustainable living practices, green initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts.

One of the key highlights of this place is its thematic zones, focusing on different aspects of sustainability, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Here you can explore topics such as urban farming, green buildings, and sustainable transportation, gaining a deeper understanding of how individual actions can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Admission is free, and the gallery is open from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Please note that Sustainable Singapore Gallery is closed on Tuesday.

5. Tanglin Mall

Less than five minutes from Orchard Boulevard Station, you will find Tanglin Mall, a premier shopping and lifestyle destination. Renowned for its upscale retail offerings, dining options, and leisure amenities, Tanglin Mall provides you with a vibrant shopping experience.

Here you will discover a diverse array of retail outlets, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to specialty stores and lifestyle brands. In addition, Tanglin Mall boasts an eclectic mix of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and eateries serving a wide variety of cuisines.

The mall also hosts regular events and promotions, including art exhibitions, fashion shows, and live performances, providing entertainment for the whole family.

Explore Singapore with the Thomson-East Coast Line and uncover its captivating attractions! With this expansive MRT line, traversing the island city-state has never been more convenient. From the bustling streets of Woodlands North to the serene beauty of Gardens by the Bay East, every stop along the Thomson-East Coast Line offers a unique experience waiting to be discovered. So, book your flight to Singapore, hop on board, and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, culture, and adventure!