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Discovering Singapore’s Downtown Line

Traveloka Team

09 May 2024 - 6 min read

Downtown Line (DTL) is the newest system in Singapore’s MRT lines. It’s a game changer for the public, since it connects several areas, like Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, MacPherson, and Bedok Reservoir, previously not covered by the MRT. Nowadays, it facilitates the public to navigate the city seamlessly. For those living in Bukit Panjang and Bukit Timah, travel to the city can cut times up to 30 percent, while people from the east require fewer bus rides, making it faster commutes. Another plus of DTL is the new generation trains feature environmental-friendly innovations, such as energy-efficient regenerative brakes recovering kinetic energy and converting it for other uses. If you seek Singapore’s urban adventure, go through several info below to keep you updated about this brand-new line system.

First and Last Train of Downtown Line

Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock.com

Downtown Line is in the service of 2 destinations: Bukit Panjang and Expo. According to the updated info on the DTL train schedules in 2024, the first train of Downtown Line towards Bukit Panjang operates at 6.13am on Monday until Saturday; and 6.31am during Sunday and public holidays. However, the last train to Bukit Panjang serves at 00.16am daily.

On the other hand, the first train to Expo sets off at 6.04am from Monday to Saturday, yet 6.24am on Sunday and public holidays. Everyday at 00.06am is the last train to Expo. Remember that the first and last train timings don’t account for adjustments in train service hours and are based on the scheduled train departure times at Downtown station. If you travel late, please arrive at the station earlier for variations in the actual train departure time.

Downtown Line MRT Map

To explain the routes of the Downtown Line, below is the map to make it clear:

Source: Land Transport Authority

Spanning from Bukit Panjang in the northwest to Expo in the east, the Downtown Line passes through some major districts, such as Bukit Timah, Little India, Bugis, Downtown Core, and Tampines. It also intersects with other MRT lines: the North East Line (NEL), East West Line (EWL), Circle Line (CCL), and North South Line (NSL), allowing passengers to easily access transfer options. In 2024, an extension (DTL3e) will connect DTL3–an alternative travel route to the east built in 2017–to the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). It’s to enhance the accessibility to the Changi Business Park and Expo Area; and the commuters will have more travel options to CBD and Marina Bay area using TEL or DTL.

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Downtown Line Stations

Currently, the Downtown Line serves 35 stations stretching throughout the city, they are:

DT1 Bukit Panjang–it’s MRT and LRT station located in the namesake estate of Bukit Panjang, serving the housing estate, residential developments, and shopping malls.

DT2 Cashew–some nearby parks and green spaces accessible from this station are Bukit Batok Nature and Zhenghua Park.

DT3 Hillview–based on the boundaries of Hillview and Nature Reserve planning subzones of Bukit Batok and Bukit Panjang, Hillview station provides easy access to some commercial areas, like The Rail Mall and HillV2.

DT5 Beauty World–this station’s located along the upper Bukit Timah Road, near several attractions, such as shopping centers, markets, and religious sites.

DT6 King Albert Park–this station mainly serves private residential estates along Bukit Timah.

DT7 Sixth Avenue–it serves several nearby station attractions, including Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the Rail Corridor.

DT8 Tan Kah Kee–located directly underneath the campus of Hwa Chong Institution, the station serves parts of Bukit Timah corridor.

DT9 Botanic Gardens–located right at the north edge of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it’s an ideal starting point to explore the gardens and surrounding areas.

DT10 Stevens–located at the junction of Stevens and Bukit Timah Road, one of the most popular attractions near this station is Raffles Town Club.

DT11 Newton–situated in the Newtown area of Singapore, Newton MRT station provides access to several popular destinations, like Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown, and Little India.

DT12 Little India–named after one of the most top cultural attractions in the city, Little India, this station is located at the junction of Bukit Timah and Race Course Road. Other attractions nearby are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the House of Tan Teng Niah.

DT13 Rochor–situated between Sungei Road and Rochor Canal Road, the station serves some landmarks, like Sim Lim Square, The Verge, and the LASALLE College of the Arts and Tekka Centre.

DT14 Bugis–based on the heart of the city, Bugis MRT station connects you to some top tourist landmarks, like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and National Museum of SIngapore.

DT15 Promenade–based underneath Temasek Avenue and adjacent to Millenia tower, this station also serves some key attractions, such as Suntec City, Singapore Flyer, The Float at Marina Bay, and Marina Bay Street Circuit.

DT16 Bayfront–it’s an underground MRT interchange station on the Downtown Line and Circle Line. It serves the main tourist attractions of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

DT17 Downtown–located in the heart of the Central Business District, you can easily access Merlion Park via Downtown MRT station.

DT18 Telok Ayer–situated in Outram, this station serves various offices and commercial developments around the junction of Cross Street and Telok Ayer Street.

DT19 Chinatown–it’s MRT interchange station on the North East and Downtown Lines in Outram, serving ethnic enclave of Chinatown.

DT20 Fort Canning–It’s an underground MRT station situated on the boundary of museum and Singapore River planning areas. That’s why some attractions, like the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore River, and Clarke Quay are accessible through this station.

DT21 Bencoolen–located under Bencoolen street, it primarily serves Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Management University, and surrounding developments.

DT22 Jalan Besar–mainly serving nearby civic districts around the Little India and Sungei Road planning areas, this station’s located near the Rochor Canal, one of the popular attractions in the city.

DT23 Bendemeer–situated under Kallang Bahru, the station serves commercial developments around Lavender Street and the industrial estates along Kallang Avenue.

DT24 Geylang Bahru–this station is a home to many exciting attractions, like Kallang Riverside Park, the Singapore Sports Hub, and the Kallang Wave Mall.

DT25 Mattar–based underneath Mattar Road, Mattar MRT station serves places, such as Canossa Convent School, Masjid Salim Mattar, and The Church of St Stephen.

DT26 MacPherson–it’s a critical interchange station for the Downtown Line and the Circle Line, making seamless connectivity and accessibility to other parts of Singapore.

DT27 Ubi–Ubi station primarily serves industrial workers and residents in the Kampong Ubi estate.

DT28 Kaki Bukit–situated in Kaki Bukit, it mainly operates the vicinity’s residential and industrial developments, including Kaki Bukit Techpark and Techview.

DT29 Bedok North–connecting you to industrial and residential areas, Bedok North MRT station also has easy access to Bedok Reservoir and Town Park.

DT30 Bedok Reservoir–located on the DTL3, Bedok Reservoir serves many residential areas in the city.

DT31 Tampines West–SAFRA Tampines, a family and sport enthusiasts’ recreational space, is accessible via this station.

DT32 Tampines–it’s a key transport hub in Singapore, serving as an interchange between the East West Line and the Downtown Line.

DT33 Tampines East–located in the Tampines District of Singapore, there are some nearby station recreational spots in this area: Tampines Mall, Tampines Changkat Butterfly Garden, etc.

DT34 Upper Changi–the station, located in Tampines planning areas, serves residential estates and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

DT35 Expo–if you travel to or from Changi Airport, Expo MRT station is the most convenient option; it’s also near Singapore Expo and Convention Center and various shopping centers.

Tourist Attractions Accessible by Downtown Line

While several attractions have been mentioned within the station section above, here are some other landmarks you can also consider visiting:

Chestnut Nature Park

Shutterstock.com

Chestnut Nature Park is a suitable destination for mountain bikers, hikers, and birdwatchers. Here, you can climb onto the Chestnut Observation Tower, observe several unique plants, like Singapore Walking-Stick Palm, Braided Chestnut, Jelutong, and more. You can also watch rare bird species or sign up as a volunteer to conserve nature. Get off at the DT2 Cashew MRT station to reach this park.

Fountain of Wealth

tungtopgun / Shutterstock.com

Symbolizing wealth, life, and the harmony among all religions and races, the Fountain of Wealth is one of the popular sights in Suntec City–accessible through DT15 Promenade station. You can stretch out your right hand over the water to absorb positive “qi” energy of the fountain, then make silent wishes. There’s a schedule for these daily touch water sessions.

Lau Pa Sat

EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Lau Pa Sat is the most monumental structure in Singapore housing the city’s hawker center. You can find a wide array of authentic local cuisines and international favorites in this area. Also, don’t miss a chance to enjoy delectable grilled skewers under the stars in the largest open-air Satay Street. This place is within walking distance of DT18 Telok Ayer station.

If you’ve reached this part of the article, it means that you’re ready to start your journey to Singapore with all the info described above, so what’s holding you back? Pack your things, book your flight ticket, catch the train, and get a fantastic time exploring Singapore!