Singapore MRT Operating Hours Today & Peak Time Guide

Traveloka Team
14 Mar 2025 - 5 min read

Planning to explore Singapore like a pro? Then, you’ll want to get familiar with the Singapore MRT operating hours—nothing’s worse than missing the last train and scrambling for a ride home. Knowing when the MRT runs can save you time (and stress!).

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential timings, peak hours to avoid, and even how to check real-time train updates—so you’re always one step ahead. Let’s get started!

Singapore MRT Operating Hours Comparison and Tips for Travelers

If you're planning your trip around Singapore, understanding the MRT operating hours is essential. To make things easier, here’s a simplified breakdown of weekday vs. weekend schedules, plus insider tips and recommendations to maximize your Singapore experience!

Weekday vs Weekend MRT Hours Comparison

MRT Line

Weekday First Train

Weekday Last Train

Weekend First Train

Weekend Last Train

East-West Line (EWL)

04:59 AM

00:16 AM

05:19 AM

00:15 AM

North-South Line (NSL)

04:59 AM

00:15 AM

05:23 AM

00:15 AM

North-East Line (NEL)

05:39 AM

11:25 PM

05:55 AM

11:45 PM

Circle Line (CCL)

05:50 AM

11:59 PM

06:10 AM

12:05 AM

Downtown Line (DTL)

05:36 AM

11:40 PM

06:00 AM

11:50 PM

Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)

05:36 AM

11:30 PM

06:05 AM

11:50 PM

Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT)

05:05 AM

11:30 PM

05:29 AM

11:30 PM

Sengkang LRT (SKLRT)

05:18 AM

00:37 AM

05:38 AM

00:35 AM

Punggol LRT (PGLRT)

05:27 AM

00:45 AM

05:47 AM

00:45 AM

This straightforward comparison helps you plan rides and ensure you never miss your train while exploring vibrant Singapore.

Must-Visit Stations Near Top Attractions

Bring your adventure to life with these traveler-friendly station picks! Did we mention you can book attraction tickets directly on Traveloka.

Bayfront MRT (DT16/CE1): Direct access to Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
HarbourFront MRT (NE1/CC29): Steps away from Sentosa Island & Universal Studios Singapore
City Hall MRT (EW13/NS25): Walking distance to Merlion Park & National Gallery Singapore
Chinatown MRT (DT19/NE4): Right at the heart of Chinatown & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Each spot offers a mix of shopping, dining, or adventure. Grab your tickets through Traveloka and take all the hassle out of planning your fun side trips!

Practical Rush Hour Tips

Rush hour on the MRT is when locals are commuting to and from work, typically from 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM on weekdays. While trains are efficient and frequent, these hours can get really crowded.

Avoid Peak Times: If your schedule allows, aim to travel before 7 AM or after 9 AM.
Choose Less Busy Lines and Stations: For a quieter commute, consider accessing attractions from less crowded stations. For instance, instead of using Dhoby Ghaut Station, a major interchange, opt for Somerset Station for Orchard Road.
Book a Hotel Nearby: Want easy access to quieter stations? Stay near Marymount (CCL) or Botanic Gardens (DTL/CCL). Browse cozy accommodations on Traveloka.

Peak and Off-Peak Hours: When’s the Best Time to Ride?

Ever squeezed into an MRT carriage so packed you could smell your neighbour’s shampoo? Yeah, that’s peak-hour life—welcome to the club!

Singapore’s MRT gets craziest on weekdays, and most lines follow a similar peak and off-peak pattern:

Peak Hours

Morning Rush (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Office workers, students, and pretty much half of Singapore are out and about. Trains heading towards the CBD and major business hubs (Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, City Hall) are the most packed.
Evening Rush (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Everyone’s heading home, so expect full carriages on almost all lines, especially near interchange stations like Dhoby Ghaut, Bishan, and Jurong East.

Off-Peak Hours

Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Trains are way less crowded—great for a stress-free commute.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Another sweet spot, unless you’re near schools (hello, post-class student rush!).
Late Evening (after 9:00 PM): The crowd dies down, but be mindful of the last train timings!

Now, weekends may seem like the perfect time for a stress-free MRT ride, but not always! Saturday afternoons and evenings? Packed. Shopping hotspots like Orchard and Bugis are a madhouses, and touristy areas stay busy all day.

Sundays start off the chill, but the rush kicks in by the afternoon as weekend warriors head home. From 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, it’s basically Friday peak hour all over again!

As we’ve discussed, does the Singapore MRT run 24 hours? Sadly, nope. Singapore’s MRT clocks out after midnight for some well-deserved maintenance. So if you’re planning a late-night adventure, you’ll need a Plan B.

Special Cases & Service Extensions

While the MRT follows a pretty fixed schedule, there are times when things go off-script—for better or worse!

Some MRT lines run later than usual on big occasions like New Year’s Eve, National Day, or major concerts, so you don’t have to stress about missing the last train. In fact, Singapore MRT operating hours New Year celebrations often get extended past midnight, making it easier for partygoers to head home without a hitch!

Also, remember when Coldplay’s six-night gig in Singapore had everyone scrambling for transport? Or when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour turned the city into Swiftie Central? Yep, the MRT ran extra late to ensure fans got home without hitchhiking.

How about early closures? Oof, it happens! Maintenance is a must, and sometimes that means planned early closures or late openings, usually on specific sections of a line.

Tip: Always double-check train timings during special events or maintenance periods. Your future self will thank you!

How to Check MRT Timings in Real-Time

Remember when we said we’d tell you how to get the full scoop on MRT schedules? Well, guessing train schedules are so last decade. Just use the MyTransport.SG app to check the Singapore MRT operating time in real time!

Here’s how to make it your new commuting BFF:

1.
If you haven’t installed MyTransport.SG, head to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for “MyTransport.SG” and download the official app.
2.
Once installed, open the app.
3.
On the home screen, look for the “Train Services” option. This section will provide information on train schedules, including live updates.
4.
To search for your MRT station, type in the name of your MRT station on the search bar at the top of the screen.
5.
Select the correct station from the list that appears.
6.
After selecting your station, the app will show the estimated arrival times for the following few trains.
7.
If you see a yellow or red warning icon, tap on it to read service announcements. This will inform you about any delays, disruptions, or planned maintenance that might affect your journey.

The bottom line is that planning ahead is the key to a smooth journey across Singapore. Knowing when and where to hop on makes all the difference with tools like MyTransport.SG, you can check real-time train schedules and avoid any unexpected delays.

And if you’re looking for an even more hassle-free experience, Traveloka has got you covered! From booking flights and hotels to sorting out activities, everything you need is just a tap away. Plus, with a little planning around Singapore MRT operating hours, you can easily explore the city!

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