By The Diary desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
The cheapest way onto Sentosa is on foot: the sheltered Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity is free and takes 10 to 15 minutes. The Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity costs S$4, which includes island admission, S$2 with a concession card, and nothing for children under 0.9m; the ride back to the mainland is free. Bus 123 charges a normal fare, and the RWS8 shuttle S$1. Cars and taxis pay an island admission fee of S$2 or S$6 depending on the time. The cable car is the scenic, and dearest, way in.
Quick facts
- Sentosa Boardwalk: free, about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from VivoCity.
- Sentosa Express: S$4 including entry; S$2 with concession cards.
- The monorail back to the mainland is free.
- Cars and taxis: S$2 or S$6 admission, depending on the time.
- Bus 123: normal fare; RWS8 shuttle: S$1.
- Cable car: from about S$15 (Sentosa Line) to S$35 (both lines) for adults.
How do the options compare?
| Way in | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sentosa Boardwalk (walk or cycle) | Free | Sheltered, with travelators, from VivoCity |
| Sentosa Express monorail | S$4; S$2 with concession cards; free under 0.9m | From VivoCity Level 3; runs about 7am to midnight |
| Bus 123 | Normal bus fare | Direct from Orchard and Tiong Bahru |
| RWS8 shuttle | S$1 | From VivoCity and HarbourFront to Resorts World |
| Taxi or car | S$6 (7am–11.30am, 1.31pm–5pm) or S$2 (other times) | Per vehicle, plus parking if you drive |
| Cable car | About S$15 to S$35 for adults, depending on the line | Mount Faber Line from HarbourFront; Sentosa Line within the island |
If you’re going for a wedding or a hotel stay, show your invitation or booking confirmation at the gantry or the monorail to have the entry fee waived.
The WahLiao Verdict
Walk in on the Boardwalk if the weather’s fine, and take the free monorail back when you’re tired. For a family of four, a taxi at the S$2 times can cost less than four monorail fares. Save the cable car for the view, not the commute.
Questions people ask
Do I pay to leave Sentosa?
No. Fares are charged on entry; the monorail back is free.
How do I pay for the monorail?
Tap in at the gates with a card, as on the MRT.
Are the beaches free?
Yes. Once you’re on the island, the beaches are free; attractions charge separately.
Can motorcycles go in?
Check Sentosa’s current rules before riding over; motorcycles have been restricted before.
Sources: SingSaver on Sentosa entrance fees and cable car prices (2026); Wikivoyage on the monorail and buses; Skyline Luge on the Boardwalk. Fares change; check Sentosa’s website before you go.
Read next: Resident Rates, WildPass and Online Discounts · MRT and Bus Fares · Back to The Diary
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
