By the WahLiao desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
Most big cruise ships dock at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, at 61 Marina Coastal Drive. From there, the nearest train is Marina South Pier MRT on the North South Line, a short walk away, and a taxi to Marina Bay Sands takes about five to ten minutes. Smaller ships use the Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront, which sits beside HarbourFront MRT and VivoCity.
Arriving by sea is one of the easiest ways into Singapore: the terminals are close to the centre, immigration is quick, and the city starts almost at the gangway. Here is how to get from ship to hotel, airport or sights, with or without a suitcase.
Cruise terminals: quick facts
| Terminal | Nearest MRT | By taxi | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) | Marina South Pier (North South Line), a short walk | About 5 to 10 minutes to Marina Bay Sands; about 20 minutes to Changi Airport | Most large cruise ships |
| Singapore Cruise Centre, HarbourFront | HarbourFront (North East and Circle lines) | About 15 minutes to the city centre | Smaller ships and regional ferries |
The WahLiao Verdict
| Cheapest | The MRT from Marina South Pier, a couple of dollars. |
| Easiest with luggage | A taxi from the terminal’s taxi stand, usually S$10 to S$20 to central hotels. |
| The catch | Taxi queues when a big ship disembarks; the walk to the MRT with heavy bags. |
| Worth it for | A port day in the city: the centre is minutes away. |
| Before you land | File the SG Arrival Card if you are disembarking. |
From Marina Bay Cruise Centre
By MRT. Walk to Marina South Pier station, the end of the North South Line, and ride one stop to Marina Bay, where the Circle and Thomson-East Coast lines connect. City Hall, Raffles Place and Orchard are a few stops further. It is cheap and quick with a small bag, but the transfers are real with heavy luggage.
By taxi or Grab. The terminal has a taxi stand, and ride-hailing cars pick up at the terminal. Expect about S$10 to S$20 to central hotels. When a large ship disembarks, the queue can be long; booking a car in the app, or waiting half an hour, can be faster.
By bus. Bus 400 runs past the cruise centre and connects to Marina Bay and Shenton Way. It is the cheapest option but the slowest.
From HarbourFront
The Singapore Cruise Centre is inside the HarbourFront complex, linked to HarbourFront MRT and VivoCity mall. The North East Line runs to Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Little India, and the Circle Line to the Botanic Gardens and Bayfront. Sentosa is next door: walk across the Boardwalk from VivoCity.
A port day in Singapore
With six to eight hours ashore from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, take a taxi or the MRT to Marina Bay. Walk the waterfront to the Merlion, have lunch at Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Food Centre, and spend the afternoon heat in the Gardens by the Bay domes, which cost S$46 for a non-resident adult. Be back at the terminal at least an hour before all-aboard. Our 1-day itinerary has the full plan.
To and from Changi Airport
Changi is about 20 minutes from Marina Bay Cruise Centre by taxi. For a flight after your cruise, a taxi or pre-booked car is the practical choice with luggage; by MRT, it takes a change or two and much longer. Changi Airport to the City has the fares and surcharges.
Cruise terminals: FAQ
How do I get from Marina Bay Cruise Centre to the city?
Walk to Marina South Pier MRT and ride the North South Line, or take a taxi, about five to ten minutes to Marina Bay Sands.
Is there an MRT station at Marina Bay Cruise Centre?
The nearest is Marina South Pier on the North South Line, a short walk from the terminal.
How far is Marina Bay Cruise Centre from Changi Airport?
About 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
Do cruise passengers need an SG Arrival Card?
Yes, if you disembark and enter Singapore. The card covers arrivals by sea as well as air.
Read next
This page belongs to Visiting Singapore, our guide for first-time visitors. Before you disembark, check SG Arrival Card and Singapore Entry Requirements. For your days ashore, see Getting Around Singapore.
Sources checked 28 September 2026: DisneyBlog guide to Marina Bay Cruise Centre; The Real Globetrekker on Marina South Pier MRT and bus 400; Rome2Rio on transfer times; ICA, SG Arrival Card; Gardens by the Bay admission prices. Taxi fares are desk estimates. Last updated 28 September 2026.
