Sentosa Express | Southern Region

Sentosa Express: A Detailed Guide

The Sentosa Express is a fully automated monorail system that provides a direct and efficient connection between Singapore’s mainland and Sentosa Island. It offers a quick, convenient, and scenic mode of transport, making it one of the most popular ways to access the island’s numerous attractions.

1. General Information

• Type: Light monorail transit system
• Operator: Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC)
• Opened: 15 January 2007
• Total Track Length: 2.1 km
• Number of Stations: 4
• Journey Time: Approx. 8 minutes from end to end
• Frequency: Every 3–5 minutes
• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily
• Train Capacity: Approx. 55 passengers per cabin, with 2 cabins per train
• Fare:
  • To Sentosa: SGD $4 (includes island admission fee)
  • Within Sentosa: Free rides between stations

The monorail operates on an elevated track, providing riders with panoramic views of the city skyline, waterfront, and Sentosa’s lush landscapes.

2. Stations and Route Details

The Sentosa Express has four stations, each strategically located near key attractions and transport hubs.

1. VivoCity Station (Mainland)

• Location: Level 3, VivoCity Mall
• Connections:
  • HarbourFront MRT Station (NE1/CC29) (North-East Line & Circle Line)
  • Bus Interchange and Taxi Stand
  • HarbourFront Centre (for ferries to Batam and Bintan)
• Nearby Attractions:
  • VivoCity (Singapore’s largest shopping mall)
  • HarbourFront Centre
  • Mount Faber (via cable car)

This station serves as the entry point for passengers traveling to Sentosa. Visitors can purchase tickets or use EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay, or credit cards for contactless entry.

2. Sentosa Station

• Location: Resorts World Sentosa (RWS)
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
  • S.E.A. Aquarium
  • Adventure Cove Waterpark
  • Resorts World Sentosa Casino
  • Maritime Experiential Museum
• Connections:
  • Walking distance to RWS attractions
  • Free Sentosa shuttle buses available

This is the busiest station on the Sentosa Express, as it is the gateway to Resorts World Sentosa and its world-class attractions.

3. Imbiah Station

• Location: Near Sentosa’s central hill area
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Madame Tussauds Singapore
  • Sentosa 4D AdventureLand
  • SkyHelix Sentosa (an open-air rotating observation ride)
  • Skyline Luge Sentosa
  • Mega Adventure Park (zipline and high elements)

This station primarily serves adventure seekers and those interested in thrill-based attractions.

4. Beach Station

• Location: Southern end of Sentosa
• Nearby Attractions:
  • Siloso Beach (known for beach bars, iFly Singapore, and AJ Hackett Bungy Jump)
  • Palawan Beach (family-friendly with a suspension bridge to Southernmost Point of Continental Asia)
  • Tanjong Beach (secluded, upscale beach clubs)
• Connections:
  • Free Beach Tram (connects different beaches)
  • Sentosa Bus Services

This is the final station on the line, offering direct access to Sentosa’s beaches and leisure activities.

3. Ticketing & Payment Methods

Sentosa Express Fare Structure

• To Sentosa: SGD $4.00 (includes Sentosa island admission)
• Within Sentosa: Free (for travel between Sentosa, Imbiah, and Beach Stations)
• Leaving Sentosa: No fare required

Accepted Payment Methods

• EZ-Link / NETS FlashPay (Public transport cards)
• Mastercard/Visa (contactless payments)
• Tickets from VivoCity Station Counters or Kiosks

4. Features & Advantages

A. Fast & Efficient

• Takes only 8 minutes from VivoCity Station to Beach Station.
• Trains run every 3–5 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times.

B. Convenient Island Access

• One of the easiest ways to reach Sentosa without needing a car, taxi, or cable car.
• Direct connectivity to major MRT and bus networks at HarbourFront.

C. Scenic Ride

• Elevated tracks provide beautiful views of Sentosa, Keppel Bay, and Singapore’s waterfront skyline.

D. Eco-Friendly

• Uses electric-powered monorail trains, reducing environmental impact.
• Less congestion compared to cars or buses.

E. Accessibility

• Wheelchair-friendly with ramps, lifts, and designated seating for people with disabilities.

5. Alternative Ways to Enter Sentosa

While the Sentosa Express is one of the most popular transport options, visitors can also reach Sentosa by:

Sentosa Boardwalk (walking)

• Covered pedestrian path from VivoCity to Sentosa.
• Travel time: ~10–15 minutes.
• Entry Fee: Free (previously $1, but waived since 2020).

Cable Car (Mount Faber Line)

• Scenic ride from HarbourFront Cable Car Station to Sentosa Cable Car Station.
• Fare: ~SGD $15–35 (varies by package).

Public Buses

• Buses 123 and RWS8 go directly into Sentosa.
• Fare: Regular bus fare (~$1–$2) applies.

Taxis & Private Cars

• Entry fee varies by vehicle type and time of day ($2–$6 per car).

6. Summary: Why Take the Sentosa Express?

✅ Fast: Only 8 minutes from HarbourFront to Sentosa’s beaches.
✅ Affordable: $4 one-time fare (free within Sentosa).
✅ Frequent Service: Every 3–5 minutes.
✅ Convenient: Directly linked to MRT and bus stations.
✅ Scenic Ride: Enjoy views of Sentosa and Singapore’s skyline.
✅ Eco-Friendly: Uses electric-powered monorail.
✅ Accessible: Wheelchair-friendly with lifts and ramps.

The Sentosa Express remains one of the best transport options for tourists and locals heading to the island, offering a seamless, affordable, and enjoyable travel experience.