The Singapore Zoo, a renowned destination among Singapore's tourist spots, was established in 1973. It's celebrated for its innovative 'open cage concept', which showcases animals in settings that closely mimic their natural habitats.
Situated in proximity to three other popular sites - the Night Safari, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders - the Singapore Zoo is part of a bustling tourist hub. For insights into our delightful experience at River Wonders, be sure to check out our related article.
A common challenge faced by tourists is finding convenient transportation to the Singapore Zoo. The absence of a direct MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station nearby means visitors need to use a combination of MRT and bus services to reach the zoo.
In this guide, I will outline three ways to reach the Singapore Zoo. These approaches seamlessly integrate MRT and bus travel, ensuring a swift and hassle-free journey to this exciting destination.
The Mandai Khatib Shuttle, operated by Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offers an easy and economical route to the Singapore Zoo. This dedicated shuttle service, named for its proximity to Khatib MRT Station, simplifies the journey for visitors.
To catch the shuttle, begin at Khatib MRT Station, located on the North-South Line. Once you step out of the station, look for the bus stops directly in front.
There are two adjacent stops: the general bus stop and the exclusive Mandai Khatib Shuttle stop. The latter is distinguishable by a signboard that announces "Mandai Shuttle".
Operating daily from 8:00 am to 11:40 pm, the shuttle typically arrives at 10 to 20-minute intervals. Boarding is simple – just hop on and tap your EZ-Link card, Singapore Tourist Pass, or another accepted payment card.
Once aboard, passengers will see a spacious interior that offers enough seating to ensure a comfortable ride. The fare is an affordable SGD 1 for adults, while children under 7 travel free.
The shuttle makes only two stops: Bird Paradise and the Singapore Zoo. The journey to the zoo takes about 20 minutes. Upon reaching the zoo, disembarking is hassle-free as there's no need to tap out with your card.
The Mandai Heartlands Express, another shuttle service offered by Mandai Wildlife Reserve, operates under a different schedule than the Mandai Khatib Shuttle. This particular bus runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and during school holidays. It collects passengers from three designated locations:
The Mandai Heartlands Express provides direct transportation to both Bird Paradise and the Singapore Zoo. The fare for this service is SGD 3 for adults and SGD 1 for children aged 7 to 12 years. Children under 7 years can enjoy the ride free of charge.
This shuttle has two departure times: 8:45 am and 10:15 am. To secure a seat, it's advisable to book your ticket at least two weeks in advance. Tickets can be conveniently reserved online through the provided link.
On the day of travel, ensure that you reach the pick-up point approximately 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart. Upon boarding, simply show your online ticket purchase as proof, and you're all set for your journey to the wildlife attractions.
In addition to the specialized shuttles from Mandai Wildlife Reserve, public buses offer another reliable means of reaching the Singapore Zoo. There are two main bus routes that service the zoo directly:
The fare for these buses varies depending on your boarding point. You can pay easily using an EZ-Link card or other similar payment methods. The process of boarding and alighting these buses is straightforward, following the standard procedure for public bus travel in Singapore.
These three methods provide accessible options for visiting the Singapore Zoo and its neighboring attractions. Select the option that best suits your convenience and comfort for a pleasant visit to one of Singapore’s most beloved destinations.
