Sentosa Island has and still become a top destination for tourists in Singapore. Tourists can try a variety of fun attractions such as Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and more.
Despite being off the coast of Singapore’s main island, reaching Sentosa is easy and hassle-free. There are various transport options available for you to choose.
Therefore, in this article, I will share four ways to reach Sentosa Island. Let’s explore them!
Traveling to Sentosa Island via the Sentosa Express monorail is a popular choice due to its convenience. This monorail connects VivoCity Station directly to the island.
You’ll find the Sentosa Express station on the third floor of VivoCity, which is among Singapore’s largest shopping malls.
Reaching VivoCity is easy; take the MRT to HarbourFront station, served by both the Circle and North-East Lines, or hop on a city bus that stops right in front of VivoCity.
Once at VivoCity, make your way to the third floor. Use a payment card to tap in at the Sentosa Express entry gate, much like the MRT system. Accepted cards include EZ-Link, NETS, and credit cards from VISA and Mastercard.
If you don’t have one, tickets for the Sentosa Express can be purchased both online or at the ticket counter located at the VivoCity Station entrance.
The cost to board the Sentosa Express is SGD 4, which covers unlimited rides for the day on the island. This fee is only required once when you enter through the VivoCity Station gate.
The monorail makes several stops: Resort World (Waterfront) Station, Imbiah Station, and Beach Station, before returning in the opposite direction.
For those heading to Universal Studios Singapore, alight at the Resort World (Waterfront) Station, which is just a short walk away from the park entrance. Simply follow the signs to reach the destination.
Another option for reaching Sentosa Island is by taking one of the three bus services available: Bus number 123, the RWS8 Bus, or the Sentosa Cove Shuttle Bus.
Bus number 123 is unique as it’s the only city bus that travels directly to Sentosa Island. Its route begins at the Bukit Merah terminal and winds through famous areas like Orchard and Tiong Bahru before ending its journey at the Beach Station terminal on Sentosa Island.
Using this bus is as easy as boarding any city bus in Singapore; just wait for bus number 123 and pay the fare, which varies depending on your boarding point.
Alternatively, RWS8 shuttle bus offers a direct route to Sentosa Island. You can catch this bus from stop number 14141 outside VivoCity or stop number 14121 at Merrill Lych HarbourFront.
This shuttle is budget-friendly, costing only SGD 1 per trip, and operates from early morning until just before midnight, with stops at Resorts World Sentosa, which is conveniently close to Universal Studios.
Lastly, the Sentosa Cove Shuttle Bus heads to Sentosa Cove Village at the island’s eastern tip. It departs from the HarbourFront Bus Interchange.
Given its destination, I don’t recommend this for those aiming for Universal Studios. The fare for this shuttle is SGD 2 for each journey.
For a scenic route to Sentosa Island, consider taking the Singapore Cable Car. This ride offers breathtaking aerial views and connects Mount Faber Station to Sentosa Station.
To use this cable car, head to either Mount Faber Station or HarbourFront Station. Then, hop onto the Cable Car and enjoy the ride until you reach Sentosa Station. From there, you’re well-placed to explore the island’s numerous attractions.
You can buy Cable Car tickets both online and at the station counters. Buying online is a bit cheaper, with tickets priced at SGD 26.4, while buying them at the station will cost SGD 33.
These tickets are valid for a return trip, so you can travel back to Mount Faber Station on the same ticket after your day of fun on Sentosa Island.
If you’re looking to save money or simply enjoy a good walk, the Sentosa Boardwalk is your go-to route to Sentosa Island.
This 700-meter pedestrian bridge stretches from VivoCity to Sentosa Island for a pleasant walk without the interference of vehicles.
The boardwalk is designed with pedestrian convenience because it features moving walkways (travelators) and protective canopies to shield you from the sun and rain.
For the most comfortable experience, I recommend strolling across the Sentosa Boardwalk in the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon. This is the perfect time to relax, snap some stunning photos, and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the harbor.
Once you reach Sentosa Island, it’s easy to find your way to the various attractions, with clear signage to guide you. Universal Studios Singapore is conveniently close to where the boardwalk ends.
These are four practical options for reaching Sentosa Island. Select the one that suits your comfort preferences and budget the best.
