How to Get to Singapore Zoo on the Mandai Express for $1, and Other Options

Mandai Express Bus
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Telegram for the latest updates.

Singapore Zoo is a top, world-class attraction in Singapore where you can view animals in a lush forest setting at Mandai. However, its remote, natural setting also means that getting to the Singapore can be less straightforward. There are no MRT stations in the vicinity of the Singapore Zoo and you’d either need a car, taxi or bus to get the Singapore Zoo. Here are various options on how to get to Singapore Zoo.

READ: Singapore Zoo – All the Amazing Animals, Must-see Shows & Experiences

Option 1: How to Get to Singapore Zoo on the Mandai Express Khatib Service

Since 10 March 2017, Singapore Zoo has introduced a new Mandai Express Khatib service. It plies the route between Khatib MRT station and Singapore Zoo in 15 minutes.

Khabit MRT station is on the North-South (Red) MRT line with station ID, NS14.

The price for the Mandai Express Khatib is $1 per commuter each way. Children below three years old ride for free.


READ THIS: Discover the Best Things to Do in Singapore This Weekend

-- Story continues below --

Fares on the Mandai Express Khatib service are only payable by EZ-link card.

The Mandai Express Khatib service is available daily between 8.30 am to 7.00 pm at 30 minute intervals. The frequency of the service will increase during peak periods.

RELATED: 16 Things to Know If You Are Visiting Singapore Zoo

Option 2: Heartland Mandai Express Routes – Tampines, Bedok and Sengkang

On weekends and public holidays, other Mandai Express services are available from Tampines, Bedok and Sengkang.

The pick-up and drop off locations in the heartlands are:

Tampines Ave 4 Bus Stop

Bedok MRT Exit A Taxi Stand

Sengkang MRT Exit D Bus Stop

Pickup timings are at 8.45 am and 10.15 am.

Return trips from the Singapore Zoo to Tampines, Bedok and Sengkang can be boarded from the Singapore Zoo Coach Park between 3 pm and 5 pm.

One-way fares for these routes are $3 for adults and $1 for children between 3 to 12 years old. Children below 3 years old ride for free.

Tickets for the Mandai Express Routes to the heartlands need to be purchased online. On-the-spot cash payment is not available. Book tickets at www.mandaiexpress.beeline.sg

Option 3: MRT-Bus Connections to Get to the Singapore Zoo

If you are wondering how to get to Singapore Zoo by public bus, the best option is to take an MRT on the North-South (Red) Line to a near-by MRT station and transferring to a connecting bus.

The options available include:

Option 3.1 – Ang Mo Kio MRT Station & Bus 138

Take the train to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station (NS16) and then take Bus 138 from the bus interchange. The travel distance to Singapore Zoo is approximately 13 km.

The frequency of bus service 138 is 10 to 12 minutes between 6.30 am to 8.30 am, 8 to 11 minutes between 8.30 am to 5 pm, 7 to 14 minutes between 5 pm to 7 pm.

Bus service 138 is a loop service. If you board it from Singapore Zoo, it will return back to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station.

Option 3.2 – Choa Chu Kang MRT Station & Bus 927

Take the train to Choa Chu Kang MRT Station (NS4) and then take Bus 927 from the bus interchange. The travel distance to Singapore Zoo approximately 10 km.

The frequency of bus service 927 is 13 to 15 minutes between 6.30 am to 8.30 am, 13 to 18 minutes between 8.30 am to 7 pm.

Bus service 927 is a loop service. If you board it from Singapore Zoo, it will take you back to Chao Chu Kang MRT Station.

Option 3.3 – Sundays and Public Holidays Only – Bus 926

On Sundays and Public Holidays only, take the train to Marsiling MRT Station (NS8) or Woodlands MRT Station (NS9) and then take Bus 926.

Option 4: Taxi to Singapore Zoo

The easiest, but most expensive, way to get to the Singapore Zoo is to hop into a cab or uber. It is a 30-minute drive from the city to the Singapore Zoo. Take note that peak hour surcharges may apply during peak times.

Option 5: MRT-Taxi Connections

If you wish to take an MRT and transfer to a taxi, these are the distances between Singapore Zoo and various MRT Stations

Khatib MRT to Singapore Zoo (Distance): 8.6 km
Ang Mo Kio MRT to Singapore Zoo (Distance): 13 km
Choa Chu Kang MRT to Singapore Zoo (Distance): 8.4 km
Woodlands MRT to Singapore Zoo (Distance): 6.8 km

If you are taking an MRT from the city, it is recommended to take the train to either Khatib or Ang Mo Kio MRT station and transfer to a taxi. Even though the distances between Woodlands and Choa Chu Kang MRT stations and the Singapore Zoo appear shorter, the MRT ride to these stations from the city is longer than the rides to Ang Mo Kio and Khatib MRT stations.

Other Information on How to Get to Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari

The Singapore Zoo’s address is 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826.

Next to the Singapore Zoo are the River Safari and Night Safari. The above transport information applies to getting to the Night Safari and River Safari as well.

READ: Singapore Zoo – All the Amazing Animals, Must-see Shows & Experiences

RELATED: 16 Things to Know If You Are Visiting Singapore Zoo


READ THIS: Discover the Best Things to Do in Singapore This Weekend

MORE STORIES: Little India, Bird Paradise and High Tea in Singapore

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Telegram for the latest updates.


Little Day Out
The Little Day Out Team is made up of a passionate group of writers who believe in helping families keep up with the latest fun ideas and activities, engage their little ones and create lasting memories together. Drop us a note if you would like to contribute a story at [email protected].