Downtown Line (DTL) – Singapore’s Cross-Island Connector

The Downtown Line (DTL) is one of Singapore’s most modern and fastest-growing MRT lines, running from the northwest to the eastern coast through the city’s CBD (Central Business District). Known for its signature blue color and full automation, the DTL helps commuters skip the city-center crowd and move seamlessly across the island. You can also explore Thomson-East Coast Line.

Downtown Line MRT Map
Download Downtown Line Map PDF

Fast Facts about the Downtown Line

Line Code: DT

Color: Blue

Operator: SBS Transit Ltd

Opened: Phases between 2013 to 2017

Number of Stations: 34

Total Length: ~41.9 km

Type: Fully underground & driverless

Route & Key Interchanges

The DTL connects Bukit Panjang (DT1) in the west to Expo (DT35) in the east, serving commuters across residential, commercial, and education zones.

Major Interchange Stations:

Newton (DT11/NS21): Quick transfer to North South Line

Bugis (DT14/EW12): Shopping + transfer to East West Line

Promenade (DT15/CC4): Marina Bay access via Circle Line

Bayfront (DT16/CE1): Direct MRT access to Marina Bay Sands

Little India (DT12/NE7): Cultural hub & North East Line

Botanic Gardens (DT9/CC19): Lush park access and Circle Line

Tampines (DT32/EW2): East-side interchange

Expo (DT35/CG1): Transfers to airport via Changi Extension

What to Explore Along the DTL

Beauty World (DT5): Bukit Timah food & nature

Bugis (DT14): Haji Lane, Arab Street, Bugis Junction

Bencoolen (DT21): Singapore Art Museum, National Library

Bayfront (DT16): Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay

Kaki Bukit (DT28): Industrial estate, lesser-known gem

Expo (DT35): Near Singapore EXPO, access to Changi Airport

DTL Travel Tips

Traveling from Jurong to Changi? Use the DTL for a direct east–west trip with no backtrack through City Hall

Bencoolen Station (DT21) is the deepest station in Singapore at 43m underground

Great for students: Connects schools like SMU, NUS Bukit Timah Campus, and SOTA

Use DTL during peak hours to bypass overcrowded North South or East West Lines

Train Timings & Frequency

Operating Hours: 5:30am to ~12:00am

Peak Frequency: 2–3 minutes

Off-Peak: 5–6 minutes

Travel Time (end-to-end): ~70 minutes

Ticketing & Commuter Info

Use EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay, or Visa/Mastercard contactless

Tourist Pass: Unlimited rides for 1–3 days

Plan your route with SimplyGo and SMRTConnect

GTMs (General Ticketing Machines) available at all DTL stations

Future of the Downtown Line

DTL will be further enhanced with smart signaling, crowd tracking, and faster transfer routes

Expo station (DT35) will gain more importance as part of Tengah’s development and expansion of the East Region

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