North South Line (NSL)

The North South Line (NSL) is the first and oldest MRT line in Singapore, forming the central spine of the country’s urban transit system. Running in a vertical orientation from the southern business core to the northern residential heartlands, the NSL is vital for daily commuters and tourists alike. You can also explore North-East Line Map.

North-South Line MRT Singapore
Download North-South Line Map PDF

North South Line Overview

Line Code: NS

Color: Red

Operator: SMRT Corporation

Opened: 1987

Stations: 27 (from Marina South Pier to Kranji, Woodlands, and NS27)

Total Length: ~45 km

Type: Elevated + underground

Route Summary & Interchange Highlights

The NSL stretches from Marina South Pier in the south to Kranji, Yishun, and Woodlands in the north — serving both Singapore’s financial districts and residential towns.

Major Interchange Stations:

Jurong East (NS1/EW24): West-side interchange hub

City Hall (NS25/EW13): Central link for downtown commuters

Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1): Triple-line interchange and mall hub

Bishan (NS17/CC15): Cross-island convenience

Woodlands (NS9/TE2): North-side transfer to Thomson-East Coast Line

Marina Bay (NS27/CE2/TE20): Future mega interchange

Landmarks & Top Destinations

Orchard (NS22): Singapore’s #1 shopping street

Marina Bay (NS27): Bayfront attractions, skyline views

Toa Payoh (NS19): Oldest housing estate in Singapore

Novena (NS20): Health City Novena, medical tourism

Woodlands (NS9): Link to JB via future RTS and retail malls

Ang Mo Kio (NS16): Hub of northern neighborhoods

Why the NSL Matters

Singapore’s first MRT line, dating back to 1987

Serves millions of residents from central to northern zones

Easily connects to every other major line via key interchanges

Used by daily commuters, school students, and cross-border travelers

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: ~1 hour

Tips for Tourists & Locals

Orchard MRT leads directly to ION Orchard & major malls

City Hall MRT connects you to the National Gallery & Raffles City

Woodlands MRT is near Causeway Point and the Singapore–Malaysia border

Avoid peak congestion between City Hall – Raffles Place – Dhoby Ghaut on weekday mornings and evenings

Ticketing & Travel Info

Accepted cards: EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay, Singapore Tourist Pass

Tap with Visa/Mastercard for single trips

Plan trips using SMRTConnect and SimplyGo apps

General Ticketing Machines available at every station

Future Plans for the North South Line

The NSL will be enhanced through station upgrading, new signaling systems, and integration with the RTS link to Johor Bahru via Woodlands North

Connectivity at Marina Bay will improve with the Circle Line Stage 6 and Thomson-East Coast Line

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