Switching Train Lines for a Faster Journey

Posted by: Emmanuel Phua 

The Best Route: Depending on your own preferences, you may not want to take the Circle Line to go directly to your destination as it may take a longer travelling time. Photo credit: Emmanuel Phua

A Quick Glance At this Post

	Time	Fare	Advantage	Disadvantage
Circle Line (Lorong Chuan)	40 mins	S$2.10	Direct route to Harbourfront	Longer journey and lack of seats on train
Transfers (Lorong Chuan - Bishan - Dhoby Ghaut - Harbourfront)	30 mins	S$2.10	Shorter journey time	Requires multiple transfers

Last Saturday, while Elgin and Meisi started their journey to Harbourfront from Yishun I took the opportunity to explore the Circle Line. I started my journey at Lorong Chuan at around 9.12am and it took me 40 minutes to reach my destination.

A Tiring and Boring Ride

Much to my surprise, I was unable to get a seat when I boarded the train. I only got a seat after Buona Vista MRT Station which means I had to stand for a good 25 minutes. Although it’s a direct journey, it is a long way to go. There was nothing to see as well during the journey, given that the Circle Line runs entirely underground.

Transfer for Shorter Travelling Time

Here’s a suggestion, if you’re in a hurry!

Take the Circle Line to Bishan before making a transfer to the North-South Line. Then, alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station before transferring to the North-East Line; heading for Harbourfront MRT Station. You will need to make two transfers but the journey will only take around 30 minutes.

Who knew that making transfers could actually shave 10 minutes off your travelling time?

Check out our blog soon to find out more on our journey to Harbourfront from a different starting point, Clementi.