Tour operator
The Original Singapore Walks
Award-winning narrated heritage walks run since 2003 by Journeys, exploring themes such as Little India, colonial history and the Changi war trails.
Big Bus Singapore
Open-top hop-on, hop-off bus tours from Suntec City, with a City route via Orchard Road and a Heritage route through Little India and Chinatown.
At a glance
- Type
- Hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Area
- Marina Centre, Singapore
- Official site
- bigbustours.com
Good to know
- Open-top bus
- Two routes
- Night tour
Why we recommend it
Big Bus Singapore runs open-top hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses from its hub at Suntec City, operating two loops that link most of the places first-time visitors want to see. It is part of the international Big Bus group, and it offers a practical way to reach several neighbourhoods in a day without working out public transport, with commentary explaining the sights along the way.
The Yellow Line city tour has 19 stops and combines major landmarks around Marina Bay and the Civic District with the shops of Orchard Road. The Red Line heritage tour has 17 stops and heads through Little India and Chinatown, making it easy to get off for temples, markets and hawker centres. One ticket covers both lines, so you can switch between them, and you can board at any stop, though Stop 0 at the Suntec City Tourist Hub is the main starting point.
The Yellow Line runs from about 9.30am to 5.20pm, every 25 to 40 minutes, and the Red Line from about 9.40am to 5.10pm, every 25 to 35 minutes. The Discover ticket gives one day of travel and the Essential ticket two days, both with free date changes. There is also a three-hour Night Tour with live English commentary, which includes satay at Lau Pa Sat, the light and sound show at Gardens by the Bay and a drive along Orchard Road. Combination tickets with Singapore DUCKtours are sold at the same hub. Check the service information page for any route changes before you travel.
Buses run at set intervals, so start early to make the most of the ticket and plan your stops around the frequency. Sit upstairs for the best views, but bring a hat, sun protection and water, as the open deck gets very hot around midday. The service suits first-time visitors, families and travellers with limited time or mobility who want to see a lot without much walking.
The Suntec City Tourist Hub is in Suntec City Tower 2, a short walk from Promenade and Esplanade MRT stations. Suntec City's shops and restaurants are on the doorstep, and the Singapore Flyer and the Marina Bay waterfront are within easy reach on foot.
Big Bus Singapore FAQs
What routes are offered?
The Yellow Line city tour, with 19 stops, and the Red Line heritage tour through Little India and Chinatown, with 17 stops.
Where do tours start?
Stop 0 at the Suntec City Tourist Hub, though you can board at any stop.
How often do buses run?
Every 25 to 40 minutes on the Yellow Line and every 25 to 35 minutes on the Red Line.
What are the operating hours?
Roughly 9.30am to 5.20pm on the Yellow Line and 9.40am to 5.10pm on the Red Line.
What tickets are available?
A one-day Discover ticket, a two-day Essential ticket, a Night Tour and combination tickets with DUCKtours.
What does the Night Tour include?
Live commentary, satay at Lau Pa Sat, the Gardens by the Bay light show and a drive along Orchard Road.
Where should I sit?
Upstairs for views, but bring sun protection as the open deck gets very hot at midday.
Which MRT stations are near the hub?
Promenade and Esplanade stations.