As celebratory gatherings, dazzling light displays, and festive markets beckon Singapore residents out late this Christmas Eve, public transport operators SMRT and SBS Transit have confirmed significantly extended train and bus operating hours across the island. This critical service extension aims to alleviate expected high demand for taxis and ride-sharing, providing an affordable and reliable way for revelers to return home well past midnight—with some bus services departing as late as 2:30 a.m.
Riding the Train After Midnight
Both major rail operators are extending schedules dramatically on December 24 to accommodate late-night festive activities.
SMRT Services:
Train services across the majority of the SMRT network will run later than usual. This extension covers the North-South Line, East-West Line, Circle Line, and Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). Commuters are advised to consult the operator’s specific schedule for final departure times from various interchange stations.
Crucially, those relying on SMRT’s subsidiary lines should note exceptions: the Bukit Panjang LRT and the Changi Airport Service will maintain their standard operating hours and will not be extended.
SBS Transit Services:
Passengers utilizing SBS Transit’s lines can also expect an extension of roughly one hour and fifteen minutes beyond the standard timetable. This applies to trains operating on the:
- North-East Line
- Downtown Line
- Sengkang-Punggol LRT
These extensions ensure smoother travel for thousands participating in communal celebrations and private gatherings across areas served by the purple and blue lines.
Comprehensive Bus Extensions for Festive Nights
In addition to extended rail access, both transport companies are scheduling later trips for several key bus feeder services, ensuring connectivity from major transport hubs to residential estates.
SMRT Bus Services:
A substantial number of SMRT bus services will run past midnight, connecting passengers from train stations to their final destinations. For instance, services originating from the Bukit Panjang interchange, including routes such as 300, 301, 302, 307, 983A, 901, 911, and 912A, feature extended schedules, with the final departure from Bukit Panjang scheduled at 2:25 a.m.
SBS Transit Bus Services:
SBS Transit is also boosting late-night connectivity by extending 19 bus services at their respective interchanges, including high-traffic routes such as 60A, 63M, 114A, 222, 225G, 228, 229, 232, and 238.
Adjusting to Early Departures
Recognizing that many offices and businesses permit an early dismissal on Christmas Eve, SBS Transit has also scheduled 25 bus services to run earlier in the evening. This adjustment includes express services (identified by the ‘e’ suffix, such as 10e, 14e, and 30e) and others typically serving commuter routes during standard rush hours. This flexibility ensures that those wrapping up their workday early also have efficient options for starting their holiday celebrations.
For the most precise and detailed departure schedules for all extended SMRT and SBS Transit bus services, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has released a consolidated guide online, which commuters are strongly encouraged to consult before planning their routes.
These coordinated extensions underscore a commitment to sustainable and accessible travel during peak holiday demand periods, allowing Singaporeans to fully enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere without mobility constraints. Residents are reminded to check final departure times on official transport apps or websites to avoid missing the last connections home.