Plizio Visual Lab
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station opened in 1932 as the southern terminus for the Federated Malay States Railways and remains a masterpiece of Singapore's colonial architecture. Designed by the firm Swan & Maclaren in the Art Deco style, the building features a monumental facade that commands attention. Four large marble statues stand at the entrance, representing Agriculture, Commerce, Transport, and Industry, reflecting the economic pillars of the era. The interior is noted for its high vaulted ceilings and a series of murals depicting scenes of Malayan life and traditional economic activities. For nearly eight decades, the station was the primary gateway between Singapore and the Malay Peninsula until rail operations ceased in June 2011. The building was officially gazetted as a National Monument on April 8, 2011, preserving its heritage for future generations. Future redevelopment plans aim to integrate the historic structure into the modern rail network while maintaining its original aesthetic integrity.
- Location: Singapore
- Top sights: The Pinnacle@Duxton · SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark · Masjid Haji Muhammad Salleh
- Nearby: Yishun (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 235 | 102 | 168 | 193 | 199 | 164 | 174 | 173 | 167 | 210 | 283 | 300 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station is a former Art Deco railway station, now a monument and occasional event venue. The interior is often open to visitors; the grand hall and tracks are impressive.
Typical hours
The station has no fixed opening hours but is often open on weekends and public holidays. It may be closed for events; check the National Heritage Board website for current times.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the station hall and platforms, but without flash and tripod. The Art Deco details, like the ceiling murals, are especially photogenic.
Time needed
A visit to the station building takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you explore the surroundings, including the adjacent park, allow an hour.
Combine with
The station is near the Tanjong Pagar district with its restaurants and Duxton Hill. Combine your visit with a walk through the historic district or to Keppel Bay.
Getting there
Reachable by MRT to Tanjong Pagar station, Exit B, then about a 5-minute walk. Bus routes 10, 30, 97, and 100 stop nearby; parking is available in the area.
Insider tip
Visit the station on a Saturday when guided tours are often available. Look for the original ticket counters and the clock in the main hall.
Geography
Facts
- The station officially commenced operations on May 2, 1932.
- The facade is adorned with four massive marble statues representing economic sectors.
- The last train departed from the station on June 30, 2011.
- The building was gazetted as a National Monument on April 8, 2011.
- The interior murals were designed by the Italian artist Angelo Zyon.
- It served as the southern end of the railway line connecting to Kuala Lumpur.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the old railway station?
The site is often open to the public on special occasions.
Why is it historically important?
It was the main terminus for the railway line from Malaysia to Singapore.
Is the building usable by the public?
It currently serves primarily as a monument and for special events.
How do you get there?
Best by bus or Grab to the Tanjong Pagar area.
Is the station being restored?
Yes, the area is becoming part of a new future park.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station: where is it located?
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station is located in Singapore.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Pinnacle@Duxton, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Masjid Haji Muhammad Salleh.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station: why is it worth visiting?
Tanjong Pagar Railway Station opened in 1932 as the southern terminus for the Federated Malay States Railways and remains a masterpiece of Singapore's colonial architecture.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Singapore →
Nearby cities
Downtown Core
The economic heart of Singapore, encompassing the Central Business District and Marina Bay area.
Bukit Merah
A mature residential estate with a mix of public and private housing, parks, and commercial buildings.
Toa Payoh
The second satellite town built in Singapore, a mature estate with a strong sense of community.
Kallang
A sports and entertainment hub, home to the Singapore Sports Hub and located by the Kallang River.
Bishan
A centrally located residential town known for its well-designed public housing and the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Bukit Timah
A prime residential district known for its lush greenery, prestigious schools, and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Chinatown
A historic district showcasing a mix of old temples, traditional shophouses, and modern bars and restaurants.
Little India
A vibrant ethnic district offering a blast of sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture.
Singapore City
The heart of the city-state, a global financial hub with a tropical climate and multicultural population.
Kampong Glam
Singapore's historic Malay enclave, known for its trendy boutiques, hip cafes, and the Sultan Mosque.
Orchard Road
Singapore's premier shopping belt, lined with luxury malls, department stores, and upscale hotels.
History & landmarks
Tiong Bahru Market
One of Singapore's oldest and most popular markets, housing a wet market and a hawker centre, offering a wide array of local delicacies.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park is a famous Singapore landmark and home to the Merlion statue, a mythical creature with a lion's head and the body of a fish.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
A waterfront performing arts center nicknamed 'The Durian' for its unique spiky roof design resembling the durian fruit.
Nature
More places
Thian Hock Keng Temple
One of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore, dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea.
Former Keng Teck Whay Building
The facade of a historic building that once belonged to the Keng Teck Whay, a philanthropic association.
Former St. Andrew's Mission Hospital
A 1923 building that originally served as a hospital for women and children.
Bowyer Block (SGH)
A historic block of the Singapore General Hospital, opened in 1926 and serving as the hospital's centerpiece.
Tan Si Chong Su Temple
An important ancestral temple for the Tan clan association in Singapore, built in 1876.
Clarke Quay
A historical riverside quay that has been transformed into a vibrant nightlife and entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Fort Canning Park
An iconic hilltop park in central Singapore, rich with history and artifacts dating back to the 14th century.
Yueh Hai Ching Temple
One of the oldest Teochew temples in Singapore, known as the 'Temple of the Calm Sea'.