Orchard MRT Singapore Guide: Exits, Malls & How to Get There (2025)
If there’s one MRT station in Singapore that almost everyone knows, it’s Orchard MRT. Sitting right at the heart of Orchard Road, this station is the main gateway to Singapore’s most famous shopping street. I’ve passed through here countless times, whether to shop or eat or simply soak in the energy of Orchard. For first-time visitors, understanding Orchard MRT can save you a lot of time (and confusion).
And by the way, if you want the full breakdown of Orchard Road (malls, food, hotels, and nightlife) check out our complete guide to Orchard Road Singapore.
Where is Orchard MRT Located?
You will find Orchard MRT right on Singapore’s North-South Line (NSL). Do take note of the fact that this line is also called the Red Line. It’s located directly underneath ION Orchard Mall, one of the district’s most iconic shopping complexes.
- MRT Station Code: NS22
- Address: Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
- Nearby Landmarks: ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, Tangs Plaza
From here, you can access most of Orchard Road’s attractions without even stepping outside thanks to its maze of underground walkways.
Orchard MRT Exits
The station has several exits, and knowing which one to take can save you a lot of walking.
- Exit A – Wheelock Place, Shaw House, Lido Cinema
- Exit B – Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya)
- Exit C/D – ION Orchard Mall (directly above the station)
- Exit E – Tangs Plaza, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
NOTE: Most malls are connected underground, so you can shop and explore Orchard Road without worrying about Singapore’s heat or rain.
Malls Connected to Orchard MRT
One reason Orchard MRT is so popular is that it’s literally a shopping hub by itself. Here are the malls directly connected:
- ION Orchard – The landmark mall, right on top of the station.
- Wisma Atria – Linked through underground walkways.
- Wheelock Place – Easy access via Exit A.
- Takashimaya / Ngee Ann City – Reachable through Wisma Atria.
- Tangs Plaza – Connected through Exit E.
ION Orchard sits directly above Orchard MRT, making it one of the easiest malls to access straight from the train station.
What to Eat Near The Station
Food is never a problem around Orchard MRT. In fact, some of the most popular dining spots are directly linked to the station. Some good examples include the following:
- Food Opera (ION Orchard Basement 4) – A famous food court serving a plethora of local favorites from chicken rice to satay.
- Food Republic (Wisma Atria) – Affordable hawker-style meals in an air-conditioned setting.
- Street Ice Cream Stalls – Along Orchard Road, you’ll find uncles and aunties selling the iconic Singapore ice cream sandwich. Simple and very affordable. Addition to all that, it is also simply delicious.
Meeting Points at Orchard MRT
Locals often use Orchard MRT as a convenient meeting spot because of its central location and easy access to nearby malls. If you spend any time in Singapore, you’ll quickly notice that people arrange meet-ups using MRT exits rather than street names.
Common phrases you’ll hear include:
- “Let’s meet at Orchard MRT Exit B.”
- “See you at the ION Orchard MRT exit.”
The most popular and practical choice is the ION Orchard exit inside the mall. Not only is it spacious and air-conditioned (a big plus in Singapore’s heat), but it also has clear signboards, making it easy to find someone even in a crowd.
Other good meeting spots are Exit E near Tangs Plaza (great if you’re heading towards Scotts Road) or Exit A leading to Wheelock Place. Each exit connects you directly to a mall, so even if you’re waiting, you can grab a coffee or do some window shopping while you wait.
Getting to Orchard MRT
Here’s how to reach Orchard MRT from major areas:
From Changi Airport
If you’ve just landed at Changi Airport, Orchard MRT is about 50 minutes away by train. Simply hop on the East-West Line (Green Line) from the airport station. Ride until you reach City Hall, then switch over to the North-South Line (Red Line). From there, it’s just a few stops until you arrive at Orchard MRT. Easy, and much cheaper than a taxi!
From Marina Bay or Clarke Quay
If you’re staying near Marina Bay Sands or hanging out around Clarke Quay, Orchard MRT is super close. Just get on the North-South Line (Red Line) heading north. In about 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll find yourself at Orchard MRT, right in the middle of all the action.
From Sentosa or HarbourFront
Coming from Sentosa Island or HarbourFront? First, take the North-East Line (Purple Line) from HarbourFront MRT. Ride it until you reach Dhoby Ghaut, then switch over to the North-South Line (Red Line). From there, Orchard MRT is only a couple of stops away. The whole trip should take you around 25 minutes.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Avoid Rush Hour Crowds
Orchard MRT is one of Singapore’s busiest stations. On weekdays between 5 PM and 7 PM, office workers and students pack the trains. If you can, plan your Orchard Road trip outside these hours to avoid long waits and packed train cars. Weekends are also busy, but the crowds are more spread out throughout the day.
Use the Underground Walkways
Singapore’s heat and humidity can be intense, and sudden tropical rain showers are common. The good thing is that Orchard MRT connects directly to several malls through underground walkways. What this means is that you can move between ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Wheelock Place, and Takashimaya without stepping outside. It’s faster and a very Singaporean way of getting around Orchard.
Accessibility is Excellent
The station is wheelchair and stroller friendly. There are elevators, ramps, and wide gates for families, elderly passengers, or anyone with mobility needs. If you’re traveling with kids, Orchard MRT is much easier to navigate than many stations in older cities.
Have Your Card Ready
The entry and exit gates can be busy, especially when trains arrive during peak times. To avoid slowing down, keep your EZ-Link card or contactless credit/debit card handy so you can tap in and out quickly. This small step makes moving through the station much smoother.
Plan Meeting Points in Advance
Because it’s such a busy station, it’s smart to agree on a meeting exit or landmark with your friends before arriving. I often suggest meeting at the ION Orchard exit inside the mall because it’s spacious and very easy to spot.
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