Running like a green seam down the length of the island, the Rail Corridor in Singapore is one of the country’s most unusual heritage sites: a continuous strip of land, about 24 kilometres long, that once carried trains between Singapore and Malaya, now returned to walkers, cyclists and nature. When the railway ceased running through the island and the land was handed back, Singapore chose not to build over it but to keep it as a public green corridor, preserving both a wildlife route and a living memory of the age of rail. Along its length stand the old stations and structures that anchor the story.
This guide traces the line’s origins, the handover that changed everything, the heritage buildings to look for, and how to walk the corridor today.
The old Malayan railway line
The railway that once threaded through Singapore was part of the wider network operated by the Malayan Railway, known as Keretapi Tanah Melayu or KTM, linking the island to peninsular Malaya and beyond. For much of the twentieth century, trains ran across Singapore on a line that connected the grand southern terminus with the causeway to Johor in the north, carrying passengers and goods between the island and the mainland.
The line was more than transport; it was a physical link binding Singapore to the region in the decades before and after independence. Its route cut through plantations, forests and growing towns, and the land it occupied remained railway property under long-standing agreements between Singapore and Malaysia. For the precise history of the line, its agreements and its dates, the National Heritage Board and official records are the sources to consult, as the arrangements were complex and often renegotiated.
The handover and the birth of the green corridor
The turning point came when Singapore and Malaysia reached an agreement to move the railway operations, and train services through the island were discontinued, with the southern terminus at Tanjong Pagar closing to rail traffic after the last train on 30 June 2011. The land along the former line reverted to Singapore, opening a rare question: what to do with a long, thin ribbon of green running through a dense city.
Rather than parcel it out for development, the authorities decided to keep the corridor largely intact as a continuous public space, a decision widely welcomed by nature lovers and heritage advocates alike. Over time it has been progressively enhanced by the National Parks Board and partners, with paths, restored structures and connections to neighbouring parks and neighbourhoods, while preserving the sense of an open, natural passage. The tracks themselves were lifted, but the route lives on as the Rail Corridor, a place where you can walk for kilometres along the old alignment.
Railway heritage buildings to look for
Two stations bookend the railway story and remain its most important landmarks.
The former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station in the south was the grand terminus of the line, a dignified building whose main hall and facade made it a landmark of arrival and departure. Conserved as a national monument, it stands as the ceremonial heart of Singapore’s railway heritage and Cantonment MRT station on the Circle Line opened directly beneath it in July 2026. The building itself is being rejuvenated as the southern gateway to the corridor, so check for the latest on public access before you go.
The former Bukit Timah Railway Station, further along the line, is a smaller, charming station that once served as a passing point on the single-track route. Restored and reopened in July 2022 as a heritage gallery, with the former staff quarters turned into a café, it gives visitors a tangible sense of the working railway, complete with its platform and setting among the greenery.
Along the way, other structures survive, including old railway bridges such as the truss bridges that carry the route over roads, and signalling and boundary relics for the sharp-eyed. Here is a quick guide to the key heritage points.
| Landmark | What it is | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tanjong Pagar Railway Station | Former grand southern terminus | Conserved national monument |
| Bukit Timah Railway Station | Small restored wayside station | Reopened within the corridor |
| Railway truss bridges | Steel bridges over roads | Popular photo and crossing points |
| The green corridor itself | Continuous former rail route | Walking and cycling trail |
Why the Rail Corridor matters
The Rail Corridor is heritage of a special kind, layering three stories in one place. It preserves the memory of the railway age and Singapore’s regional ties; it protects a continuous green route that lets wildlife and plants move through a built-up island; and it gives people a long, uninterrupted space to walk, run and cycle away from traffic. Few cities have the chance to keep such a corridor whole, and the decision to do so reflects a maturing sense of what heritage and green space are worth.
For residents it has become a beloved everyday escape, and for the heritage-minded it is a reminder that infrastructure can have an afterlife. The old stations, conserved and cared for, ensure the human story of the line is not lost even though the trains no longer run.
Visiting the Rail Corridor
The corridor runs much of the length of the island, so you can join it at many points near neighbourhoods along the former line, several of which are close to the rail network and bus routes. The Bukit Timah stretch, near the restored station, is a popular and scenic entry point, while the southern end connects towards the Tanjong Pagar area. Because the corridor is long, plan a manageable section rather than trying to walk it all at once.
Wear proper shoes, bring water and sun protection, and be prepared for stretches with little shade. Some parts may be closed for works or enhancement from time to time, so check the National Parks Board website for the latest access details, trail conditions and any events before you set out. Keep to the paths, take your litter home, and enjoy this quiet green thread through the heart of Singapore.
Rail Corridor route by section: where to start
The Rail Corridor runs for about 24 kilometres from Kranji in the north to the Tanjong Pagar area in the south, and NParks has opened dozens of access paths along the way. Most visitors pick one section and treat it as a half-day walk or a longer cycle. As of late 2026, these are the easiest ways in:
- North (Kranji to Hillview): the longest and wildest stretch, opened in full in 2023. Start at the Kranji node opposite Kranji MRT station, or join at Hillview, where the station connects directly to the corridor.
- Central (Hillview to Bukit Timah Railway Station): the most popular section, crossing the restored Upper Bukit Timah and Bukit Timah truss bridges, both built in 1932. The old station, its heritage gallery and café sit within walking distance of King Albert Park and Beauty World MRT stations.
- South (Bukit Timah to Buona Vista and beyond): passes through greenery towards the Buona Vista community node near Buona Vista MRT, then continues south towards Tanjong Pagar.
The trail is mainly compacted earth, grass and gravel, so it can be muddy after rain. Walking, running and cycling are all allowed on the shared path; cyclists should keep their speed down and give way to walkers. Shade and water points are limited between nodes, so carry enough water for the whole section.
Rail Corridor FAQ
How long is the Rail Corridor in Singapore?
About 24 kilometres, following the former railway line from Kranji in the north to the Tanjong Pagar area in the south. The northern stretch alone is around 21 kilometres.
Is the Rail Corridor the same as the Green Corridor?
Yes. “Green Corridor” was the name used by the nature groups who campaigned to keep the old railway land green after 2011. The official name today is the Rail Corridor.
Can I cycle on the Rail Corridor?
Yes. Cycling is allowed on the shared trail, but the surface is mostly earth and gravel, so a mountain or hybrid bike is more comfortable than a road bike. Slow down near walkers and at the bridges.
Which is the best section for first-timers?
The central stretch between Hillview and the former Bukit Timah Railway Station packs in both truss bridges and the restored station, and it is easy to reach by MRT at either end.
Can I visit the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station?
The building is a national monument being rejuvenated as the corridor’s southern gateway, above the new Cantonment MRT station. Check NParks and URA for the latest on public access.
When did trains stop running through Singapore? Train services through the island were discontinued after the last train on 30 June 2011, when the southern terminus at Tanjong Pagar closed to rail traffic. The land then reverted to Singapore. For the complex agreements behind this, see the National Heritage Board and official records.
What is at the former Bukit Timah Railway Station now? It was restored and reopened in July 2022 as a heritage gallery, with the former staff quarters turned into a cafe. It gives a tangible sense of the working railway, with its platform and setting among greenery. Check the National Parks Board for current opening details.
Is the Rail Corridor shady, and what should I carry? There are stretches with little shade, and shade and water points are limited between nodes, so carry enough water for the whole section. Wear proper shoes and sun protection. Some parts may be closed for works, so check the National Parks Board website first.
Will the trail be muddy after rain? It can be, since the trail is mainly compacted earth, grass and gravel. Pick a dry day if possible and wear shoes with grip. Cyclists should keep their speed down and give way to walkers. Check NParks for trail conditions and any closures.
Why did Singapore keep the old railway land as a green corridor? Rather than parcel it out for development, the authorities kept it largely intact as a continuous public space, welcomed by nature lovers and heritage advocates. It preserves the memory of the railway age, gives wildlife and plants a route through a built-up island and offers people a long space away from traffic.
Explore more
The Rail Corridor links naturally to the island’s other green heritage, so continue to the old-forest boardwalks and reservoir views of MacRitchie Reservoir. For more of Singapore’s wartime and coastal past, visit the sea-facing batteries at Labrador Park, or take in harbour views and the cable car at Mount Faber.
Further reading: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station History