Singapore River Cruise: A Scenic Journey Through Iconic Landmarks

Flowing through the heart of the city, the Singapore River has long shaped the city’s identity.

In the 19th century, during Singapore’s early days, it served as a vital artery for maritime trade, bustling with small cargo boats ferrying goods to and from the port.

Today, with the city’s rapid development and growing appeal as a travel destination, the river’s role has shifted — from trade to tourism. It’s now home to the River Cruise, a popular attraction for visitors eager to take in the city’s skyline from the water.

This feature takes an in-depth look at the Singapore River Cruise — covering everything from ticket prices and routes to boarding points and highlights along the way.

• River Cruise Overview
  • • Cruise Route: Clarke Quay ↔︎ Marina Bay
  • • Boarding Points: 3 Jetties
  • • Operating Hours
• Ticket Information
  • • Ticket Prices and Booking
  • • Ticket Booth at Clarke Quay
• River Cruise Highlights
  • • Night Cruise from Clarke Quay
  • • Face the Merlion Head-On!
  • • Front-Row View of Marina Bay Sands
• Final Thoughts

River Cruise Overview

Cruise Route: Clarke Quay ↔︎ Marina Bay

The Singapore River Cruise offers a 40-minute counter-clockwise loop between Clarke Quay in the river’s upper reaches and Marina Bay at its mouth. 

Along the route, many of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks come into view, including the Raffles Landing Site, the Merlion, and Marina Bay Sands.

The cruise offers a fresh perspective of the city, allowing passengers to enjoy the sights from the tranquil waters instead of the bustling streets.

Boarding Points: 3 Jetties

7 jetties dot both banks of the Singapore River, stretching from its upper reaches down to Marina Bay. 

Before the pandemic, it was possible to hop on and off at any jetty along the route. As of November 2025, however, only 3 jetties are operational: Clarke Quay, Clifford Pier, and Bayfront South. 

Clarke Quay serves as the main hub for river cruises, handling the highest number of departures and passengers. Both Clifford Pier and Bayfront South have limited departures and operating hours, so planning ahead is recommended.

Operating Hours

The operating hours for the river cruise are as follows:

The last cruise departs from Clarke Quay at 9pm, Monday to Thursday, and at 9:30pm, Friday to Sunday. 

The cruise takes about 40 minutes to complete a full loop.

Cruises are enjoyable at any time of day—morning, afternoon, or evening—but the most magical time to join is after sunset.

As the evening breeze drifts across the river and city lights shimmer on the water, the night cruise offers an unforgettable view of Singapore’s skyline.

Ticket Information

Ticket Prices and Booking

Here are the ticket prices for the River Cruise:

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth next to the jetty. Alternatively, tickets can be booked online via Klook, an online booking platform for attractions and experiences in Singapore.

Ticket Booth at Clarke Quay

The ticket booth is located next to the Clarke Quay Jetty.

For tickets purchased via Klook, simply present the QR code from your e-ticket on your smartphone (no need to print it) to exchange it for a physical ticket.

River Cruise Highlights

Night Cruise from Clarke Quay

The Clarke Quay jetty for the River Cruise (map) is about a 5-minute walk from Exit E of Clarke Quay MRT Station.

Lined with riverside bars and restaurants, Clarke Quay transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination, beautifully lit after dark.

A retro wooden boat, modelled after the traditional tongkang that once plied the Singapore River during its early trading days, is used for the River Cruise.

The compact boat accommodates about 45 passengers and offers two seating areas — covered bench seats at the front and an open-air deck at the rear. Seating is not assigned—passengers choose their preferred spots on a first-come, first-served basis.

The boat sets off from Clarke Quay, gliding gently downstream.

Along the riverside, Boat Quay unfolds with its vibrant mix of waterfront restaurants and high-rise office buildings. As the boat cruises along, a pleasant breeze sweeps through the cabin, enhancing the experience of the scenic river views.

The Fullerton Hotel stands at the mouth of the Singapore River, where it opens into Marina Bay.

Passing beneath the beautifully illuminated Cavenagh and Anderson Bridges, Marina Bay awaits just ahead.

Face the Merlion Head-On!

Standing guard at the entrance to the bay is Singapore’s legendary icon—the Merlion.

This river cruise offers a unique vantage point, providing a rare, face-to-face view of the Merlion from the water.

To ensure everyone gets the perfect photo, the boat makes gentle turns from side to side.

Front-Row View of Marina Bay Sands

Leaving the Merlion behind, the boat makes a gentle loop around Marina Bay, arriving in front of Marina Bay Sands for the cruise’s highlight.

Every evening at 8pm and 9pm (with an additional 10pm show on Fridays and Saturdays), Marina Bay comes alive with Spectra, a dazzling light and water show.

The best way to experience Spectra is aboard the Laser Show Cruise, offering a front-row view from the gentle sway of the river.

This special cruise departs twice daily, at 7:30pm and 8:30pm, from Clarke Quay. Tickets are priced at $42 for adults and $28 for children.

The shimmering Marina Bay Sands, reflected on the water, provides a perfect grand finale to the river cruise.

Final Thoughts

Singapore’s skyline, bathed in shimmering light, is a breathtaking sight.

Gliding slowly through a sea of radiance feels like drifting across the Milky Way — an unforgettable dreamlike journey.

The River Cruise delights visitors of all ages and is a must-try attraction on any visit to Singapore.