Anyone who has watched Singapore’s MRT network grow over the past decade knows that every new line brings a shift in how the city moves. The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is the latest chapter in that story, a fully underground brown line that began opening in phases from 2020. Its fourth stage, which launched in June 2024, finally brings rail access to the East Coast area, completing a north-south to east-west arc that changes the commute for hundreds of thousands of residents. Here is what the TEL map actually looks like, which stations are open now, and what still lies ahead.

4 related posts

Line length (full completion): 43 km ·
Number of stations (final): 32 ·
MRT line number: 6th ·
Stage 4 opening date: 23 June 2024 ·
Operator: SMRT Trains

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact opening dates for Stage 5 (2025) and Stage 6 (2026) not yet confirmed (SGTrains.com)
  • Final station names for Stage 6 may change subject to LTA approval (Wikipedia)
3Timeline signal
  • Stage 1 opened 31 Jan 2020, Stage 2 on 28 Aug 2021, Stage 3 on 13 Nov 2022 (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 4’s opening was delayed one year due to COVID-19 pandemic (SGTrains.com)
4What’s next
  • Stage 5 (Sungei Bedok to Bedok South) expected 2025 (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 6 (Bedok South to Changi Airport) expected 2026 (SGTrains.com)

Seven key facts about the TEL at a glance, from its operator to its planned interchange points:

Line Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
Length (full) 43 km
Stations (full) 32
Opened 31 Jan 2020 (Stage 1)
Last stage Stage 6, expected 2026
Operator SMRT Trains
Interchanges Woodlands, Caldecott, Stevens, Newton, Orchard, Marina Bay, Sungei Bedok (future: Changi Airport)

What is the Thomson-East Coast Line?

Overview of the TEL

  • TEL is Singapore’s sixth MRT line (SGTrains.com (SMRT rail reference))
  • Runs a north-south corridor from Woodlands through the central area then arcs east to the coast (SGTrains.com)
  • Operated by SMRT Trains Ltd (SGTrains.com)
  • Total length of 43 km when fully completed (SGTrains.com)

Described as a fully underground line, TEL is the first MRT line in Singapore to be entirely tunnelled below ground from end to end. That design choice avoids land acquisition above ground but makes construction slower and more complex — a trade-off that explains the phased opening strategy.

Integration with Singapore MRT network

  • TEL connects with the North-South Line (NSL) at Woodlands and Newton (SGTrains.com)
  • Interchange with Circle Line (CCL) at Caldecott and Marina Bay (SGTrains.com)
  • Interchange with Downtown Line (DTL) at Stevens and with North East Line (NEL) at Outram Park (Wikipedia)

The pattern: TEL is threaded through the existing MRT grid at six interchange nodes, which means a passenger starting at Woodlands North can reach the East Coast without a single bus ride. That level of integration is what makes the line transformative for east-west connectivity.

Which MRT Line is Thomson-East Coast?

Line color and designation

  • TEL is colored brown on the Singapore MRT system map (SGTrains.com (SMRT rail reference))
  • It is designated MRT Line 6, following the Circle Line (CCL) and preceding the Jurong Region Line (Wikipedia)

Difference from other MRT lines

  • Unlike the East-West Line (EWL) which runs mostly above ground, TEL is fully underground (SGTrains.com)
  • TEL replaces part of the historical Thomson line concept that was originally planned in the 1990s (Wikipedia)
  • Connects Woodlands (north) to Sungei Bedok (east) and eventually to Changi Airport (SGTrains.com)

The trade-off: a fully underground line provides noise-free, land-efficient transit through dense neighbourhoods but requires years of tunnelling. That is why TEL’s six stages stretch across six years (2020-2026), while the older East-West Line was built in two years above ground.

How Many Stations Are There on the Thomson-East Coast Line?

Stations by stage

  • 32 stations at full completion (SGTrains.com)
  • Stages 1-3 (opened between 31 Jan 2020 and 13 Nov 2022) cover Woodlands to Gardens by the Bay (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 4 (opened 23 June 2024) added 7 stations from Tanjong Rhu to Bayshore (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 5 expected 2025 adding Sungei Bedok to Bedok South (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 6 expected 2026 extending from Bedok South to Changi Airport (SGTrains.com)

Future TEL stations

  • Sungei Bedok (TE30) will become an interchange with the Downtown Line when Stage 5 opens (Wikipedia)
  • Changi Airport (TE32) will be the eastern terminus, connecting TEL to the airport at Stage 6 completion (Wikipedia)

The implication: by 2026, a passenger at Woodlands North will be able to reach Changi Airport by train for the first time, entirely underground and without transferring to the East-West Line. That is a 25-year ambition of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority moving from plan to pavement.

What Is the Last Stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line?

Stage 6 details

  • Stage 6 is the final stage of the TEL, from Bedok South to Changi Airport (SGTrains.com)
  • Expected completion in 2026, subject to LTA announcements (SGTrains.com)
  • Will add 3 stations: Bedok South, Upper East Coast, and Changi Airport (Wikipedia)

Extension to Changi

  • When Stage 6 opens, TEL will provide a direct alternative to the East-West Line for airport access (SGTrains.com)
  • The extension is part of LTA’s plan to reduce journey times from northern and eastern districts to Changi Airport (Wikipedia)

The catch: Stage 6’s exact opening month is not yet locked — LTA historically announces firm dates about 6-8 months before each stage opening. For residents in the eastern suburbs, the wait for a one-seat ride to the airport depends on tunnelling progress along Siglap and Bedok.

Thomson-East Coast Line Route and Map

Full route overview

  • Starts at Woodlands North (TE1) in the north (SGTrains.com)
  • Current eastern terminus is Bayshore (TE29) after Stage 4 opening (SGTrains.com)
  • Future eastern terminus at Changi Airport (TE32) after Stage 6 completion (SGTrains.com)
  • Total stations at full completion: 32, with approximate 1-2 minute travel time between most station pairs (SGTrains.com)

Key interchanges

  • Woodlands (TE2): interchange with North-South Line (SGTrains.com)
  • Caldecott (TE9): interchange with Circle Line (SGTrains.com)
  • Stevens (TE11): interchange with Downtown Line (SGTrains.com)
  • Newton (TE15): interchange with North-South Line (SGTrains.com)
  • Orchard (TE14): interchange with Orchard station on NSL (Wikipedia)
  • Marina Bay (TE20): interchange with Circle Line and North-South Line (Wikipedia)
  • Sungei Bedok (TE30): future interchange with Downtown Line (Stage 5) (SGTrains.com)

What this means: TEL links the northern and eastern residential corridors directly to the Central Business District and Marina Bay area without relying on the busy North-South Line. For a commuter travelling from Woodlands to Sungei Bedok, the route is a single north-to-east arc that shaves 20-30 minutes off the current bus-and-train transfer route.

The upshot

For East Coast residents, Stage 4 means their nearest MRT station is no longer a 15-minute bus ride away. Katong Park, Marine Parade, and Siglap now have direct underground rail access for the first time — a shift that property prices and rental demand in those areas have already started reflecting.

TEL Opening Stages Timeline

Stage 1 opening

  • Stage 1 opened on 31 January 2020, covering Woodlands North to Springleaf (SGTrains.com (SMRT rail reference))
  • Opened with 3 stations: Woodlands North, Woodlands, and Springleaf (SGTrains.com)

Stage 2 opening

  • Stage 2 opened on 28 August 2021, extending from Springleaf to Caldecott (SGTrains.com)
  • Added stations: Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson, and Caldecott (SGTrains.com)

Stage 3 opening

  • Stage 3 opened on 13 November 2022, extending from Caldecott to Gardens by the Bay (SGTrains.com)
  • Added 13 stations passing through central Singapore: Caldecott, Stevens, Napier, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay, Marina South, and Gardens by the Bay (SGTrains.com)

Stage 4 opening

  • Stage 4 opened on 23 June 2024 extending from Springleaf to Bayshore via the new eastern alignment (SGTrains.com)
  • Added 7 stations: Tanjong Rhu (TE23), Katong Park (TE24), Tanjong Katong (TE25), Marine Parade (TE26), Marine Terrace (TE27), Siglap (TE28), Bayshore (TE29) (BuyCondo.sg (Singapore property market analysis))
  • The opening date was announced on 5 March 2024 during the Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply debate (SGTrains.com)

Stage 5 and 6

  • Stage 5 expected 2025: extends from Sungei Bedok to Bedok South (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 6 expected 2026: extends from Bedok South to Changi Airport (SGTrains.com)
  • When complete, TEL will serve 32 stations over 43 km (SGTrains.com)
Bottom line: Commuters can currently ride from Woodlands North to Bayshore. By 2026, that ride will extend to Changi Airport direct. For residents of the East Coast, the full TEL removes the bus-to-MRT shuffle for airport trips. For northern corridor residents, it offers a second, less crowded option to reach the airport.

The Thomson-East Coast Line will significantly improve connectivity for residents in the eastern region.

— Land Transport Authority press release (June 2024), SGTrains.com

Thomson-East Coast Line Station List (Full)

Six stages, one pattern: each phase unlocks a new segment of the north-to-east arc for commuters.

Stage Opening Date Stations Added
Stage 1 31 Jan 2020 Woodlands North, Woodlands, Springleaf (SGTrains.com)
Stage 2 28 Aug 2021 Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson, Caldecott (SGTrains.com)
Stage 3 13 Nov 2022 Caldecott re-used, Stevens, Napier, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay, Marina South, Gardens by the Bay (SGTrains.com)
Stage 4 23 Jun 2024 Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, Bayshore (BuyCondo.sg)
Stage 5 2025 (planned) Sungei Bedok, Bedok South (SGTrains.com)
Stage 6 2026 (planned) Upper East Coast, Changi Airport (SGTrains.com)

Travel Time Between TEL Stations

Based on typical MRT dwell times of 20-30 seconds per station and average inter-station travel of 1-2 minutes, a journey from Woodlands North to Bayshore takes approximately 45-50 minutes end-to-end today. When Stage 6 opens, the full route from Woodlands North to Changi Airport will be around 55-60 minutes — comparable to the current Woodlands-to-Changi bus journey but fully underground and air-conditioned.

Rough segment travel times:

  • Woodlands North to Caldecott: ~10-12 minutes
  • Caldecott to Orchard: ~8-10 minutes
  • Orchard to Marina Bay: ~6-8 minutes
  • Marina Bay to Bayshore: ~12-15 minutes
  • Bayshore to Changi Airport (post-2026): ~8-10 minutes

The trade-off: TEL’s underground construction means stations are deeper and longer escalator rides are common — the longest escalator on the MRT network is at TEL’s Orchard station. But for commuters who prioritise a seat and a consistent journey rather than bus scheduling, that is a worthwhile exchange.

How Tourists Can Use the TEL

  • Tourists can use TEL to reach Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay directly from Woodlands Checkpoint or northern hotels (SGTrains.com)
  • Stage 4 opens access to East Coast Park via Marine Parade or Bayshore stations (BuyCondo.sg)
  • When Stage 6 opens, tourists will have a direct one-seat ride from northern suburbs to Changi Airport (SGTrains.com)
  • Standard EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass can be used on all TEL lines (Wikipedia)

The implication: for visitors staying in Woodlands or the northern corridor (often budget-friendly accommodation), TEL turns a formerly 45-minute bus ride to Orchard Road into a 20-minute train ride. That makes northern hotels more practical for tourists who want central access.

Related reading: Singapore 2025 Public Transport Voucher Scheme · How to Get to Sentosa: Transport Options, Costs & Entry Fees

Additional sources

facebook.com, yourstudent-gemini.fandom.com

For a complete overview of the entire rail network, you can refer to the Singapore MRT line map that includes all existing and future lines.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take TEL from Woodlands to Changi Airport?

Not yet. Currently, TEL runs from Woodlands North to Bayshore. Stage 6 (expected 2026) will extend the line to Changi Airport. Until then, you need to transfer to the East-West Line at an interchange or take a bus from Bayshore. (SGTrains.com)

What color is the Thomson-East Coast Line on the map?

Brown. TEL is the brown line on Singapore’s MRT system map. (SGTrains.com)

Does TEL connect with the Circle Line?

Yes. TEL interchanges with the Circle Line at Caldecott and Marina Bay stations. (SGTrains.com)

Is TEL fully operational?

No. Stages 1-4 are open. Stage 5 (2025) and Stage 6 (2026) are still under construction. (SGTrains.com)

How long is the TEL in km?

When fully completed, the Thomson-East Coast Line will be 43 km long. (SGTrains.com)

Which MRT line has the most stations?

The North-East Line (NEL) has 16 stations and the Circle Line (CCL) has 33 stations, both built in single phases. TEL will have 32 stations at full completion, making it one of Singapore’s longest underground MRT lines. (Wikipedia)

What is the fare from Woodlands to Sungei Bedok on TEL?

Typical fare for the full Woodlands North to Bayshore journey (current terminus) is around SGD 2.10-2.30 for adult card fares, depending on exact boarding station. Final fare to Sungei Bedok will be set by LTA when Stage 5 opens. (SGTrains.com)

What to watch

Stage 5 and Stage 6 opening dates are the key unknown in the TEL timeline. LTA usually announces firm dates about 6-8 months in advance — so for East Coast residents planning their commute, the 2025 opening of Sungei Bedok station is the next milestone to track. Delays are possible but the track record so far shows each stage opening within 6-12 months of its original target.

For Singapore commuters, the TEL map is not just a new set of stations — it is a structural change in how the northern and eastern corridors connect. The line reduces dependence on the North-South and East-West Lines, which carry over 2 million passengers daily. For a resident of Woodlands, the TEL cuts the journey to Marina Bay from 40 minutes (via NSL with one transfer) to about 25 minutes direct. For an East Coast resident in Siglap or Marine Parade, the TEL eliminates a bus-to-MRT transfer that previously added 10-15 minutes each way.

The key question is whether the remaining stages deliver on their 2025-2026 promises. Given that Stages 1-4 all opened within a year of their revised post-COVID dates, the answer is likely yes. But for residents of Bedok and Upper