Sentosa: how to get there, what it costs and what to do
Sentosa is Singapore’s island resort, a few minutes from the city across a short bridge. It has beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, the Singapore Oceanarium, the Skyline Luge and plenty that is free. Here is how to get there, what it costs and how to plan your day.
Getting to Sentosa
| Way | Cost | From | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk the Sentosa Boardwalk | Free | VivoCity (HarbourFront MRT) | About 15 minutes on a covered walkway with moving walkways |
| Sentosa Express monorail | S$4 per person, island entry included | VivoCity, level 3 | Runs about 7 am to midnight |
| Cable car | About S$35 adult and S$25 child, return on both lines | Mount Faber or HarbourFront | Great views; runs about 8.45 am to 10 pm |
| Taxi, ride app or private car | The fare, plus an entry charge of S$2 to S$6 per car | Your hotel | Door to door: easiest with children, older travellers and bags |
Cars pay at the Sentosa Gateway gantry: S$6 from 7 am to 11.29 am and from 1.31 pm to 5 pm, and S$2 at other times. Once you are on the island, the Sentosa buses and the beach trams are free, and so are Sentosa Express rides between the island stations.
What to do on Sentosa
- Universal Studios Singapore: rides and shows for a whole day. Buy tickets ahead and be there when it opens.
- Singapore Oceanarium: the new aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, which replaced the S.E.A. Aquarium in July 2025.
- Skyline Luge: ride a small cart down the hill, then take the chairlift back up. A favourite with families.
- The beaches: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong are free, with showers and toilets. At Palawan, a suspension bridge takes you to a small island.
- Fort Siloso: a free coastal fort from the Second World War, with tunnels and old guns.
- Wings of Time: an evening show with water, fire and lasers on Siloso Beach.
- Sentosa Sensoryscape: free gardens and light displays between Resorts World and the beaches.
- Universal Studios Singapore One-Day Ticket: One-day entry to Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa, on the date you choose. E-ticket by email. (entry ticket, from S$86 per adult, S$64 per child)
- Singapore Oceanarium Ticket: Entry to the Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa. E-ticket by email. (entry ticket, from S$50 per adult, S$39 per child)
What does a day on Sentosa cost?
| What | Rough cost for an adult visitor |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Free on the Boardwalk, S$4 on the Sentosa Express |
| Universal Studios Singapore | From about S$83 for one day |
| Singapore Oceanarium | About S$50 to S$55 |
| Skyline Luge | From about S$32, depending on the number of rides |
| Wings of Time | About S$22 |
| Beaches, Fort Siloso and Sensoryscape | Free |
These are rough prices from October 2026; peak days cost more. Our ticket pages show today’s price.
Tips for a good day
- Go early. Mornings are cooler, and the queues at Universal Studios are shorter.
- With small children or grandparents, go by car: the Boardwalk is a long walk in the heat, and a car drops you at the door.
- Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and water. There is little shade on the beaches in the middle of the day.
- Pair Sentosa with lunch at VivoCity, or with the cable car from Mount Faber for the views.
- Short on time? See Sentosa from the car on a tour and spend your time on one beach or one attraction.
Tip: Planning a longer stay? Our Singapore and Sentosa 5 days 4 nights package puts the hotel, the car and a Mandarin-speaking guide together.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sentosa free to enter?
Walking in on the Sentosa Boardwalk is free. The Sentosa Express costs S$4 per person (S$2 with a concession card), and cars pay an entry charge of S$2 to S$6.
How long do I need on Sentosa?
Half a day for the beaches and the free sights. A full day for Universal Studios Singapore, or for two attractions.
How do I get from Changi Airport to Sentosa?
By car it takes about 25 to 35 minutes. By MRT, ride to HarbourFront and take the Sentosa Express from VivoCity; this takes over an hour.
Is the S.E.A. Aquarium still open?
The S.E.A. Aquarium has been replaced by the Singapore Oceanarium, which opened on Sentosa in July 2025.