The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Cluny Road, Singapore, with a history dating back to 1859. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was last updated in July 2026, reflecting the official website’s most recent update. One point worth noting: admission to the National Orchid Garden differs by residency status, ranging from $1 to $15 depending on visitor category.
Quick facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Gardens: daily, 5am–12 midnight; National Orchid Garden: 8:30am–7pm |
| Ticket prices | Gardens free; National Orchid Garden from $1 (local) to $15 (standard adult) |
| Address | 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569 |
| Nearest transport | Napier MRT station (Tanglin Entrance) or Botanic Gardens MRT station (Bukit Timah Entrance) |
| Typical visit length | 2 to 4 hours |
The Singapore Botanic Gardens opening hours
The Singapore Botanic Gardens opens daily from 5am to midnight, with free entry throughout. Individual attractions inside the Gardens keep shorter, separate hours.
The National Orchid Garden opens from 8:30am to 7pm, with last entry at 6pm. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden opens from 8am to 7pm, with last entry at 6:30pm, and closes every Monday unless it falls on a public holiday.
Five great things to do while you’re in Singapore
- Explore Singapore’s landmarks and back streets on a bike tour.
- See Singapore from above from the Sky Deck at Marina Bay Sands.
- Discover the city at night in a private group adventure – including a river cruise.
- Smell the flowers at the National Orchid Garden.
- Take a highly-rated food and culture tour through Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens ticket prices
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is free to enter, every day, with no admission charge for the main Gardens. Only the National Orchid Garden charges an entry fee.
| Category | Local | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Seniors (60+) | $1 | $3 |
| Adults | $5 | $15 |
| Students | $1 | $3 |
| Children under 12 | Free | Free |
‘Local’ rates apply to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and holders of local work or dependant passes. Children under 12 enter the National Orchid Garden free, regardless of residency.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official Singapore Botanic Gardens website and last updated in July 2026.
Since most of the Gardens is free, it does not feature in paid city pass schemes. The National Orchid Garden is not part of the Go City Singapore All-Inclusive Pass, though it can be booked separately alongside other Gardens attractions.
Why book the Go City Singapore All-Inclusive Pass?
- 🎢 Universal Studios Singapore: Get entry to Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, featuring world-class rides and movie-themed zones.
- 🐾 Top Wildlife Parks: Enjoy access to the award-winning Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the stunning Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- 💰 Substantial Savings: Save up to 50% on total admission prices compared to purchasing individual tickets at each attraction gate.
- 📱 100% Digital Pass: Skip the ticket lines—simply download the pass to your smartphone and scan it for seamless entry at over 50 participating attractions.
- 🎡 Iconic City Views: Experience the best of the city with included entry to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck and the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome.
How to get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The nearest MRT station for the Tanglin Entrance is Napier, on the Thomson-East Coast Line. For the Bukit Timah Entrance, the nearest station is Botanic Gardens, on the Circle and Downtown Lines.
Several bus services stop along Holland and Napier Road for the Tanglin Entrance, and along Bukit Timah and Dunearn Road for the Bukit Timah Entrance. A coach pick-up point is available at the Tyersall Entrance.
Parking at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Eight parking zones serve different parts of the Gardens, charged at $0.02 per minute. Car parks operate from 5am to midnight daily, including public holidays.
The largest is at the Botany Centre, near the Tanglin Entrance, with 224 lots. Overnight parking is not permitted, and the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden car park closes on Mondays.
How long to spend at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This allows time to explore one or two themed gardens alongside the main lawns.
Visitors wanting to see the National Orchid Garden, Rain Forest, and Learning Forest in the same trip should allow half a day. The Gardens span a large area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Accessibility at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Paths throughout most of the Gardens are paved and wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair loans are available at the information desks, staffed daily from 8am to 5.30pm.
Some areas, such as the Rain Forest trail, have uneven natural terrain. Visitors with mobility needs should check conditions at the information desk before setting off.
What to see at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The National Orchid Garden displays over 1,000 orchid species and hybrids, including varieties named after visiting dignitaries.
The Rain Forest is a fragment of primary rainforest older than the Gardens itself, with a raised boardwalk through the canopy.
The Learning Forest includes the SPH Walk of Giants, Keppel Discovery Wetlands, and Botanist Boardwalk, though these close between 7pm and 7am daily.
The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden offers play areas designed for children up to 14, each accompanied by an adult.
The Evolution Garden traces plant evolution through geological time, from early plant life to present-day flowering species.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit early morning for cooler weather and quieter paths. |
| Crowds | Weekends and school holidays bring the largest crowds to the National Orchid Garden. |
| Layout | The Gardens span multiple entrances, so plan your route around your preferred attractions. |
| Entry process | Walk in directly; only the National Orchid Garden requires a paid ticket. |
| On-site logistics | Bring insect repellent and water, since paths between attractions can take time to walk. |
Frequently asked questions about the Singapore Botanic Gardens
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Singapore Botanic Gardens free to visit? | Yes, except for the National Orchid Garden, which charges an entry fee. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No booking is needed; tickets for the National Orchid Garden are sold on-site. |
| Is the Singapore Botanic Gardens open on Sundays? | Yes. It is open daily from 5am to midnight. |
| Are pets allowed in the Gardens? | Yes, on a leash, though pets are barred from indoor attractions and nature areas. |
| Is cycling allowed in the Gardens? | No. Cycling, scooting, and skateboarding are not permitted within the Gardens. |
Things to do near the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Dempsey Hill is a dining and lifestyle enclave, a short walk from the Tanglin Entrance.
Orchard Road, Singapore’s main shopping belt, is a short drive or MRT ride away.
Tanglin Mall is a shopping centre close to the Tanglin Entrance.
Cluny Court offers cafes and shops, a short walk from the Nassim Entrance.
The Rail Corridor, a former railway line turned green corridor, runs near Holland Road.
What to visit tomorrow
Gardens by the Bay is a large waterfront garden with conservatories, a short drive away.
HortPark, a gardening-themed park, is a short drive from the Botanic Gardens.
Jurong Lake Gardens is a lakeside park with wetlands, about a 20-minute drive.
Fort Canning Park, a hilltop heritage park, is a short drive from the Botanic Gardens.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a rainforest reserve, about a 15-minute drive away.
More Singapore travel
Other Singapore travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Discover urban planning at the Singapore City Gallery and contemporary design at the Red Dot Design Museum.
- The attractions that explore Singapore’s Chinese heritage – including the gory Haw Par Villa, Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Peranakan Museum.
- Explore Singapore’s World War II heritage at the Former Ford Factory, the Battlebox, Fort Siloso or the Changi Museum and Chapel.
- What to expect at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore’s Chinatown.
- Practical visitor guides to the National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum.
