Singapore River Cruise Guide 2026: Tickets, Discounts & Routes

On our first day in Singapore,

traveling with my parents, I wanted to avoid a schedule that involved too much walking right off the bat.

Yet, I still wanted them to experience that iconic "We've arrived in Singapore!" moment.

My solution?

The Singapore River Cruise.

This relaxing boat ride glides along the tranquil river,

offering breathtaking views of the Marina Bay skyline all at once.

And for around ~$15, it's an incredible value!

If you're new to the River Cruise, it can be a little confusing.

So, I've put together a guide covering everything from

ticket prices and discount methods, to the differences between Water B and Jetty.

(Trust me, I did a ton of research before my trip!)

Water B vs. Jetty

The biggest point of confusion for me when booking was

the difference between Water B and Jetty.

Both offer river cruises around Singapore's Marina Bay, but

their boarding locations differ slightly.

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Water B offers the flexibility of disembarking or boarding at locations like Merlion Park or the ArtScience Museum.

Since our accommodation on the first night was in the Chinatown area,

and we planned to head straight back to rest after the cruise,

I opted for the more affordable Jetty!

✈️ TRAVEL TIP

If you have a shorter Singapore itinerary,

consider booking an affordable hotel near Clarke Quay.

You can then take the River Cruise, disembark at Merlion Park to enjoy the night view,

and simply walk back to your hotel. It's a great option!

Ticket Prices & Booking Guide

If you buy tickets on-site, it's 28 SGD per person.

Based on current exchange rates, that's approximately ~$22.

However, if you book in advance, it's only ~$19.

(With discount coupons, you might even get it for around ~$18!)

* Note: The discount codes are valid for both Water B and Jetty!

When I made my purchase, MyRealTrip was slightly cheaper.

Since there's no local guide involved, you're just buying an admission ticket.

So, simply buy from whichever platform offers the best price.

Booking the Singapore River Cruise online is straightforward.

You just buy the e-ticket, show your voucher, and they'll give you a physical ticket on the spot!

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I was traveling with my parents, a party of three.

If we had bought tickets on-site, we would have lost over ~$7!

* As of September 2026, Klook's coupon discounts are slightly better (Psst!)

Singapore River Cruise - Klook3ha.in

Best Times & Seating Recommendations

While it's often recommended to time your cruise perfectly with the Marina Bay Sands laser show,

that's easier said than done! You can't reserve specific times, and boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis. Ugh.

So, instead of playing a stressful guessing game,

I recommend choosing a less crowded time to simply enjoy the night view at your leisure.

It's a much more relaxed experience.

Generally, the back seats are considered the best spot.

For the Jetty cruise departing from Clarke Quay, it circles Marina Bay Sands,

so you don't really have to worry about picking a specific left or right side – both offer great views!

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If you want to take spacious photos without too many people in the frame,

a less crowded time is actually ideal.

I recommend the time just after sunset!

(It was hard to get solo shots with so many people around during peak times.)

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The River Cruise was our choice for the first day in Singapore,

as I wanted to avoid getting tired quickly, both for my parents and myself, by trying to see too many places.

Singapore isn't a huge city, so taking the River Cruise just once really helps you grasp the layout of the area.

And if you're with your parents, they'll surely fall in love with the night views ❤️

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