Every year, Singapore transforms into one of the world’s most vibrant cities to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The Marina Bay countdown is the centrepiece, with spectacular fireworks illuminating the skyline, live concerts, street performances, and bustling parties that bring thousands of people together in the heart of the city. The atmosphere is electric, making it a truly unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.

However, with all this energy comes important changes to the city’s roads and public transport system. To ensure safety and smooth movement of crowds, certain streets around Marina Bay, the Esplanade, and other key areas are temporarily closed or converted into pedestrian-only zones. 

If you are planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025 and welcome 2026 in Singapore, careful planning will make a big difference. Knowing the latest road closure updates, the most convenient public transport options, and simple safety tips can help you avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy the evening to the fullest.

For large-scale events like the New Year countdown at Marina Bay, crowd management and public safety are the highest priorities. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the bay, the Esplanade, and surrounding streets to enjoy the fireworks, live performances, and festive atmosphere. With such large crowds, careful planning is essential to ensure that everyone can move safely and enjoy the celebrations.

To achieve this, certain roads in the central area are temporarily blocked or converted into pedestrian-only zones. While road closures may seem inconvenient, they are designed to keep visitors safe and allow everyone to experience the festivities without the dangers posed by heavy traffic. These closures also create space for essential features of the celebration, including fireworks viewing areas, food stalls, live performance stages, and security checkpoints.

Key locations such as Marina Bay, Fullerton, Esplanade, and Raffles Avenue are the most affected by road blocks. Surrounding bridges, access roads, and major junctions may be either fully closed or restricted, depending on crowd density and safety requirements. Police officers and event staff are stationed throughout the area to guide pedestrians, manage queues, and ensure smooth movement.

If you plan to be in Singapore during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, it is important to be aware that many central streets around Marina Bay will be affected by temporary road closures. The government will publish the official list closer to the date, but based on previous years, you can expect restrictions in the following areas:

These closures typically begin in the late afternoon or evening and remain in place until after midnight to allow for safe pedestrian movement and crowd control. If you are attending the countdown, it is best to use public transport, as driving into the Marina Bay area will be difficult.

For those who need to drive during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, alternative routes will be clearly signposted. Depending on your destination, you may be redirected via Nicoll Highway, Rochor Road, or Orchard Road, among other arterial roads. Traffic Police officers will be stationed at major junctions to guide vehicles and manage traffic flow.

If you do choose to drive, allow at least 30–45 minutes of additional travel time to account for detours and heavy congestion. However, the best advice is to avoid driving into the Marina Bay area altogether, as road closures and crowds will make access extremely limited. Public transport remains the most convenient and reliable option on this night.

Road closures in the Marina Bay area typically begin on the evening of 31 December and continue into the early hours of 1 January 2026. Understanding the schedule can help you plan your travel and avoid unnecessary delays:

By planning ahead and using public transport where possible, you can avoid delays and enjoy the celebrations safely.

To make travel easier during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, public transport services in Singapore are typically extended, allowing visitors to return home safely after the countdown. Both the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and operators like SBS Transit and SMRT provide additional trains and buses to cope with the crowds.

Expect extended operating hours on all lines serving the central areas. Based on previous years, the timings in 2025/2026 are likely to be:

Feeder buses connected to MRT stations also operate later than usual, often running until 3:00 AM, helping commuters reach their homes safely.

In previous years, special shuttle buses have been arranged to ferry visitors from Marina Bay to residential areas. A similar service is expected in 2025/2026, with fares typically around SGD 4–6 per trip. These shuttles provide a convenient option for those staying further from the city centre.

If you plan to use a taxi or private-hire car on New Year’s Eve, it’s important to note that vehicles are not allowed into the heart of Marina Bay due to road closures and crowd control. Instead, drop-off and pick-up points are designated at nearby landmarks:

For larger groups travelling by coach, official drop-off points are usually provided at designated entrances.

It is strongly recommended to check the official event advisory before confirming your ride, as routes and access points may change depending on crowd levels and safety measures. Planning ahead ensures a smooth arrival and departure without delays.

The safest and most convenient way to enjoy New Year’s Eve in Singapore is to rely on public transport rather than driving. Parking in the Marina Bay area is extremely limited, and even if you manage to find a spot, you can expect high charges and long delays when leaving due to heavy crowds. Additionally, road closures make driving into Marina Bay nearly impossible after 8 PM.

MRT trains and buses are reliable, safe, and cost-effective, offering an easy way to reach the city centre without the stress of traffic.

If driving is unavoidable, a practical alternative is to park outside the closure zones, for example, in Orchard, Lavender, or Novena, and then take a short MRT ride into the Marina Bay area. This approach avoids the restricted roads and allows you to enjoy the celebrations without being stuck in traffic.

New Year’s Eve at Marina Bay is one of the most spectacular events in Singapore, but it can also be extremely crowded. To fully enjoy the celebrations and stay safe, it’s important to plan ahead and follow a few practical tips.

Aim to reach Marina Bay before 7 PM. Arriving early allows you to secure a good viewing spot for the countdown and fireworks. Late arrivals often face blocked paths, crowded walkways, and limited space, which can make it difficult to enjoy the atmosphere.

While MRT is the most convenient way to reach Marina Bay, some exits can become extremely congested. Popular exits such as Raffles Place often experience long queues and slow movement. Instead, consider alternatives like Promenade or Bayfront, which tend to be less crowded and offer quicker access to key viewing areas.

With pedestrian-only zones and extensive walking between viewing points, comfortable footwear is essential. Expect to be on your feet for several hours, navigating streets that are bustling with thousands of fellow celebrants.

Bring a water bottle, as shops and kiosks may close early once crowds swell. Walking and standing for long periods in warm, humid conditions can quickly lead to dehydration, so regular sips of water will help you stay comfortable.

Avoid rushing immediately after the fireworks. Waiting 20–30 minutes before leaving can make your journey home smoother and reduce the risk of getting caught in bottlenecks. Take note of nearby MRT stations, bus stops, or taxi pick-up points to plan the safest route.

Large gatherings mean increased risk of lost or stolen belongings. Keep valuables secure in crossbody bags or front pockets, and avoid carrying items in back pockets. Staying aware of your surroundings ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience.

With road closures and heavy pedestrian traffic, driving into Marina Bay is rarely practical. Even if parking is available, it is often expensive and difficult to exit. Public transport is the most reliable and efficient way to reach the area.

By planning ahead, dressing appropriately, and staying aware of your surroundings, you can fully enjoy the dazzling sights and vibrant atmosphere of Singapore’s New Year celebrations while keeping safe and comfortable.

New Year’s Eve in Singapore is a truly spectacular experience, especially at Marina Bay, where the city comes alive with dazzling fireworks, live music, and an electric festive atmosphere. Thousands of locals and tourists flock to the waterfront to witness the countdown, making it one of the most iconic celebrations in Southeast Asia.

However, the sheer scale of the event means that crowds and road closures can create challenges for visitors. Planning ahead is essential if you want to enjoy the night safely and comfortably. Knowing the latest road closure updates, understanding alternative routes, and using public transport are key steps to avoid unnecessary stress. MRT trains and buses often operate on extended schedules during New Year’s Eve, making it far easier to navigate the city without dealing with traffic congestion or limited parking.

Arriving early is another important tip. Reaching Marina Bay before the evening rush allows you to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the pre-countdown festivities without feeling rushed or cramped. Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a basic awareness of your surroundings will help you stay safe while navigating crowded streets.

By taking these precautions, you can focus entirely on the experience rather than worrying about logistics. From the sparkling fireworks lighting up the Marina Bay skyline to the lively music and joyous celebrations, every moment becomes more enjoyable when you are well-prepared.

Ultimately, careful planning ensures that you can celebrate the start of 2026 with friends, family, and fellow revellers, creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations. Now, it is time for you to book your activities, flights, and hotels easily on Traveloka today and start your New Year journey with your loved ones.