Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Singapore is preparing for another major Formula One event, with extensive traffic arrangements planned around the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026. Several roads in the Marina Centre and Padang areas will be closed for seven days in October to allow organisers to install, operate and later remove the infrastructure required for the race. According to the Land Transport Authority, the closures will begin at 12.01am on October 7 and will continue through the race weekend. Although the main Grand Prix will take place from October 9 to October 11, some roads will remain restricted before and after the event to support preparation and dismantling work. The authorities said the roads will be reopened progressively after the race, with the entire affected network expected to return to normal by 5.30am on October 13. The extended closure period means motorists travelling through central Singapore will need to plan their journeys carefully, particularly during the busiest periods of the day.

Which roads will be affected?

A number of important roads around Marina Centre and the Padang will be affected by the event-related restrictions. The roads listed among the affected routes include St Andrew's Road, Esplanade Drive, Raffles Boulevard, Republic Boulevard, Raffles Avenue and Bayfront Avenue. These roads are important links for motorists travelling through the Marina Centre, making the temporary restrictions particularly significant for people who regularly commute through the area. To reduce the impact on everyday traffic, selected road corridors will be opened during specific morning and evening peak periods. This arrangement is intended to allow traffic to continue moving during key commuting hours while still giving race organisers sufficient space to carry out preparations. Auxiliary police officers will also be deployed around the affected areas. Their role will include managing traffic, directing motorists and helping members of the public navigate the changing road arrangements.

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Can motorists still access Marina Centre?

Despite the restrictions, motorists will still have several options for reaching Marina Centre. One available route will be through Rochor Road and Temasek Boulevard. Drivers can also use a single access lane along Raffles Boulevard through Nicoll Highway or Temasek Boulevard. However, access through this lane will be subject to restrictions and specific operating times. Some categories of buses and vehicles displaying W, X and Y plates will not be permitted to use the route. The authorities have highlighted that access arrangements will vary according to the race schedule, particularly because Singapore is introducing the new SPRINT Race format this year. This means motorists should not assume that a route available during one part of the day will remain accessible throughout the road closure period. Taxis and motorcycles will generally be allowed to use the access lane, except when Formula One track activities are taking place. 

What should F1 ticket holders do?

People attending the Singapore Grand Prix have been strongly encouraged to use public transport rather than driving to the event area. The authorities expect significant numbers of spectators to travel towards Marina Centre and the Padang during the race weekend. With several roads closed or operating under restrictions, driving could take considerably longer than usual. Public transport is therefore expected to be one of the most convenient options for spectators. For those who still need to drive into the area, car parks at Suntec City, Millenia Walk and Marina Square will remain available to the public. Taxis and private-hire vehicles will also provide alternative options for reaching the event area. Visitors should nevertheless allow extra travel time because traffic conditions can change quickly when race-related road restrictions are in effect.

Will MRT services operate for longer during the race?

Yes. Train operating hours will be extended during the three main event days, from October 9 to October 11. The extended services are designed to help spectators return home after the day's Formula One activities and reduce pressure on roads around the circuit. For the North-South Line and East-West Line, the final trains from City Hall MRT station will depart at 12.30am on October 9 and October 10. On October 11, the last departures will be extended to 12.45am. Other train lines will also operate for longer during the event period, although the Changi Airport service will follow its existing arrangements. The additional train services are expected to be particularly useful for visitors leaving the circuit after evening sessions and race-related entertainment.

Bus services will also be affected

Road restrictions will also have an impact on Singapore's bus network. SBS Transit has announced that 37 bus services will be affected by the temporary road closures associated with the race. Some services operated by SMRT will also be affected, with certain buses expected to skip stops located within or close to the restricted areas. To compensate for the extended train operating hours, selected bus services connecting with MRT stations will also have their operating hours extended. Passengers travelling through the affected areas are therefore advised to check their routes before leaving home rather than relying on normal schedules.

Why are the road closures necessary?

The road closures are required because the Singapore race is held on a temporary street circuit rather than a permanent racing track. Race infrastructure has to be installed across public roads before the event and removed after the final sessions are completed. Barriers, safety equipment, grandstand-related infrastructure and other race facilities require significant preparation time. Once the event concludes, organisers must dismantle these structures and restore the roads for normal public use. This explains why the road restrictions begin two days before the main race weekend and continue for several days after the event. The Land Transport Authority has said measures have been put in place to minimise disruption while allowing the race preparations to proceed safely.

How can residents and visitors avoid travel problems?

Residents, workers and visitors travelling around central Singapore during the closure period should check the latest road access information before starting their journey. Using MRT services where possible can help travellers avoid delays caused by diversions and temporary restrictions. Those who need to use private vehicles should allow additional time and follow official directional signs. F1 spectators should also consider travelling earlier than usual, especially on the busiest race days. Because certain routes will open only during selected periods, checking the latest travel information is particularly important for people who need to reach Marina Centre at specific times.

What are the key dates to remember?

The main dates for travellers are:

• October 7: Road closures begin at 12.01am.

• October 9: First main event day and extended public transport services.

• October 10: Race activities continue with extended train services.

• October 11: Final main event day, with train services extended further into the night.

• October 13: All affected roads are scheduled to be fully reopened by 5.30am.

The authorities are encouraging both residents and F1 Singapore Grand Prix ticket holders to plan their journeys ahead of time. With the event expected to attract large crowds to the Marina Centre and Padang areas, advance planning will be important for avoiding unnecessary delays. The combination of temporary road closures, altered bus routes and extended train operations is designed to balance the needs of the race with the daily movement of people across Singapore. For visitors attending the event, public transport is expected to remain the most practical option, while motorists should pay close attention to temporary signs and changing access conditions throughout the seven-day period.

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