The Singapore Flyer is the giant observation wheel on Raffles Avenue at Marina Bay, standing 165 meters above the water and described on we checked as the second-tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Each rotation takes about thirty minutes, which gives you time to settle in and watch the view change: the Marina Bay Sands towers and the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade, the Padang and the Singapore River, and on clear days the islands and shipping lanes of the Strait. It is air-conditioned, smooth and unhurried, with none of the jolts of a ride, and it is one of the easiest ways to get oriented in the city on a first visit. Tickets come as a plain admission or as a bundle with the Time Capsule experience, which adds an audio guide and a short exhibit about the city's story. The booking page we checked gives opening hours of 10am to 10pm daily, making both a late-afternoon and a night ride possible.
How does it compare with the SkyPark? The Flyer is calmer, includes a seat for the whole rotation and often costs less than a sunset deck ticket, but it is less dramatic: you are looking at the bay from a wheel rather than standing on top of the towers. It pairs well with the SkyPark rather than replacing it, and visitors travelling with older relatives or young children often prefer it for being seated, sheltered and easy.
For the best ride, choose a clear late afternoon so that you can see the city in daylight and watch the lights come on, or ride after dark for the night skyline reflected in the bay. Weekday daytime slots are quiet. Bookings are for small parties (the bundle we saw allows up to five people), which suits families and friends. Bundles with other attractions are sometimes sold at a modest saving, so check before buying separately. Heavy rain or lightning may delay operation, so keep your ticket flexible.
The Flyer stands next to the Marina Bay waterfront, a short walk from Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion and the Esplanade. Build a Marina Bay evening around it: the Flyer at dusk, a walk along the Helix Bridge, dinner at the Marina Bay Sands mall or a hawker centre, and the light show over the bay.
What to expect
The experience
An air-conditioned observation wheel about 165 meters high; a rotation takes about 30 minutes, with an optional Time Capsule experience and audio guide.
Best time
A clear late afternoon for daylight and city lights, or after dark for the night skyline.
How long
About half an hour for the ride, plus time to arrive and board.
Tips
Choose the Time Capsule bundle if you want the audio guide and exhibit. Pair with the SkyPark or Gardens by the Bay.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want a gentle, seated overview of Marina Bay.
- Families
- Excellent: sheltered, slow and seated, which suits children and older relatives.
- Couples
- A calm sunset or night ride, quieter than the SkyPark.
- Pair with
- Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion and the Marina Bay light show.
- Time needed
- Under an hour all in.
Good questions
How high is the Singapore Flyer?+
About 165 meters (541 feet) above Marina Bay, and we checked describes it as the second-tallest Ferris wheel in the world.
How long is the ride?+
About 30 minutes for one full rotation.
What is the Time Capsule?+
An optional experience in the bundle, with an audio guide and a short exhibit about the city's story. Check what your ticket includes when you book.
What are the opening hours?+
On the schedule we checked: daily from 10am to 10pm. Confirm when you book.
Is it better than the SkyPark?+
They are different. The Flyer is calmer and seated; the SkyPark is higher and more dramatic. Many visitors do both over a Marina Bay evening.
