Tampines Road, Singapore
Tampines Road is an important thoroughfare in Singapore, connecting Upper Serangoon Road in the west to Tampines Avenue 10 in the east. Measuring approximately 7.1 km in length, the road traverses diverse landscapes, including housing estates, industrial precincts, and areas of future redevelopment. Its western stretch lies in Hougang within Postal District 19, while its eastern portion falls in Paya Lebar and District 18, before finally touching the edge of Tampines.
Overview of Tampines Road
Tampines Road is a dual-carriageway arterial route that has long served as a vital east–west connection in the northeastern part of Singapore. Unlike other major roads that lie entirely within a single planning area, this road uniquely straddles boundaries, with different stretches belonging to Hougang, Paya Lebar, and Tampines. At its western end, it begins at the busy Upper Serangoon corridor, while its eastern terminus meets Tampines Avenue 10, one of Tampines New Town’s key ring roads.
A noteworthy feature of Tampines Road is its gentle northern curve midway along its route. This alignment was intentionally designed to skirt the former runway of Paya Lebar Airport, which influenced road layouts in the area. The road also forms a major interchange with the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), further enhancing connectivity across the island.
History
Tampines Road is among the older arterial routes in Singapore’s northeast, dating back to the early 20th century when it functioned as a rural track linking kampongs and plantations. With the opening of Paya Lebar Airport in 1955, the road was realigned to accommodate the airfield, curving northwards to avoid the runway. As urbanisation spread in the 1970s and 1980s, the road was widened and upgraded into a modern arterial, integrated into Singapore’s growing expressway and arterial network.
Name and Pronunciation
The road is named after Tampines, the regional town it eventually connects to. The name “Tampines” itself comes from the tempinis tree (Streblus elongatus), once common in the area. In everyday spelling, it is written as Tampines. The pronunciation is TAM-pee-nees, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is rendered as /ˈtæmpɪˌniːs/.
Character of the Street and Surroundings
The western half of Tampines Road has a more urban character, serving housing estates and schools in Hougang. As the road moves east, the scenery changes into industrial estates and large tracts of reserved land near the former Paya Lebar Airport. Finally, near its eastern end, Tampines Road meets the suburban landscape of Tampines New Town, surrounded by a mix of public housing, private condominiums, and commercial hubs.
Nearby Streets and Connections
- Upper Serangoon Road – at its western terminus, linking to central Singapore.
- Hougang Avenue 3 and 7 – connecting nearby residential estates.
- Tampines Avenue 10 – forming the eastern terminus, linking to Tampines Central.
- KPE – providing rapid north–south access.
Interesting Sights
While Tampines Road itself is more functional than scenic, there are several interesting landmarks along its vicinity:
- Former Paya Lebar Airport – once Singapore’s international airport, now slated for future redevelopment.
- Industrial estates in Paya Lebar – showcasing Singapore’s light manufacturing and logistics industries.
- Hougang housing estates – with markets, food centres, and community amenities.
Real Estate Along Tampines Road
As of 2025, property prices in Hougang and Paya Lebar tend to be lower than those in central Singapore but higher than in outer regions. A typical 4-room HDB flat of about 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) in Hougang costs around SGD 580,000 to 650,000, while in Tampines, similar flats are priced at SGD 520,000 to 600,0001. Private condominiums in the vicinity, such as those near Tampines Avenue 10, average SGD 1,450 to 1,600 per sq ft2.
Rental rates in Hougang average around SGD 2,800 to 3,200 per month for a 3-bedroom HDB flat, while condominiums near Tampines can fetch between SGD 3,500 to 4,200 per month3.
Public Transport
MRT
Currently, Tampines Road does not have a station directly on it. However, the nearest MRT options are:
- Kovan MRT Station (North East Line), located west of Upper Serangoon Road.
- Tampines MRT Station (East West Line and Downtown Line), a short distance from its eastern end.
Future developments under the Cross Island Line may improve accessibility in the broader area, particularly near Hougang and Tampines.
Bus Services
Tampines Road is served by multiple bus stops along its length, providing access to housing estates, industrial areas, and express services toward the city. Common routes include services connecting Hougang, Bedok, and Tampines towns.
Fun Fact
Tampines Road’s curve around the Paya Lebar runway is a unique reminder of Singapore’s aviation past. Unlike most roads designed primarily for urban layouts, its alignment was dictated by airfield requirements—a legacy still visible today even though the airport has long closed.
Quick Facts
- Length: approx. 7.1 km
- Western End: Upper Serangoon Road
- Eastern End: Tampines Avenue 10
- Districts: 19 (Hougang) and 18 (Paya Lebar)
- Nearest MRT: Kovan (North East Line), Tampines (East West Line & Downtown Line)
- Special Feature: Curves north to avoid former Paya Lebar Airport runway
References
- HDB Resale Flat Prices 2025
- Singapore Condominium Listings – 99.co
- Property Rental Prices – PropertyGuru
Map of Tampines Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 31 August 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Streets of Singapore Directory
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