The National Day Parade (NDP) season is officially here, which means the annual NDP 2026 road closures around the National Stadium are making a comeback too. Yes, in case you forgot, the parade has moved back to the stadium this year.
Whether you’re heading to The Kallang for the NDP rehearsal or simply travelling through the Kallang area, it’s worth checking your route before leaving home. The first 2 NDP 2026 Combined Rehearsals will see several SBS Transit bus services diverted and selected bus stops temporarily closed, so your usual journey might take a little longer than expected.
Here’s a breakdown of which buses are affected, the roads that will be closed, and the easiest ways to get around the area.
Image credit: The Singapore Army via Facebook
The transport changes will take place during the first 2 NDP Combined Rehearsals, scheduled for:
Road closures are expected to be in effect from around 5pm-11pm on both days. During this period, motorists should expect heavier traffic around Kallang, while commuters travelling by bus may experience longer journey times as services are diverted away from the closure zone.
Those planning dinner plans, events or weekend outings around the area may want to set off a little earlier than usual to account for the extra travelling time.
6 SBS Transit bus services will operate on temporary diversion routes during the road closures:
The buses will continue operating throughout the evening, but they’ll bypass certain roads surrounding the National Stadium instead of following their usual routes. This means journeys may take slightly longer, especially during the busiest hours before and after the rehearsal.
Those transferring between buses or travelling to nearby attractions such as the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Kallang Wave Mall, or the Singapore Sports Hub should factor in a bit of extra walking time.
Yes. The affected SBS Transit services will continue operating, but they will follow temporary diversion routes and skip selected bus stops within the road closure area. These include:
Commuters should allow extra travelling time, especially during the evening peak.
To facilitate the road closures, the affected bus services will temporarily skip bus stops located along:
These roads form the immediate perimeter around the National Stadium, where rehearsals and crowd management operations will be taking place.
Commuters heading to destinations in the area may need to alight 1 or 2 stops earlier than usual before continuing on foot. Likewise, those boarding from these bus stops should make their way to the nearest unaffected stop outside the closure zone.
Checking your preferred navigation app before leaving home can help you identify the closest replacement boarding point.
For most commuters, the MRT will be the quickest way to get in and out of the area while the road closures are in effect.
The nearest stations include:
Ride-hailing services and taxis will still operate in the vicinity, although pick-up and drop-off points may be shifted further away from the closure zone depending on traffic conditions. Waiting times and fares could also increase during the evening peak as crowds leave the rehearsal.
Yes. Additional road closures and bus diversions are expected as more NDP rehearsals, previews and the National Day Parade approach in July and August. Authorities typically release transport advisories before each rehearsal weekend.
As additional rehearsals, previews and the National Day Parade itself take place throughout July and early August, more road closures, bus diversions and traffic management measures are expected around the Kallang and Marina Bay areas.
Anyone planning to attend events nearby or travelling through the city on rehearsal weekends should keep an eye on the latest advisories from SBS Transit and the NDP organising committee before heading out.
After all, nothing puts a damper on weekend plans quite like realising your usual bus stop has disappeared for the evening.
Also read:
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