Singapore is set to introduce its first MRT train hotel in the second half of 2025, offering travelers and locals a unique opportunity to stay inside a fully converted train carriage. Named Train Pod @ one-north, the hotel is developed by local startup Tiny Pod, in collaboration with JTC Corporation, and marks a bold step in sustainable hospitality and adaptive reuse of transport infrastructure.
A Hotel Built from an MRT Train
The hotel is constructed from a decommissioned third-generation Kawasaki-Nippon Sharyo C751B MRT train, which operated on the North-South and East-West lines from 2000 to 2024. The transformation has turned the old carriage into a compact, functional co-living space, while retaining much of its original interior design.
Each of the eight rooms in Train Pod @ one-north measures approximately 7.5 square meters and includes air conditioning, bunk beds for two guests, and a private en-suite bathroom. The rooms preserve familiar MRT features, including the classic system map, informational posters, and carriage signage, offering guests a nostalgic yet novel experience.
Facilities and Amenities
Guests staying at the MRT train hotel will enjoy more than just a unique room. The surrounding outdoor area is equipped with a range of communal facilities, including:
- An outdoor kitchen area
- Vending machines for snacks and drinks
- Coin-operated washing machines and dryers
- Bicycle racks and dining spaces with original MRT seating
The check-in process is fully automated, featuring facial recognition technology to ensure secure and contactless access. Only registered guests will be issued access cards, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Pricing and Booking
Room rates at the MRT Train Hotel Singapore are expected to start at around SGD $80–$90 on weekdays and SGD $100–$120 on weekends, excluding taxes and service charges. The hotel is scheduled to begin accepting bookings in the latter half of 2025.
A Model of Sustainability and Innovation
Train Pod @ one-north is more than just a novelty—it is a showcase of sustainable urban development. The project demonstrates how decommissioned public transport assets can be creatively repurposed into eco-friendly lodging solutions. In addition to the train carriage itself, other elements such as seats and the driver’s console have been reused as furniture and design features within the property.
This concept extends Tiny Pod’s existing portfolio of modular hospitality units, which includes pop-up container hotels at sites like LaunchPad @ one-north, Gardens by the Bay, and Haw Par Villa. These projects reflect a growing interest in portable, adaptable lodging that blends urban innovation with green principles.
Part of a Growing Trend in Upcycled Hotels
Singapore’s MRT train hotel follows the success of The Bus Collective, a resort-style hotel built from decommissioned public buses and launched in December 2023 near Changi Village. Together, these initiatives highlight a national trend toward sustainable tourism and creative land use, offering both environmental and cultural value.
Temporary Installation with Expansion Potential
Train Pod @ one-north is currently approved as a temporary structure for up to seven years. However, Tiny Pod has expressed interest in expanding the concept depending on factors such as public demand, land availability, and access to more retired train carriages. The team is actively exploring other locations, including under-utilised state land and industrial zones that are suitable for such installations.
Enjoy the Experience for Train Fans
The launch of the MRT Train Hotel Singapore represents a milestone in the intersection of sustainability, nostalgia, and innovative hospitality. By reimagining decommissioned public infrastructure as a space for rest and recreation, Singapore continues to lead the way in urban transformation and experiential travel. Whether for tourists seeking something new or locals reliving memories of daily commutes, this train hotel is poised to become one of the city’s most talked-about stays in 2025.
