Bus Booking for River Hongbao 2026: Celebrating 40 Years of Tradition
In 2026, Singapore’s most iconic Chinese New Year event, River Hongbao, reaches a historic milestone as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. From 15 February to 24 February 2026, Gardens by the Bay will transform into a glowing wonderland of giant lanterns, traditional performances, and festive joy to welcome the Year of the Horse.
With more than a million visitors expected over the 10-day festival, parking at Marina Bay will be at a premium, and public transport will see heavy congestion during peak evening hours. For community groups, corporate teams, and multi-generational families, a bus booking for River Hongbao 2026 is the most efficient way to ensure your group enjoys the festivities without the logistical headache of the central business district’s traffic.
Table of Contents
1. 2026 Highlights: The 40th Anniversary Special
River Hongbao 2026 is “pulling out all the stops” to commemorate four decades of tradition. Here is what your group can expect:
- Galloping into Prosperity: A centerpiece lantern installation featuring eight life-sized, handcrafted horses captured in dynamic motion, symbolizing vitality and success in the Year of the Horse.
- The Return of Fireworks: For the first time since 2020, spectacular fireworks will light up the night sky at The Meadow on 15, 16, 17, and 18 February.
- 40 Years of Heritage Exhibition: An immersive showcase tracing the festival’s evolution from its 1987 roots at the Singapore River to today’s high-tech garden display.
- The God of Fortune: Standing tall at the heart of the event, the God of Fortune lantern remains the ultimate backdrop for “Huat” group photos.
2. Opening Hours & Best Times to Visit
To maximize your bus booking for River Hongbao 2026, it is essential to align your travel with the event’s 2026 schedule:
| Date(s) | Opening Hours | Key Highlight |
| 15 Feb (Opening Night) | 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Fireworks at 8.00 pm |
| 16 Feb (CNY Eve) | 6.30 pm – 12.15 am | Midnight Fireworks |
| 17 – 24 Feb | 2.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Nightly Live Stage Performances |
WaveBus Tip: “Plan your arrival for 5.00 pm. This allows your group to explore the Flower Dome’s Spring Blossomsdisplay before the evening lantern lights and fireworks begin at The Meadow.” — WaveBus Operations Team.
3. Solving the Marina Bay Logistics Challenge
Gardens by the Bay is a sprawling venue. For groups, the challenge is getting close to the action.
- Designated Drop-Offs: Private buses are directed to the Main Entrance Coach Bay or the Bayfront Plaza Drop-off. Our drivers are experts at navigating the specific festive traffic lanes implemented by the LTA.
- Avoid the MRT Crush: After the fireworks, thousands of people head to the Bayfront and Gardens by the Bay MRT stations. With a pre-booked WaveBus, your group can walk straight to a waiting vehicle in the coach bay, bypassing the 30-minute train queues.
4. Group-Friendly Amenities & Accessibility
River Hongbao 2026 is designed to be inclusive, making it perfect for a bus booking for River Hongbao 2026 involving seniors or children.
- Barrier-Free Access: The event grounds are largely barrier-free. We recommend using the lifts at Exits 1A, 2, and 3 for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Food Street: From traditional snacks to international bites, the bustling Food Street ensures your group stays fueled throughout the evening.
- Amusement Rides: For the young (and young at heart), the Supertree Grove will feature a double-storey horse carousel and carnival games.
5. Pricing & Transparent 2026 Rates
At WaveBus, we prioritize transparency for our festive bookings.
- Inclusive of 9% GST: Your quoted rate for bus booking for River Hongbao 2026 includes all applicable taxes and ERP 2.0 tolls.
- 13-Seater Minibus: Starting from SGD 75 – 95 for one-way festive transfers.
- 45-Seater Coach: Starting from SGD 120 – 160 for one-way festive transfers.
- Hourly Disposal (Min. 3 Hours): Highly recommended for firework nights, starting from SGD 65 – 120 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Bus Booking for River Hongbao
Do we need tickets to enter River Hongbao 2026?
No. Admission is free for everyone, and no pre-registration is required for the main lantern and performance areas.
Where can we view the fireworks?
The best vantage point for the 2026 fireworks is The Meadow. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled bursts (8.00 pm or 9.00 pm) to secure a good viewing spot.
Can the bus drop us off directly at The Meadow?
During peak periods, the Meadow carpark may be closed. Most buses will drop off at the Main Entrance Coach Bay, which is a scenic 10-minute walk to the fireworks zone via the Supertree Grove.
Is there a discount for community centers or senior groups?
We offer competitive bulk rates for multiple bookings. If your organization is planning several trips over the 10-day period, please contact us for a customized package.
Gallop into the New Year with WaveBus
Celebrate 40 years of cultural heritage without the stress of the city’s crowds. Let us handle the road so you can focus on the “Prosperity” of the season.
Ready to get moving? Skip the wait and book your private bus online with WaveBus today for an instant quote and a guaranteed premium journey.