Jazmin Li
Singapore Changi Airport has been designated one of the best airports in the world, and for good reason. The airport offers a wide range of restaurants, eateries, and bars, as well as unique activities like a free movie theatre, gardens, and free tours of the city. For those with long layovers, it is possible to leave the airport and explore the city, with Singapore's relaxed immigration and fast transportation making it easy to get into the centre. There, you can explore the city's unique, public green spaces, such as the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, and Singapore Botanic Gardens, or shop along Orchard Road and Haji Lane. Back at the airport, you can rest in comfort, with chairs, couches, and benches available throughout the terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during layover | Allowed and encouraged |
| Luggage | Remains checked-in and transferred to the connecting flight |
| Airline awareness | Airline won't be aware that you left the airport |
| Free tours | Offered by Singapore Airlines for passengers with longer layovers |
| Tour eligibility | Subject to visa entry requirements |
| Tour duration | 2.5 hours |
| Tour frequency | One tour per layover |
| Tour pre-booking | Possible up to 50 days prior to the tour date |
| Tour registration | Requires passport, boarding passes, valid entry visa (if required) and tour booking confirmation |
| Tour locations | City, airport, Jewel Changi Airport |
| Airport facilities | Free movie theatre, gardens, restaurants, eateries, bars, shopping district, rest areas |
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What You'll Learn
Exploring the city during a layover
If you have a long layover in Singapore, you may want to consider leaving the airport to explore the city. Singapore has relaxed immigration policies and fast transportation, making it quick and easy to get from the airport to the city centre. It is recommended that you have at least 6 hours between flights (8 hours is the safest option) to allow for traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times.
Singapore Airlines offers free 2.5-hour guided tours of the city for passengers with long layovers. There are three unique tour itineraries that showcase Singapore's vibrant cityscape, rich heritage, and iconic landmarks. These tours are subject to availability and eligibility requirements, such as having a valid visa. You can pre-book a tour or visit the tour booth in the transit area upon arrival. It is important to note that transit passengers can only enter and exit Singapore once during their layover, as per the regulations set by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
If you prefer to explore the city on your own, there are many places to visit. Singapore is known for its unique, public green spaces, such as the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. For shopping, you can visit Orchard Road, Haji Lane, or the Shoppes in Marina Bay Sands. Clarke Quay is a historical riverside area with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Chinatown is also a great option for affordable food, souvenirs, and a glimpse into the eclectic mixture of cultures that Singapore has to offer.
When returning to the airport, you can leave your checked luggage and carry-on bags at the airport, as they will be transferred to your connecting flight.
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Free Singapore tours
Singapore Changi Airport is regularly voted the best airport in the world. The airport offers a wide range of amenities and activities to keep travellers entertained during layovers, including free tours of the city.
The Free Singapore Tour is a 2.5-hour guided tour exclusively available for transit and transfer passengers with layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours. The tour offers a glimpse of Singapore's vibrant cityscape, rich heritage, and iconic landmarks. There are three unique tour itineraries, each featuring curated sightseeing routes with two brief photo stops. The tours depart from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and end at Jewel Changi Airport or Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or Terminal 3.
The tour itineraries include attractions such as Merlion Park, Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, and the Civic District. Participants can also add on optional experiences, such as a ride on the garden cruiser at Gardens by the Bay, at an additional cost.
To book the Free Singapore Tour, passengers can visit the tour booths in the transit area of the airport upon arrival or pre-book online. It is important to note that seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers are required to present their passports, boarding passes, valid entry visas (if required), and tour booking confirmations for registration. Participants must also sign an indemnity form, and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
While the Free Singapore Tour provides a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city during a layover, some may prefer the flexibility of a DIY tour. With a DIY tour, travellers can choose the places they want to visit and spend as much time as they like at each location. However, it is important to consider traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times when planning a DIY tour, and ensure that there is sufficient time to return to the airport and catch the connecting flight.
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Airport amenities and activities
Singapore Changi Airport has been designated one of the best airports in the world. Each terminal is fitted with top-notch standard airport amenities and a lot of unique activities. If you have a long layover, you can leave your luggage at the airport and explore the city. Singapore Airlines offers free guided tours of the city for passengers with longer layovers. You can also explore the city on your own. The airport also includes a shopping district and tourist attraction called "Jewel Changi Airport", which passengers with long layovers can visit.
Changi Airport itself has a wide range of restaurants, eateries, and bars. The food courts host outposts of many popular Singapore street hawkers, offering classic Singapore and Chinese fare, as well as other cuisines like Indian and Malay. Sit-down restaurants provide a more leisurely option. You can also try the most expensive cup of coffee at the airport, which comes with a cup of Chantilly cream and a sugar stick.
Changi Airport also has a free movie theatre, gardens, and free tours of the city. The airport's Skytrain system allows you to wander through terminals at your own pace. There is also the S.E.A. Aquarium, which is said to be the biggest aquarium in the world, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that let you explore the depths of the oceans.
If you’d rather splurge on a hotel, you’ve got options near the airport. The Changi Lounge in the Jewel Terminal caters to non-transit travellers, with nap pods available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. YotelAir has sleep cabins available in the public area of the Jewel Terminal. The Crowne Plaza is located just next to Terminal 3’s SkyTrain waiting area, with day rooms available.
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Sleeping arrangements for long layovers
Singapore's Changi Airport is one of the most sleep-friendly airports in the world! The airport has many free Snooze Lounges with comfortable reclining chairs. Tired travellers can also spread out on the many benches, couches and chairs airside. There are also pay-per-use lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4, which provide a place to rest for tired passengers.
If you are in Singapore Airlines business class or first class, you will be able to access the SilverKris lounge, which has a sleeping area. One reviewer noted that the lounge was very comfortable and the sleeping area was tucked away in a quiet location.
If you would prefer a hotel, there are several options. The Changi Lounge in the Jewel Terminal has nap pods available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. YotelAir has sleep cabins available in the public area of the Jewel Terminal. The Ambassador Transit Hotel in Terminal 3 offers both premium suites and capsule rooms. The Aerotel Transit Hotel in Terminal 1 offers day rooms in a 6-hour block minimum, with an hourly rate thereafter.
For a more traditional hotel experience, the Crowne Plaza is located next to Terminal 3's SkyTrain waiting area, with day rooms available.
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Immigration and luggage concerns
If you're planning to leave the airport during your layover in Singapore, you'll need to go through immigration. Singapore has been described as having relaxed immigration, but there are still some things to keep in mind.
Firstly, transit passengers are only permitted to enter and exit Singapore once during their layover, in compliance with regulations set by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA). So, if you're planning to re-enter the airport after exploring the city, make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as your passport, boarding pass, and valid entry visa (if required).
Regarding luggage, it's generally recommended to leave your luggage, including carry-on items and heavy backpacks, at the airport. This will make your exploration of the city much more convenient and enjoyable. Your checked-in baggage should be through-checked to your final destination, and the airline will transfer your bags to your connecting flight. However, if you prefer, you can choose to collect your bags upon arrival in Singapore and then re-check them, as Singapore Airlines allows passengers to check bags up to 24 hours before their departure.
It's important to note that if you decide to participate in a free tour offered by the airport or airline, there may be specific requirements and restrictions. For example, eligibility for the tours may be subject to visa entry requirements, and you may need to be guided as a group through immigration. Additionally, pre-booking for these tours may be required, and there may be limited availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover in Singapore. Singapore Airlines offers free tours of the city for passengers with long layovers.
It is recommended to have at least 6 hours between connecting flights if you want to leave the airport. The free Singapore tour is available for those with 5.5 to 24 hours until their next flight.
Singapore is known for its unique, public green spaces. You can visit the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, or the Singapore Botanic Gardens. You can also shop on Orchard Road or explore Chinatown for affordable food and souvenirs.
Singapore Changi Airport has been voted one of the best airports in the world. The airport has a free movie theatre, gardens, and free tours. There are also many restaurants, eateries, and bars.
Your checked luggage will remain at the airport and will be transferred to your connecting flight.
