Jazmin Li
Singapore is a great place for a layover, with plenty to do both inside and outside the airport. Changi International Airport is a destination in itself, with local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, a botanical garden-like space with nature trails, a butterfly garden, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall. However, if you want to leave the airport during your layover, it is possible. You will need to go through immigration and customs, and you may need a visa, depending on your passport and the length of your layover. There are baggage storage facilities in the airport, and you can take a taxi or the MRT into the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to go outside the airport | 5.5 hours |
| Transport options to the city | MRT (30-45 minutes, $1.50 each way), taxi (20-30 minutes, $17-$30) |
| Transport options in the city | Train, taxi |
| Time to reach downtown Singapore | 30 minutes |
| Baggage storage options | Available at all terminals |
| Visa requirements | Required for some nationalities |
| Immigration requirements | Arrival card to be submitted 3 days before the trip, vaccination |
| Contact tracing requirements | SG Singapore app |
| Organized tours | Free 2.5-hour guided bus tours, free walking tours around Jewel Changi Airport |
| Places to visit | Merlions, Marina Bay Sands hotel, Chinatown, Gardens by the Bay |
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What You'll Learn
Transport options: MRT, taxi, train, bus
If you have a long layover in Singapore, you can leave Changi Airport and visit the city, but you will need to fulfil Singapore's regular immigration requirements and have enough time to explore and return. It takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown Singapore, so it is recommended that you have a minimum of 6 hours to explore the city.
MRT
The MRT (Singapore's subway) is the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest way to get around the city. The Changi Airport MRT station is clearly marked from all terminals, and there are escalators and lifts if you have luggage. A trip on the MRT costs around $1.50 each way, and the ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
You can purchase a single-trip ticket or a stored-value EZ-Link card, which can be used for multiple trips on the MRT and buses. The EZ-Link card costs 12 SGD ($9 USD), which includes 7 SGD ($5 USD) credit and a non-refundable 5 SGD ($3.78 USD) card cost. You can also use a credit card to pay as you go, though foreign transaction fees may apply.
If you plan to use the MRT a lot, you might want to get a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)—a stored-value card that enables unlimited travel for one day (around $7), two days ($12), or three days ($15).
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport and are another solid option for getting into the city. A 20- to 30-minute ride will cost about $17-$30. All taxis use a meter to calculate the fare based on the distance travelled, and there is an additional airport surcharge for trips originating from the airport. There are also midnight and peak-hour surcharges for taxi hires country-wide.
Train
Singapore's train system is connected to the MRT. Trains do not run 24/7, so if your plane lands after 11:00 pm, you will need to check the timings or be prepared to take a taxi or ride-hailing service.
Bus
Public buses are also available from Changi Airport to the city centre. This option is typically much more affordable than taxis or the MRT, with bus fare usually around 2.50 SGD ($1.89 USD). You can pay the bus fare using an EZ-Link card, a Singapore Tourist Pass, or cash, but you must have the exact amount as bus drivers do not provide change. The journey to the city centre by bus can take approximately 60-80 minutes, depending on traffic and your specific destination.
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Immigration requirements: visas, landing cards, etc
If you are a foreigner transiting in Singapore and remain within the transit area of Changi Airport (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4), you do not need to pass through Singapore Immigration and therefore do not need a visa. However, if you wish to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to go through immigration and may need a visa, depending on your nationality.
It is recommended that you have a minimum of 6 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport during your layover in Singapore, as it takes around 30 minutes each way to travel between the airport and downtown Singapore, and you will need to allow time to pass through immigration.
If you are a citizen of a country whose citizens require a visa to enter Singapore, you should apply for one before travelling. You can check whether you need a visa on the website of the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The period of stay permitted is at the discretion of the ICA officer upon arrival but is usually between 14 and 30 days. US citizens can enter Singapore without a visa for up to 30 days. Citizens of India and the People's Republic of China may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore.
If you need to pass through immigration, you will need to fill in a landing card.
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Time considerations: deplaning, customs, security
If you're considering leaving the airport during a layover in Singapore, it's important to keep in mind the time required for deplaning, customs, and security.
Deplaning typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the efficiency of the process and the number of passengers on board. During this time, you'll need to disembark the aircraft and make your way through the airport to the customs and immigration area. It's a good idea to have any necessary documentation readily available, such as your passport and boarding pass, to facilitate a smoother process.
Customs and immigration procedures can also take around 30 to 60 minutes, or even longer during peak travel times or if there are unforeseen complications. Here, you'll need to present your travel documents, undergo any necessary inspections, and answer questions regarding the purpose and duration of your visit. It's important to ensure that you meet all the necessary public health and entry requirements, especially if you intend to enter Singapore during your layover.
Security screening is another important consideration. All passengers are required to go through security screening before heading to the boarding gate for their onward flight. This process can vary in duration, depending on the efficiency of the airport staff and the number of passengers in line. It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport with ample time to spare to account for potential delays.
Considering these time constraints, it is generally advised to have a minimum of 6 hours during your layover if you plan to leave the airport. This allows for approximately 2 hours of exploration time within the city, taking into account the time required for transportation to and from the airport.
To save time, you may consider utilizing the MRT (metro) system, which is the best-value option for transportation. The MRT ride takes around 30 to 45 minutes each way and is significantly more affordable than taxis, which can cost around $17 to $30 for a 20- to 30-minute ride.
Additionally, baggage storage facilities are available at the airport, allowing you to drop off your luggage and explore the city with greater ease. However, if you choose to store your baggage outside of your designated terminal, remember that you'll need to allow extra time to retrieve your luggage and bring it through security when re-entering the terminal.
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Changi Airport attractions: Rain Vortex, gardens, cinema
Changi Airport in Singapore is a destination in itself. Efficient and easy to navigate, the airport is highly praised for its local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the brand new Jewel Changi area. Here are some attractions at Changi Airport:
Rain Vortex
The Rain Vortex is a stunning, 40-metre-high, indoor waterfall located within the Shiseido Forest Valley at Jewel Changi Airport. It is surrounded by nature, with over 2,000 tropical trees and plants, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of one of the busiest airports in the world. The Rain Vortex is illuminated by a 360-degree light and sound show at night, making it a must-see attraction for travellers passing through the airport.
Gardens
Jewel Changi Airport features several gardens, including the Shiseido Forest Valley, an indoor garden spanning five storeys with over 800 trees and palms, and about 60,000 shrubs. The Topiary Walk, featuring animal-shaped topiaries, and the Petal Garden, with seasonal floral displays, are also located within the Canopy Park at the topmost level of Jewel. Additionally, the Sunflower Garden on the rooftop offers a unique experience.
Cinema
Changi Airport also boasts a cinema, providing entertainment for travellers. The Shaw Theatres cinema includes an IMAX theatre, offering a range of movie options for those looking to unwind during their layover.
With its unique blend of nature, entertainment, and retail, Jewel Changi Airport has transformed Singapore's Changi Airport into a captivating destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
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Outside attractions: Marina Bay, Chinatown, Little India
If you have a long layover in Singapore, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the city. Changi International Airport is located about 30 minutes from downtown Singapore, so it is recommended that you only leave the airport if you have a minimum of 6 hours between flights.
If you decide to venture outside the airport, you have a variety of options for attractions to visit, including Marina Bay, Chinatown, and Little India.
Marina Bay is a great place to start your exploration of Singapore. You can take a taxi or the metro from the airport to Marina Bay Sands, where you can explore the Youth Olympic Park and visit the ArtScience Museum. The highlight for many visitors is the breathtaking view of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and museum, which is a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at night when the trees in Marina Bay Gardens are lit up.
From Marina Bay, you can walk to Chinatown, where you can find affordable vegetarian and vegan meals at local food courts, such as Telok Ayer Market and Maxwell Food Centre. Chinatown is known for its magnificent architecture, with some comparing it to a mini indoor Modern Venice.
Little India is another neighbourhood known for its affordable accommodations, including boutique hotels, hostels, and B&Bs. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample some delicious Indian cuisine.
With efficient transportation options, including the Skytrain and shuttle buses, and the MRT, you can easily navigate Singapore during your layover. Remember to factor in time for luggage storage, security checks, and transferring to your final gate when planning your exploration of the city.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Singapore. However, you will be subject to Singapore's immigration requirements, and you may need a visa to enter the country. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 6 hours for a layover if you plan to leave the airport, as it takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown Singapore.
You can take the train (MRT) or a taxi to get downtown. The MRT takes about 30-45 minutes and costs roughly $1.50 each way, while a taxi ride will take 20-30 minutes and cost around $17-$30.
Yes, Changi Airport offers free guided bus tours of the city for transit passengers with 5.5 hours or more to spare. There are two itineraries to choose from, each stopping at major landmarks such as Kampong Glam and Gardens by the Bay. A free walking tour of Jewel Changi Airport is also available twice daily.
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