Jazmin Li
Singapore is known for being a great city 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, with its indoor nature trails, gardens, and waterfall. However, if you have a long layover, you may want to leave the airport and explore the city. Singapore is a modern, compact city with an unbeatable food scene, unique public green spaces, and plenty of shopping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended layover time to leave the airport | Minimum 5.5 hours to 6 hours |
| Transport to downtown Singapore | MRT (30-45 mins, $1.50 each way), Taxi (20-30 mins, $17-$30) |
| Visa requirements | No visa required for visits up to 30 days for US travelers. Visa-free transit for up to 96 hours for eligible countries, including India, Japan, and the PRC. |
| Things to do at the airport | Free movie theatre, gardens, walking trails, art installations, shopping, dining, and spa services. |
| Things to do outside the airport | Visit Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion. |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended layover length to leave the airport
Singapore is a great city for a layover, with its safety, cleanliness, compactness, and incredible food scene. Changi International Airport (SIN) is also a destination in and of itself, with its efficient and easy-to-navigate layout, local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, a botanical garden-like space with nature-themed attractions.
When considering leaving the airport during a layover in Singapore, it is generally recommended to have at least 6 hours to spare. This allows for approximately 2 hours of exploration time after accounting for the time required to deplane and clear immigration and customs, which can take 30 to 60 minutes.
For those with 5.5 hours or more, Changi Airport offers free 2.5-hour guided tours. There are two bus tour itineraries, each running seven times daily, that cover major landmarks such as Kampong Glam and Gardens by the Bay. There is also a free walking tour of Jewel Changi Airport offered twice daily. For longer layovers, Changi Stopovers packages are available and include a hotel stay, a complimentary SIM card, and a free one-way airport transfer.
If you decide to explore Singapore independently during your layover, there are a few transportation options to consider. The metro, known as the MRT, is the best-value choice, costing roughly $1.50 each way and taking 30 to 45 minutes. It operates from 5:30 am to 11 pm daily. Taxis are another option, with a 20- to 30-minute ride costing approximately $17 to $30. If you prefer more comfort and convenience, it is recommended to take a taxi and then use the MRT for getting around central Singapore.
It is important to note that transit passengers can only enter and exit the airport once during a layover due to immigration guidelines. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your time efficiently and book entry tickets for places in advance to maximize your brief stay in Singapore.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Singapore Changi Airport is located at the eastern end of Singapore and is very close to the heart of the city, which is about a 20- to 30-minute drive away. The airport's four terminals are connected via complimentary Skytrain and shuttle bus services.
There are several transport options to and from the airport, including:
- Public bus — This is a wallet-friendly option, with fares costing SGD 2 (approximately $1.50) when paying in cash or SGD 1.35 when using an EZ-Link card. Bus 36/36A can be caught at the basement of terminals 1, 2, and 3 and makes several stops at MRT stations and in central parts of the city, including Marine Parade Road, Somerset Road, and Orchard Road. The bus is the slowest option and can be very crowded during peak hours, but it provides an opportunity to interact with locals.
- Metro (MRT) — The MRT is a great value-for-money option, with fares costing approximately $1.50 each way. It operates daily from 5:30 am to 11 pm, and the ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The changeover can be challenging, especially with luggage, and it may not be suitable for those travelling with young children.
- Taxi — A taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city, with fares ranging from SGD 25 to SGD 45 (approximately $17 to $30). They are available 24/7 and can be hired at the taxi stands in the arrival areas of all terminals. Taxi drivers will assist with luggage and take passengers directly to their destination.
- Limousine — A limousine service is available from the airport and can be booked via mobile applications. The flat fee for a limousine is SGD 55 (approximately $40).
- Private hire car — Passengers can book private hire cars from companies such as Grab, Gojek, Zig, Tada Mobility, or Ryde for a ride out of the airport.
- Changi Airport Shuttle — This shared van service offers a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to and from the airport, with drop-offs at most hotels in central Singapore. It is suitable for travellers with minimal luggage and can be booked online or at the Ground Transport Desks in the arrival halls. The cost is SGD 9 (approximately $6.50) per adult and SGD 6 (approximately $4.40) per child below 12 years old.
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Visa requirements
If you're transiting in Singapore and remaining within the airport's transit area, you don't need to pass through Singapore Immigration and therefore won't require a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover and enter Singapore, you may need a visa, depending on your nationality and passport.
- Foreign travellers who do need a visa and plan to enter Singapore should obtain one prior to travel to avoid any inconvenience or disruption to their travel plans.
- Your passport must have a minimum of six months' validity from the date of your arrival in Singapore. If it doesn't, you should renew or extend your passport before travelling.
- Travellers from eligible countries, including India and the People's Republic of China (PRC), holding valid onward air tickets, may qualify for a 96-hour Visa Free Transit, permitting a stay of up to 96 hours in Singapore.
- Nationals of the following countries who hold a valid visa or long-term pass issued by these countries may be eligible for the 96-hour Visa Free Transit: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
- If you are travelling to Singapore for work or employment, you will need to contact the Ministry of Manpower office in Singapore for advice on which visa or work pass to apply for.
It's important to note that the period of stay permitted in Singapore is typically at the discretion of the Immigration Officer upon arrival and is usually between 14 and 30 days. For US travellers, visits of up to 30 days do not require a visa. For Australian passport holders, visa-free entry is granted for stays of up to 90 days.
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Free tours of Singapore
Singapore is a great place for a layover, with its efficient and easy-to-navigate Changi International Airport located just 20 minutes from the heart of the city. The airport itself is a destination, with local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, which brings nature indoors with its indoor waterfall, walking trails, gardens, and scenic canopy bridge.
However, if you have a layover of at least 5.5 hours, you may want to consider exploring the city. Singapore is compact, so nothing is far away, and you can easily get from the airport to downtown in around 20-30 minutes by taxi or 30-45 minutes by metro (MRT).
Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines offer free tours of Singapore for transit passengers with at least a 5.5-hour layover. These 2.5-hour guided tours are available daily, including weekends and public holidays, and are conducted in English. There are three unique tour itineraries to choose from:
- Heritage Tour: Visit historical monuments such as City Hall, the Merlion statue, Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.
- City Sights Tour: Take in major sites like the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion.
- Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour: Enjoy panoramic views of the river and admire the striking architecture of Marina Bay Sands.
Please note that due to immigration guidelines, transit passengers can only enter and exit Singapore once during their layover, so you can only participate in one tour. You can pre-book one tour itinerary up to 50 days in advance, or visit the tour booth in the transit area upon arrival. Remember to bring your passport, boarding pass, and valid entry visa (if required). If you have bulky baggage, you must store it at a Baggage Storage counter before checking in for the tour.
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Things to do at Changi Airport
Changi Airport has been voted the best airport in the world for eight consecutive years, and it's no surprise given its array of attractions. The airport is located just 20 minutes from downtown Singapore, making it a great place to kill time during a layover. Here are some things to do if you're spending a few hours at Changi Airport:
Explore the Gardens
Changi Airport features five themed gardens, including the Sunflower Garden in Terminal 2 and the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3, where butterflies flit among ripe pineapples. The gardens offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, with fresh flowers, water features, and living walls.
Jewel Changi
The airport's $1.3 billion expansion, Jewel Changi, is a stunning glass-and-steel dome that houses a variety of attractions. These include a movie theater, rooftop Sunflower Garden, Mirror Maze, tube slide, indoor nature trails, orchid gardens, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex.
Dining and Drinking
Sample some of Singapore's classic dishes, such as Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak (coconut-milk-infused rice), kaya toast, laksa (spicy noodle soup), and local coffee, kopi. The airport also boasts high-end drinking establishments, such as Archipelago Craft Brew House, Hops Bar, Harry's Bar, and Tiger Street Lab.
Art and Culture
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the public art displays and Peranakan history exhibits at Changi. The Kinetic Rain sculptures and the Peranakan Gallery offer a glimpse into Singapore's rich cultural heritage. Interactive art installations throughout the airport add to the cultural experience.
Wellness Spa
Book a treatment at the Wellness Spa to relax and rejuvenate before or after your flight. The Oxygen Therapy is especially recommended for travelers suffering from jet lag and cabin pressure-induced headaches.
Free Tours
If you have a layover of at least 5.5 hours, you can join one of the free guided tours of Singapore offered by the airport. There are two bus tour itineraries that run seven times daily, stopping at major landmarks such as Kampong Glam and Gardens by the Bay. There is also a free walking tour of Jewel Changi Airport offered twice daily.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Singapore. However, due to immigration guidelines, transit passengers can only exit and enter the Singapore airport once during a layover, so plan your time carefully.
It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach downtown Singapore, so it is recommended that you have a minimum of 6 hours between flights if you want to leave the airport. This will leave you about 2 hours to explore the city.
Travellers from certain countries, including the US, India, Japan, and commonwealth countries, may qualify for a Visa Free Transit Facility, which allows transiting passengers to stay in Singapore for up to 96 hours without a visa.
The best-value option is the metro (MRT), which takes 30-45 minutes and costs around $1.50 each way. Taxis are another option; a 20-30 minute ride will cost approximately $17-$30 each way.
Changi Airport offers free 2.5-hour guided tours of Singapore for transit passengers with 5.5 hours or more between flights. There are two bus tour itineraries, each stopping at major landmarks such as Kampong Glam and Gardens by the Bay. You can also explore Singapore independently, visiting places such as the Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, and Orchard Road.
