Roberta Aguirre
Singapore's Changi Airport is a destination in itself, with nature trails, a butterfly garden, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, featuring the world's tallest indoor waterfall. However, if you have a long layover, you may want to explore the city. Travellers with 5.5 hours or more to spare can take advantage of free guided tours, and those with longer layovers can consider a Changi Stopovers package, which includes a hotel stay and a complimentary SIM card. It is recommended that you have at least 6 hours, and preferably 8 hours, to leave the airport and explore the city, and you will need a valid visa to exit the airport. Singapore has an electronic arrival card that must be filled out within 3 days of your arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 4 hours |
| Minimum layover time for a free tour | 5.5 hours |
| Time required to fill out the electronic arrival card | 3 days before arrival |
| Time taken to reach the city from the airport | 1 hour by train, 20 minutes by cab |
| Immigration | Clear immigration before leaving the airport |
| Luggage | Reclaim and find storage facilities for luggage |
Explore related products
$54.08
What You'll Learn
- How much time do you need to explore Singapore during a layover?
- What do you need to do to exit Singapore airport during a layover?
- What are the best free attractions in Singapore during a layover?
- Where are the best places to eat during a Singapore layover?
- What are the best places to stay during a Singapore layover?
How much time do you need to explore Singapore during a layover?
Changi International Airport (SIN) is a destination in itself. Ranked as the best airport in the world, it is clean, comfortable, efficient, and brimming with things to do. The airport features local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, which includes a butterfly garden, walking trails, a hedge maze, and a rooftop Sunflower Garden. It also has the fastest airport wifi in the world.
If you have a layover of 5.5 hours or more, you can take advantage of Changi's free 2.5-hour guided tours. There are two bus tour itineraries that run seven times daily and cover major landmarks such as Kampong Glam, Gardens by the Bay, Little India, Chinatown, and Merlion Park. There is also a free walking tour around Jewel Changi Airport twice a day.
For longer layovers, you can consider a Changi Stopovers package, which includes a one-night hotel stay, a complimentary SIM card, and a free one-way airport transfer. With a 12-hour layover, you can also explore downtown Singapore, which is about a 30-minute taxi ride away from the airport. The metro (MRT) is another option, but it may take longer, with a travel time of around 30 to 45 minutes.
If you decide to explore the city, there are several neighbourhoods and attractions to choose from. Marina Bay, located in the Downtown Core District, is home to many five-star accommodations and business hotels. Nearby, you can find Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's sprawling botanical gardens featuring futuristic biodomes, Supertrees, and spectacular skywalks. Another popular area is Little India, known for its colourful temples and houses, including the Temple of a Thousand Lights and the Tan Teng Niah house. Chinatown is also worth exploring, with its 19th-century shophouses, the gold-domed Sultan Mosque, and the Malay Heritage Centre. For food lovers, a visit to a hawker centre is a must, with options like Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, and Tiong Bahru Food Centre offering authentic and affordable Singaporean cuisine.
In summary, the time needed to explore Singapore during a layover depends on your interests and budget. With 5.5 hours or more, you can join a free guided tour or explore the airport. With a longer layover of 12 hours or more, you can venture into downtown Singapore and visit neighbourhoods like Marina Bay, Little India, and Chinatown.
Private Jet Naps: Sleeping Arrangements While Parked at Airports
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What do you need to do to exit Singapore airport during a layover?
Singapore is considered one of the best cities in the world for a layover. Changi International Airport (SIN) is a destination in itself, with local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area, which includes a botanical garden, nature trails, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
However, if you have a long layover and would like to exit the airport and explore the city, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you have a smooth experience.
Firstly, it is recommended that you have at least a 6-hour layover, with 8 hours being the safest option, to account for traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration processes. You will need to go through immigration and customs, so ensure you have a valid visa if required. Remember that security at Changi Airport happens at the individual gate, so allow enough time for that as well. If you have checked luggage, you will need to reclaim it and find storage facilities, which are available at the airport for a fee. It is best to leave your carry-on luggage at the airport as well, as it will be cumbersome to carry while exploring the city.
Singapore has introduced an electronic arrival card that you need to fill out within three days of your arrival. Keep this in mind as you plan your time outside the airport.
If you prefer a guided tour, Changi Airport offers free 2.5-hour guided tours with two bus tour itineraries that run seven times daily and cover major landmarks. There are also paid excursions to select attractions within Singapore. Alternatively, you can explore the city independently, but be sure to read up on the current city-wide regulations before setting out on your own.
With these tips in mind, you can confidently exit Singapore Airport during your layover and make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Traveling with Edibles: Airport Security and You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What are the best free attractions in Singapore during a layover?
Singapore is a great city to explore during a layover. The city-state is safe, clean, compact, and boasts an unbeatable food scene. Changi International Airport (SIN) is also a destination in itself, with local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area.
If you have a layover of more than 4 hours, it is recommended to leave the airport and explore the city. Here are some of the best free attractions in Singapore during a layover:
Free Singapore Tour
Singapore Airlines offers free city tours for transit passengers with layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours. There are three exciting bus tour itineraries to choose from, each lasting 2.5 hours and conducted in English. The City Sights Tour takes you to the iconic Merlion at Merlion Park and the dazzling Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. The Heritage and Cultural Tour explores the cultural gems of Chinatown and Kampong Gelam. While the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour offers panoramic skyline views along the Singapore River and a chance to admire the striking architecture of Marina Bay Sands.
Gardens by the Bay
If you prefer to explore on your own, Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit attraction. This award-winning garden in the heart of the city features over 500,000 plants across more than 2,200 species. The Avatar-like Supertrees come alive at night with a stunning display of lights and sounds. It is also located near other attractions like Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Bay
Take a stroll along Marina Bay, where you can admire the magnificent architecture and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the area. At night, the bay is lit up, creating a beautiful atmosphere.
Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam
Get lost in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, the city's Muslim quarter. Explore the 19th-century shop houses, visit the gold-domed Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre, and enjoy a coffee on trendy Haji Lane.
Hawker Centres
For food lovers, a visit to one of Singapore's hawker centres is a must. Try authentic, delicious, and affordable Singaporean food at places like Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, or Tiong Bahru Food Centre.
Changi Airport Attractions
If you have a shorter layover or prefer to stay in the airport, Changi Airport offers plenty of attractions. The airport features nature trails, a Butterfly Garden with over 1,000 butterflies, and the new Jewel Changi area with its 130-foot-tall "Rain Vortex" waterfall, walking trails, a rooftop garden, a mirror maze, a tube slide, and a scenic canopy bridge. You can also catch a movie at the free 24-hour cinemas in Terminals 2 and 3.
Airport Express: Router Alternative?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Where are the best places to eat during a Singapore layover?
Changi International Airport (SIN) in Singapore is a destination in itself. The airport is efficient, easy to navigate, and highly praised for its local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area. The airport is also home to hundreds of dining options, including:
- Tim Ho Wan, which serves dim sum and has a Michelin star
- Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta, an outpost of the world's first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant
- Rich & Good Cake Shop, which serves Swiss rolls
- Birds of Paradise, which offers floral gelato flavors
- Straits Food Village, which serves Singaporean classics
If you have a long layover and want to explore the city, Singapore is known for its unbeatable food scene. The city-state is small, so nothing is far away, and where you eat will depend on your budget and personal style. Here are some suggestions:
- A hawker center for authentic, delicious, and affordable Singaporean food. Try the Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, or Tiong Bahru Food Centre.
- Satay Street for skewers of meat cooked over hot coals.
- East Coast Road for a range of food options, from budget-friendly coffee and ice cream to more expensive, renowned eateries.
- Kampong Glam for a wide range of cuisines and a former hole-in-the-wall called Tarik, which serves pulled tea.
- Lau Pa Sat, a 24-hour food court that serves every dish you can think of.
- Makansutra Gluttons Bay for a Hawker Centre Dinner.
- KS Keria for a sweet potato donut coated in palm sugar, called gulu melaka.
- Julie Bakes for gateaux with Singaporean flavors.
- Makan Melaka for a bowl of chendol (shaved ice, jelly noodles, and pandan).
Heathrow Airport: Storing Luggage Securely
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What are the best places to stay during a Singapore layover?
Changi International Airport (SIN) is a destination in itself. It is efficient and easy to navigate, with local and international boutiques, two hotels, a cinema, art installations, and the new Jewel Changi area. The airport also has the fastest airport wifi in the world. If you don't want to leave the airport, you can:
- Take a free 2.5-hour guided tour of the city, which runs seven times daily and stops at major landmarks like Kampong Glam and Gardens by the Bay.
- Explore the $1.3 billion Jewel Changi, a stunning glass-and-steel dome housing a movie theatre, rooftop Sunflower Garden, Mirror Maze, tube slide, indoor nature trails, orchid gardens, palm and fig trees, arcade games, and a dramatic waterfall.
- Visit the Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3, the world's first butterfly garden in an airport, with over 1,000 butterflies from 40 species.
- Jog or exercise on the 3.5-kilometer Changi Airport Connector, a cycling and jogging path that links the airport to East Coast Park and the Park Connector Network.
- Swim in the rooftop pool at Terminal 1, situated at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel.
- Catch a movie at the free 24-hour cinemas in Terminals 2 and 3.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the airport's hundreds of dining options, including Michelin-starred dim sum at Tim Ho Wan and ramen at Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta.
If you have a layover of more than 4 hours, however, many recommend leaving the airport to explore the city. Singapore is safe, clean, compact, and boasts an unbeatable food scene. It takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown Singapore, so it is recommended to leave the airport if you have a minimum of 6 hours between flights. You can take the metro (MRT) for $1.50 each way or a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride for $17-$30.
Where you stay in Singapore depends on your budget and personal style. If you're looking for affordable options, there are boutique hotels, hostels, and B&Bs in neighbourhoods like Little India, Chinatown, Ann Siang Hill, and Kampong Glam. For five-star accommodations and business hotels, head to Marina Bay in the Downtown Core District.
If you're staying the night, check out the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, which has been named the world's best airport hotel by Skytrax for five consecutive years. It offers a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and four dining options. Another option is the high-tech YOTELAIR Hotel, with rooms that are bookable by the hour.
For longer layovers, consider a Changi Stopovers package, which includes a one-night stay at a hotel of your choice, a complimentary SIM card, and a free one-way airport transfer.
How to Upgrade to Business Class at the Airport
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to have at least 5.5 hours of layover time in Singapore to leave the airport, with 8 hours being the safest option, taking into account traffic, transit, check-in, and immigration times.
You will need a valid visa to exit the Singapore Changi Airport and clear immigration. You will also need to fill out an electronic arrival card within 3 days of your arrival in Singapore.
Singapore is known for its unbeatable food scene. You can find authentic, delicious, and affordable Singaporean food at hawker centres in Little India, Chinatown, or Kampong Glam. You can also visit popular attractions such as the Sultan Mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre, and the Gardens by the Bay.
