Singapore Changi International Airport is located 25 km east of Singapore’s city center. As one of the largest hub airports in Southeast Asia, most travelers entering Singapore use this airport.
Singapore’s largest airline, Singapore Airlines, uses Changi Airport as its hub, along with low-cost carriers Jetstar Asia and Scoot.
Singapore Changi Airport Terminals
Changi Airport consists of four terminals (T1, T2, T3, T4). Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected, while Terminal 4 is located separately.
Airlines by Terminal
- Terminal 1 (T1): Concourses C, D
- Low-cost carriers (Scoot, Jetstar), Oneworld Alliance members, and non-alliance airlines.
- Terminal 2 (T2): Concourses E, F
- Singapore Airlines (Southeast Asia routes), Air India, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Sichuan Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, etc.
- Terminal 3 (T3): Concourses A, B
- Singapore Airlines (non-Southeast Asia routes), most SkyTeam and Star Alliance members.
- Terminal 4 (T4): Concourses G, H
- Korean Air, Jeju Air, Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, VietJet Air.
Getting Between Terminals T1, T2, and T3
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected in a U-shape, allowing movement on foot. The distance from the end of T2 to the end of T3 is approximately 5 km, so travelers can also use the free Skytrain. The Skytrain operates in both the Landside (public area) and Airside (transit area).
Skytrain
The fastest and free way to move between terminals. Taking the Skytrain between T2 and T3 offers a close-up view of the Rain Vortex in Jewel Changi from inside the train.
- Operating Hours: 05:00 AM – 02:00 AM (approx. every 4 minutes)
- How to Use: Follow the “Skytrain to T1/T2/T3” signs. Accessible from both public and transit areas.
- Note: Between 02:00 AM and 05:00 AM, a night shuttle bus operates instead of the Skytrain.
Walking & Travelators
- Landside: T1 is directly connected to Jewel. T2 and T3 are connected to Jewel via Link Bridges, taking about 5–10 minutes on foot.
- Airside: Well-equipped with travelators, allowing for easy walking between terminals.
Getting to Terminal 4 (Separate Terminal)
Since Terminal 4 is not connected by rail, you must use the free shuttle bus.
Airside Transfer (Transit Area)
To transfer within the transit area, board the bus at:
- T1: Gate C21
- T3: Arrival Immigration Hall A
- T4: Transfer Lounge
Landside Transfer (Public Area)
- 06:00 – 24:00:
- T1 to T4: Every 7–9 minutes
- T2 to T4: Every 6–26 minutes
- 24:00 – 06:00:
- Loop service (T2 → T1 → T4): Every 19 minutes
- Boarding/Drop-off Points:
- T1: Departure Central Kerbside
- T2: Arrival Pick-up Door 1
- T4: Board at Arrival Bus Lounge / Drop-off at Departure Door 4
From Changi Airport to the City
MRT (Metro)
Changi Airport is connected to the East-West Line. The Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) is located between Terminals 2 and 3. To reach the city center, you must transfer at Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4) to a train heading towards Tuas Link.
- Note: The MRT is a commuter train, so it gets very crowded heading to the city in the morning and towards the airport in the evening.
MRT Fares
You can use rechargeable cards like EZ-Link or Nets Prepaid, as well as contactless credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Fares can be calculated online.
- Fare to Chinatown / Orchard MRT: Approx. S$2.30
Operating Hours
(Departs from Changi Airport MRT)
- Weekdays & Saturdays: 05:31 – 23:18
- Sundays & Public Holidays: 05:59 – 23:18
Public Bus
Buses 36 and 36A run from the airport to city locations like Dhoby Ghaut MRT and Orchard MRT.
- Note: It takes longer than the MRT, and since there is no dedicated luggage space, it can be inconvenient with large suitcases.
Bus Boarding Locations
- T1, T2, T3: Basement bus bays
- T4: Bus stop next to Car Park 4B
- Route: T3 → T1 → T2 → T4
Bus Fare
Bus fares can be paid using rechargeable transportation cards like EZ-Link or Nets Prepaid, as well as contactless credit cards. When paying with cash, you must provide the exact fare as no change is given. Fares can be calculated online.
- Airport to Dhoby Ghaut MRT (Card): S$2.38
- Airport to Orchard MRT (Card): S$2.42
Bus Operating Hours
- Bus 36: 06:00 – 22:53 (Runs every 8–12 minutes)
- Bus 36A: 22:50 – 23:58 (Runs from Terminal 2 to Tomlinson Rd every 6–12 minutes)
Airport Shuttle Bus
The airport shuttle bus counters are located in the arrival halls of each terminal. The shuttle takes you directly to most hotels in Singapore city center.
- Operating Hours: 07:00 – 23:00 (Departs every hour)
- Fare: Adult S$10 / Child S$7 (Book at the counter)
Taxi and Grab
Taxis are easily accessible by following the signs at the arrival halls. The journey to the city takes about 30 minutes.
- Fare: Approx. S$25 – S$45
- Airport Surcharge:
- Daily 17:00 – 23:59: S$8
- All other times: S$6
- Additional Surcharges:
- Midnight Surcharge: 50% of the metered fare (24:00 – 05:59)
- Peak Hour Surcharge: 25% of the metered fare (Weekdays 06:00 – 09:29, Daily 10:00 – 13:59)
Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also available and generally cheaper than taxis.
- Grab Fare to Chinatown: S$20 – S$40
Private Pick-up/Sending Service
You can book a 3–9 seater vehicle for a convenient transfer from the airport arrival hall to your hotel lobby.
- Online Booking Fare: From S$40.29
Bus to Johor Bahru CIQ
Direct buses to Johor Bahru are available from Changi Airport. The bus operated by Transtar Travel departs from Coach Bay Lot B/C at Terminal 1.
- Departure Times: 08:15, 10:15, 14:15, 17:15, 19:15, 21:15 (First bus at 08:15)
- Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 35 minutes
- Fare: Adult S$11 / Child S$5.50
- Payment: EZ-Link card or Cash
- Note: Seats sell out quickly, so booking online in advance is recommended.
Recommended Hotels Near Changi Airport
There are many excellent hotels around Singapore Changi Airport to suit various budgets and needs.
Directly connected to Terminal 3 and Jewel Changi, offering fantastically convenient access. Despite being an airport hotel, it features perfect soundproofing and a resort-style outdoor pool. It is the most recommended 5-star hotel for honeymooners or families who want to enjoy a Staycation watching planes take off and land.
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport at Jewel
Located on the 4th floor of Jewel, the landmark of Changi Airport, it is optimal for enjoying shopping and dining. It offers compact but modern and practical ‘Cabin’ style rooms. Perfect for 1–2 travelers who need a place to sleep before moving on or want to shower and rest at a reasonable price during a long layover.
Located inside the transit areas (Airside) of Terminals 2 and 3, its biggest advantage is that you can check in and rest immediately after getting off the plane without going through immigration. Bookable in minimum 6-hour blocks, the rooms are basic but clean, optimized for a quiet nap with a runway view.
Aerotel Singapore (Transit Hotel at Terminal 1)
Located inside the transit area (Airside) of Terminal 1, allowing immediate check-in without immigration. It is the only transit hotel with an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the runway. It offers various room types from single to family rooms, though soundproofing is noted as slightly lacking, so earplugs are recommended for sensitive sleepers.
A 5-star wellness resort located 10 minutes by shuttle from Changi Airport, boasting an overwhelming view of a huge golf course and luxury pool that feels far from the city. However, the shuttle interval is somewhat long and there are no convenience stores nearby, so it is recommended to buy necessary snacks before checking in.