Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in Asia and a popular destination in itself. Named the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax, it houses 4 terminals and Jewel Changi Airport, a massive indoor garden and retail complex.
Completed in 2019, Jewel may be a recent addition but it has since become one of the country’s main tourist attractions. If you’re arriving or departing from Singapore Airport, make sure to visit Jewel’s 40-metre Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
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Public Transport via EZ-Link Card
The EZ-Link card is a smart card that is widely used in Singapore for easy public transport payment. To pay your fare, you just have to tap it on the card-reader machine in train stations, buses, and taxis.
This card is convenient when taking the bus, where you are required to pay an exact fare. Also, it saves you from having to buy a single journey ticket every time you take the train. Fares are cheaper, too, when you pay via an EZ-Link card!
These cards are reloadable and available from most train stations and 7-11 stores.
Another variant of the EZ-Link card is the Singapore Tourist Pass, which features unlimited public transportation rides for 1 to 3 days. Rates start at 13.50 SGD ($10) for a 1-day pass. These are available in selected locations. For more info, you can check out the EZ-Link website.
4 ways to get from Singapore Airport to the City Centre
There are four ways to travel the distance of 20 km (12 miles) from Singapore Airport to the City Centre: by city shuttle (30 minutes), taxi (25 minutes), train (40 minutes) and public bus (1.5 hours). The journey takes between 25 minutes - 1h30m and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 3 SGD ($1.80) for the public bus.Singapore Airport to the City Centre by Public Bus
The public bus is another cheap option, but they make too many stops and so take around 1.5 hours to reach the city centre.
The ticket price depends on where you’re heading to downtown Singapore, but it should be no more than 2.50 SGD ($2). Note that if you’re paying with cash, you should give an exact amount because they don’t provide change. You can tell the driver your destination so he can let you know how much to pay.
If you’re using an EZ-Link card, you only need to tap it on the card-reader machine near the front door on your way in and again at the machine at the back door on your way out.
Public bus schedule from Singapore Airport to city centre
| Airport Terminal | Bus Stop | Bus No. |
|---|---|---|
| Terminals 1, 2 & 3 | Basement Bus Bay | 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, 858 |
| Terminal 4 | Bus stop next to Car Park 4B | 24, 34, 36, 110 |
Make sure you know which bus stop is closest to your accommodation and which bus number can take you there.
Most public buses are available from 05:30 to 23:30.
Public bus schedule from Singapore Airport to city centre
Make sure you know which bus stop is closest to your accommodation and which bus number can take you there.
Most public buses are available from 05:30 to 23:30.
Free Singapore City Tour
Are you going to Singapore only for transit? If your layover at Changi Airport is at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours, then you can join a free Singapore city tour!
How do you register for a free transit tour? For most passengers, the only way is to personally reserve a tour bus seat upon arrival at Changi Airport. There are registration booths located at the transit areas in Terminals 2 & 3. You’ll have to present your passport and boarding passes (for both of your flights).
If you’re travelling with Singapore Airlines, then you can pre-book your slot at least 72 hours before your flight. You can contact them through their website.
A very important note: do not leave the transit area until you are led out as a group for the tour. You are NOT to clear customs and immigration on your own. You will do that as a group before you leave for the city tour.
There is a first-come-first-served rule and registration closes an hour before the tour begins. If there are no more seats available for your desired time, you’ll have to take the next bus. But if you don’t have enough time for that, don’t worry! There’s also a walking tour available!
There are 3 types of tours and they each take 2.5 hours. You can only pick one tour per layover, so choose wisely! Below are your choices:
Heritage Tour
The heritage tour will take you around Singapore’s iconic colonial monuments. This is a great way to explore the city-state’s colourful history and its vibrant mix of influences.
With the heritage tour, you’ll be able to visit the 90-year-old city hall, the famous hawker market Lau Pa Sat, the iconic Merlion backdropped by Marina Bay, Chinatown, Little India, and the Malay-Arab district called Kampong Glam.
City Sights Tour
The city sights tour, which is available only at night, is a beautiful display of Singapore night lights.
For this tour, you’ll be able to explore the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. This includes the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay. If you’re going on a weekend, you’ll also have a chance to see Marina Bay’s light and water show!
Jewel Tour
You don’t have to go far to explore Singapore. It’s latest tourist highlight is just within walking distance of your arrival terminal! Jewel is a massive nature-themed retail and entertainment complex that is connected to Changi Airport.
Of course, 2.5 hours is not enough to explore this 10-storey building, but you will have enough time to see the rain vortex, inhale some fresh air with its wide variety of flora and fauna, and play around at the Canopy Park!
Singapore Airport to the City Centre by Train
The train is a cheap option but requires you to make a transfer. If you like travelling with locals and are comfortable with your luggage, taking the train is not a bad idea at all. A train ride from Singapore Airport to the city centre costs only 2.70 SGD ($2)!
The airport MRT station is located at the basement of Terminal 2. If you’re coming from Terminal 3, just follow the signs that say “Train to the City.” If you’re coming from Terminal 1 or 4, you’ll have to take the skytrain or shuttle bus, respectively.
From Changi Airport MRT Station, take the Changi Line to Tanah Merah Station. This train journey takes about 8 minutes.
At Tanah Merah, transfer to the East West Line (green line), which is connected to most of the popular tourist areas in downtown Singapore. This takes another 30 minutes. Make sure you know which MRT station is closest to your hotel!
You can buy your tickets at the train station or just use an EZ-Link card.
Note that the train from Changi Airport Station operates from 05:31 to 23:18 (Monday to Saturday) and 05:59 to 23:18 (Sundays and public holidays). If you’re arriving outside of these times, you’ll have to use another mode of transportation.
Singapore Airport to the City Centre by City Shuttle
We recommend taking an airport shuttle when travelling between Singapore Airport and the city centre. This shared ride provides drop-off/pick-up to most hotels in downtown Singapore at a relatively cheap rate (compared to a taxi) and they are available 24 hours.
To find a city shuttle, just head to the 24-hour Ground Transport Concierges (GTC) at the airport’s arrivals hall. You can expect a departure every 30 minutes.
Do you prefer to book your ride beforehand? Whether you’re travelling from the airport to downtown Singapore or the other way around, you can easily book a ride with Klook. This way, you can skip the usually long queue at the airport.
A city shuttle ticket costs 9 SGD ($7) whether you book at the airport or online. Travel time is 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the number of stops for drop-offs/pick-ups.
You can check out this hotel list from Singapore Airport to see if your accommodation is included in the drop-off/pick-up points.
Singapore Airport to the City Centre by Taxi
Travelling in a group? Taking a taxi from Singapore Airport to the city centre is not that expensive when you split the cost.
All taxi fares from Singapore Airport are metered so you won’t have to worry about haggling for the best rates. A ride costs 25 SGD ($19) to 34 SGD ($25) depending on your destination. The journey takes around 25 minutes.
You will find the taxis just outside the arrival halls of the main terminal buildings.
Do you prefer to have your ride already waiting for you outside the airport? You can also pre-book a private car via Klook, with rates from 53 SGD ($40) for a 3-seater car. Bigger vehicles are available for larger groups.
Note that either way, you’ll have to pay a midnight surcharge when travelling to and from Singapore Airport between 23:00 and 07:00.
Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore Airport to the City Centre
What is the distance from Singapore Airport to the City Centre?
The distance from Singapore Airport to the City Centre is 20 km (12 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Singapore Airport to the City Centre?
The fastest way to get from Singapore Airport to the City Centre is by taxi and takes 25 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Singapore Airport to the City Centre?
The cheapest way to get from Singapore Airport to the City Centre is by public bus with ticket costs starting from 3 SGD ($1.80).
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
