Singapore Changi Airport is the primary passenger airport for the city-state of Singapore, and effectively is the only airport commercial passengers will fly to. The airport receives widespread praise and recognition for being luxurious and providing plenty for passengers to do. With so many activities, shops, and things to see, you should read this Singapore Changi Airport guide so that you don’t miss anything!
Singapore Changi Airport has maintained continual passenger growth and has established itself as an indispensable airport for the South East Asia region along with Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Part of the growing passenger numbers may be down to people choosing to fly through Changi rather than other airports in the region. Skytrax has awarded the Singapore Changi the title of ‘World’s Best Airport’ every single year since 2013. It’s not hard to see why. Quite simply, Singapore has an airport unlike any other on the planet.
Singapore Airlines, another darling of Skytrax, has their base of operations at Singapore Changi which shouldn’t be surprising as the Star Alliance airline is the flag carrier for Singapore. But Changi is home to Silkair, Scoot (a Singapore Airlines subsidiary), and Jetstar Asia too. It doesn’t matter which airline you fly with when going to or flying from Singapore, though, as the airport has something for absolutely everyone on every budget. It could be the only airport in the world where you would want to have a flight delay!
Singapore Changi Airport At-a-glance
Official Website: http://changiairport.com/
Airport Code: SIN
Terminals: 4
Address: Airport Boulevard,
918146,
Singapore
Gate Checker: https://www.changiairport.com/en/flights/departures.html
Terminal Checker: https://www.changiairport.com/en/flights/airlines.html#?status=passenger&airline=all&searchTerm=
Contact Number: +65 6595 6868
Timezone: GMT+8 all year (no daylight savings)
Lost Property Contact Form: https://changiairportpilot.secure.force.com/LostEnquiryWeb
Map: https://www.changiairport.com/en/maps.html
An interactive 2D map that allows selecting of terminals to see high-resolution information with floor selection and search functionality.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. The network name is ‘#WiFi@Changi.
Apps: Singapore Changi Airport has a free app called iChangi for both Android and iOS.
Singapore Changi Airport Facilities
Singapore Changi Airport might not have everything a traveller would ever need, but it’s probably pretty close! The sheer amount of unique things to see and do at an airport is a significant reason as to why many people rate Changi so highly. The central RainVortex is, of course, the standout ‘attraction’. The world’s largest indoor waterfall opened in 2019 with the airport’s ‘Jewel’ complex which is a nature-themed entertainment and retail building on the landside (i.e. before security) part of the airport. The Jewel has a Canopy Park on its highest level, which includes a suspension bridge offering views of the RainVortex, together with entertainment options such as mazes and slides.
The Jewel’s location is central to all terminals and is unquestionably unmissable if travelling to, or through Singapore Changi airport. The complex doesn’t have many regular terminal facilities such as departure gates but offers early check-in for some airlines. Aside from the natural elements, there are also many retail shopping outlets, including the first Apple Store at an airport and the first non-Japanese Pokemon Centre. If any travellers on extremely long layovers somehow found themselves bored of all the things to do, there is even an 11-screen IMAX cinema to relax in.
The rest of the airport is nearly as impressive too, without Jewel. Every standard airport amenity is present as one would expect. Passengers will find lots more shopping opportunities in all terminals, together with restaurants, bars, and cafes. Free WiFi, 3,400 universal power outlets/USB ports, water refill stations, family rooms, play areas, currency conversion, ATM’s, and prayer rooms are all at the airport. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 even have gardens themselves, with T3 having a Butterfly Garden! For passengers with a longer layover and the right visa permission to enter the country, the airport offers a free 2-hour tour of Singapore too.
Sleeping, like everything at Singapore Changi, is done to a high standard with a plentiful choice. Each terminal has a ‘Snooze Lounge‘ (T2 calls them Oasis/Sanctuary Lounges) which helps the airport with being voted the best airport in the world where you can get some sleep. These are comfy chairs, usually recliners, on which travellers can find additional comfort to nap.
However, for those who desire privacy or space and budget isn’t a problem, the Aerotel in T1, or the Ambassador Transit Hotel‘s in T2 and T3 are available for passengers transitting with short-term rooms (minimum of 6 hours). Landside (i.e. before security) there are also options with The Haven in T3, which is a lounge with nap rooms, at the Crowne Plaza next to T3, or the Yotel Air in the Jewel. Other airports are a shuttle or taxi ride away too, and you can find these by searching ‘Changi Airport’ on either Booking.com or Hotels.com where you will find the best rates possible.
Shower facilities are possible in all the hotels or day-rooms, as well as in several other airport locations but there are no free shower facilities. Check out the lounges listed at the bottom of this guide note which of these have showers inside them. In addition to the lounges and hotels, the Wellness Oasis in Terminal 1, Spa Express and TranSpa in Terminal 2, and Be Relaxed in Terminal 3 have paid for showers. Those travellers making use of the Aerotel in Terminal 1 don’t only have shower facilities, but also a free swimming pool to really get wet!
Luggage storage is possible along with baggage wrapping thanks to the service of SmartCarte. Each terminal has a location available, and prices are chargeable by the day with size/weight determining the fee to pay. It is S$5 per 24 hours for ‘loose items’, S$10 for small items under 10kg, S$15 for large items over 10kg, and S$18 for oversized objects. The service is open 24 hours per day in each terminal’s airside Transit Halls, as well as the arrivals hall of T2, near the train to the city in T3, and near the shuttle bus stop in T4.
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal Layout
The airport has its three of its four public terminals laid out in a U-shape around the Jewel centrepiece. The Jewel isn’t technically a terminal as it doesn’t handle flights, but some check-in facilities are here, and the structure connects to T1, T2, and T3. These three terminals have connections airside (i.e. after security), so passengers may travel freely from terminal to terminal when in transit without having to go through passport control. People movers and a Skytrain system connect the three, and with each terminal having plenty to see, even connecting passengers who are unable to immigrate into Singapore to visit the Jewel will find hours of entertainment walking between them and visiting each. Each of these three terminals also has a viewing platform on their top-level for aviation enthusiasts to watch planes take-off and land.
Terminal 4 is a shuttle bus journey away and is alone not physically connected to the other terminals. There are also the VIP terminal and JETQuay CIP (Commercially Important Person) terminals for those looking for a luxurious trip through Changi, with the latter available to anyone travelling in any class irrespective of their departure terminal, as long as they pay.
Terminal 1
If the three central Singapore Changi Airport terminals have a U-shape, then T1 is the base that connects the other two. This terminal has two concourses, one for C Gates and one for D gates. All the C gates are on the left when passing through security, and all D gates are to the right. The main departure hall is between the two and is home to shopping, and food and drink offerings on the main level, with further eateries and the airport lounges on the floor above. As with all the terminals at Changi, there are some unique things to see in T1. The Kinetic Rain sculpture is a large moving art installation which changes its look into different abstract shapes. The ‘social tree’ is also at Terminal 1, which allows passengers to take a photograph and post it to a large digital ‘tree’ for others to see. The Aerohotel with the swimming pool is also at T1.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 has the E and F gates, and also is the terminal that allows connections to Terminal 4 for passengers needing to transfer to the satellite terminal. E gates are to the left when leaving security, towards T1, with F gates to the right. With the outbreak of Covid-19, the redevelopment work that was already undergoing at Terminal 2 had the building close for 18 months to accelerate the process. The terminal has three of the airport’s gardens inside for passengers to explore for free. The Enchanted Garden, the Orchid Garden, and the Sunflower Garden are here as well as a pond with Koi fish. Terminal 2 also is known for its entertainment with a 24hr free-to-view cinema and the Entertainment Deck where Xbox and Playstation games are playable. Not to be outdone by ‘kinetic art’ from Terminal 1’s Kinetic Rain display, T2 has the ‘A Million Times at Chagi‘ moving clock artwork for all to enjoy.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is home to a more natural feeling design which differentiates itself from the other terminals, even including an indoor ‘Green Wall’ which incorporates a waterfall and over 900 skylights. A and B Gates are accessed here. The A Gates are to the left when exiting security, and B Gates are to the right, towards Terminal 1. The central area has all the shops and amenities. Just like the other terminals, there are multiple unusual attractions and art installations to check out. The Butterfly Garden is close to gate B1, the Koi Pond near to gate A1, and the Crystal Garden directly between the two in the centre of the departure lounge. A 24hr free cinema is on level 3 towards the B gates too.
Terminal 4
Situated a short distance away from the other terminals, Terminal 4 still maintains the high standards expected for Singapore Changi Airport, despite primarily being for budget airlines. T4 is the newest terminal, having opened in 2017 and boasts ‘seamless travel’ with automated bag drop and self-check-in possible for all. Even security is more straightforward with CT scanning equipment, meaning bags don’t need emptying. The G gates are at T4, as well as the not-yet operational H gates that provide bus access to planes. The terminal has plenty of shopping facilities and, like other terminals, has a ‘garden’ of its own – the Steel In Bloom display.
Travelling between terminals
A free Skytrain runs between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 which takes 4 minutes to get between each. Passengers should expect a wait of up to 4 minutes for each train too. The service runs all day apart from 6 am to midnight. However, passengers can also walk between the three terminals. T1 physically connects to T2 and T3, and T2 and T3 themselves have a footbridge connecting them. All three also link to the Jewel complex allowing passengers to move between terminals via the Jewel. Each terminal has two stops for the relevant gates (A, B, C, D, E, F, plus A South) and the system provides transport for both landside and airside passengers.
Terminal 4 is not part of the SkyTrain and passengers wishing to get to or from Terminal 4 to the rest of the airport must transfer via Terminal 2 using the free shuttle bus. The bus has a wait time of up to 15 minutes and then takes 8-10 minutes through the day to travel between T2 and T4, and up to 20 minutes overnight with an up to 30-minute wait. The shuttle is accessible from Door 1 at the T2 Arrival Hall and also at the Arrivals Hall at T4.
Singapore Changi Airport Connections
By the very nature of a city-state, Singapore Changi has close access to the city of Singapore, and thus the entire country. The airport is around 20km east of the city centre and is on the eastern coast of the country as a whole. There are multiple ways to get into the city, wherever the final destination is with a modern public transit system and well-maintained road network.
Bus: Most buses depart from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (basement levels), with Terminal 4 (at car park 4B) running a reduced service from its bus stop. The bus service is relatively slow and will take over an hour to get to the city centre, so it may be preferable for travellers to use alternative transport, or only use the bus if they know the city well. There is no change given when using the bus, so using the exact change of S$2.50 should be done where possible.
Train: The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network of Singapore extends out to Changi Airport and is a convenient and cost-effective way to get to the city centre, though not overly quick. Passengers in Terminal 2 or 3 can walk to the train station in the underground levels of Terminal 2, while those at T1 or T4 will need to get a shuttle to T2. Signs will state “Train to city” which lead to the airport’s MRT station. There are two ways to the city centre, either transferring at Tanah Merah then head towards Tuas Link, before getting off in the city. Or change at the Expo stop before heading to Bukit Panjang, again getting off in the city. It will cost S$2.80 for a single journey and take around 1 hour.
Car: There are only two car rental companies with operations at Singapore Changi Airport. Avis/Budget (the same company), and Hertz. Car rental is available from 7 am to 11 pm from Terminals 2, 3, and 4 in each arrivals hall. Note that Hertz has no presence at T4. The airport has several of the city-states expressways running nearby allowing access to everywhere in Singapore.
Taxi: Each terminal has a taxi rank at each arrivals area. Taxis are a quick way to get to the city and will follow the East Coast Parkway (ECP) expressway toll route to the city allowing a journey time as fast as 20 minutes depending on where in the city passengers are travelling. It will cost around S$20-S$40 with all taxis operating on a meter. The fee has an airport surcharge ranging from S$3 to 50% of the final fare depending on the time of travel. It is 50% for journeys between midnight to 6 am, and 25% for trips in peak hours from Monday to Friday. Grab, and Go-Jek operate at the airport also, if a ridesharing app is preferable.
Connections
Passengers with a connecting flight departing from Changi Airport shouldn’t have to worry about the connection time if their ticket is one direct from the airline or a travel agency as the minimum connection time is factored in automatically. All checked luggage will transfer to the next flight. In the event of a delay in landing that causes a missed departure, it will be the responsibility of the airline to arrange alternative onward travel.
However, when passengers self-transfer, they do not have this luxury and should ensure they have enough time to transfer themselves. The airport advertises a minimum connection time of at least one hour, and this is without having to collect luggage or pass through passport control. If moving between terminals is required, in particular to or from T4, then this can add 20 minutes for travelling on, and waiting for the shuttle bus service. We would recommend at least 2.5 hours if connecting and needing to pass through immigration. In any case, when self-transferring, travellers going through Changi Airport should relish the opportunity for a long layover when there is so much to do!
Singapore Changi Airport Lounges
Passengers with flights departing from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 have many lounge options, both airline and independent, to relax in before their flights and the majority have shower facilities which will help if Changi is a layover. However, all passengers could use the airside Changi Lounge on level 1 of the Jewel. Singapore Airlines have several lounges in Terminal 3, with an aptly named ‘Private Room’ for even more exclusivity for eligible passengers.
Terminal 1 Lounges
dnata Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located above departure passport control area, one floor above
Plaza Premium Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, above Gate C1
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge
Located on level 3, near Transfer C
The Emirates Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, above Gate C1
Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge
Located left through passport control, up the escalator behind the information counter
SATS Premier Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located left through passport control, up the escalator behind the information counter
The Qantas Singapore Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located left through passport control, up the escalator behind the information counter
British Airways Singapore Lounge and Concorde Bar (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located left through passport control, up the escalator behind the information counter
Terminal 3 Lounges
DBS Asia Treasures Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, up the escalators, then down the corridor to the left
SATS Premier Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, up the escalators, then down the corridor to the left
Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Class/Business Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, up the escalators, then down the corridor to the left
Singapore Airlines The Private Room (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located inside the Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, up the escalators, then down the corridor to the left
Marhaba Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on level 3, up the escalator on the right past passport control
Ambassador Transit Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located next to the Butterfly Garden
The Haven by JetQuay (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located in the arrivals hall, past baggage carousel 41
Terminal 4 Lounges
Blossom Lounge (this lounge has shower facilities)
Located on the level 2 mezzanine
Cathay Pacific Lounge
Located on the level 2 mezzanine
Jewel Lounges
Changi Lounge (this lounge has paid for shower facilities)
Located on level 1, opposite the check-in counters