About Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport is often described as ‘a destination in itself’. Consistently voted amongst the world’s top airports, Singapore Changi Airport really demonstrates just how good the airport experience can be.
Renowned for its cleanliness, spaciousness, superb facilities and fantastic customer service, Singapore Changi Airport is certainly the highlight of many a stopover to Europe, with over 65 million passengers passengers passing through its gates every year. Where else in the world would you find airport terminals that include a Butterfly Garden, Hedge Maze and rooftop swimming pool?
What facilities are at Singapore Changi Airport ?
At Singapore Changi Airport there is an extensive offering of facilities and services, all designed to make your journey as smooth as possible. As for things to do at Singapore Changi Airport, this is where this bustling hub takes the transit experience to a whole new level.
Check-in
You’re encouraged to check-in at least two hours prior to your flight departure time at Singapore Changi Airport. Some airlines will allow you to check in even earlier, so you can make the most of all the great shopping and other things to do, so talk to your Flight Center Travel Expert about whether this applies to you. Once you’ve checked in, make your way to the Departure Transit Hall to enjoy something to eat or drink, or perhaps some pre-flight shopping. Note that no boarding calls will be made, so be sure to keep an eye on the time.
Online check-in: You may be able to check-in online up to 48 hours before your flight – it all depends on your airline.
FAST check-in: Select airlines offer self-service FAST (Fast And Seamless Travel) check-in for departing passengers. This service includes things like collecting your boarding pass and printing your bag tags at the Automated Check-in Kiosks, dropping your bags at the Automated Bag-Drop Machine and making your way through the Automated Immigration Gates if your fingerprints are registered with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. For more information and guidance on check-in processes, talk to your Travel Expert before your trip.
Baggage
If you’re arriving at Singapore Changi Airport, check the information displays to find out which carousel is assigned to your flight.
Porter services are also available at all terminals to help you move your baggage when you depart or arrive at Changi Airport. Bookings for porter services need to be made in advance. Also, if you would like to do your shopping baggage-free, you can leave luggage at the Left Baggage counters operated by Smarte Carte, for a small fee.
Is there a currency exchange?
You'll find lots of currency exchange facilities throughout each terminal at Singapore Changi Airport, perfect for those travelling onwards to Europe from Singapore! Prefer to get your foreign currency sorted out in advance? Travel Money Oz can help you get organised before you head to the airport so you're ready to go as soon as you land!
Things to do for families
This is one of the best possible airports to stop at if you’re travelling with kids. When it comes to the whole family, there are so many free things to do at Changi Airport, you’ll have trouble deciding where to start. The convenient high-speed hop-on-hop-off Skytrain monorail connecting the terminals is almost like a ride in itself.
One of the biggest highlights is the outdoor rooftop pool at Terminal 1, where kids can make a splash and spot planes taking off overhead, while you soak up the sun and enjoy a cocktail poolside. The outdoor Cactus Garden is also located in Terminal 1, with a huge range of cacti and succulent plants from Asia, Africa and the Americas. Hop aboard the monorail to Terminal 2 to visit the magical, sensory Enchanted Garden on Level 2, along with the pretty rooftop Sunflower Garden overlooking the aircraft runway and parking bays.
Terminal 3 is home to the enchanting Butterfly Garden, where children can wander around the tropical gardens and watch the beautiful butterflies flying around them – more than 1,000 in total. Each terminal at Singapore Changi Airport also features an air-conditioned children’s playground where little ones can stretch their legs, socialise with other kids and let off some steam. Terminal 3 also features The Slide@T3, the world’s tallest airport slide at 12 metres high, which is an absolute thrill for kids (of all ages!).
If you have a bit more time up your sleeve at Changi Airport, you could take the kids on a complimentary Singapore Tour and experience some of the city-state’s culture and scenery. Choose from the Heritage and Culture Tour to explore Singapore River, Kampong Gelam and Chinatown or the City Sights Tour to visit iconic spots like Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. Registration for the tours can be made at the Free Singapore Tours registration booth on Level 2 in Terminal 2, or Level 2 in Terminal 3.
Last, but certainly not least, is Jewel Changi Airport, a 10-storey complex connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of the airport. Home to exciting attractions including the world's tallest indoor waterfall, a walking new 25m above the ground as well as unique shopping and dining experiences, you won't want to skip this!
What are the other services and facilities?
- ATMS across all terminals
- Baby Care Rooms
- Baggage storage
- Charging points
- Children’s play area
- Clinics and pharmacies
- Convenience stores
- Entertainment deck
- Free-to-use rest areas
- Free Wi-Fi
- GST Refund
- Ground Transport Concierge
- Local SIM card purchase
- Lost and found
- Foreign currency exchange
- Passenger meeting services
- Porter service
- Prayer rooms
- Shower and spa services
- Smoking areas
- Transit hotels
- Viewing malls
- Wheelchair rental
Transport and terminal transfers
What’s the best way to get to and from Singapore Changi Airport?
Singapore is a small city state, and Singapore Changi Airport is located approximately 20km to the east of the city centre. If you’re staying in Singapore, look for the Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) once you arrive at the airport, which you’ll find in the Arrivals Hall of each terminal. Open 24 hours, the staff are on-hand to deal with all customer transportation requirements into the city and will help you make your travel arrangements. As a guide, we’ve pulled together a round-up of the various transport options to and from the airport.
Shuttle services: Singapore Changi Airport offers two efficient shuttle services to help travellers get on their way. The Changi Business Park shuttle is a free service for Changi Rewards members that runs between Terminals 3 and 4 of Changi Airport to Changi Business Park from 11:30am to 2:30pm, Monday to Friday. The Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) shuttle runs daily from 10:50am to 6:40pm and is ideal for travellers planning to explore the Batam and Bintan islands. Talk to your Travel Expert for more information or help organising your airport transfers from Singapore Changi Airport.
Public Transport: You can easily catch the train from Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) to Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4), where you can transfer on to city services. Catching a public bus is another option, with bus stops located at the basement bus bays of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. For Terminal 4, the bus stop is located next to Car Park 4B. You can pay for public transport using a contactless debit or credit card, or by purchasing an EZ-Link card from Changi Airport Station.
Taxi: If you wish to take a taxi from Singapore Changi Airport to the city, you’ll find the taxi stands in the Arrival areas of each terminal. A ride to the city takes around 30 minutes and will cost between S$25 and S$45. Note that there’s an additional Airport Surcharge for all trips leaving from Changi Airport. If you’re travelling with a group, the Ground Transport Concierges at the Arrival Halls can help you arrange to book a larger taxi or limousine.
Private pick-up points: If you’re being picked up at the airport by friends or family, simply make your way to the well-signed Arrival Pick-up or Ride-Hailing Pick-Up points in each terminal, after collecting your baggage.
Car rental: Car hire is another option, with rental counters available in the Arrival Halls. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave.
Parking
Singapore Changi Airport has eight car parks available for travellers spread across the four terminals. Each car park allows a free 10-minute grace period for those just picking up or dropping off, but keep in mind full charges will apply for any cars leaving after 10 minutes so keep an eye on the time!
Coach to Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
If you’re travelling up to Malaysia from the airport, the easiest option is to take the Transtar Cross Border Coach Service (TS1) to Johor Bahru operated by Transtar Travel. The service starts at Terminal 1 and ends at Johor Bahru CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex), with a one-way ticket around S$11 for adults and S$5.50 for children.
How do I transfer between terminals?
Connecting between terminals is easy at Singapore Changi Airport.
Skytrain connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3, operates from 5:00am to 2:00am and has a journey time of about four minutes between terminals. Need to get to Terminal 4? Catch the free shuttle bus from either the public or transit areas. The Public Shuttle Bus runs daily from 6:00am to 12:00am and the Transit Shuttle Bus runs every 13 minutes all day.
It's also possible to transfer between the terminals on foot via the inter-terminal travellators located throughout the Departure Transit Hall at any time. You guessed it; it's not far!
