Singapore Changi Airport Guide

Terminals and the Skytrain

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected both airside and landside, with the Skytrain running between them. Terminal 4 is separate and reached by a shuttle bus from Terminal 2.

• Allow 15 to 20 minutes between Terminals 1, 2 and 3 using the Skytrain.
• Allow 30 to 40 minutes to or from Terminal 4 because of the bus transfer.
• The retail and lifestyle complex attached to Terminal 1 is landside, so visiting it during a transit means clearing immigration.

Airport to city

Taxis at Changi charge a surcharge for airport pickups, and there is a further late-night surcharge. It remains reasonable by international standards. The MRT does not run through the night.

Check-in and security

Two to three hours before departure is enough. Automated check-in and bag drop are used widely, and immigration uses biometric lanes that are fast for most travellers.

• Singapore has strict rules on certain items, including chewing gum and vaping products. Do not bring them.
• Because screening is at the gate, arriving at the gate at the last minute is not workable.

Lounges

Airline lounges are spread across Terminals 1 to 3, and independent pay-per-use lounges accept walk-ins and membership cards. Because the free facilities are already good, a paid lounge here is mainly worth it for a proper meal, a quiet seat and a shower.

Restaurants and food

There are staff canteens and food courts open around the clock with local dishes at prices far below typical airport rates. Ask at an information desk for the nearest 24-hour option if you land in the middle of the night.

Wi-Fi and charging

Free Wi-Fi is fast and easy to join. Charging points are everywhere, including at rest seating, and there are free-to-use computers in the transit areas.

Baggage storage

Left baggage counters operate in the terminals, both in transit and in the public areas, charging per item per day. This makes a city visit during a long layover straightforward.

Airport hotels

Transit hotels operate inside the secure area and sell rooms in blocks of hours, which is ideal for layovers. There is also a full hotel in the landside complex and several within a short drive.

Sleeping at the airport

Changi is one of the few airports where sleeping in the terminal is genuinely comfortable. Rest zones with padded loungers exist in each terminal, and the transit area is quiet at night and safe. Showers are available for a fee, and some are free in certain areas.

Family services

• Play areas and children's zones are provided in every terminal.
• Baby care rooms with feeding and changing facilities are widely available.
• Strollers can be borrowed free of charge in the transit areas.

Accessibility

Assistance is arranged through the airline. The terminals are fully step-free, and the Skytrain and shuttle buses are accessible. Staff are used to handling assistance requests at short notice, though pre-booking is still better.

Layover guide

A 60 to 90 minute connection works within Terminals 1 to 3. For five hours or more you can consider a city visit, since many nationalities enter Singapore without a visa and immigration is quick.

Things to do nearby

Changi Village and the east coast are 10 to 15 minutes away by taxi and give you a quieter slice of Singapore. Marina Bay and the gardens take about 30 minutes by road.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sleep at Changi Airport?

Yes. Rest zones with loungers are available in the transit areas, and transit hotels sell rooms by the hour inside the secure zone.

How do I get between Changi terminals?

The Skytrain links Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Terminal 4 is reached by shuttle bus from Terminal 2, which takes longer.

Is there a shower at Changi?

Yes, paid shower facilities are available in the transit area, and lounges include showers for their guests.

How long does the MRT take to the city?

Around 45 to 55 minutes with one change. A taxi is roughly half that outside peak hours.