Airport to City
Changi Airport to Singapore City
MRT, taxi, shuttle or bus into town
Singapore's transport is efficient and inexpensive, and Changi is no exception. The main choice is between a cheap MRT ride with a change of train, and a taxi that halves the journey time for a fare that is still modest by international standards.
Whichever you choose, the airport makes it easy: signage is clear, staff are helpful and payment systems are modern.
MRT
The MRT station sits between Terminals 2 and 3. Trains run on a shuttle to Tanah Merah, where you change to the main east-west line towards the city. Total journey time to the central area is around 45 to 55 minutes.
- Contactless bank cards work directly at the gates, so there is no need to buy a separate ticket.
- Trains are frequent, clean and air conditioned, with space for luggage in the standing areas.
- The first train is around 05:30 and the last leaves the airport before midnight.
Taxi
Taxis queue outside every terminal and are metered, with an airport surcharge added and a higher surcharge for late night journeys. Even with those, the fare to the city is reasonable and the journey takes 20 to 35 minutes.
Queues at the rank are well managed and move quickly, even after a wave of arrivals.
Ride-hailing and shuttles
Ride-hailing apps are widely used and pick up from designated points. Fares are quoted upfront and rise during busy periods. A shared airport shuttle can be booked at counters in arrivals and drops at most hotels in the central area, which suits solo travellers with luggage.
Public bus
City bus routes serve the airport at very low fares but take an hour or more and have limited luggage space. Night bus services operate on certain nights when the MRT is closed.
Journey times by area
| Destination | By taxi | By MRT |
|---|---|---|
| Marina Bay | 20 to 35 min | 45 to 55 min |
| Orchard Road | 25 to 40 min | 50 to 60 min |
| Chinatown | 25 to 35 min | 45 to 55 min |
| Sentosa | 35 to 50 min | 60 to 75 min |
| Changi Village | 10 to 15 min | 20 to 30 min by bus |
Families and accessibility
- The MRT is fully step-free with lifts and wide gates for pushchairs.
- Taxis can be requested with child seats through some operators, but availability is limited.
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles can be booked in advance and are also available at the rank on request.
- Free stroller loans inside the terminal help before you leave the airport.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the MRT take from Changi to the city?
- Around 45 to 55 minutes including the change at Tanah Merah.
- Is a taxi from Changi expensive?
- There is an airport surcharge and a late night surcharge, but the total fare remains modest compared with most major cities.
- Does the MRT run at night?
- No. The last trains leave before midnight, so late arrivals should plan on a taxi or night bus.
- Can I pay for the MRT with a bank card?
- Yes, contactless bank cards work at the fare gates without buying a separate ticket.
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