Changi, Singapore. Everything you need to know.
Stunning takeoff out of Singapore Changi (SIN) after a transit between my flight from Sydney and to Asia. I have been through this airport 82 times flawlessly. There are few airports where anyone can say that about. The others that follow it in my personal rankings are Doha, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Copenhagen and Zurich. At the other end of the spectrum are the airports I am totally underwhelmed by and in fact dread: LAX, London Heathrow, Colombo and Lagos. What are your best and worst airports?
During this most recent four-hour transit, I managed to walk a couple of kilometres through air-conditioned terminals.
Plus I enjoyed a gym session and a mid-flight swim at the transit hotel pool. Where else can you do that?
The Setup
Changi can feel overwhelming at first. It processes 90 million people a year through four main passenger terminals (T1 to T4).
Terminals 1 to 3 form a kind of U shape. Terminal 1, the original, is to the north. Terminal 2 is to the east and Terminal 3 to the west. The three terminals are connected by walkways, covered areas, and the Skytrain. Terminal 4 is further away. Terminal 5 is under construction.
Terminal 1 (T1) is a tropical city-inspired terminal with lush greenery and natural light, a rooftop Cactus Garden, and a swimming pool. Most Oneworld airlines are based here, as well as some Star Alliance carriers and a couple of SkyTeam airlines. On the rooftop at Level 3 you will find the Cactus Garden, with many cactus species and runway views. It is also one of the designated outdoor smoking areas.
Terminal 2 (T2) has been recently renovated over several years. It has a natural theme and features “The Wonderfall,” a four-storey digital waterfall display. Singapore Airlines uses Terminal 2 for flights to Southeast Asia. On the rooftop at Level 3 is the Outdoor Sunflower Garden, with sunflowers, runway views, and a bit of fresh air.
Terminal 3 (T3) opened in 2008 but still feels new to me. Known for its large, airy departure hall, high ceilings, and distinctive butterfly skylights that diffuse natural light while reducing heat and glare. Features vertical gardens, the Butterfly Garden airside, big playgrounds, and many airline lounges. Most long-haul Singapore Airlines flights to Europe and the USA use this terminal. The Butterfly Garden, a small indoor tropical spot, is here. It has live butterflies, lush plants, and a waterfall, and it’s free for transit passengers to visit
Singapore Airlines runs KrisFlyer Gold Lounges in Terminals 2 and 3, open 24 hours, for KrisFlyer Elite Gold and Star Alliance Gold members travelling on eligible Star Alliance flights. In T3 you’ll find Ambassador Transit Lounge, SATS Premier Lounge and Marhaba Lounge, all of which accept walk‑in paid entry and/or Priority Pass / DragonPass
The Jewel is attached to T1, with walkways from T2 and T3. A giant glass-domed complex famous for the incredible Rain Vortex (the world’s tallest indoor waterfall), indoor forest, sky nets, canopy bridge, plus hundreds of shops, restaurants, and a hotel. Important to know: the Jewel is landside. Transit passengers airside must exit through immigration to visit, then re-clear security to return to their gate. It is worth it, but do not cut it fine!
Terminal 4 (T4) is a stand-alone terminal that pioneered many self-service technologies. Used mostly by low-cost carriers, but you will also find Cathay Pacific there. Served by shuttle buses only. As a result, I hate it and do all I can to avoid it.
Transiting through Singapore
Around a third of passengers through Singapore are connecting through a Singapore Airlines or Scoot flight, coming in from Australia or Asia and heading on to Europe, or vice versa. Others are connecting from Australia with Jetstar and continuing on to Europe with Malaysia Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, or similar. Some people use Singapore as a stopover for one to two days, or even a week. There are three possible transit situations:
- Connecting on the same ticket and have a boarding pass for the next flight. There are no immigration checks, and you do not need to go to the transfer desk. You stay within the four terminals.
- Same ticket, but do not have your next boarding pass, go straight to a transfer desk in the transit area upon landing.
- On separate tickets and a bag not checked through. Passengers must clear immigration, collect luggage, check in again, and then go back through departure. Plan extra time for this.
With a six to 24-hour transit, people should consider the free Singapore city tour. There are several 2.5-hour tours available that showcase city sights, heritage areas, and landmarks such as Marina Bay. People can join if they are in transit (Singapore is not the final destination) and their bags are checked through. Pre-book up to about 50 days in advance, or sign up at the Free Singapore Tour booths in T2 (near F50) or T3 (near A1 to A8) at least 90 minutes before the tour start time.
Connecting on foot between terminals is easy if you have the time. There is about a 10-minute walk between terminals, so you need to add that time to the gate times. It is a good opportunity to wander, window-shop, people-gaze, and people-watch.
Connecting by free Skytrain:
- Terminal 1 arrivals, head to the C gates. From there, you can ride one train to Terminal 2 F gates or one train to Terminal 3 B and D/E gates.
- Terminal 2 arrivals, head to the F gates and ride to either Terminal 3 A gates or Terminal 1 C gates. The Skytrain line between T2 and T3 runs through the Jewel atrium, giving you a view of the Rain Vortex and the indoor forest as you ride. I have been lucky enough to do it a few times just to see the vortex!
- Terminal 3 arrivals, head to the A gates for connections to Terminal 2, or the B gates for connections to Terminal 1.
- Terminal 4, as mentioned, is only reachable by bus for connections. It is a slow, tedious process. Leave plenty of time. Staff are helpful but it is the worst part of this airport. I hate it and do all I can to avoid it.
Arrival Process
There are clear signs of immigration from every terminal. Singapore’s immigration system has always been among the most efficient in Asia and among the best in the world. These days it is automated.
You will need to have filled out a Singapore arrival card beforehand. It is a mandatory digital entry form for most travellers entering Singapore, replacing the old paper arrival card. You can do it at the airport if needed, but it is faster if you do it online before you travel. I have done it from my phone on the plane a couple of times. Submit at: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
You can also submit via the free MyICA mobile app or the SG Arrival Card app. All of these go to the same Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) system, and submission is free. If you encounter a site asking for money, you are about to be scammed. The form asks about your health status, travel details, and certain goods and cash. The SG Arrival Card is not a visa. You still need a visa if your nationality requires one.
At immigration, everyone goes through automated gates that capture their image. There are some exceptions for families and older or disabled passengers, who can be processed by staff.
Luggage collection is something Singapore prides itself on. Many people race to the luggage hall to see if they can beat their bags. Many lose. The speed of baggage processing is uncanny.
There are two customs channels. Use the red channel if you have goods that exceed your GST relief or duty-free allowances, including shopping, alcohol above 2 litres, every cigarette or gram of tobacco brought in must be declared, any prohibited or controlled items such as weapons, some medicines, certain food items, or controlled electronics, or if you carry more than SGD 20,000 in cash. Note: chewing tobacco, snuff, shisha, and all e-cigarettes, vapes, and their components cannot be brought in at all.
Getting to the City
MRT (train) Option 1: Take the train to Tanah Merah (EW4), then transfer to the East West Line for places like Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar. It is a straightforward change across platforms.
MRT (train) Option 2: Ride to Expo (CG1/DT35) and transfer to the Downtown Line if your hotel is along that line (e.g. Chinatown, Little India)
Both are 30 to 40 minutes from central Singapore.
You can pay with a contactless bank Visa/Mastercard, an EZ-Link card bought at the station, or a Singapore Tourist Pass.
Taxi / Grab / Gojek (note: Uber is not available in Singapore): Fastest and most convenient but pricier. There are designated points in the arrival halls of each terminal. They are very well organised. A ride to the central city is about 30 minutes and roughly S$25 to $45, depending on traffic and time, plus airport surcharge (S$6 to 8). Best if you have luggage, arrive late at night, or just want door-to-door to your hotel.
Public Buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, 858 run from basement bus bays at Terminals 1,2 and 3 and from Car Park 4B at T4. You pay with the EZ-Link card, Tourist Pass, or exact cash (no change given).
Tips for Navigating Singapore
Tip 1: 24-hour information counters in all terminals. These are clearly signposted with an “i” information symbol and are easy to find. They are excellent at giving directions, answering questions, and helping with common problems. Some counters have roving airport ambassadors standing in front of the information desk. At others, staff sit behind the counter. At some there are digital screens where staff assist from a remote location.
Tip 2: Lost property or people. Several thousand items are lost in Singapore every month, and by all accounts, many people lose a family member or friend every week. Information counters are the place to contact.
Tip 3: Safety and security concerns. Go straight to the nearest information counter, ask any staff member in uniform, or speak to any police or airport security officer who patrols the terminals. They can either help you directly or contact the right team to assist you. Changi is generally very safe, with visible security, CCTV everywhere, and staff throughout the terminals. Still, keep bags zipped and close to you, especially when sleeping in public areas or using charging points.
Tip 4: Bring a jumper. Changi is heavily air-conditioned throughout. Many people describe being very cold here. Even in tropical Singapore, you will want a layer!
Tip 5: Security checks are done at the gate. There is a cursory check as you enter the airside area, as the main security check is done at your boarding gate. Leave extra time for this. You cannot bring bottles of liquid into the gate areas.
Tip 6: Free drinking water dispensers are located throughout both public and transit airside areas, so you can refill your bottle. Most gates have them, so you can refill just before boarding. Note there can be queues on some routes, so be ready, patient, and efficient.
Tip 7: For better-value food, use the food courts and hawker-style spots, especially in Jewel and T3. Airport restaurants and bars can be pricey, especially for alcohol.
Tip 8: For duty-free shopping, check prices online beforehand. Not everything is cheaper at the airport, but cosmetics, perfume, and some liquor can be good value.
Tip 9: The Rooftop Pool. As mentioned, one of the great hidden pleasures of a Changi transit: a mid-flight swim. The rooftop pool is located in Terminal 1, Level 3 Departure Transit Hall near the D Gates, inside the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel. Open 12 pm to 10 pm. Cost is S$25 plus service charge and GST. Free for Aerotel hotel guests. Included: towels, showers, jacuzzi, poolside bar (drinks cost extra), and a small gym. No reservations, first-come, first-served. Children are welcome in the pool with guardians. Where else in the world can you swim between flights?
Tip 10: Quiet corners, nap areas and free movie theatres. Changi also offers free “snooze lounges” (rest areas with recliners) in all four terminals: for example, T1 Level 3, T2 Level 2 (Sanctuary, Oasis, Pavilion), T3 Level 2 near GST refund, and T4 Level 2M. These rest areas are open 24/7, have comfortable seating and charging points, and are open to all transit passengers without time limits, though they’re meant for short naps rather than full overnight sleep. Many quiet areas are near or inside the gardens (Butterfly, Sunflower, Cactus, Dreamscape), with benches and softer lighting. Free movie theatres in T2 and T3, signed as “Movie Theatre,” are popular for resting and passing time without a lounge.
Tip 11. Kids’ play areas. Canopy Park and the Sky Nets on Level 5 of the Jewel, directly above the Forest Valley. They are not free, but they are packed with family attractions. Inside the terminals, younger kids can enjoy The Slide at T3 near the public Arrival Hall in Basement 2. There are smaller indoor playgrounds labelled “Play Area/Playground” in each transit area, which parents often use as easy, free ways to let children run around between flights.
Tip 12. Charging. There are many charging points around the terminals. Singapore/Changi uses Type G, the UK-style plug with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The mains supply is 230V, 50Hz, so most modern phone and laptop chargers (rated 100-240V, 50-60Hz) work fine with just a plug adapter if needed. USB-A ports are at most seats, with USB-C appearing mainly on newer airport fixtures and in some cafes.
In conclusion, this blog post was inspired by a conversation I had during my most recent stopover in Singapore.
The other person commented on how much they enjoyed Singapore airport, but also found it overwhelming and stressful due to its size, busyness, complexity, and terminal layout.
They asked me to write something to help people like them. So here it is!
Which airport should I tackle next?
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Just to add… if you go landside and then come back air side you cannot do it a second time.