Skip to content
Singapore Changi Airport Guide (SIN)

Singapore Changi Airport Guide (SIN)

1 Review Airport Singapore
Terminals 1–4 and Jewel, free rest zones, transit hotels, 24-hour food and the MRT into Singapore: everything for a departure, arrival or long layover. Ask a question
Claim Flag
Singapore Changi Airport, photo 1 Singapore Changi Airport, photo 2 Singapore Changi Airport, photo 3 Singapore Changi Airport, photo 4 Singapore Changi Airport, photo 5 Singapore Changi Airport, photo 6+12 More
In short

Changi at Singapore's eastern end runs four terminals, T1 to T4, open around the clock landside and airside. Free rest zones and airside transit hotels make layovers easy without immigration. The centre is about 24 km away: roughly 30 minutes by taxi, or the cheaper MRT with a change at Tanah Merah. Wi-Fi is free.

By the bookingMentor Travel Desk · Updated · How we research

Whether you have a short connection, an overnight wait or are just passing through, this guide covers the services inside Changi: rest zones, lounges, WiFi, showers, lockers, 24-hour food, transit hotels and the way into Singapore.

Please note: Hotels near the airport and car hire on this page can be booked directly on bookingMentor. We list places on merit, and bookings never affect what we say about them.

What to expect

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) lies at the eastern end of Singapore, about 24 km from the city's Central Area. It is the hub of Singapore Airlines and its low-cost arm Scoot, and one of the busiest international airports in Asia. It is run by Changi Airport Group for the Singapore government.

Changi opened in 1981 and has four passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (1981), Terminal 2 (1990), Terminal 3 (2008) and Terminal 4 (2017). Jewel Changi Airport, opened in 2019, is a landside complex of gardens, shops and restaurants linked to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. A free Skytrain connects T1, T2 and T3 airside, and shuttle buses serve T4. Terminal 5 is being built for the mid-2030s.

Changi is one of the easiest airports in the world for a long wait: the terminals are open 24 hours, there are free rest zones in every terminal, transit hotels you can use without passing immigration, and a choice of food at any hour.

From Paya Lebar to Changi

Changi took over from Paya Lebar, which had been Singapore's main international airport since 1955. The first flights used the new site on 1 July 1981, and the official opening followed on 29 December 1981. The airport now has three runways, each 4,000 m long.

In 2025 Changi handled about 69.98 million passengers, up 3.4 per cent on 2024 and the highest total in its history. It has collected more than 700 awards since opening, including 28 "Best Airport" titles in 2025 alone. That reputation rests on the details covered on this page: free rest areas, transit hotels on both sides of immigration and clear signs throughout.

Jewel and Terminal 5

Jewel Changi Airport opened on 17 April 2019 in front of Terminal 1. Its centrepiece, the Rain Vortex, is an indoor waterfall 40 m high that falls through seven storeys, the tallest of its kind in the world. Jewel is landside, so arriving passengers and visitors can use it freely. Transit passengers who want to see it must pass through immigration, so check entry rules first.

Ground was broken for Terminal 5 on 14 May 2025. The new terminal is due to open in the mid-2030s and is designed for about 50 million passengers a year, which will change the airport's layout and its rail links.

Landside and airside

Throughout this guide, landside (the public area) is the part of each terminal before immigration, plus Jewel. Airside (the transit area) is after immigration, with the gates, lounges, transit hotels and free rest zones. Transit passengers can stay airside and move between T1, T2 and T3 on the Skytrain; visiting Jewel means clearing immigration.

5/5 1 review
“Singapore Changi Airport is a 5-Star Airport”
+ Show All Reviews

Good to know

  • IATA / ICAOSIN / WSSS
  • Terminals in useT1 · T2 · T3 · T4
  • Open24 hours
  • To city centre~24 km
  • Fastest to the cityMRT (East West line)
  • Free WiFiYes
  • Lounges8
  • Left luggageS$5 – S$18 a day
About this guide

How we research this airport guide

This guide is written and maintained by the bookingMentor Travel Desk. We check terminal, transport and service details against the airport's own information and the published sources listed here, and update the page when something changes.

Last updated . Prices for lounges, showers, luggage storage and hotels are as published by our sources and can change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed · Updated when rules or prices change

Checked against trusted sources:
Changi Airport Group passenger informationSleeping in AirportsEatbook.sg and Mothership 24-hour food guides

See all 6 sources
  1. Changi Airport Group passenger information
  2. Sleeping in Airports: Singapore Changi guide
  3. Eatbook.sg and Mothership 24-hour food guides
  4. Reports from bookingMentor travellers
  5. Changi Airport: leaving the airport
  6. Land Transport Authority: TELe and CRL to Changi Airport

Flight board

Departures and arrivals listed on bookingMentor for Singapore Changi Airport.

No departures from SIN are listed yet Search the airlines' fares for your dates instead. Search flights from SIN

Times are from the flights listed on bookingMentor, not a live departure feed. Always confirm with your airline before travelling.

Flight routes

Direct routes from the airport, each with its airlines, aircraft, flight time and travel tips

Direct routes

International1 destination

Airlines at this airport

Airlines with scheduled passenger flights at SIN.

Domestic carriers

2 airlines

CHECK ALL

International carriers

84 airlines

CHECK ALL

Airport lounges

Several lounges sell walk-in visits regardless of your ticket, and many are open 24 hours. Filter by what matters to you.

Plaza Premium Lounge

T1, Level 3 (transit) · 24 hours

Pay at the doorShowersRest zone24 hours

Access: From S$55 for 3 hours; private rest areas

Ambassador Transit Lounge T2

T2, Level 3 (transit) · 24 hours

Pay at the doorShowersRest zone24 hours

Access: From S$55 for 3 hours; shower-only S$20; nap suite S$120 for 6 hours

Ambassador Transit Lounge T3

T3, Level 3 (transit) · 24 hours

Pay at the doorShowersRest zone24 hours

Access: From S$55 for 3 hours; shower-only S$20; private nap suites extra

Blossom Lounge

T4, Level 2M (transit) · 24 hours

Pay at the doorShowers24 hours

Access: From S$55 for 3 hours; showers extra

Changi Lounge

Jewel, Level 1 (public area) · 6:00–22:00

Pay at the doorRest zone

Access: From S$32++ for 3 hours; nap pods by the hour

SATS Premier Lounge

T1, T2, T3 (transit) · 24 hours

Showers24 hours

Access: Lounge programmes and memberships; rest pods at T3

Marhaba Lounge

T1 and T3 (transit) · 24 hours

Pay at the doorShowers24 hours

Access: Pay per use at T3; lounge programmes

SilverKris Lounge

T2 and T3 (transit)

ShowersAirline lounge

Access: Singapore Airlines premium passengers and eligible members

Water, showers & mobile charging

Drinking water

Free drinking water points are spread through the terminals, often near the washrooms, so bring an empty bottle.

Showers

Landside, Hub & Spoke in T2 has showers for S$5 per entry (towels extra). Airside, showers are in the transit hotels and in lounges such as Ambassador (S$20 shower-only access) and Blossom (extra charge).

Mobile charging

More than 3,400 universal power outlets and USB ports are spread through the public and transit areas. Singapore uses type G sockets at 230 V.

Luggage storage & lockers

SmarteCarte runs left-luggage counters 24 hours, in the public area and the transit area of every terminal and in Jewel. Rates, as published by the source:

Left luggage rates by bag size
Bag sizePer bagPer 24 hours
SmarteCarte, by bag sizeSmall to largeS$5 – S$18
Public areasJewel L1, T2 L1, T3 L1, T4 L1
Transit areasT1 L2, T2 L2, T3 L2, T4 L2M

WiFi & connectivity

Free WiFi
Yes
Time limit
None advertised
Registration
Browser login
SIM cards
Arrival halls

Free WiFi covers the airport: connect to #WiFi@Changi, open a browser and tap the WiFi logo to log in.

Food & drinks

Changi is one of the few airports where you can eat well at any hour: several outlets in each terminal open 24 hours, in the public and transit areas. Hours change, so check before you go.

Heavenly Wang
T1 Departure Hall #02-03; also T2 Arrival Hall
Kopi, kaya toast and local breakfasts
Open 24 hours
Kaffe & Toast
T1 public area Level 2; T2 Level 1
Halal-certified toast, coffee and local dishes
Open 24 hours
Jamba
T1 Viewing Mall #03-19B
Smoothies and juices
Open 24 hours
Anjappar
Public area #03-20
South Indian Chettinad food
Open 24 hours
Cookhouse by Koufu
Public area food court
Food court with Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls
Open 24 hours
McDonald's
T2 Departure Hall
Burgers and breakfast
Open 24 hours
Jones the Grocer
T2 Departure Hall
Café and deli
Open 24 hours
Chatterbox Express
Transit Hall #02-52
Hainanese chicken rice and local favourites
6:00–2:00

More airport information

Search for what you need: try "rest", "shower", "bag", "tour" or "gym".

Car hireCounters in each arrival hall.
Changi Airport Connector3.5 km walking and cycling path to East Coast Park.
Charging pointsMore than 3,400 power outlets and USB ports.
Free rest zonesIn the transit area of every terminal (T1 L3, T2 L2/L3, T3 L2, T4 L2M).
Free Singapore tourFrom T2 for eligible transit passengers, subject to immigration rules and layover time.
GymHub & Spoke T2: gym pods from S$7.50, classes from S$10.
Jewel Changi AirportLandside gardens, shops and restaurants linked to T1, T2 and T3.
Luggage storageSmarteCarte, 24 hours, public and transit areas of every terminal and Jewel.
ShowersHub & Spoke T2 (S$5), transit hotels and several lounges.
SkytrainFree between T1, T2 and T3, 5:00–2:00; shuttle buses to T4.
Transit hotelsChangi Transit Hotel (T1) and Ambassador Transit Hotels (T2, T3), no immigration needed.
Water pointsFree drinking water across the terminals.
WiFiFree on #WiFi@Changi.

Airport hours

Terminal
Open 24 hours
Overnight access
Open to all (airside: boarding pass)

The public areas and transit areas are open around the clock. The Skytrain runs from 5:00 to 2:00, and the MRT does not run overnight, so late arrivals use taxis or ride-hailing.

Arriving and departing, step by step

What happens between the aircraft door and the taxi stand, in order, so nothing catches you out.

Arriving

From the plane to the city

  1. 1
    Transit or arrive?

    If you are connecting, follow the transfer signs and stay airside; otherwise follow the signs to immigration.

  2. 2
    Immigration

    Clear immigration in your terminal's arrival hall.

  3. 3
    Baggage and customs

    Collect your bags from the belt shown on the screens, then pass customs.

  4. 4
    Arrival hall

    Taxi stands are in every arrival hall, 24 hours. For the MRT, go to Changi Airport station between T2 and T3; buses leave from the basement bus bays.

Departing

From the kerb to the gate

  1. 1
    Check in

    Check in at your airline's terminal; Jewel also has early check-in counters.

  2. 2
    Immigration

    Pass immigration into the transit area. Security screening is usually at the gate.

  3. 3
    Transit area

    Use the free rest zones, lounges, gardens and food; the Skytrain links T1, T2 and T3.

  4. 4
    Gate

    Be at the gate in time for its screening and boarding.

Getting to & from the airport

Changi is at the eastern end of Singapore. Taxis and ride-hailing take about 30 minutes to the centre; the MRT and buses are cheaper but slower and stop overnight. Take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) under Terminals 2 and 3, and change at Tanah Merah (EW4) for the East West Line towards Tuas Link, which runs through the city centre. For the Downtown Line, ride one stop to Expo (CG1/DT35) and change there for Bukit Panjang. According to the airport, trains start at 05:31 on weekdays and Saturdays, and the last one leaves at 00:06 every day. Check the SMRT journey planner for current times, especially early on Sundays. The rail link is going to change. The Land Transport Authority plans to convert the three stations from Tanah Merah to Changi Airport into Thomson-East Coast Line stations, and a new interchange at Terminal 5 with the Cross Island Line will give a direct rail connection between the airport and the city centre. Expect closures and weekend service changes on this short stretch while the work goes on, and allow extra time if you travel by train on a day with works.

Car hire

Best for: Driving in Singapore and Malaysia
Book on bookingMentor
DesksEvery arrival hall
HoursVary by company
BookIn advance

Car rental counters are in each arrival hall. Compare and book car hire on bookingMentor before you travel.

Book car hire on bookingMentor

MRT (East West line)

Best for: Daytime trips on a budget
Budget
StationBetween T2 and T3
Change atTanah Merah or Expo
HoursNot overnight

Changi Airport station is underground between Terminals 2 and 3, on a branch of the East West line. There is no direct train to the centre: change at Tanah Merah (East West line) or Expo (Downtown line).

Bus

Best for: Light luggage
Budget
Services24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, 858
StopsBasement bus bays
PayCard, wallet or exact cash

Public buses loop through Terminals 1–3 from the basement bus bays; some continue to T4, whose stop is beside Car Park 4B.

Taxi

Best for: Late arrivals, groups
Mid-range
To the centre~30 min
StandsEvery arrival hall
Availability24 hours

Taxi stands are in all four arrival halls around the clock. An airport surcharge applies to every trip from the airport, and midnight and peak surcharges may apply.

Ride-hailing

Best for: Fixed app prices
Mid-range
PickupDesignated areas
Availability24 hours
BookIn the app

Ride-hailing cars pick up from the designated area of each terminal; book in the app once you have your bags.

Limousine

Best for: Families and business trips
Premium
BookingGround Transport Concierge
PickupArrival halls
Availability24 hours

Limousines and larger cars are arranged at the Ground Transport Concierge in the arrival halls.

Skytrain and T4 shuttle

Best for: Changing terminals
Free
CostFree
Skytrain5:00 – 2:00
T4 shuttle10 – 18 min

The free Skytrain links T1, T2 and T3 in both public and transit areas; when it stops, walk the travelators or link bridges. Free shuttle buses run to Terminal 4.

Security & safety

Changi is very safe, but popular rest spots fill quickly and it is still an airport: keep an eye on your bags, especially when sleeping.

1Keep bags zipped and closeLock or zip your bags and keep valuables on you while you rest.
2Carry your boarding passStaff may check passports and boarding passes in the transit area at night.
3Use official taxisTake taxis from the stands in the arrival halls, or ride-hailing from the designated pickup areas.
4Mind the Skytrain hoursIt stops between 2:00 and 5:00; walk the travelators between terminals then.
Pro tip: the free rest zones fill up late at night. Head to the less busy terminal's zone, or book a transit hotel room early.
Contribute:
Md. Aminur Rahman156 photos86 Reviews

Singapore Changi Airport is a 5-Star Airport

September 2022 · Solo

Changi Airport Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. Whether you're arriving, departing, or stopping by on a layover, there is something to do for everyone.

They say it's one of the best airports in the world. The truth is that on the inside, although I did not go through it all, it is impressive. There are fountains and green everywhere, and completely clean. Also, it connects well with the rest of Asia, which is why its the nucleus of the trips in this part of the world.

Photo from this reviewPhoto from this reviewPhoto from this reviewPhoto from this reviewPhoto from this reviewPhoto from this review
Was This Review…?

Visitors are asking

Still looking?

Get an answer from the bookingMentor travel team and travellers who have flown through Changi Airport.

Sleeping at the airport

Changi is one of the best airports in the world for an overnight wait. Every terminal has free rest zones airside, there are transit hotels you can use without passing immigration, and food is available all night. Landside is less comfortable, with fewer good spots.

Landside sleep spots

LandsidePublic areas

Open 24 hours, but with fewer good places to lie down than airside.

Airside sleep spots

AirsideT1 rest zone

Level 3, Departure Transit Hall East. Free, first come, first served.

AirsideT2 rest zones

Level 3 near the Sunflower Garden; Level 2 Oasis Lounge opposite E11; near Cocoa Trees; and the North Pier opposite E5.

AirsideT3 rest zone

Level 2, Departure Transit Hall South, near the GST refund counters.

AirsideT4 rest zone

Level 2M, Departure Transit Hall.

Rest & relaxation zones

Changi has free rest zones in every terminal's transit area: T1 Level 3 (Departure Transit Hall East); T2 Level 3 near the Sunflower Garden, the Level 2 Oasis Lounge opposite E11, near Cocoa Trees and the North Pier opposite E5; T3 Level 2 near the GST refund counters; and T4 Level 2M. They are first come, first served and fill quickly at night.

Cots for sleeping

Cots are not known to be handed out; ask your airline's desk if you are stranded. With free rest zones and transit hotels in every terminal, they are rarely needed; if your flight is cancelled, your airline arranges accommodation.

Sleep pods, day rooms & transit hotel

When a free rest zone is not enough, these are the paid options for rest and privacy, most of them without passing immigration.

Nearest hotel
Walking distance (T3)
Sleep cabins & pods
Yes
Day rooms
Yes

Changi Transit Hotel Airside

T1, Level 3, near Gate D40

Hourly rooms in the transit area, with a pool, a fitness corner and a restaurant.

PoolFitnessShowers

Ambassador Transit Hotel T2 Airside

T2, Transit Mall South, Level 3

Day rooms in 6-hour blocks in the transit area of Terminal 2.

Day roomsNo immigration

Ambassador Transit Hotel T3 Airside

T3, Departure Transit Hall, Level 3

The same day-room blocks in the transit area of Terminal 3.

Day roomsNo immigration

YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Landside

Jewel, Level 4

Cabins by the hour in Jewel; you need to clear immigration to reach it.

Queen bedsShowersWiFi

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Landside

About 3 minutes' walk from T3

A full hotel next to Terminal 3, no shuttle needed.

Walk from T3

Layover sightseeing

With several hours between flights you can see Jewel's gardens and Rain Vortex landside, join the free Singapore tour from T2 if you are eligible, or take a taxi to the centre, about 30 minutes away.

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay covers 101 hectares of reclaimed land beside the Marina Reservoir in central Singapore, next to the Marina Bay Sands resort. It was planned a...

No reviews yet
More info Explore destination
CHECK ALL

Layover planner

Tell us how long you have and whether you can leave the secure area.

How long is your layover?

Immigration, security and Singapore traffic are already factored in.

Popular car hire destinations

Explore more options to hire a car for cheap

Need help?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Everything travellers ask before flying through Singapore.
Checked against the airport's information and the sources listed below.

Getting there

Yes, on both sides of immigration in all four terminals. Staff may ask to see your passport and boarding pass in the transit area at night, so keep them to hand while you rest.