Located in the eastern part of Singapore, Changi Airport stands as a gateway to the Lion City. Its strategic location, approximately 17.2 kilometres from the city centre, ensures seamless connectivity for travellers. Whether you’re arriving or departing, the airport’s proximity to major highways and public transportation networks makes it a breeze to access. The Changi Airport MRT station links directly to the terminals, whisking passengers to various corners of the island.
Singapore Changi Airport has been awarded as the best airport in the world by Skytrax since 2013. The airport with a breathtaking design is located 17km from Marina Bay and belongs among 20 world’s largest airports.
There are four terminals at the airport, each with something special in them:
Terminal 1: The pioneer terminal, where travellers are greeted by a stunning Kinetic Rain sculpture and a rooftop swimming pool.
Terminal 2: A tropical paradise with sunlit gardens, including the enchanting Sunflower Garden.
Terminal 3: Home to the iconic Jewel Changi Airport, where the Rain Vortex steals the show. Explore the Canopy Park, dine amidst greenery, and shop at luxury boutiques.
Terminal 4: Compact yet efficient, it features automated check-in kiosks and a Heritage Zone celebrating Singapore’s past.
All in all, the whole airport offers multiple options for shopping, dining, lounges, relaxation areas, gardens, park, bouncing net, entertainment centres and so much more.
It is a hub to Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, Scoot, Tigerair and Jetstar.
There are direct flights from Manchester and London Heathrow with Singapur Airlines and with British Airways from London (flight time of around 13 hours)
Many other large airlines also offer flights from the UK to Singapore with 1 layover at their hubs with total flight times around 15-16 hours and longer, depending on the duration of the layover.
To check Singaporean rules on importing alcohol or tobacco, we recommend reading the official customs information.
The airport is open 24/7.
Singapore Changi Airport Transit
There is a shuttle train running between all 4 Terminals between 5:00 - 2:30 and a shuttle bus from 2:30 - 5:00.
If you change flight bought on the same ticket, 45 minutes should be enough for a comfortable transit as you do not need to leave transit area and your baggage travels to the final destination.
For connections on 2 separate flights allow at least 2-2.5 hours for your transit.
There are free guided city tours available for passengers with layovers longer than 5 hours. The tour takes 2.5 hours, happening six times a day. More details and registrations are possible to obtain at Free Singapore Tours kiosks at Terminal 2 and 3.
Reward yourself with Changi Dollar Vouchers valued from S$20 when you transit through Singapore on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or Air New Zealand. Changi Dollar Vouchers can be used for shopping or lounge access.
Singapore Changi Airport Transfer
Airport – City (train)
To get to the city, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) to Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4), then transfer to the East West Line towards Tuas Link MRT Station (EW33).
Alternatively, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station to Expo MRT Station (CG1/DT35), then transfer to the Downtown Line towards Bukit Panjang MRT Station (BP6/DT1).
To get to Pasir Ris, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then take the East West Line towards Pasir Ris MRT Station (EW1).
From Changi Airport MRT Station to Tanah Merah MRT Station:
Single-ride tickets and EZ-link cards can be purchased at all train stations from ticket machines.
Fares
One way range
1.80 SGDcurrently £1.03
-
2.40 SGDcurrently £1.38
All day (can use on both metro and buses)
20 SGDcurrently £11.49
Airport – City (public bus)
Terminals 1, 2 and 3: Bus stops are located at the basement bus bays. You can take buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110 and 858 from there.
Terminal 4: At the bus stop next to Car Park 4B, you can take buses 24, 34, 36 and 110. At the bus stop near the SATS Inflight Catering Centre 1, you can take buses 27, 53 and 858.
Prepare the exact fare for your trip as no change will be given.
Buses operate from 6:00 – 0:00. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Taxis are available for hire at the taxi stands in the Arrival areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. A ride to the city takes about 30 minutes and costs between S$20 and S$40. All fares are metered.
There is an additional Airport Surcharge for all trips originating from the Airport:
Fri–Sun (5:00 PM–12:00 AM): S$5 Airport Surcharge
All other times: S$3 Airport Surcharge
Midnight surcharge (12:00 AM–6:00 AM): 50% of the final metered fare
Peak-hour surcharge (6:00 AM–9:30 AM, Mon–Fri and 6:00 PM–12:00 AM, Mon-Sun): 25% of the final metered fare
Fares range from
20 SGDcurrently £11.49
-
25 SGDcurrently £14.37
depending on distance and if used during peak/night hours or other times.
Booked on BA flight from Heathrow to Singapore with 1hr 25 mins fuel stop in Singapore.
What actually happens in Singapore?
Do we leave the plane?
Do we have access to duty free shops in Changi Airport?
Can i have duty free cigarettes bought in Heathrow for Sydney in Changi Airport? In theory no dutyfree cigarettes are allowed into Singapore.
Hi Ian,
Apologies for late reply. This often depends on the airline how they deal with the fuel stops as various destinations may have different measures in place (some may be temporary, some permanent). There is a chance you will disembark the plane. At Terminals 1, 2 and 3, security screening is conducted at the boarding gates so you’d have to allow enough time for go to the duty shop and back to catch your flight. Please mind, you might not have the whole 1hr 25 mins, as that time is often counted from when plane starts taxing or gets to the gate. You will get the best, most acurate answer for this from the cabin crew on your flight.
The duty free cigarettes – as they meant to be for Australia and not Singapore I wouldn’t see a problem in that. Keep all your receipts, and the duty bag sealed during the layover. You can’t import untaxed tobacco into Singapore , but technically you will not enter Singapore during your fuel stop.
Booked on BA flight from Heathrow to Singapore with 1hr 25 mins fuel stop in Singapore.
What actually happens in Singapore?
Do we leave the plane?
Do we have access to duty free shops in Changi Airport?
Can i have duty free cigarettes bought in Heathrow for Sydney in Changi Airport? In theory no dutyfree cigarettes are allowed into Singapore.
Hi Ian,
Apologies for late reply. This often depends on the airline how they deal with the fuel stops as various destinations may have different measures in place (some may be temporary, some permanent). There is a chance you will disembark the plane. At Terminals 1, 2 and 3, security screening is conducted at the boarding gates so you’d have to allow enough time for go to the duty shop and back to catch your flight. Please mind, you might not have the whole 1hr 25 mins, as that time is often counted from when plane starts taxing or gets to the gate. You will get the best, most acurate answer for this from the cabin crew on your flight.
The duty free cigarettes – as they meant to be for Australia and not Singapore I wouldn’t see a problem in that. Keep all your receipts, and the duty bag sealed during the layover. You can’t import untaxed tobacco into Singapore , but technically you will not enter Singapore during your fuel stop.