Singapore Changi Airport
Lapangan Terbang Changi Singapura
Singapore, Singapore · Since 1981
Last updated:
About SIN
Singapore Changi Airport is consistently rated as the world's best airport, winning the Skytrax World's Best Airport award for 12 consecutive years. This remarkable facility is much more than an airport - it is a destination in itself, featuring the stunning Jewel Changi complex with the world's tallest indoor waterfall (the Rain Vortex), extensive indoor gardens, a canopy park with walking nets and hedge maze, and over 280 retail and dining outlets. The airport comprises four terminals connected by the automated Skytrain, with each terminal offering unique gardens, art installations, and entertainment options that make layovers genuinely enjoyable.
Why "SIN"?
SIN comes from the first three letters of Singapore. The ICAO code WSSS uses WS for Singapore (W = South Pacific region, S = Singapore) followed by SS for Changi.
Hub For
Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar Asia
Airlines Operating
Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar Asia, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM, Air France, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Philippine Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, ANA, China Airlines, Eva Air, Air India, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Finnair, SAS Scandinavian, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways
Terminals
Terminal 1
The original terminal, extensively renovated with a rooftop cactus garden and koi pond. Connected to Jewel Changi via a direct link. Home to many international carriers including Qantas, Lufthansa, and JAL.
Terminal 2
Features the stunning Enchanted Garden and Sunflower Garden on the rooftop. Major renovation completed with new retail and F&B options. Direct MRT station access.
Terminal 3
The most modern of the original terminals with dramatic architecture featuring a 5-story glass facade. Home to Singapore Airlines long-haul operations and the famous Butterfly Garden with over 1,000 butterflies.
Terminal 4
Opened in 2017 with a focus on self-service technology and the Heritage Zone recreating 1930s-era Singapore shophouses. Separate from T1-T3 (shuttle bus required). Handles mainly regional low-cost carriers.
Jewel Changi Airport
Not a terminal but a stunning nature-themed entertainment complex connected to T1. Features the world's tallest indoor waterfall (Rain Vortex), Canopy Park with attractions, 280+ shops and restaurants. Open to all passengers and visitors.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at SIN
Singapore Airlines
Terminal 3 Hub
Jetstar
Terminal 1
Scoot
Terminal 1
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air India
Air Japan
Showing 8 of 79 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) connects directly from Terminal 2 and 3 to the city center in about 30 minutes (around S$2.50). Changi Airport station is on the East-West Line with easy transfers to other lines. Public buses run to various parts of Singapore including 24-hour services. Taxis are metered with typical fares to the city around S$20-40 plus airport surcharge. Grab (ride-hailing) is widely used with pickup points at all terminals. Private limousine services available for booking. Direct buses to Malaysia (Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur) also depart from the airport.
Taxi
S$20-40 depending on destination and time (surcharges apply midnight-6am and peak hours)
20-30 minutes to city center
Public Transport
S$2-3 via MRT
30-45 minutes to Orchard/Marina Bay to city center
Nearby Alternative Airports
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - 1 hour flight, budget carrier hub. Jakarta (CGK) - 1.5 hour flight. Johor Bahru Senai (JHB) - accessible by bus, budget option for flights to Malaysia.
Parking at SIN
Singapore Changi offers multiple parking options across all terminals. Short-term parking is available directly at each terminal, while long-term parking at T3 Basement provides the best rates for ext...
Terminal 1 Short-Term
Terminal 2 Short-Term
Terminal 3 Short-Term
Terminal 3 Long-Term
Airport Lounges
Singapore Airlines The Private Room
Terminal 3
Ultra-exclusive lounge for SQ First Class and Suites passengers. À la carte dining by renowned chefs, private relaxation rooms, luxury spa services.
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge
Terminal 3
Flagship Singapore Airlines lounge with elegant design, exceptional food including hawker-style dishes, premium bar, and dedicated First Class section.
Aerotel Transit Hotel
Terminal 2
Not just a lounge but a proper transit hotel with private rooms, pool access, gym, and library. Minimum 6-hour stay.
Qantas Singapore Lounge
Terminal 1
Premium lounge with Australian-inspired design, barista coffee, full bar, and hot food buffet. Neil Perry menu items available.
Blossom Lounge
Terminal 4
Modern lounge in T4 with floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary design, and quality hot food options including local favorites.
Ambassador Transit Lounge
Terminal 2
Unique lounge offering private rest areas and day rooms in addition to standard lounge amenities. Excellent for long layovers.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 1
Popular independent lounge with Asian and Western food options, shower facilities, and comfortable seating. Can get crowded during peak hours.
dnata Lounge
Terminal 2
Spacious lounge with good food selection, dedicated quiet zone, and family-friendly facilities.
Marhaba Lounge
Terminal 3
Well-maintained independent lounge with good mix of local and Western food. Halal food options available.
SATS Premier Lounge
Terminal 1
Reliable lounge option with local Singaporean dishes, shower rooms, and business facilities.
Where to Stay
Transit Hotels (Airside)
Ambassador Transit Hotel T3
Airside, Level 3 Terminal 3
Comfortable transit hotel in T3 transit area with private rooms, shared facilities, and day-use options. Perfect for long layovers.
Ambassador Transit Hotel T1
Airside, Level 3 Terminal 1
Same quality as T3 location, convenient for T1 passengers with layovers of 6+ hours.
Aerotel Singapore
Airside, Level 3 Terminal 2
Award-winning transit hotel located within the transit area - no need to clear immigration. Features include outdoor pool, gym, library, and private rooms. Minimum 6-hour booking.
Connected Hotels
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport, Level 4
Premium cabin hotel in Jewel with tech-forward design. Cabins feature SmartBeds, rain showers, and mood lighting. 24/7 check-in via self-service kiosks. Landside - requires immigration clearance.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Connected to Terminal 3 via covered bridge
Full-service luxury hotel directly connected to T3. Features pool, multiple restaurants, spa, and soundproofed rooms. The only hotel with direct airside access.
Nearby Hotels
Village Hotel Changi
10-minute drive from terminals
Excellent value hotel near the airport with free shuttle service. Pool, gym, and proximity to Changi Village hawker center for authentic local food.
Capri by Fraser Changi City
15-minute drive, near Changi Business Park
Modern serviced residences near the airport. Full kitchen, pool, gym. Free shuttle to terminals. Great for extended stays.
Food & Dining
Singapore Food Street
Singaporean Hawker
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Recreates the authentic Singapore hawker experience with classic dishes: Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, satay. Multiple stalls under one roof.
24 hours
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Cafe
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Reliable cafe for coffee, pastries, and light meals. Good for quick bites.
24 hours
Crystal Jade Kitchen
Chinese
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Popular Hong Kong-style restaurant serving dim sum, roast meats, and Cantonese favorites. Excellent xiao long bao.
6am-11pm
Staff Canteen
Local/International
Terminal 2 (Landside)
Hidden gem! The airport staff canteen is open to public and offers incredibly cheap local food. Authentic and budget-friendly.
24 hours
Harry's Bar
Western/Bar
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Popular Singapore chain bar serving drinks, burgers, and bar snacks. Good for a beer while waiting for flights.
10am-3am
Peach Garden Noodle House
Chinese
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Cantonese restaurant known for traditional recipes and noodle dishes. Their roast duck is highly recommended.
6am-midnight
Car Rental
Hertz
Basement 1 Car Park
Counter at T3 arrivals. Good selection of luxury vehicles.
Avis
T2 Arrivals Hall
Pick up directly at terminal. Avis Preferred members can skip the counter.
Budget
T3 Arrivals Hall
Budget option with good rates for longer rentals.
Europcar
T1 Arrivals Hall
European brand with good selection of compact cars.
National
T3 Car Park B1
Good for business travelers. Emerald Club members benefit.
What to Do During a Layover
Free City Tour Available!
Free Singapore Tour available for transit passengers with 5.5+ hours layover. Two routes: Heritage Tour (Chinatown, Merlion Park) and City Sights Tour (Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay). Book at Free Singapore Tour booths in Transit areas. Tours run every 2-3 hours, duration 2.5 hours.
Inside the Airport
Butterfly Garden
Stunning tropical garden in Terminal 3 with over 1,000 butterflies from 40 species. Features a 6-meter grotto waterfall. Open 24 hours.
Sunflower Garden
Rooftop garden on Terminal 2 filled with sunflowers. Beautiful for photos, especially in daylight. Includes viewing deck of the runway.
Cactus Garden
Rooftop garden in Terminal 1 featuring over 100 species of cacti and arid plants. Also has a bar for drinks with a view.
The Slide @ T3
Singapore's tallest slide at 4 stories high (12 meters). Located in Terminal 3. Spend S$10 at the airport to get a free ride!
Jewel Rain Vortex
The world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, surrounded by a lush forest valley. Free to view from all levels of Jewel. Light and sound show every evening at 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm.
Gaming Corner
Free gaming stations with Xbox and PlayStation consoles in Terminals 2 and 3. Entertainment zones also include LAN gaming areas.
Spa & Massage
Multiple spa options including Be Relax Spa, Wellness Oasis, and traditional reflexology. Fish spa also available. Prices from S$40 for foot massage.
Pokémon Center Singapore
Official Pokémon Center located in Jewel. Singapore-exclusive merchandise available. Free entry, paradise for Pokémon fans.
Canopy Park
Rooftop attraction complex in Jewel featuring Sky Nets (bouncing and walking nets), Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, Topiary Walk, and Discovery Slides. All-access pass includes all attractions.
Swimming Pool (Aerotel)
Outdoor rooftop pool at Aerotel in Terminal 2. Day passes available for non-guests. Includes pool, jacuzzi, and loungers. Great for relaxing during long layovers.
Movie Theatre
Free 24-hour movie theaters in Terminals 2 and 3 showing recent releases on comfortable reclining seats. No booking required.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Gardens by the Bay (City Visit)
Visit the iconic Supertree Grove (free outdoor areas) or the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories (paid). 20 minutes from airport by taxi.
Marina Bay Sands Visit
Visit the famous Marina Bay Sands observation deck for stunning views of Singapore. Rooftop infinity pool is for hotel guests only. 25 minutes from airport.
Free Singapore Tour
Official free city tour for transit passengers. Two routes available: Heritage Tour visits Chinatown and Merlion Park; City Sights Tour explores Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. Tours depart every 2-3 hours, duration 2.5 hours.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●●
- Power Outlets: Type G (UK), USB ports throughout
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: S$4-12 per item per day depending on size
- Showers: Free in lounges, S$10-15 at Rainforest Lounge
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD/S$)
- Exchange: Multiple locations in all terminals, both airside and landside
- Hours: 24 hours daily in Terminals 1, 2, 3
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Singapore and often not expected. Service charge (10%) is usually included in restaurant bills. Rounding up taxi fare is appreciated but not required.
Rates at the airport are competitive. ATMs are widely available for SGD withdrawal.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms located in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (airside, after immigration). No smoking areas landside - Singapore has strict anti-smoking laws with heavy fines.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +65 6595 6868
- Email: [email protected]
Lost & Found counters at all terminals. Items kept for 3 months. Online claim form available on Changi Airport website.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Citizens of most Western countries, Japan, South Korea, and many others receive visa-free entry for 30-90 days. Indian and Chinese citizens may need a visa in advance. Singapore offers a 96-hour Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) for certain nationalities.
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Completed SG Arrival Card (electronic) within 3 days before arrival. Proof of onward travel. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from affected areas.
When to Fly
Best time: February to April (least rainfall). Avoid December-January (monsoon season with heavy rain).
Peak seasons: December-January (holidays), June-July (summer holidays), Chinese New Year period
Insider Tips
Do not just transit - explore Jewel and the terminal gardens even if you have just a few hours. The Heritage Zone in T4 recreates Singapore's colonial shophouses. Book the free city tour online in advance as spots fill up quickly. Changi's efficiency is legendary - immigration typically takes minutes, not hours. Consider applying for the Frequent Traveller Programme for expedited clearance on repeat visits. Terminal 4 uses automated check-in and immigration but has fewer facilities than T1-3. The Jewel connector from T1 means all passengers can access Jewel without clearing immigration. Early morning arrivals should note that Jewel opens at 10am but airport facilities are 24/7.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Jewel Changi is the star attraction - a 10-story complex featuring the Rain Vortex waterfall, Canopy Park (with mirror maze, hedge maze, bouncing nets, and walking nets), over 280 shops and restaurants, and IMAX cinema. Each terminal has themed gardens including the Butterfly Garden (T3), Sunflower Garden (T2), Orchid Garden (T2), and Cactus Garden (T1). Free Singapore city tours for transit passengers with layovers of 5.5+ hours. 24-hour entertainment decks with gaming consoles and movie theaters. Swimming pool and jacuzzi at Aerotel in T1. Free unlimited WiFi. Ambassador Transit Hotels in Terminals 2 and 3. Extensive duty-free shopping. Over 70 lounge options across all terminals.
Official Website
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Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore, Singapore
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