Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is the main airport in the Republic of Singapore and one of the world’s most important aviation hubs.
The airport, commonly called just Changi, or “The Airport” by locals, is located on the eastern tip of the island, about 24 km from the Downtown core, where most tourist attractions are located.
In 2024, Singapore Changi Airport handled more than 67 million passengers, ranking as the 15th busiest airport in the world. It is the main transit gateway for flights within Southeast Asia, as well as between Europe and Australia (the former Kangaroo Route).
Changi is consistently rated as one of the world’s best airports, often topping rankings for quality, amenities, and efficiency.
Major Airlines - Singapore Airlines, Scoot
Singapore Airlines, the flag carrier, is the dominant airline at the airport. It operates from Terminal 3 and offers direct flights to over 75 destinations. Singapore Airlines serves more than 5000 flights monthly.
Its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, is a major budget airline in the region. It flies more than 2,400 flights per month to nearly all countries in Southeast and East Asia, as well as to Australia and Europe. Scoot operates from Terminal 1.
Foreign airlines with more than 300 flights per month to and from Changi include the Indian low-cost IndiGo, the largest low-cost airline in Southeast Asia, AirAsia, and China Eastern Airlines, which serves 10 destinations in Singapore’s largest market - Mainland China.
Important airlines from the region that serve Changi also include VietJet Air, Cebu Pacific Air, Jetstar, Garuda Indonesia, Thai Lion Air, and Batik Air.
Given its status as a global hub, it’s not a surprise that some of the world’s largest carriers provide scheduled direct flights to and from Singapore. Big airlines at SIN include United Airlines, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Air New Zealand, among others.
Changi hosts roughly 100 airlines operating in excess of 7400 weekly flights to 163 cities across 49 countries and territories.
To see a list of airlines at SIN, click here.
Terminal Layout of Changi Airport
Changi currently has four operational terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4), plus the Jewel complex.
Each terminal supports both departures and arrivals. Terminals are interconnected via Skytrains (between terminals), shuttle buses, and walking, where feasible.
Uniquely, Changi terminals are all connected airside. Arriving at any of T1, T2, or T3 allows you to freely walk between them without crossing Immigration or Security. T4 offers a complimentary airside connecting bus service to T1/T2/T3 for passengers holding a valid ticket.
Airport security at Changi is performed at the individual gates, and there is no Security check when crossing from landside to airside - only Immigration.
Effectively, this makes it almost irrelevant which terminal your airline flies from or lands at. You can quickly move between all terminals. Signs, helpful staff, and information displays make transit within the airport a breeze.
As a guide, here are some airlines based in each terminal:
Terminal 1: Scoot, Qantas, Air China, Emirates.
Terminal 2: IndiGo, Air India, ANA, Air Canada.
Terminal 3: Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines.
Terminal 4: Most low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, VietJet Air, Cebu Pacific, and Jetstar.
The airport is in advanced planning for a Terminal 5 (T5), part of the Changi East development. When complete, T5 is expected to nearly double the number of passengers annually and will feature a dedicated ground transport centre, as well as streamlined access by rail, bus, taxi, and other modes of transportation. It is due to open in the mid-2030s.
The planned T5 will be connected via a 2.5 km underground link (automated people-mover + baggage tunnel) to T2 and the rest of the terminals.
Lastly, the famous Jewel is a mixed-use retail space featuring the largest indoor waterfall in the world. It is situated between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and is directly connected to Terminal 1. However, note that the Jewel is landside and cannot be visited while in transit at SIN, unless you clear Immigration.
See all destinations you can reach by direct flight from Singapore.
Connecting Flights and Transit at Changi
Having a layover at Singapore Changi Airport shouldn’t scare anybody. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best airports in the world to be stuck at and offers plenty of unique attractions and amenities for those in transit.
All terminals of Changi are connected airside. Upon landing, you will enter the secure airside area without the need to clear Security (Terminal 4 is an exception in this regard).
For transferring between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, you can use the Skytrain or walk. From Terminal 4, you can connect to the rest using an airside bus (you must have a confirmed ticket).
Connecting under the same PNR reservation code usually means that your luggage will be checked through to your final destination. The airline guarantees your transit, and you can remain within the airside area until your next flight.
If you’re doing a self-transfer, for example, two flights with different airlines, you have to re-check your luggage. This will require clearing Immigration in order to retrieve it. If you travel with just carry-on luggage, you can remain airside.
Each terminal has a transfer desk where you can collect your next boarding pass, if you don’t have it already.
For international-international connections or international-domestic, Changi usually recommends 90 minutes to 2 hours, though for many intra-airport connections, especially among T1-T3, 60 minutes is often enough if bags are checked through.
Note that the airport security checks are performed at individual gates, so go to your gate in advance to allow enough time for this procedure. Also note that Changi does not have any airport announcements or boarding calls!
If your transit time is between 5.5 and 24 hours, you may be eligible to participate in the Free Singapore Tour. There are 4 guided tours to choose from, and you must book your slot in advance (at least 2 weeks in advance is recommended, as these are popular). Book on the official Changi Airport website.
Unique things to do in Changi Airport
Changi Airport often gets rewards for being one of the (if not the) best airports in the world. One reason for this is the numerous unique amenities at the airport, which are mostly free of charge, offering options for relaxation and entertainment for travelers.
All of these are located airside and free to use for all passengers:
Play areas for kids, like the 2 Bears Hideout in T2.
Over 10 different garden areas, such as the Butterfly Garden in T3, the Cactus Garden in T1, the Crystal Garden in T3, the Discovery Garden in T1, the Dreamscape in T2, and the Sunflower Garden in T2.
The Entertainment Deck in T2 has Xbox Kinects, PlayStations, and an MTV Booth.
The movie theater in T3 plays recently released feature films.
The Free Singapore Tour can be joined by anyone with a layover between 5.5 and 24 hours and does not require an additional visa.
While not free, the Aerotel Transit Hotel offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and shower facilities for a $25 pass.
Free Wi-Fi at Changi Airport
Free, fast WiFi is available throughout all terminals and public areas. To use, connect to the “#WiFi@Changi” network, which will automatically launch the welcome page in your browser. Click connect and enjoy! There is no need to register.
The network is not limited in time or bandwidth, though you may need to reconnect if you change terminals.
Charging stations are plentiful throughout the airport and feature both Type G (the British Standard) and Type C (European Standard).
Lounges and some restaurants usually provide dedicated WiFi networks, though they are not always better than the public Wi-Fi, which is quite good for an airport network.
Lounges at Singapore Changi Airport
Changi has many lounge options: airline-specific, alliance-based, and pay-per-use.
Pay-per-use lounges include:
Changi Lounge in Jewel (Level 1), open daily 6:00-22:00, with snack bars, showers, nap rooms, and meeting rooms. You can pick a package and pay according to the number of inclusions, between S$28-50 for 3 hours. Note that this lounge is landside.
Plaza Premium Lounge in T1 (above Gate C1) and T4 (on Level 2M), both open 24/7.
Ambassador Transit Lounge in T2 (on Level 3) and T3 (next to the Movie Theatre), both open 24/7.
JetQuay in T2, on level 2. It’s open between 06:15 and 19:00 daily.
Airline lounges include:
Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris in Terminal 2.
Qantas Business Lounge and Qantas First Lounge, both in T1.
Emirates Lounge in T1.
Cathay Pacific Lounge in T4.
For access and eligibility criteria, inquire with the respective lounge.
Other notable lounges within Changi include several SATS Premier lounges in T1, T2, and T3, as well as the Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge in T4.
All lounges offer some kind of complimentary food and drinks, often buffet-style, more comfortable places to sit or work than in the public areas of the airport, and dedicated Wi-Fi access. Many of the lounges, especially the airline-specific ones, also offer shower facilities.
Dining Options at SIN
Singapore is notorious for its foodie culture and delicious and affordable food. Its main airport, Changi, is a microcosm of the country and offers extensive and varied food & beverage options throughout the terminals.
The best way to experience Singapore’s culinary side is to check out one of the food courts on Level 3 of each T1, T2, or T3. You can taste some of the country’s famous dishes in an atmosphere similar to the hawker centers throughout the island nation. What’s more, all food courts are open 24/7. Best of all, prices are surprisingly affordable for an international airport.
Other airside options include several fast food establishments like Burger King, McDonald’s, Texas Chicken, KFC, A&W, among others. Asian cuisine is represented well by the likes of Asian Street Kitchen, A Noodle Story, NamNam, Jinjja Chicken, Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles, Crave, and others.
Coffee is easy to get as well. You can choose between Starbucks, 7Cafe, The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., Luckin Coffee, and other brewers.
The most popular bars are World of Tiger Beer in Terminal 1 and the Heineken World Bar in Terminal 2.
You can also go through Immigration to the landside area to visit the Jewel. It offers many retail and eating spaces in a mall-like atmosphere. Note that Jewel Changi operates between 10 AM and 10 PM and is not open overnight.
Transport to and from the airport
Changi Airport sits on the east side of Singapore Island. It is very well connected to all other areas of interest in the city-state, and public as well as private transport options are aplenty.
Road access is very good, with dedicated airport expressways.
Most people get to and leave the airport using the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT). Changi is the last stop on the East-West Line (Soon also the Thomson-East Coast Line extension). You can pay using your contactless card by just tapping at the gate - fares are calculated based on distance.
Note that you have to take the SMRT from the airport for 1 stop (to change to the Downtown Line) or 2 stops to change to the Thomson-East Coast line that proceeds towards the west, by going to the other side of the same platform at Tanah Merah Station.
Taxis and ride-sharing are both available curbside in front of the terminals. There are dedicated pick-up locations where waiting is not permitted, so be ready to get inside the vehicle quickly when it arrives.
Several public buses call at the airport. Important ones at Route 36, which goes directly to the city center, and Route 858, which goes north towards Woodlands, where you can proceed towards the Singapore-Malaysia border.
Lastly, renting a car in Singapore is rare as public transport is incredibly efficient and affordable, but if that’s what you need, car rental counters of some of the world’s biggest brands have their respective kiosks open from 7 AM to 11 PM at Arrivals of all terminals except Terminal 1.
Parking at Changi Airport
Changi offers at least a parking lot next to each terminal. Terminal 1 has one parking lot, Terminal 2 has three public parking lots, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 have 2 lots each.
Short-term parking is available at all parking lots. The first 10 minutes are free, after which parking is charged by the minute at a rate of 0.65 SGD per 15-minute block (more at T1 parking if staying longer than 90 minutes).
Long-term parking is available at all lots except for the lot nearest to Terminal 1. Parking charges are capped at 57.60 SGD per 24 hours.
A cheaper open-air parking lot exists between Terminal 2 and the JetQuay terminal, with a rate of 35 SGD per 24 hours or 0.035 SGD per minute for short stays.
EV charging is available at the T1, T2, and T3 parking lots.
Hotels within or near Changi Airport
Within the airport itself, you can find not just one, but four hotel options.
The YOTELAIR in Jewel is in the public area (landside) and offers small cabins for nightly stays. If you’re in transit, you will have to go through Immigration to check into this hotel.
Without crossing Immigration during a layover, you can stay at one of the transit hotels in T1, T2, or T3:
Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel: located in T1, above Gate D41.
Ambassador Transit Hotel in T2 is in Transit Hall South.
Ambassador Transit Hotel in T3 is in the Departure Transit Hall, next to the Movie Theatre.
For those on a budget, several “snooze lounges” offer free loungers where you can lie down and rest your body and eyes. The downside is that these are often fully occupied. There is one in T1 (opposite O'Leary's Sports Bar), one in T3 (on Level 2, behind the shops), and one in T4 (opposite International Food Hall).
Several hotels near Changi and in the Pasir Ris / Tanah Merah area also offer shuttle service or are easily accessible. Some options include:
Capri by Fraser, Changi City, located in the Changi Business Park. It offers modern suites equipped with kitchenettes.
Changi Cove in Changi Village. Spacious rooms, fully equipped with modern amenities, and a swimming pool.
Dorsett Changi City Singapore: a beautifully decorated 4-star hotel with easy access to the airport.
Singapore, Singapore
