One of the favorite airports in the world in passenger surveys, Singapore Changi Airport, known as SIN, stands as one of Asia’s busiest hubs, handling over 68 million passengers annually across 250 destinations in 80 countries. Located 17 kilometres northeast of Singapore’s city centre, this airport serves as a primary base for Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia, offering a world-class experience with its four terminals and Jewel Changi, a retail and entertainment complex. Its thoughtful design and extensive amenities ensure a seamless journey for travellers.
Accessing the airport is efficient, with multiple transport options connecting to the city. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system’s East-West Line reaches Changi Airport station in about 40 minutes from City Hall for SGD 2.40, with trains every 7-12 minutes. Passengers walk five minutes from Terminals 2 and 3 to the station, while those in Terminals 1 and 4 use the free Skytrain. Airport shuttles and public buses, like SBS Transit’s route 36, take 45-60 minutes to downtown for SGD 2.50, with stops outside Terminal 1’s arrivals hall.
Taxis and rideshares like Grab cost SGD 20-35 for a 20- to 30-minute ride, available curbside at all terminals. Drivers access the airport via the East Coast Parkway, with parking at SGD 2.40 per hour or SGD 30 daily across 2,000 spaces. Booking rides or checking MRT schedules during rush hours is advised to avoid congestion.
The airport’s layout includes four terminals—Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4—arranged in an inverted U-shape, with Jewel Changi at the centre, connected by a 24-hour Skytrain taking 4-7 minutes between terminals. Terminal 1 serves oneworld airlines like Qantas, Terminal 2 handles regional flights, Terminal 3 hosts Singapore Airlines’ long-haul routes, and Terminal 4 caters to budget carriers like AirAsia. Terminal 4 requires a shuttle bus for connections, as it’s not linked airside to others. The Jewel, accessible landside, features a 40-metre Rain Vortex waterfall and Canopy Park.
Security checks at gate hold rooms, rather than centrally, take 5-15 minutes, but arriving three hours early for international flights or two for domestic is recommended, especially during peak morning hours. Clear signage and digital wayfinding ease navigation, though Terminal 4’s isolation can add transfer time.
Delays are minimal, with Changi’s on-time performance among the world’s best, achieving over 80% punctuality for major carriers like Singapore Airlines. Peak travel periods in June and December may lead to longer queues at check-in, security, or immigration, and occasional fog or heavy rain can affect flights. Passenger feedback notes gate-specific security can cause bottlenecks if multiple flights board simultaneously, so checking flight status via the iChangi app is wise. Air traffic control constraints in busy Asian airspace may also contribute to minor delays.
Dining options are extensive, with over 160 outlets across terminals and Jewel. Terminal 3’s Din Tai Fung serves Michelin-starred dim sum, while Terminal 2’s Saboken Tonkatsu offers Japanese pork cutlets from 07:00 to 23:00. Jewel’s 24-hour eateries include Shake Shack and local hawker stalls at Food Junction. Retail spans 350 stores, with duty-free shops in all terminals offering luxury brands like Hermès, alongside local souvenirs at Jewel’s Changi Exclusives. Terminal 4’s Heritage Zone sells Peranakan crafts. Prices can be high, so budgeting for premium outlets is sensible.
Facilities cater to all needs, with free Wi-Fi via “Airport-Free-WiFi” requiring a login code from kiosks. Over 400 internet stations, charging points, and prayer rooms are available across terminals. Accessibility services include wheelchair assistance and family-friendly features like baby-changing rooms and playgrounds in Terminals 2 and 3. The Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3 houses 1,000 butterflies, and free 24-hour cinemas in Terminals 2 and 3 screen recent films. Ambassador Transit Hotels in Terminals 1-3 offer rooms for SGD 80 for six hours, while the Crowne Plaza at Terminal 3 provides luxury stays. Twenty lounges, including the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, offer buffets and showers for SGD 40-60. Baggage storage costs SGD 10-15 per item, and free city tours are available for layovers over five hours. The airport operates 24/7, with spas and a rooftop pool in Terminal 1.
Connections are seamless, with minimum connection times of one hour for Terminals 1-3 and 1.5-2 hours for Terminal 4 due to shuttle bus travel. Airside transfers avoid immigration for same-itinerary bookings, while international-to-domestic transfers require customs clearance, needing at least two hours. The Skytrain and walkways simplify movement, but Terminal 4’s shuttle, running every 9-26 minutes, may slow transfers if flights are delayed. Checking terminal assignments via the airport’s website ensures smooth planning.
