Singapore Airport has quickly risen from its humble beginnings in 1981 to become one of the world’s leading airports. Renowned for its cleanliness, spaciousness, superb facilities, and over 350 shops and dining outlets, Singapore airport is a popular stop over for weary travellers. Currently the sixth busiest airport in the world, Changi airport has three passenger terminals, with building of a fourth terminal underway and due for completion in 2017. Travellers can move freely airside between the airport’s three terminals via a free monorail system, without having to clear customs. The airport cleverly incorporates elements of nature into its design with themed gardens throughout its terminals including a Butterfly Garden, a Sunflower Garden, an Orchid Garden and Koi Pond, a Cactus Garden and an Enchanted Garden.

Quick Facts

  • Distance from CBD: 17 kilometres
  • Number of Airlines: 100+ airlines operate from Singapore Changi Airport
  • Number of destinations served: 200+ destinations worldwide
  • Number of terminals: Three
  • Number of runways: Two parallel runways

Check-in

Check-in starts at least 2 hours prior to flight departure at Changi Airport. Some airlines operating from Singapore Airport offer early check-in services so passengers can enjoy ample shopping and leisure time at the airport. A private check-in lounge is available for First and Business Class passengers checking in at Terminals 1 or 2. This exclusive service is available for eligible passengers of member airlines including Air India, Korean Air and Etihad.

Baggage

If you have time on your hands to explore the airport, or you’re stopping over in Singapore for a little longer and don’t want the hassle of taking all your luggage with you, baggage storage services are available in each terminal, with rates from just $S1 per day for a small item.

Money Exchange

Currency exchange services can be found throughout Singapore Airport, with all major currencies accepted. In each terminal there’s a currency exchange available in the public area of the Departure Check-In Hall on Level 2, as well as 2 further money exchange bureaus in the Departure Transit Lounge. Currency exchange is also available in the Arrivals Hall of each terminal.

Internet Access / WiFi

Singapore Change Airport provides complimentary WiFi throughout the public and transit areas of the airport. There are also over 500 free internet stations throughout the airport for those who aren’t travelling with a mobile device or laptop.

Business Services

If you need to stay on top of business while travelling through Singapore Airport, you’re in good hands. The airport has Business Centres set up in the Transit Hotel of each terminal, offering 24-hour services including mailing of documents, typing, photocopying and faxing. Most airline lounges in the airport are also well equipped with business facilities for eligible guests.

Family Services

Singapore Airport is one of the best possible airports to enjoy a stopover with kids. There are so many complimentary attractions in each terminal to entertain the whole family here you’ll have trouble deciding where to start! The convenient high-speed hop-on-hop-off Skytrain monorail connecting the terminals is a wonderful experience for kids in itself.

Head to Terminal 1 where kids can make a splash in the outdoor rooftop Balinese style pool and spot planes taking off overhead, while mum and dad soak up the sun and enjoy a cocktail poolside. The outdoor Cactus Garden is also located in Terminal 1, with a huge range of cacti and succulent plants from all over the world. Terminal One’s complimentary Entertainment Lounge provides a relaxing indoor family with plush seating, children’s TV shows and internet terminals for older kids. Hop aboard the monorail to Terminal 2 to visit the magical, sensory Enchanted Garden on Level 2, along with the pretty rooftop Sunflower Garden overlooking the aircraft parking bays. The kids will also enjoy watching the magnificent fish in the Poi ponds at Terminal Two’s Orchid Garden. Terminal 3 is home to the enchanting Butterfly Garden, where children can wander around the tropical gardens and watch the beautiful butterflies flying around them. Each terminal at Singapore Airport also features a children’s playground where little ones can stretch their legs, socialise with other kids and let off some steam. Terminal 3 also features the world’s tallest airport slide, at 12 metres tall it’s a true thrill ride!

If you’ve got a bit more time to spend during your stopover, why not take the kids on a complimentary Singapore Tour and experience some of the city-state’s culture and scenery? Choose from the Heritage Tour to take in sights such as the Singapore Flyer, the Colonial District, Little India, The Esplanade and Chinatown, or the City Lights Tour that takes in the city by night, including the famous Raffles Hotel. Registration for the tours can be made at the ‘Free Singapore Tours’ registration booth on Level 2 in Terminal 2, or Level 2 in Terminal 3.

Concierge

If you need a little extra help and personalised services navigating your way through airport procedures, SATS Affinity Concierge Service is available to assist at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The VIP Arrival service accommodates those arriving off a flight, with a buggy pick-up service taking you through immigration and baggage pick-up right to your personal driver. Departure services are also available starting with a personal concierge welcome at the Departure Hall, buggy service through airport and help through security and immigration. VIP Transit services can also be arranged.

Showers

If you want to take a shower in between flights at Singapore Airport, head to one of the public paid lounges, where you can shower for a small fee. Showers are available at Terminal 1 in The Rainforest Lounge on Level 3, or one of the Ambassador Transit Lounges on Level 3 of Terminal 2 and 3.

Airport Lounges

The Haven by JETQUAY

Located in the public area of the airport in Terminal 3, the Haven is a luxury pay-per-use lounge. Tailored packages are available depending on guest’s needs, with options including use of nap-rooms, family rooms, shower rooms, and relaxing lounge area complete with WiFi, TV, and business facilities alongside a selection of beverages and refreshments. Access to the lounge is free for infants age 2 and below accompanied by a paying adult.

Ambassador Transit Lounges

The Ambassador Transit Lounges are located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Offering pay-per-use access, guests can tailor their entry fee to access the lounge, showers, nap rooms and gym. Beauty and hair services are also available at certain times. Entry is complimentary for children age five and under.

Airline Lounges

Cathay Pacific

The Skyview Lounge is open 24-hours daily. Located airside in Terminal 1 close to gate D30, the Skyview Lounge is open to Cathay Pacific First and Business Class guests along with oneworld carriers First Class and Business Class passengers, as well as eligible members of Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo club and oneworld frequent flyers. Relax and unwind in style in the lounge’s cool, edgy glass interiors, separated into a bright food servery area and a quieter relaxation area. Dine on delicious yum cha and pork dumplings and help yourself to a range of beers, wines and spirits. The Skyview Lounge features comfy chairs, internet terminals and high speed WiFi should you need to catch up on work.

Emirates Lounge

First and Business Class passengers can enjoy Emirates’ relaxing space in Terminal 1. Grab a bite to eat from the generous hot and cold buffet in the roomy dining area, or retire to the comfort of the plush lounge seating area with a drink from the self-serve bar. A well-equipped business centre is available for passengers who need to stay on top of work while in transit.

Qantas Singapore Lounge

Eligible Qantas passengers, Frequent Flyer members and Qantas Club cardholders can enjoy the royal treatment at the airline’s lounge located airside in Terminal 1. Guests can relax I the plush surroundings, dine on Neil Perry’s Spice Temple inspired dishes, enjoy cocktails or barista-made coffee, and freshen up with a hot shower. TV, WiFi and a range of magazines and newspapers are on-hand for entertainment. Entry to the Qantas Lounge is also available for eligible Emirates and oneworld members.

SATS Premier Lounges

With an exclusive lounge located in each of Singapore Airport’s three terminals, SATS Premier Lounges offer a touch of luxury and a restful haven for eligible travellers of participating airlines. The ambient lounges offer private rest booths with massage chairs, as well as cable TV and high-speed WiFi. A good selection of refreshments is served alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests also have use of the hot shower facilities and amenities.

Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge

The recently refurbished Thai Airways Business Class Lounge offers light refreshments and a quiet relaxing environment for First and Business Class Thai Airways passengers and eligible Star Alliance members. Situated on level 3 in Terminal 1, the lounge is open from 5.30am-7.45am and 10.30am-8.30pm.

MAS Golden Lounge

On Level 3 of the Departure Transit Lounge in Terminal 2 at Changi Airport, you’ll find the small but well-equipped Malaysia Airline’s Golden Lounge. The lounge has a bright kids playroom, massage chairs, a business centre, and hot showers. A buffet breakfast is available in the morning with hot and cold food served throughout the day.

Singapore Airlines

For exclusive lounge access, eligible Singapore Airlines travellers can visit the SIA SilverKris Lounge or the SIA KrisFlyer Gold Lounge located on Level 3 in both Terminals 2 and 3. Singapore Airlines home lounges offer an exclusive luxurious retreat from the crowds with 24-hour access to WiFi, TV, and snacks and beverages in a luxurious setting. The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge is available to KrisFlyer Elite Gold members flying in Economy Class, while the SilverKris Lounge is accessible for Suites, First or Business Class passengers.

Terminal 1

Singapore’s original terminal has been constantly refurbished since it’s opening in 1981. Spacious and welcoming, the terminal features a range of shops and restaurants, and travellers can even take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool while watching planes fly overhead. The rooftop Cactus Garden is a great place to wander round and soak up some tropical sunshine among the 40 different species of cacti and succulents from all over the world. Airlines that operate from T1 include Scoot, Jetstar, Qantas, KLM, British Airways, JAL, China Southern, Air France and AirAsia.

Terminal 2

Opened in 1990 to cope with expanding passenger numbers travelling through the airport, Terminal 2 serves Korean Air, Etihad, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Cebu Pacific, Malaysia, Lufthansa and Tiger Air among other airlines. The spacious terminal features a cinema, range of shops and dining outlets, and complimentary internet kiosks and gaming stations. The beautiful Sunflower Garden on level 3 also features award-winning Aura Seating pods for excellent support and comfort. Passengers can relax in the superb Orchid Garden bursting with vibrant rare orchids, and be mesmerised by the beauty of the Koi fish swimming around in the large Koi Ponds.

Terminal 3

Passengers can escape the drudgery of travel and fully immerse themselves in the natural world at the spectacular Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3. One of the airports most popular attractions, the Butterfly Garden is home to over one thousand butterflies, which happily fly around the tropical gardens delighting visitors. The most modern of Changi’s terminals, Terminal 3 was built in 2007, incorporating a superb sleek glass design alongside large airy spaces and natural elements.  The terminal also features a 16ft high living  ‘Green Wall’ to enhance the tropical and fresh feel of the interior. Terminal 3 is a shopper’s paradise with over 130 shops and dining establishments, with everything from high-end designer brands and fine jewellery, to souvenir shops and fragrance and cosmetic outlets. Terminal 3 also features a children’s playground complete with a huge slide, and there’s also a complimentary 24-hour movie theatre. Airlines that operate from Terminal 3 include Asiana Airlines, China Eastern, Garuda, Jet Airways, Singapore Airlines, United and Qatar.

 

The Ground Transport Desk located in the Arrivals Hall of each terminal is the place to head to organise ground transport. Open 24-hours the staff are on-hand to deal with all customer transportation requirements into the city.

Buses, Taxis and Car Hire

For an affordable way to reach your hotel, the Airport Shuttle Bus is available to transfer passengers to downtown hotels, with the journey taking around 25 minutes. Travellers can also catch the public bus service 36 into the city between 6am-11pm daily, with bus stops located at the basement bus bays of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Passengers can easily catch the train from the airport to Tanah Merah station where they can transfer on to city services. If you wish to take a taxi to the city, taxi ramps can be located at the arrivals level of each terminal. Taxi service from the airport to the city will cost between $18-$38 and takes around 30 minutes. Car rental is another option, with Avis, Budget and Hertz rental counters in each terminal at the airport.

Parking

Short Stay

All of Singapore Airports 5 car parks allow a complimentary 10-minute period if you’re just parking to do a quick drop off or pick up. The car parks at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 all charge at a rate of S$0.04 per minute, capped at $S57.60 per 24 hours.

Long Stay

The New South Car Park is a more affordable option for longer stays, with parking charges of S$0.35 per minute capped at S$35 per 24-hours.

Terminal Transfers

Singapore’s Changi Airport features a fast, airside monorail service between terminals. Passengers arriving into any terminal can easily hop aboard the Skytrain to visit the other terminals and use the facilities there or catch an onward flight. The whole monorail service is airside so travellers don’t have to clear customs to move between terminals. 

If you're looking for a stopover hotel close to the airport where you can get a decent sleep, stretch your legs and freshen up between flights, you won't have to look far, with one of the most popular choices, the Ambassador Transit Hotel, located airside in all 3 terminals of the airport. The perfect choice for a short rest in between flights, the Ambassador provides dark, quiet rooms with private bathrooms. Another airport hotel located just moments from terminal 3 is the luxurious Crowne Plaza Changi Hotel, which can be accessed via the airport's train system.

For all Singapore Airport hotels, see our hotel directory guide.