Airport Information
Changi International Airport is the main airport of Singapore and with over 440 awards it's the world’s most awarded airport.
We love Singapore Changi Airport where everything is truly meant to facilitate passengers’ travel experience. Changi Airport is internationally acclaimed and respected not only for its unfailing efficiency and its select service but also for being a fantastic attraction in its own right.
Changi Airport is located at about 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles) north-east from the City Centre and hosts 3 passengers terminals with an annual handling capacity of 66 million passengers: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 (The previous Budget Terminal closed on 25 September 2012 to make way for the construction of Terminal 4).
You can go from a terminal to another by using the inter-terminal travellators, a free shuttle bus or a free Skytrain (approx. 1-4 minutes between terminals). Use the Changi Airport map to find your way around.
Built in 1981, Changi Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the world. In 2012 it handled movements for 51.2 million passengers and more than 6,700 flights each week, or about one every 100 seconds. Growing as a global air hub, Changi Airport is a key gateway to Asia and Australasia. It is also one of Asia’s best-connected airports, with over 100 airlines flying from Singapore to 250 cities in 60 countries worldwide, including five locally based companies - Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Scoot, Tigerair and Jetstar Asia. With over 440 awards won since 1981, Changi Airport is today the world most awarded airport (Changi Airport awards).
Singapore’s official airline carrier is Singapore Airlines, which is just like Changi Airport, the most awarded airline in the world. If you have the chance to travel with Singapore Airlines, you will at last sense what exquisite customer service is all about: Punctual flights, reliable luggage handling and during the flight, all your needs will be anticipated by the charming and caring cabin intendants.
Upon Arrival
Once you have disembarked, it will take you only a few minutes to reach the arrival hall. With the airport’s hassle free immigration clearance (around 5 minutes!) and its smooth baggage handling (10 to 20 minutes), your stress will be kept at a minimum.
Porter Service
Upon arrival or advanced booking you may enjoy the assistance of the porter service for free.
Terminal 1 - Tel: (65) 9179 4836
Terminal 2 - Tel: (65) 9117 6311
Terminal 3 - Tel: (65) 8189 4310
Please note that it is prohibited to tip in Changi Airport as all employees receive wages.
Some cash
Before leaving the airport you may want to exchange some currency at one of the 24 hours money changers scattered all over the place. Yet, if you want to benefit from a better exchange rate you’d be advised to withdraw some Singapore Dollars from the many ATMs.
How to reach the city?
By Taxi
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the city by taxi. According to the type of taxi, rates may vary between S$18.00 and S$38.00 + S$ Airport surcharges. For instance, Toyota Crown Taxis are the cheapest ones while Chrysler taxis charge a premium of about SGD10.
By Bus
The bus stop of each Terminal 1, 2 and 3, is located at the basement level. Bus 36 connects the Airport and the city in about an hour at S$2.00 for a single fare, from there you have a variety of options to travel by bus around Singapore.
By Train
The Changi Airport MRT Station is located at the basement of Terminals 2 and 3. Use the inter-terminal travellators, the shuttle bus or Skytrain if you arrive at another terminal. A free 24-hour shuttle bus service connects the Budget Terminal to Terminal 2 basement located near the bay of public bus service 36.
Inter-terminal transfer
To and from the city
MRT system in Singapore
Transit
If you have the chance to transit in Changi Airport, take full advantage of all the entertainment available to make your transiting travel experience less stressful, restful, even delightful. Some highlights:
Left baggage counter
If you want to put your luggage in a safe place while shopping and having fun, you can approach the Left baggage counter which is a payable service available 24 hours daily.
Charging stations
Do you need to charge up your mobile phone? You’ll find not less than 856 charging stations all around the airport catering to many types of handphones such as Nokia, Iphone and Samsung.
Internet access
More than 550 internet kiosks are available for free internet access and free WiFi connection is also available through the Wireless@SG network. You just need to approach any Information counter to get a temporary login ID and password. If you're in Transit area, you just need to join the free WIFI network #WIFI@changi. More about internet access in Singapore on our practical information page.
Indulge and entertain yourself
At Changi Airport plenty of facilities are available to freshen you up and to entertain you and your family. Here are our favourites:
- Free cushy massage stations are available along the waiting areas to the great delight of your weary feet.
- Fish Spa (Terminal One, near Gate D41; Tel: +65 6542 8308).
- Free rest areas with their long leather chairs.
- Napping areas are on the 3rd floor of Terminal 1, 2, 3. At the Transit hotel you’ll be able to sleep at a 3 hours block charge.
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Balinese-themed swimming pool, open daily from 7.00am to 11.00pm, is located on the 3rd floor of Terminal 1 near the Transit Hotel at Departure
Transit Lounge East. The swimming pool and the jacuzzi are free of charge if you stay at the Ambassador Transit Hotel otherwise you’ll be charged $13.91, which includes access to the shower facilities (towel provided) and a complementary non-alcoholic drink from the bar. - Indoor playgrounds to get your kids busy (Terminal 1, 2, 3)
- Free screening in the movie theatres open 24 hours a day (Terminal 1, 2, 3)
- Free access to game consoles such as Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 (Terminal 2)
- The world’s first airport Butterfly Garden with more than 1,000 butterflies (Terminal 3)
- Slide @ T3, the world’s tallest slide in an airport (Terminal 3)
- If you have at least 5 hours transit, you can register for a free 2 hours Singapore Tour.
- 350 retail and service, not to mention the over 120 food and beverage outlets.
Read more about transiting in Changi Airport in our travel article "Soothing Stopover for the Smart Traveler"
Departure from Changi Airport
Passengers are advised to check in at least 2 hours before their flight and most airlines close check-in 40 to 45 minutes before departure.
An off-airport check-in option is available by phone, Fax, sms, email, WAP. It allows passengers to collect their boarding pass and deposit their baggage not later than 1 hour before their flight departure.
The average check-in time is usually less than 10 minutes on Singapore Airlines but can be longer for other companies. Another great feature of Changi Airport’s departure process is its security screening. Security hand baggage checking happens just before boarding which avoids long queues.
Do you need to check your flight status for departure?
Accessibility
Read our Handicap Accessible Travel page for more information.
We love Changi Airport for its short check in times, fast immigration, fast baggage delivery, smooth security screening and unique entertainment.
To be experienced at least once in your life!
Watch this video of Singapore Changi Airport
