Let’s take the bus: Services from Changi Airport you probably didn’t know existed

Arriving at Changi Airport is certainly one of the most experiential journeys for any traveller, including the different ways one can connect to the city. While most will take a cab or the train, those who prefer a more scenic route can opt for a bus ride!

Depending on how long you’re staying for and what you would like to see and do, here are options that will give you an alternative experience to your stopover or stay in Singapore. 

The wheels of this bus go round the island

If you have half a day to spare and don’t mind a free-and-easy tour around the hotspots of Singapore, Bus 36 is your ride. Plying the Eastern coast of Singapore and down to the city, this route takes you to one of the island’s favourite coastal getaway – East Coast Park. Peppered with dining options along the shoreline, this would be a wonderful way to enjoy an idyllic lunch or breezy dinner.

East Coast Park is a popular weekend hangout amongst Singaporeans. Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

Bus 36 also takes you to one of Singapore’s architectural and historical landmarks, The Esplanade, Singapore’s home for the performing arts and iconic durian-like structure along the waterfront. If you’re an arts and culture buff, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the National Gallery and the Singapore Art Museum.

Experience the world’s largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery Singapore. Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

And if you’re down for a spot of shopping, hop back on for a trip to Orchard Boulevard, the prime retail district of Singapore.

Useful travel information:

- Do have an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) with you before you board this bus.

Tip: You can purchase the EZ-Link card and STP from the TransitLink Ticket Office at Changi Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Station or from any Changi Recommends store.

- Bus 36 is a loop service. Once you’re done sight-seeing, hop back on and it’ll take you right back to Changi Airport. 

Escape to the island life

Be it a round of golf, brilliant sunsets, or adrenaline-pumping water sport activities, the nearby islands of Bintan and Batam offer a range of experiences that offer a different perspective of island living. A short ferry ride away, both islands are accessible via Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

Departing from Terminals 1 and 4, this shuttle service runs every 30 minutes daily and costs S$3 one-way. You can now also book your seats up to seven days in advance! The shuttle service is the most affordable way to get to the ferry terminal that takes you to a selection of islands in the region. Here’s where you can take a seaplane ride, challenge yourself to an obstacle course, visit the cable-ski park or go stand-up paddle boarding along the island coast. If indulgence is on your cards, book yourself a relaxing facial, body massage or even yoga class.

Beyond activities, Batam is also home to IG-worthy cafes and luxurious spa and beauty treatments.

Hop onto the shuttle service for a ride to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

Useful travel information:

- Plan ahead. It takes approximately 1hr to travel from Changi Airport to Batam Centre. If you’re headed to Bintan island, your journey from Changi Airport may take up to 1hr 20mins.

Take a day trip to Johor

With the burgeoning café culture and shopping malls in our neighbouring city, Singaporeans are flocking to Johor Bahru for some price-friendly R&R. Make sure you land your wandering feet on Jalan Dhoby, a whimsical street filled with a hodgepodge of quaint boutiques and quirky cafes – perfect for an afternoon of leisure. And if history and heritage are right up your alley, you’ll find these easy-to-navigate self-guided trails that will give you a glimpse into the colourful past that made up the city today.

The TS1 sends you directly to the Singapore-Johor Bahru checkpoint from Changi Airport.

Useful travel information:

-It costs $10 for a trip on TS1 from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru, and RM10 for a return trip back. Check out the schedule for TS1 here. 

Whether you’re passing through Changi Airport or just a casual visitor, the buses are a great way to explore and a springboard to other adventures. For more details on the above bus services, check it out on our website here.