Airport to City: What options do I have?

Upon arrival in a foreign country, the first thing you typically need to figure out is how to get to one’s accommodation location. Changi Airport is situated at the eastern end of Singapore, approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. Depending on your budget, size of travel party and arrival time, there are various options available. 

Go local with the bus or train

Bus

Opt for the bus if you have the time to spare and would like a more scenic route to town. For travellers arriving at Terminals 1 and 4, you may save some time hopping onto the bus right away instead of taking the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 where the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train station is. 

Price: From Changi Airport to City Hall (central Singapore) - bus fares are about S$2 per person. For bus fares paid in cash, no change will be given.

Location:

Bus Stops

Terminals 1, 2 and 3:

Service 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110 and 858. Located at the basement bus bays.

Terminal 4:

Service 24, 34, 26 and 110 – bus stop next to Car Park 4B.

Services 27, 53 and 858 – bus stop near SATS Inflight Catering Centre 1.

Frequency and duration: Frequency of buses range from five to 15 minutes. For a bus ride from Changi Airport to central Singapore, it will take about one hour. Both frequency and duration depend on time of day. Peak traffic hours are early morning (0800-1000) and evening (1700-2000).

Operating hours: Daily from 5.15AM to 11.50PM

Train or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

Taking the train is an easy way to get to the city if you have a manageable amount of luggage. From the Changi Airport station, alight at Expo station (one stop after, if transiting to the Downtown Line) or at Tanah Merah station (two stops after, if transiting to the East West line).

Here’s an overview of Singapore’s MRT network map:

Location: The Changi Airport MRT station is located between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If you are arriving at Terminal 1, take a Skytrain to either terminal. If you are arriving at Terminal 4, take the shuttle bus to Terminal 2.

Price: Train fares are about S$2 per person.

Frequency and duration: Frequency of trains range between five to 10 minutes. A trip to the city centre  will take about 40 minutes.

Operating hours: Daily from about 5.20AM to 11.50PM.

Pro tips: For travellers planning to continue travelling via buses and/or trains for the rest of your stay, check out the Singapore Tourist Pass, which provides unlimited rides for a hassle-free journey. If not, you can also purchase a stored-value EZ-link card for multiple rides from any Changi Recommends store (located at Arrival Halls) or at the Changi Airport train station.

Breeze with ease from point to point

The City Shuttle

For solo travellers with limited luggage (one carry-on and one suitcase), the City Shuttle may be the perfect option. It is a shared mini bus that drops-off to most hotels in central Singapore. Seats can be pre-booked online or at the Ground Transport Desks at the arrival halls.

Price: S$9 per adult or S$6 per child (below 12 years of age).

Location: Ground Transport Concierge at Terminals 1 to 4.

Frequency and duration: Shuttles depart at 15-minute intervals from all terminals.

Operating hours: 24/7

Metered Taxi or a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)

Taking a metered taxi or Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) is a fast and comfortable way to travel, especially if you have a lot of luggage, and if your travel party consists of young children or elderly parents. Drivers can assist with your luggage if required. Taxis are typically 4-seater, although 7-seater limousine or large taxi options are also available. 

For travellers who are already familiar with Grab or Gojek (works like Uber or Lyft), taking a PHV can be hassle-free especially if your account is already set up for automatic fare payment.

Price:

For a taxi or PHV ride, a one-way ride will cost approximately S$20-S$40.

Airport surcharges apply for taxis:

Fri–Sun (5:00PM–12:00AM): S$5 Airport Surcharge

All other times: S$3 Airport Surcharge

Midnight surcharge (12:00 AM–6:00 AM): 50% of final metered fare

Peak-hour surcharge (6:00 AM–9:30 AM, Mon–Fri and 6:00 PM–12:00 AM, Mon–Sun): 25% of final metered fare

4-seater limousine: S$55.00 per departure from the airport;

7-seater large taxi: S$60.00 per departure from the airport

Location:

Taxi stands are located at the arrival areas of each terminal.

For PHVs, pick-up is from selected doors of each terminal’s arrival pick-up.

Frequency and duration: 30 minutes

Operating Hours: 24/7

Get behind the wheel yourself

For the car lover who likes to be in control of the journey, renting a car offers the convenience and flexibility of making spontaneous stops along the way.

From the airport, take either the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) or East Coast Parkway (ECP) Expressway to your destination.

Parking charges apply for most places in Singapore, while Electronic Road Pricing charges are applicable at certain zones in Singapore. Check with your rental company or find out more here.

Price: Rent from Hertz, Budget or Avis, from about S$70/day

Location: Arrival Halls of T1-T4

Duration: A 30-minute drive to the city centre

Operating Hours: 7:00AM to 11:00PM

 

If you happen to arrive in Singapore before your hotel check-in time, why not explore Changi’s newest Jewel first? Leave your bags at the baggage storage on Level 1 for a hands-free experience.

For the rest of your stay in the city, check out our comprehensive guide on all you need to know about getting around Singapore.