Changi Airport’s Free Singapore Tour: How to explore the city for free

Singapore is a culturally diverse island city-state with lots to see, eat and do. Given its small geographical size, you can cover quite a bit of sightseeing while on a layover! If you're passing through Changi Airport on a stopover, why not make the most of your time with a free guided coach tour of the city? It’s a great way to experience the highlights of the country’s rich ethnic influences —and just might inspire you to return for a longer visit!

The Free Singapore Tour is a programme designed for Changi Airport’s transit and transfer passengers, offering a free 2.5-hour guided tour for those with at least 5.5 hours of transit time. Since 1 April 2025, we've introduced an exciting new itinerary— the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour, joining our ever-popular City Sights Tour and Heritage and Culture Tour. With six tours running daily at various times, there’s a tour to suit every schedule and interest.

Whether you're interested to uncover Singapore’s  vibrant cultural heritage or take in the city’s iconic sights, there’s a tour for you!

1. City Sights Tour – for lovers of modern architecture

The City Sights Tour offers a breathtaking overview of Singapore’s impressive city skyline and its journey from a humble fishing village to a bustling global metropolis. This 2.5-hour bus tour is designed to showcase the very best of modern Singapore, highlighting how the city has developed into a vibrant and sustainable urban landscape.

On this tour, you'll explore several key landmarks that define Singapore's unique blend of architecture and green urban planning:

Merlion Park

The Merlion Park is home to Singapore’s most iconic symbol, the Merlion. This half-lion, half-fish statue represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its growth into a thriving global city. From the park, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline, making it the perfect spot for photo-taking. During your 30-minute stopover here, capture a moment with the Merlion fountain, Marina Bay Sands, and the city's central business district in the background - a quintessential Singapore experience.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a world-renowned horticultural attraction that embodies Singapore’s vision of a “City in a Garden”. Here, you’ll be wowed by the towering Supertrees, vertical gardens that stand as high as 50m. These iconic structures are not only visually striking but also play a role in the park’s sustainability efforts by harnessing solar energy and collecting rainwater. During your stop, you'll have time to walk around and take in the awe-inspiring view of the Supertrees and  its surrounding greenery as you make your way toward Marina Bay Sands. This is another excellent photo opportunity to capture the seamless blend of nature and urban development that defines Singapore.

You can also opt to add-on* a Garden Audio Cruiser, a special tram ride with commentary that offers deeper insights into the garden's horticultural landscape.

*Note that the add-on comes at an extra cost. Payment will be collected during the tour.

2. Heritage and Culture Tour – for an immersive, cultural experience

As its name suggests, the Heritage and Culture Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures that make Singapore a true melting pot. This 2.5-hour bus tour takes you back in time, allowing you to explore the rich history and vibrant social tapestry of Singapore.

The tour brings you to some of Singapore’s most iconic cultural sites:

Chinatown

Learn about Singapore’s Chinese community in Chinatown, where history meets modernity. Wander through streets lined with traditional shophouses, temples, and markets, all buzzing with activity. You’ll have time for a short stop here to take photos of beautiful Asian architecture or even pick up a local snack or souvenir as a memento. One of the stops will bring you to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance. You can also opt to add-on* an entry to the Chinatown Heritage Centre for an interactive glimpse into what life in Chinatown was like in the olden days—all within an authentic shophouse!

*Note that the add-on comes at an additional cost. Payment will be collected during the tour.

 

Kampong Gelam

Offering a peek into Singapore’s Malay-Muslim heritage, Kampong Gelam is home to the stunning Sultan Mosque with its golden dome, as well as a variety of local boutiques selling everything from traditional textiles to modern-day craft. You’ll have time here to snap photos against the backdrop of the mosque and vibrant murals that line the streets. You might also have a chance to grab a local snack or a unique souvenir from one of the many shops in the area.

Pro-tip: if you are transiting through Singapore during the festive periods of Lunar New Year, Deepavali or Ramadan/Hari Raya, these areas will be decked out with colourful lights along the streets. There will also be night markets set up to celebrate these important cultural events. Tours to these locations will give you a fantastic opportunity to take lots of photos as you breeze through the streets in the Free Singapore Tour bus.

3. Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands Tour – for a glimpse into Singapore’s past and present

The Singapore River was the cradle of Singapore’s early trade and commerce, serving as a vital hub for economic activity and settlement. Today, it symbolises the nation's transformation from a trading port to a modern global city; so come along for a tour of this wonderful waterway that offers a peek into Singapore’s past, present, and future! This 2.5-hour bus tour traces the River’s path through the Marina Bay neighbourhood with a stop at none other than the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Singapore River

No history of Singapore—whether pre- or post-Independence—can be told without mention of the Singapore River. Learn about its transformation from a busy port filled with bumboats, merchants, and labourers, to a serene escape right next to the Central Business District. Soak in the Singapore skyline of skyscrapers, shophouses, and outdoor art trails that dot the river’s edges, each building rich with secrets of the country’s phenomenal economic rise. You can also add on* a scenic bumboat river cruise for more commentary on Singapore’s history.

*Note that the add-on comes at an additional cost. Payment will be collected during the tour.

 

Marina Bay Sands

If the Singapore River is key to Singapore’s past, stepping into the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes and Hotel feels like a welcome to its modern present. The shining jewel of Singapore’s luxury scene, MBS has it all—designer brands, bespoke boutiques, restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, a world-class theatre, and a touch of novelty with indoor canal gondola rides.

How do I register for the Free Singapore Tour?

You can reserve your tour online through the Free Singapore Tour booking page or visit the counters in the transit halls of Changi Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, up to 50 days prior to your intended tour date. If you have some time before the tour, you can also explore other parts of the airport to find out why it’s been so highly rated by travellers around the world.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of certain nationalities require a visa for the Free Singapore Tour, while some nationalities are eligible for a Visa Free Transit Facility. You may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website to check on visa requirements.

Can I leave the tour midway and venture around Singapore on my own?

You are encouraged to complete the entire tour. If you decide to leave mid-way, you will need to arrange your own transport back to the airport at your own expense. Changi Airport is not responsible for any missed connecting flights.

You are responsible for your flight check-in and security procedures at the respective terminals.

Plan early for best results

To make the best of your Free Singapore Tour, do plan your trip early and do some research. Check out what other tour participants have posted on Instagram using #FreeSingaporeTour and on Google Reviews - both are good resources for reading about their experiences. (P/S: Do share the love by contributing a review on Google Reviews so other travellers can hear about your experience too.)

Got more questions?

Most of the commonly asked questions and answers on Changi’s website should address your needs. If you have other questions on the tours which are not found online, send your questions to cag.fst@changiairport.com and the team will be happy to assist.

Happy travels!


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