How to get around Changi Airport Terminals 1 to 4 and Jewel

If you don’t already know, Changi Airport is anything but your average run-off-the-mill airport.  More than an air transportation hub, it is a lifestyle destination that offers much to see and do!

The airport’s terminals have been constantly refreshed with new dining and shopping options, and visitors are often spoilt for choice at Changi. At the centre of the Changi Airport experience lies Jewel Changi Airport, an iconic and must-visit destination which provides an adventure for locals, tourists, and layover travellers alike.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the airport to the fullest! Navigating Changi Airport’s terminals and Jewel is not difficult—prominent signs and quick connections get you anywhere in this airport in a jiffy. Follow our guide below and you’ll find that travelling through its terminals is a breeze.

Navigating through the Changi Airport terminals

Travelling between terminals at Changi Airport can be done easily by Skytrains, bus, or foot. Within the terminals, Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected in both the public and transit areas.

By Skytrain:

The complimentary Skytrain service connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in both the public and transit areas and run from 5:00am to 2:00am daily.

By foot:

The transit areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected. If you are a traveller waiting in the transit areas of these terminals and wish to explore the airport, you can walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, and then finally to Terminal 3 (and vice versa) via the travellators located near the gates.

For those who are familiar with Changi Airport, you would already know that Terminals 2 and 3 are connected via the Mezzanine Level link bridge above the Changi Airport MRT station in the public area. There are plenty of signs guiding you there in case you get lost.

By bus:

Now, for Terminal 4, it’s a different case. With its building located a distance from the other terminals, you will need to use Changi Airport’s free shuttle bus to get there. These buses can be accessed at boarding points stationed at Terminals 1 and 2.

There’s one that runs within transit, and one that runs in the public area.

If you enter Terminal 4 in transit using the shuttle bus service, note that you’ll need to go through security screening as the terminal has centralised security screening, so travel light if you plan to visit Terminal 4.

Getting to Jewel Changi Airport

A visit to Jewel Changi Airport is guaranteed to delight, so consider heading to Changi Airport early before your next flight or scheduling some time during your next layover in Singapore, so that you can enjoy all there is to see and do in this multifaceted lifestyle complex.

Since its opening in 2019, Jewel Changi Airport has been the bedrock of all things food, fashion, and fads in the area. It’s so huge, we can’t stop talking about it!

If you’re departing from Changi Airport, make use of the Early Check-in Lounge at Jewel. Depending on your flight, you can check-in from 3 hours to 24 hours before your departure. Once you’ve gotten the check-in process sorted and your baggage checked, you'll have ample time to explore Jewel!

For travellers transiting through Changi Airport, we recommend that you have at least five hours in between your flights if you’re planning to visit Jewel. Do note that Jewel is located in the public area and so you are required to clear immigration to exit the transit area. Check here to make sure that you are able to enter Singapore or have the valid visas, if needed. While you’re having a ball of time at Jewel, do cater sufficient time required for immigration clearance to enter the transit area for your connecting flight, to avoid rushing to your boarding gate.

By foot:

While most people get to Jewel Changi Airport via the Terminal 1 North entrance, there are other ways to get there too.

If you’re coming from Terminal 2, take a 5 to 10-minute walk via its link bridge, which is located at level 3–near Flap Pix interactive art installation.

From Terminal 3, you can find another link bridge to Jewel located at the  departure halls. Head to Check-in Row 11 and walk past a row of shops to get to the link bridge.

By bus:

For Terminal 4 patrons, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to Terminal 1 before venturing through its North entrance at the Arrival Hall to reach Jewel.

Making sense of each Changi Airport terminal

Each of the Changi Airport terminals has its own character, from the resplendence of Terminal 1 to the sleek Terminal 3.

Making a trip between these terminals is easy, as we stated above. But it’s best to take note of how to navigate these terminals.

In all 4 terminals, the Departure Hall is on level 2, and Arrival Hall is on level 1. Regardless of which terminal you’re in and whether you’re in the arrival hall, departure hall or transit, you’ll be able to spot an array of dining options. If you’re up for some retail therapy, Changi Airport’s terminals have a plethora of boutiques located in their transit areas just after immigration.

Also, if your main destination is Jewel Changi Airport, remember that the fastest route to get you there is through Terminal 1.

Buses and MRT trains are located at the basement level. And that there’s a bus interchange at the basement of each Terminal if you want to travel out of the airport by public transport. Of course, if you can’t find an information display near you, simply download and access the Changi App for a detailed Changi Airport map of every terminal.

On the app, you can also find parking information, track of flights, pre-book amenities, and scan and redeem Changi Rewards points. Here’s how the app works.

Locating the bus and train stops

For the Changi Airport Skytrain, it operates within Terminals 1 to 3 with different trains serving both travellers and visitors.

These skytrains run the following routes:

In the transit area:

• Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
• Between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3
• Terminal 3 to Terminal 3 South

In the public area:

• Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
• Between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3

The pick-up points for Changi Airport shuttle buses on the Terminal 4 route can be found at these places:

In the transit area:

• Terminal 1 Gate C21
• Terminal 3 Arrival Immigration Hall A

In the public area:

• Terminal 1 Departure Central Kerbside
• Terminal 2 Arrival Pick-up Door 1

These buses run from 6:00am to 12:00am daily. The bus journeys take anywhere between 6 to 26 minutes, depending on traffic.

 

Since its inception in 1981, Changi Airport has evolved into an entire destination hub on its own. Because of this, you’ll be greeted by locals and tourists alike trawling its grounds. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of space for everyone here. And, with our guide above, you won’t ever get lost. Even if you ever do, there are helpful Changi Experience Agents around to provide assistance.

 

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