When visitors land in Singapore, the first question they might ask themselves is how can I reach Singapore from Changi Airport?
Changi Airport is about 10 miles (17 kilometers) northeast of Singapore’s Downtown Core. One of the busiest airports in the world, it is also regularly recognized for passenger experience. For example, Skytrax’s World Airport Awards named Singapore Changi Airport the World’s Best Airport 2025.
Passengers arriving at Changi Airport have many options for reaching the city, including MRT, public bus, taxi, private-hire apps, airport transfer (fixed price), and City Shuttle to hotels.
Last updated: January 2026
If you are looking for more information about Singapore, I highly recommend you pick up a guidebook such as Fodor's In Focus Singapore
WiFi
Changi Airport offers free WiFi via #WiFi@Changi:
- Select #WiFi@Changi.
- Open your browser and visit any website to load the WiFi login page.
- Tap Connect Now.
How to pay for public transport
For MRT and buses, most visitors can simply tap:
- Contactless bank cards (American Express, Mastercard, Visa, NETS contactless), or
- Mobile wallets (for example Apple Pay or Google Pay, if your card supports it).
This is part of Singapore’s SimplyGo system (account-based ticketing). If you tap in, make sure you tap out with the same card or device.
Important: If you use a foreign-issued contactless bank card, an admin fee can apply. For foreign-issued Mastercard or Visa, this is currently S$0.60 per day of use (not per trip). Your bank may also charge its own overseas fees.
If you prefer a dedicated transit card, stored-value cards like EZ-Link are still available. At Changi, stored-value EZ-Link cards can be purchased at Changi Recommends stores, and at the Passenger Service Centre or TransitLink Ticket Office at Changi Airport MRT Station.
If you want an unlimited-ride product for sightseeing days, consider the Singapore Tourist Pass. Whether it is worth it depends on how many rides you plan to take in a day.
MRT
My favorite way to reach the city from the airport is by riding the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit).
Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) is linked to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Follow signs for Train to City.
- If you arrive at Terminal 1: take the Skytrain or walk to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, then follow signs to the MRT.
- If you arrive at Terminal 4: use the free shuttle bus to the main terminals, then follow signs to the MRT.
How to get to the city:
- Option A (classic): Take the train from Changi Airport (CG2) to Tanah Merah (EW4), then transfer to the East West Line toward Tuas Link (EW33).
- Option B (handy for some destinations): Take the train from Changi Airport to Expo (CG1/DT35), then transfer to the Downtown Line toward Bukit Panjang (DT1).
First and last trains (Changi Airport MRT Station to Tanah Merah):
- First train: 5:31 AM (Mon to Sat), 5:59 AM (Sun and public holidays)
- Last train (connects toward Tuas Link and the city): 11:18 PM (daily)
- Last train (connects toward Pasir Ris): 12:06 AM (daily)
Tip: If you are heading downtown late, do not count on the 12:06 AM service. Use the 11:18 PM departure if you need the westbound connection toward the city.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Air-conditioned and reliable
- Easy connections across Singapore
Cons:
- Not 24 hours
- Transfer required (Tanah Merah or Expo, depending on route)
- Not ideal with lots of luggage
Bus
Another cheap option is the public bus. It can get you closer to some areas than the MRT, but it is slower and not ideal for bulky luggage.
Where to catch the bus:
- Terminals 1, 2 and 3: basement bus bays (services include 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, 858).
- Terminal 4: bus stop next to Car Park 4B (24, 34, 36, 110) and bus stop near the SATS Inflight Catering Centre 1 (27, 53, 858).
How to pay: Tap a contactless bank card, use a mobile wallet, use a stored-value transit card, or pay cash with the exact fare (no change given).
For route planning and fares, use the TransitLink eGuide: TransitLink eGuide
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- More stops than MRT, can be closer to your destination
Cons:
- Not 24 hours
- Not ideal with lots of luggage
Taxi
Taxis are the simplest door-to-door option, especially for groups or lots of luggage.
A ride to the city typically takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly S$25 to S$45 (metered, varies by traffic and time).
Changi Airport taxi surcharge (for trips starting at the airport):
- S$8 from 5:00 PM to 11:59 PM (daily)
- S$6 at all other times
Other surcharges can apply country-wide (check your receipt):
- Late-night surcharge: 50% from 12:00 AM to 5:59 AM (daily)
- Peak period surcharge: 25%
- 6:00 AM to 9:29 AM (Mon to Fri, excluding public holidays)
- 10:00 AM to 1:59 PM (Sat, Sun, and public holidays)
- 5:00 PM to 11:59 PM (Mon to Sun)
Pros:
- Fast and comfortable
- Best with luggage or a group
- Available 24 hours
- Door-to-door
Cons:
- More expensive than MRT or bus
- Surcharges can apply depending on time and location
Private hire (Grab, Gojek, Zig and other apps)
You can also book private-hire cars via apps like Grab, Gojek, Zig, Tada Mobility, or Ryde. Book in the app, then follow signs to the Arrival Pick-up or Ride-Hailing Pick-up areas.
Designated pick-up points (by terminal):
- Terminal 1: Basement 1, Doors 1 to 12
- Terminal 2: Level 1, Doors 2 to 7
- Terminal 3: Basement 1, Doors 1 to 5
- Terminal 4: Level 1, Doors 1 to 3 (private pick-up) and Doors 4 to 8 (ride-hailing pick-up)
Pros:
- Upfront pricing is often shown in-app
- Easy booking and cashless payment
- Good with luggage
Cons:
- Pick-up points can be busy at peak arrival times
- Prices can surge during high demand
- You may need a short walk to the designated doors
City Shuttle (hotel drop-off)
The City Shuttle is a shared shuttle to selected downtown hotels and central areas. It is a good middle ground if you want simpler luggage handling than MRT or bus, without paying full taxi prices.
Typical pricing and hours: S$10 per adult, S$7 per child (under 12). Departs hourly from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Timings can change, so confirm the next departure at the counter.
How to book: Go to the 24-hour Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) in the Arrival Hall. Ask staff to confirm your drop-off point and the next departure time.
Pros:
- Easy option for travelers with luggage
- Per-person pricing is straightforward
- No need to navigate transfers
Cons:
- Shared ride with multiple stops
- Runs on set departures, not on-demand
- Only serves selected drop-off areas
Fixed-price airport transfer (best for groups and lots of luggage)
If you want a fixed price to any address in Singapore, Changi’s Ground Transport Concierge (GTC) offers airport transfer options:
- 4-seater vehicle: S$55 per trip
- 6-seater vehicle: S$60 per trip
How to book: Book in advance via the Changi App, or request it at the GTC counters in the Arrival Halls.
Pros:
- Fixed price and simple for families
- Great with bulky luggage
- Useful for late-night arrivals
Cons:
- Costs more than MRT or bus
Terminal 4 and Jewel tips (save time with luggage)
Terminal 4 connection: Terminal 4 is not connected by Skytrain. Use the free shuttle bus (public area):
- 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (direct services):
- T1/Jewel to T4: about every 7 to 9 minutes
- T2/MRT to T4: about every 5 minutes
- 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM (loop service): T2/MRT to T3/MRT to T1/Jewel to T4 (about every 19 minutes). Plan extra time if you arrive overnight.
Public shuttle pick-up points:
- T1/Jewel: T1 Departure Central Kerbside
- T2/MRT: T2 Arrival Pick-up Door 1
- T3/MRT (12:00 AM to 6:00 AM only): T3 Departure Door 8
- T4: T4 Arrival Bus Lounge (and alighting at T4 Departure Door 4)
Jewel Early Check-in (travel hands-free): Jewel’s Early Check-in Facility is on Level 1 and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM. Depending on your airline, you may be able to check in from 3 to 24 hours before departure and explore Jewel (including the Rain Vortex) without dragging luggage around. Some airlines and destinations can be excluded.
Last Updated on January 12, 2026
