Guide: Getting from Changi Airport to the city center

Explore the transportation options from Changi Airport to the city center and how to move between terminals right in the following article.

Guide: Getting from Changi Airport to the city center

Singapore has always been a favorite destination for many Vietnamese tourists and the world in general. In recent years, traveling to Singapore has become increasingly easy and convenient for Vietnamese travelers. Additionally, Changi International Airport in Singapore is one of the world's leading airports with an incredibly vast area.

Transport Infrastructure in Singapore

Singapore Changi International Airport is one of the largest international air transportation hubs in Southeast Asia and serves as a vital gateway for Asia as a whole, particularly Southeast Asia. The airport consists of 4 terminals connected by a conveyor belt system.

Traveling to Singapore, you might wonder how to get from Changi Airport to the city center. Unlike Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Changi is approximately 20km away from the city center. However, Singapore's transportation infrastructure is highly developed, offering numerous options. Refer to the following article for more information.

Changi Airport is not just an airport but also a destination for sightseeing, shopping, and dining that tourists can visit even without a flight. Especially at Changi, visitors cannot miss the giant indoor waterfall at terminal 1's Jewel. With 4 terminals, moving between them is something you need to pay attention to.

Firstly, you need to identify which terminal you are landing at. You can move between terminals using the free Skytrain. The travel time between terminals by Skytrain is about 4 minutes, with each trip spaced 2-3 minutes apart. The first trip starts at 5 am and the last trip is at 11 pm. From terminal 4, there is also a free shuttle bus to the other terminals.

If you choose to travel from Changi Airport to the city center by MRT, head to terminal 2 or terminal 3. The MRT from Changi Airport starts at 5:19 am and the latest departure is at 11:51 pm every day of the week. From Changi Airport, you can get off at station 2 at Expo and station 3 at Tanah Merah. Then, from Tanah Merah, you can switch to another train to reach your destination.

Automatic ticket vending machines for train tickets.

Entrance to the subway train.

You can download the MRT map app on your phone for easier navigation, or follow the maps displayed at the train stations to avoid boarding the wrong train or getting off at the wrong stop. To ride the MRT train, you need to purchase a ticket at the automated MRT machine or an EZLink card for multiple uses at the Passenger Service counter.

Map of Singapore's subway trains.

Singapore's MRT system comprises 4 main lines:

Inside the subway train.

Buses are also a popular means of transportation from Changi Airport to the city center in this 'lion city' with very affordable fares of just 2.5 SGD/way (cash) or 1.84 SGD/way (EZ-Link), although the travel time will be longer than the subway. The first bus of the day departs at 6 am and the last one at midnight. To catch a public bus from the airport, you'll need to head to the basement area of the terminals.

- Routes from terminals T1, T2, T3: 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, and 858.

- Routes from terminal T4 (at the bus stop next to Car Park 4B): 24, 34, 36, 110, and 27, 53, and 858 (at the bus stop near SATS 1 food service center).

- Bus operating hours: 06:08 – 22:52 on weekdays; 06:07 – 22:52 on Saturdays; 06:06 – 22:53 on Sundays and public holidays.

Currently, ride-hailing services are favored by many, especially young travelers. This would be a very suitable option if you're traveling in a large group. From Changi Airport to the city center, prices range from 11-30 SGD. When booking a Grab ride, make sure to specify your pickup location such as terminal, floor, or column; avoid keeping the driver waiting for too long as it may incur additional fees; airport surcharge is mandatory, ranging from 3-5 SGD.

Grab cars are popular in Singapore just like in Vietnam.

Taxi is an extremely convenient mode of transportation in Singapore. Right at the entrance area, you can hail a taxi. If you choose this mode of transportation, you'll only need about 20-30 minutes to reach the city center. Due to the quick and convenient travel time, taxi fares will be higher compared to other modes of transportation.

One-way trips from Changi Airport to the city center cost between 20 SGD and 40 SGD excluding:

- Airport surcharge: 3 SGD.

- Midnight surcharge (from midnight to 6 am): an additional 50% of the metered fare.

- Peak hour surcharge (6:00 am – 9:30 am, Monday – Friday; 6:00 pm – midnight, Monday – Sunday): an additional 25% of the metered fare.

Terminal 3 at Changi Airport.

Posted by: Duc Nguyen

Keywords: Guide to travel from Changi Airport to the city center