5 Best Ways to Get from Singapore Changi Airport to City

How to get from Changi Airport to the city? This question will surely come to your mind shortly after booking your airline ticket(s).

Changi Airport, located at the eastern end of Singapore, is one of the busiest airports in Asia. Let’s take a look at all the options available for visitors to travel from the airport to central locations or hotels.

By exploring the various transportation methods, you will be able to determine which mode of transport suits you best [2024 Guide], taking into consideration the pros and cons of each option. All the relevant details, including ticket fares, operating hours, travel time, and service schedules, will be provided to help you make an informed decision.

Most importantly, the article is infused with our local experience, offering advice from people who have been living in Singapore for many years.

1. Changi Airport Taxis: The fastest option to get from Changi airport to city

A taxi is the fastest and most comfortable means of transportation for traveling between the airport and any venue in the city. Singaporean taxi drivers are available at all times of the day and will take you directly to your hotel while also assisting you with your luggage.

You can find taxis at the taxi stands located on the Arrival levels of each terminal. All taxis in Singapore operate on a meter system, so you do not need to negotiate the fare while riding a taxi in Singapore.

TRAVEL TIME: 20 minutes (from Changi Airport to City Hall)

COST: Approximately SGD 20 ($14.60) for 19km, regular taxi during off-peak hours

SERVICE HOURS: 24 hours

NOTES:

• The port surcharge is SGD 5 ($3.65) (Friday – Sunday from 17:00 – 23.59); and SGD 3 ($2.20) at all other times.
• Late night (00:00 – 05.59) surcharge is 50% of the fare shown on the meter.
• Peak hours (06:00 – 09:29 Mon to Fri, 18:00 – 23:59 every day) surcharge is 25% of the metered fare.
• Passengers have to pay the ERP charges shown on the In-vehicle Unit of the cab.

2. Changi Airport Shuttle: Best for solo travellers to get from Changi airport to city

The Changi Airport Shuttle offers a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to and from Changi Airport. These shared vans provide drop-offs to most hotels in central Singapore.

This option is suitable for solo travelers with minimal luggage, such as one carry-on bag and one suitcase.

You can reserve your seat online in advance, or use the Ground Transport Desks located at the Arrival halls to arrange for the service.

TRAVEL TIME: About 25 minutes in good traffic conditions

COST: SGD9 ($6.56) per adult; SGD6 ($4.38) per child below 12 years old.

SERVICE HOUR: 24 hours

SERVICE SCHEDULE: Every 15 minutes (peak hours) and 30 minutes (off-peak hours)

3. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

The best thing about taking the MRT train to the city center is that it can help you save money. If you want to spend less, this is a good option to consider.

The most challenging aspect of using this transportation mode is likely the need to change MRT lines. The Changi line is a spur line that connects the Changi Airport station to the East-West (Green) line at Tanah Merah station. To reach your destination, you will need to transfer to a Green Line MRT train at Tanah Merah. From there, you can travel to many popular accommodations along this line, including Geylang (alight at Kallang or Lavender station), Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, and Chinatown (alight at Outram Park station).

WHERE TO FIND: The MRT station at Changi Airport is located in the basement of Terminal 2. No matter which terminal you arrive at (Terminal 1, 2, or 3), just follow the signs that say ‘Train to the City’ and you’ll find the station easily.

TRAVEL PASS: For your travel needs, you have the option to purchase either a single ride ticket or an EZ-Link card at MRT stations or Changi Recommends stores

COST: SGD 1.74 ($1.25) via EZ-Link card

TRAVEL TIME: 32 minutes (Changi to City Hall station)

MRT HOURS: 05:31 – 23:18 Mon to Sat; 05:59 – 00:06 Sun & Public Holidays

MRT SCHEDULE: Every 7 – 9 minutes during peak hours (08:00 – 09:00; 12:30 – 14:00; 19:30 – 22:15) and 12 – 13 minutes during off-peak hours.

NOTE: The fare for your MRT ride is calculated based on the total distance you travel, which means you won’t have to pay a boarding charge for each transfer you make during your trip

4. Limousine & Large Taxis: Best for group to get from Changi airport to city

A 7-seater large taxi will be the most economical option for a small family or a group of travelers.

You can pre-book them while being in your country or have a booking upon arrival at the Ground Transport Desks at the Arrival Halls.

This type of taxi charges a flat-fee amount of SGD 60 ($43.76) per trip, so it is quite a good deal if there are 6 persons in your group and your hotel or Airbnb room is somewhere at the far end of the city (Clementi, Jurong East, Choa Chu Kang, and so on).

Four-seater limousines are also available to add comfort and a touch of luxury to your trip.

Both the limousines and large taxis will pick up passengers at any terminal of the airport.

COST: A flat-fee of SGD 55.00 ($40.12) for limousine and SGD 60 ($43.76) for large taxi per trip from the airport to your hotel.

SERVICE SCHEDULE: 24 hours

NOTE: Extra charge of SGD 15.00 (USD10.94) per additional stop

READ DETAILED REVIEW: Top 5 Most Reliable Airport Transfer Services in Singapore [2024 Guide]

5. Public Bus (36/36A): The cheapest option to get from Changi airport to city

Besides MRT, the public bus is a means of transport that offers very wallet-friendly rides. Your 2 SGD (cash) or SGD 1.35 (in EZ-Link card) can help you travel as far as 10 kilometers on a bus

However, they are the slowest way to get to the city. And there is only one option for you to take: Bus 36/36A, which can be caught at the basement of terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Bus 36 will stop at its bays on many roads, including Marine Parade Rd, Somerset Rd, and Orchard Rd. If your hotel is around Somerset or Orchard MRT stations, you can successfully reach your hotel by riding this bus.

You can also use your bus ride as an opportunity to interact with locals, as these vehicles are part of Singapore’s public transportation system and are frequently used by residents.

PAYMENT MODES: Both cash and EZ-Link card are accepted on the buses. If paying by cash, you have to put the exact amount into the farebox (on the bus) because bus drivers won’t give change.

TRAVEL TIME: Approximately 1:32 hours for 23.8km (from the airport to Somerset station)

COST: SGD 1.84 ($1.34) via Ez-link card; SGD 2.50 ($1.80) in cash

BUS HOURS: 06:08 – 22:52 Weekdays; 06:07 – 22:52 Sats; 06:06 – 22:53 Suns & PHs

BUS SCHEDULE: 8 – 9 minutes (between 06:30 – 08:30); 8 – 11 minutes (between 08:31 – 16:59); 8 – 10 minutes (between 17:00 – 19:00); 8 – 12 minutes (after 19:00).