Transit Options from Changi Airport to Singapore City
Singapore Changi Airport is efficiently connected to the city center. The distance from Singapore Airport to Downtown Core is about 20km/12.4 miles. Thus, depending on the chosen mode of transit, airport rides to Singapore city center can be lengthy. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are the fastest and most convenient ways to get from Changi Airport to downtown Singapore, while the available modes of mass transit (buses, shuttles, and trains) are definitely the most affordable options. Alternatively, airport car rentals are highly recommended for visitors who want to fully explore the island without being dependent on the public means of transit.
| Options | Price (S$) | Price ($) | Price (€) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 25 | 18.60 | 17.10 | 20-30 min |
| Train | 2.04 | 1.52 | 1.40 | 44 min |
| Bus | 2.13 | 1.59 | 1.46 | 84 min |
Singapore Airport to City Center by Taxi
Singapore airport taxis are perhaps the most widely favored transit option when it comes to rides from Singapore Changi Airport to the city. They are always present at the SIN taxi ranks, lying outside the Arrivals halls of all terminals, and provide door-to-door services while being known for their reliability. Verily, Singapore airport taxi drivers usually respect their passengers. Hence, scamming incidents are rare. They can be of several colors, as the vehicles of each taxi company are distinguishable by their unique colors. Still, they all have a Taxi sign on their roofs. It’s important to keep in mind that there are standard and premium vehicles, as well as limousines, in Singapore Airport. Standard taxis are the most affordable ones. Hence, if you want to save money, you should catch a standard vehicle from the taxi stand.
Singapore airport taxis are metered. Thus, they don’t offer set fares for journeys from Singapore Airport to downtown, but their exact cost depends on the drop-off location.
All Singapore airport taxi companies have their own price table. Still, the fares don’t differ much.
The taxi ride to the heart of the city (the Downtown Core or its inner area, Central Business District) lasts around 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions (the traveling time might be up to 50 minutes during rush hours) and costs around S$20/$14.80/€13.70 to S$25/18.60/€17.10. Moreover, an airport fee is applied to the metered fare. Thus, passengers pay an extra S$8/$6/€5.55 fee from 05:00 pm to midnight, while the surcharge at other times is S$6/$4.46/€4.13. On the other hand, taxi journeys from Changi Airport to downtown Singapore during rush hours (06:00 am to 09:30 am from Monday to Friday, from 05:00 pm to midnight every day, even on public holidays, and from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm on weekends and holidays) are 25% costlier. What’s more, the ERP (electronic tolls) fees should also be added to the final rate. Finally, late-night rides (from midnight to 06:00 am) are 50% more expensive. On the other hand, luggage isn’t charged extra, and tipping is also optional.
You can pay for your taxi fares in cash or via a bank card. However, you should keep in mind that e-payments are 10% pricier than cash-paid journeys. Verily, a 10% on the final fare fee applies to electronic payments (plus GST).
Our Tip: Ride-sharing services (for example, Grab) are also available at Singapore International Airport.
Singapore Airport to City Center by Train
Changi airport train is a cost-effective way to travel from Singapore Airport to downtown. Although Singapore’s MRT trains are modern and air-conditioned, they aren’t the recommended option when traveling with heavy luggage as they don’t have designated luggage space. Moreover, they don’t directly link SIN Airport to the city center. Verily, if you want to travel from Changi Airport to downtown Singapore via train, you’ll have to reach the Changi Airport MRT Station located on the basement levels of T2 and T3. Thus, passengers landing at T1 have to use the complimentary SkyTrain to get to T2, while those arriving at T4 can get to T2 via the free airport shuttle buses. Once you reach the Changi Airport Train Station (CG2), you’ll hop on the train to Tanah Merah Interchange Station. Even though the airport train line is part of the East West Line, you’ll have to alight at Tanah Merah Station as the East West Line splits into two branches. You’ll catch the train heading to Tuas Link Station. The Changi airport train runs from 05:31 am (05:59 am on Sundays and public holidays) to 11:18 pm every 7-12 minutes, and the East West Line to Tuas Link operates on a 3-16.5-minute frequency. Depending on the exact location of your destination, you’ll disembark at the City Hall or the Raffles Place Stations, and the duration of your journey will be 42 and 44 minutes, respectively. The ticket fares depend on the traversed distance. Hence, the train ride to the City Hall Station costs S$2.04/$1.52/€/1.40, whereas the journey to Raffles Place is priced at S$2.07/$1.54/€1.42. In any case, children shorter than 0.9m (2ft 11.43in) travel for free.
You can opt for a contactless payment to pay for your train fares (however, admin fees apply to foreign cards), use your mobile wallet, or buy a rechargeable EZ-Link Card. It costs S$12/$8.90/€8.20. Nevertheless, its actual cost is S$5/$3.70/€3.40, as the S$7/$5.20/€4.80 sum can be used for bus and train rides. Moreover, Singapore Tourist Passes are also available for travelers who want to use buses and trains as their main way of transit. There are three types of those special EZ-Link Cards.
Singapore Tourist Pass is valid for unlimited 1, 2, or 3-day rides. The 1-day card costs S$22/$16.36/€15.13, the 2-day pass is priced at S$29/$21.56/€19.93, and the 3-day card S$34/$25.28/€23.35. However, the S$10/$7.44/€6.88 serves as a rental deposit. Thus, it is refundable once you return the pass to one of the SimplyGo Ticket Offices. On the other hand, the SG Tourist Pass and the SG Tourist Pass (Red) are valid for 3 days, costing S$29/$21.56/€19.93, while the Singapore Tourist Pass Plus can also be used for unlimited rides during a 3-day time frame but costs S$48/$35.69/€33, as it offers an Xplore 1-hour Tour, free postcards, and a S$5/$3.72/€3.44 credit for Changi Travel Concierge Service. All types of passes aren’t valid for rides with Sentosa Express, express buses, premium buses, and RWS8, offer many other perks and discounts, and can be used as a standard EZ-Link Card after their period of validity. Still, in that case, you can’t get back the Singapore Tourist Passe’s rental deposit. EZ-Link Cards and Singapore Tourist Passes can be bought from the Changi Recommends Stores, the Cheers Outlets, the Passenger Service Center, and the SimplyGo Ticket Offices at the Changi Airport MRT Station.
You must always tap in and out of the train stations using the same device or card as otherwise, you’ll be charged the maximum fee.
Another option for your train ride from Singapore Airport to downtown is to take the Changi airport train to the Expo Station and hop on the Downtown Line, running every 2.5-5.5 minutes and heading to Bukit Panjang. You’ll hop off the train at the Downtown Station in about 49 minutes and pay S$2.07/$1.54/€1.42 for your train ticket.
Singapore Airport to City Center by Bus
Changi airport buses are another cheap alternative for the journey from Singapore Changi Airport to the city. Bus Line 36 departs from the bus stops that are to be found on the basement levels of T1, T2, and T3 and the one lying next to the Car Park 4B of SIN terminal 4. It heads to the city center, running from 06:00 am to 11:58 pm every 8 minutes during rush hours and every 12 minutes at other times. Overall, the bus ride to downtown Singapore lasts around 84 minutes as buses are dependent on traffic levels and make several intermediate stops.
Their fares are calculated according to the distance from the boarding location to the disembarking point. Thus, if you alight at the Esplanade Bus Stop, you’ll have to pay S$2.13/$1.59/€1.46. Still, children up to 0.9m (2ft 11.43in) don’t pay for the ride from Singapore Airport to downtown. Contactless payments, mobile wallets, and EZ-Link Cards can be used to pay for the bus fare, as well as Singapore Tourist Passes. Moreover, cash payments are accepted onboard too. However, in that case, the ticket will be priced at S$2.90/$2.16/€1.99, and you’ll have to pay the exact amount of money, as you won’t be given back change.
You’ll need to tap your card or electronic device when boarding the bus through the front door and again when alighting at the back door. Please ensure you use the same card or device to avoid being overcharged.
Singapore Airport to City Center by Shuttle Bus
The Changi Airport City Shuttle Bus links the airport to numerous (in fact, 137) hotels located in downtown Singapore. It has available routes from 07:00 am to 11:00 pm every hour and costs S$10/$7.44/€6.88 for adult passengers. Children below 12 years of age pay S$7/$5.20/€4.80 for their shuttle fares. Overall, the ride from Singapore Airport to downtown lasts up to 60 minutes, depending on the alighting location. Passengers who want to travel with the City Shuttle should head to one of the Ground Transport Concierges (GTC), which operate around the clock at the Arrivals halls of all terminals, or pre-book their rides.
Car Rental from Singapore Airport to Downtown
A rental car is totally recommended for your ride from Changi Airport to downtown Singapore, especially if you are planning to travel around the island and visit as many of its destinations as possible. Singapore’s traffic levels are overall tolerable, and the road network is in excellent condition. Moreover, drivers drive carefully, fully respecting the traffic laws. Thus, if you have made up your mind and want to rent a car at SIN Airport, you should search the available options and compare the provided services and prices. In any case, early bookings usually come with tempting deals and offers.
Once you collect your Changi airport car rental, you’ll begin your ride to Singapore’s Downtown Core. You should expect a 20-30-minute journey. That being said, during rush hours, you might need up to 50 minutes to reach your destination. As far as the parking options are concerned, you’ll find various public and private car parks in the city center, while street parking is also possible, yet it is paid and limited.
Private Airport Transfers from Changi Airport to Singapore City
If you want to enjoy an even more convenient traveling experience than a taxi or a ridesharing service, you should book a private airport transfer and reach your destination in downtown Singapore in the most relaxed way possible. Verily, your ride will be utterly tailored to your exact needs, and you’ll have access to various side amenities. On the other hand, a private airport transfer from Singapore Changi Airport to the city can be slightly costlier than an ordinary taxi ride. Still, the quality of the provided services corresponds to that extra cost.
FAQs
How do I get from Singapore Airport to the city?
You’ll have various options for your transit from Singapore Airport to downtown. Airport taxis and private airport transfers are perhaps the most comfortable choices, while airport rental cars are widely chosen by travelers who enjoy independent journeys. On the other hand, if you are looking for the most affordable alternative, you should opt for a bus or a train ride to your final destination.
How much is a taxi from Singapore Airport to city center?
Singapore airport taxis are metered. Thus, their fares depend on the journey’s distance and the traveling time. Overall, the taxi ride from Singapore Airport to downtown costs about S$25/18.60/€17.10, and an airport surcharge (S$8/$6/€5.55 from 05:00 pm to midnight and S$6/$4.46/€4.13 at other times) is added to the final fare. Moreover, rides during rush hours are 25% costlier, and late-night journeys are 50% more expensive.
How much is the train from Singapore Airport to city center?
The Singapore train fares are calculated based on the traversed distance. Thus, a train ride from Changi Airport to downtown Singapore (the City Hall Station, the Raffles Place Station, or Downtown Station) costs from S$2.04/$1.52/€/1.40 to S$2.07/$1.54/€1.42.