Ways To Get From Singapore Changi Airport To The City Center
Welcome to the land of the Merlion, where vibrant cultures and mouth-watering cuisine await you! But before you can dive into the hustle and bustle of Singapore's city center, you'll need to make your way from Changi Airport to your destination. Luckily for you, getting from point A to point B has never been more exciting!
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or a lover of scenic routes, there's a transportation option that caters to your style. Want to feel the wind in your hair as you speed down the expressway? Take a ride on a taxi or a private car. Craving some local delicacies as soon as you touch down? Hop on the MRT and indulge in some hawker fare. Prefer a leisurely journey with breathtaking views of the city skyline? Go for the city bus.
No matter what mode of transportation you choose, rest assured that your journey to the city center will be nothing short of an adventure. So buckle up, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the Lion City in style!
MRT
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Singapore is widely regarded as the most efficient mode of transportation for getting around the city. For tourists, it is not only the easiest, but also the most cost-effective way to travel. The MRT is easily accessible from any terminal in the airport, although it is located closer to terminals 2 and 3. However, it is important to take note of the operating hours to avoid missing the last train of the day. [MRT Map]
Foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa contactless bank cards are the most convenient payment option for tourists. With these cards, you won't have to worry about where to purchase transportation cards or the card limits. It is worth noting that administrative fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards, and you can find detailed information on Transit Link's Simply Go website. [Simply Go]
Alternatively, you can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special EZ-Link stored-value card that allows unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16), or three days (S$20). The pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office, located at select MRT stations, including the Changi Airport station (Terminal 2), near the Transit Link Ticket Office. [Singapore Tourist Pass]
To help you navigate the MRT system, here is a map that indicates the location of the airport MRT and the downtown city center MRT station, where most hotels, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands, are situated.
First train
Monday to Saturday: 5:31 AM
Sunday and public holidays: 5:59 AM
Last train
Connecting to Tuas Link: 11:18 PM, daily
Connecting to Pasir Ris: 12:06 AM, daily
BUS
The bus can be a great transportation option, but only if you know the right bus number to take. It is also one of the cheapest modes of transportation, second only to the MRT. However, it is important to consider the route, timing, and the hassle of carrying your luggage up and down the bus. This can make it the most inconvenient mode of transportation when you have luggage to carry.
Once you have settled into your accommodation, the bus can become your best mode of transportation for getting around the city. To make the most of it, it is best to use map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. These apps will provide you with the bus number to take, where to embark and disembark, the number of stops, and the estimated travel time.
Similar to the MRT, tourists can use their foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa contactless bank cards for bus fare payment, but it is important to remember that administrative fees apply. Alternatively, you can purchase and use the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited bus travel.
TAXI
When it comes to transportation, taxis or cabs are often considered the easiest and most comfortable way to get around the world. This is especially true when you need to travel somewhere that is not easily accessible by bus or MRT. In Singapore, taxis or cabs are metered, but you may encounter surcharges depending on the time, location, and taxi company you choose.
Taxis or cabs in Singapore do accept credit card payments, but it is important to check with the driver before boarding to ensure that they accept your chosen method of payment. Sometimes, the payment machine may be faulty, so it's best to confirm beforehand. Additionally, credit card payments are subject to administrative fees and GST, which can add up. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective to exchange a small amount of Singapore dollars at the airport before taking a taxi.
Private Hire Car
Passengers have the option to book private hire cars from companies like Grab, Gojek, Tada Mobility, or Ryde for transportation outside of the airport. To make a booking, simply download the respective transport provider's mobile application from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and head to the Arrival pick-up points at Terminals 1, 2, or 3.
It's important to note that private hire cars cannot pick you up from the taxi stand at the airport as they have a designated pick-up location. Therefore, it's necessary to check with the respective transport provider regarding the pick-up location.
Airport Transfer
If you're traveling with a larger group or have a lot of luggage, then airport transfer with a 4-7 seater vehicle may be the best option for you, with fares ranging from S$55 to S$60 per trip. Alternatively, if you don't mind splitting up the group, taking two separate taxis or cabs could be another option.
If your destination is close to the downtown area hotels where the city shuttle goes, this may be a good deal for you. Not only do you not have to worry about getting lost in the MRT system, but it's also definitely cheaper than taking a taxi or private hire car when going to downtown areas. However, it's important to note the departure timing. If in doubt, please approach the 24-hour Ground Transport Concierges (GTC) at the Arrival Halls for more information on the route and which downtown hotels the shuttle will travel to.
Transportation options include:
4-seater vehicle (S$55.00 per trip to any destination in Singapore)
7-seater vehicle (S$60.00 per trip to any destination in Singapore)
City Shuttle (S$10.00 per adult or S$7.00 per child below 12 years of age) to selected downtown areas. The City Shuttle departs every hour from 0700 - 2300hrs.
[Airport City Shuttle Details]
Conclusion
To save money, tourists on a budget can opt for a combination of MRT and Bus to reach almost any tourist spot in Singapore. Payment can be made conveniently with contactless bank cards or the Singapore tourist pass.
However, if you find it challenging to navigate maps or locate a destination, taking a taxi or Grab may be a better option. As long as there are no road restrictions, the driver will likely drop you off right in front or close to your destination.
It is important to note that Singapore is a safe country with strict laws, so there is no need to worry about drivers taking you to remote areas and asking for extra money, unlike some other countries.
In case of any emergency, you can contact the local police at 999.
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Police : 999
Ambulance & Fire Brigade : 995
Flight Information : 1800 542 4422
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Changi Airport Transport - https://www.changiairport.com/en/airport-guide/transport/leaving-the-airport.html
Tourist Pass - https://thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg/type-of-passes/#stp-1
SimplyGo - https://simplygo.transitlink.com.sg/