Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): terminals, Skytrain and Jewel
Changi is Singapore's main passenger airport, on the east coast of the island, about 20 km from Marina Bay. This page is about the airport itself: where the four terminals are, how the free Skytrain and the shuttle connect them, and what sits landside at Jewel. For the trip into the city — fares, journey times and which option suits your arrival hour — use the transport guide.
Ways from Changi Airport into Singapore →
- Four terminals, T1–T4, with a free Skytrain between T1, T2 and T3 and a shuttle to T4.
- The Changi Airport MRT station is under T2/T3, on a branch of the East-West Line.
- Around 20 km to Marina Bay — about 20–30 minutes by car, 45–60 by MRT with one change.
- Jewel and its Rain Vortex waterfall are attached to T1, landside and open to all.
The four terminals, the Skytrain and Jewel
Changi has four passenger terminals. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are linked airside and landside by a free Skytrain that runs every few minutes, plus air-conditioned walkways; Terminal 4 sits a little apart and is served by a free shuttle bus. If you need to change terminals to catch a connection or reach the MRT, allow around 15–20 minutes to be safe.
Jewel, the glass-domed complex attached to Terminal 1 and linked to T2 and T3, is landside and open to everyone — arriving, departing or just visiting. At its centre the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall at about 40 metres, drops through a ring of terraced gardens, shops and food halls. It makes a natural meeting point and an easy way to fill a spare hour before or between flights.
Getting from Changi into Singapore
The city centre is about 20 km west of the airport. The MRT is the cheapest route at roughly S$2, reaching central stations in 45–60 minutes with one cross-platform change at Tanah Merah. A taxi or a Grab covers the same ground in about 20–30 minutes off-peak for around S$25–45 on the meter — before three separate surcharges that between them catch most arrivals: a fixed S$6 airport surcharge, rising to S$8 daily from 17:00 to 23:59 and charged only on trips out of Changi; +50% on the meter from 00:00 to 05:59; and +25% at peak times, meaning Monday to Friday 06:00–09:29, weekends and public holidays 10:00–13:59, and every day 17:00–23:59. Public bus Service 36 runs into town for about S$2 but takes close to an hour, and a pre-booked private transfer meets you in the arrivals hall at a price fixed before you land.
The MRT station sits beneath Terminals 2 and 3, so from T1 or T4 you first take the free Skytrain or shuttle. The first train out of Changi Airport is 05:31 on Mondays to Saturdays and 05:59 on Sundays and public holidays; the last one that still connects towards the city leaves at 23:18. Public bus Service 36 keeps going a little longer — from about 23:00 it runs as Service 36A, the city-bound half of the loop only, with the final departure at 23:58 and 00:04 on Saturdays. Between then and 06:00 nothing runs on rails or to a bus timetable: the 24/7 taxi ranks, the ride-hailing apps and pre-booked private transfers are the only way out, and that gap is exactly when the +50% night surcharge applies.
Arrivals, transit and long layovers
The terminals operate 24 hours, with free unlimited Wi-Fi, plenty of power points, currency exchange and prepaid-SIM counters after immigration, and left-luggage desks if you want to explore the city between flights. GST refunds on shopping are processed at self-service kiosks before you leave.
Changi is built for long layovers: landscaped gardens, free 24-hour movie theatres, rest areas and paid lounges and shower facilities are spread across the terminals, and Jewel adds a canopy park and hedge maze. If you have several hours, it is one of the few airports genuinely worth leaving the gate for without leaving the building.
Changi Airport — quick facts
- Four terminals (T1–T4) plus Jewel; about 20 km and 45–60 MRT-minutes from Marina Bay.
- The Rain Vortex at Jewel is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, at roughly 40 metres.
- The MRT to the city costs about S$2; a taxi is about S$25–45 — both available from every terminal.
- The free Skytrain links Terminals 1, 2 and 3; a free shuttle bus serves Terminal 4.
- Terminals are open 24/7, but the trains are not: first MRT 05:31 (05:59 Sundays and public holidays), last city-bound MRT 23:18, last bus 23:58 — overnight it is taxis, Grab and transfers only.
Singapore Changi Airport transport — FAQ
- How far is Changi Airport from Singapore city centre?
- About 20 km. By road it is roughly 20–30 minutes off-peak; by MRT it is 45–60 minutes with one change at Tanah Merah.
- How do I get between the Changi terminals?
- A free Skytrain connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3 every few minutes, and a free shuttle bus serves Terminal 4. Jewel also links T1, T2 and T3 on the landside.
- Which terminal has the MRT station?
- The Changi Airport MRT station is beneath Terminals 2 and 3. From Terminal 1 or 4, take the free Skytrain or shuttle to reach it.
- What is the cheapest way from Changi into the city?
- The MRT, at about S$2 in 45–60 minutes. Public bus Service 36 is a similar price but slower; taxis, Grab and private transfers are faster but cost more.
- What can I do on a layover at Changi Airport?
- Visit Jewel and the Rain Vortex, walk the terminal gardens, catch a free 24-hour movie, or use the rest areas, lounges and shower facilities. Left-luggage desks let you head into the city if you have longer.
Fares, timings and facilities are indicative and were last checked against Changi Airport, the LTA, SMRT and Go-Ahead Singapore in July 2026 — confirm current details with the operator before you travel.