Changi is the benchmark. Terminals 1–3 are connected airside by Skytrain, T4 by landside shuttle. Free rest areas, a rooftop pool, a butterfly garden, cinemas, and airside transit hotels make even a 10-hour layover pleasant. Jewel (the waterfall mall) is landside, so you need to clear immigration to see it.
01Connections
Minimum connection 60 minutes airside between T1–T3; allow 90+ minutes if T4 is involved. Bags are almost always checked through on a single ticket.
Airlines publish legal minimums per terminal pair; these figures are our comfortable recommendation, not the legal minimum. Verify with your airline for your specific itinerary.
02Sleep & nap options
Excellent. Free snooze lounges in T1, T2 and T3 (reclining chairs, dim lighting), plus Aerotel and YOTELAIR transit hotels airside for paid hourly blocks. The rest areas fill up 00:00–05:00.
- airside transit
Aerotel Singapore (T1, airside) — Airside, Terminal 1 transit area. Hourly blocks with an outdoor pool. Transit passengers only; no immigration needed.
- on airport
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi (Jewel) — Landside at Jewel, 5-minute walk from T1. Compact cabins; requires clearing immigration.
- on airport
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport — Connected by walkway to T3. Full-service hotel attached to T3; the pool garden is a highlight.
03Showers
Pay showers at Ambassador Transit Lounges (T2, T3) and included with transit-hotel bookings. Also inside most airline and Priority Pass lounges.
04Food & coffee
Hawker-style food courts airside in every terminal (T3 Kopitiam is the go-to for cheap local dishes). Jewel landside has the widest range.
05Wi-Fi & charging
Free, fast, unlimited; charging points everywhere.
06Lounges at SIN
SATS Premier Lounge (T3)
Yes for a shower and a real meal. For sleep, Changi's free snooze lounges are actually better.
7.4SilverKris Business Class Lounge (T3)
One of the best business-class lounges anywhere after its rebuild. If you qualify, plan your layover around it.
907Getting into Singapore
| Mode | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (East–West Line) | ~45 min to city centre | Change at Tanah Merah. Cheapest and reliable. |
| Taxi | 20–30 min | Metered plus airport surcharge; Grab also works. |
| Free Changi Transit Tour | 2.5 h round trip | Runs on a schedule; register at the transit desk. Requires ≥5.5h layover and visa-free eligibility. |
08Transit & visa reminder
Many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays; some need a visa or SG Arrival Card even to leave the airport. Check ICA rules before planning a city exit.
09Layover ideas by time window
- Under 4h
Stay airside. Butterfly garden (T3), sunflower garden (T2), snooze lounge, or a hawker meal.
- 4–7h
Free transit tour (if eligible) or Jewel landside with a hotel-style shower back airside.
- 7h+
City run: MRT to Chinatown or Marina Bay, back with a two-hour buffer. Or book a transit hotel block and sleep properly.
10Traveler warnings
- T4 is not connected airside — check which terminal your onward flight leaves from before you relax.
- Jewel is landside: leaving means immigration in both directions.
- Singapore has strict rules on vaping products and chewing gum — leave them at home.
11Frequently asked
Can I leave Changi Airport during a layover?
Yes, if you are eligible to enter Singapore (visa-free or with a visa) and have enough time. Allow at least a two-hour buffer to return through immigration and security.
Where can I sleep for free at Changi?
Free snooze lounges exist in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 airside, with reclining chairs and dim lighting. Paid transit hotels (Aerotel, YOTELAIR) offer proper beds in hourly blocks.
Is the free Changi transit tour still running?
The free transit tour has run in various forms for years but is subject to change; confirm availability at the transit desk or on Changi's site the week you travel.
- Changi Airport Group — transit and facilities pages
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) entry requirements
- Editorial visits, 2025
Airport operations, hours and access rules change. Request a correction if something is out of date.