Transfers to/from Singapore

After a long trip to Singapore, you will probably want to get to your hotel to rest, or not waste time and start your tour right away. Arriving without a compass could only waste your time, so to save you this I suggest you consider in advance how you will get around the city after picking up your luggage. Luckily, this is a futuristic city that is very well interconnected, the modern facilities of Singapore Changi Airport are only 20 kilometers from the center.

Specifically, the distance to travel will depend on the type of transportation you choose, but the fastest option will get you there in about 40 minutes. The perfect transportation depends on your budget, itinerary and the comfort you wish to achieve. There are endless possibilities: The speed and cost-effectiveness of the metro, the ease of the shuttle bus, the exclusivity of private transfers, the adrenaline of quick tours and much more. I leave you with all the alternatives available to move between the airport and the city!

To enter through the front door, nothing better than to ensure transfers upon arrival at Singapore Changi Airport. After a long flight it is normal to want a little privacy and tranquility, it is also understandable that you do not want to use public transport and carry your heavy luggage from one side to the other. Do not worry! Private transfers are a way to arrive in the City of the Future without complications, aboard a minivan or vehicle with all the comforts. They generally offer exclusivity during the journey of at least 40 minutes, which will take you to the city center or directly to your accommodation.

The small window of time between the airport and the city is provided by a friendly, professional driver who knows the city and can show you sites such as the Merlion Statue, which often catches your eye at first glance. The service can include arrival and return, so when it's time to go home you won't have to worry about public transportation delays or rush hour traffic jams.

If you're looking to enjoy a quiet layover and rest before your next flight, you can wait for your connecting flight in the airport lounge. It is available to book for 3, 6 or 12 consecutive hours with different amenities.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: about 40 minutes.
• Price: from 25 euros.
• Advantages of using this method: avoid cab queues and share a vehicle only with your group.
• How to book this transport: it is advisable to book online in advance, for this you must provide your flight number, name of the airline, number of people who will travel, arrival time and details of the accommodation or place you want to go. In addition, you may be asked for your email and other personal information to send the booking details and to keep in touch at the time of pick-up.
• Recommended if... you are traveling with your family or group, have a business trip or simply prefer privacy during your vacation.

Once you land you will have to choose a way to get around the city, if you want to avoid the stress of finding a way to get to your final destination, then you can book a shared transfer. This is a multicultural experience where you will have to share travel and luggage space with strangers. It is ideal to interact and make some friends, or in case you only plan to be in Singapore for 2 days.

Please note that you will be met at the arrival hall, as well as other passengers who share a similar itinerary to yours. The only drawback is that if any flight or external airport process takes longer, you will have to wait a bit. However, the group will wait for you for a reasonable amount of time if there is an inconvenience with your flight. It is also likely that they will relocate you to another minibus, in case of a long airline delay.

Interesting details

• Duration of the trip: approximately 40 minutes, the time can be extended if a passenger is delayed or if your own flight is delayed.
• Price: from 20 euros.
• Advantages of using this method: you can meet new people.
• How to book this transport: it is recommended to do it online, sending your flight details and personal information.
• Recommended if... ideal if you are traveling alone and do not want to book a whole car for yourself.

The train can be a more cost-effective option, ideal for short stays or if you are carrying little luggage. It is operational every day from 5:30 to 23:00. On holidays it is advisable to check the SMRT website to take precautions for any changes. In general, it is the most recommended option, in terms of public transportation.

It has a train frequency every 10 minutes and its location is accessible, you will only have to go down to the basement of Terminal 2. To find it you must follow the Train to the City signs, whose signage is quite useful. The major drawback of this service is that you must transfer at another station, which can be tedious after a long journey.

Details of interest

• Travel time: about 40 minutes.
• Price: from 2 euros depending on the distance, note that the best tourist cards in Singapore usually offer passes and discounts on local transport.
• Advantages of using this method: it is easy to find, as the station is located in the basement of Terminal 2.
• How to book this transport: you can do it online, through the official operator SMRT. You can also buy the ticket at the machines, do not get help from strangers, use only authorized personnel.
• Recommended if... you are looking for a cheaper option, without sacrificing the speed of the transfer.

Shuttle buses are a shared option offered by the airport itself, which are known as shuttles. Departure is as the bus fills up, so you can wait a while before leaving for the city. Many people use it to get out of trouble, or to get to know this futuristic city from another perspective. In addition, there are usually departures every half hour, but in high season the waiting time may be longer.

Generally, buses of this type are operational from 5:30 to 00:30 and are a better option than public transport. Especially, if your flight arrives at night, but you don't want to pay for a cab or transfer on the train line. Singapore' s best tourist cards help you save on transfers, for example the EZ-Link is a rechargeable transport pass that can be purchased online. It offers discounted fares and free tickets for subway and bus. When getting on or off you just have to swipe it through a reader, just don't forget to do it because you may be charged a fine.

Interesting details

• Travel time: approximately 20 minutes, may vary depending on the location of your hotel.
• Price: from 15 euros.
• Advantages of using this method: it is quite comfortable and fast, and there are buses every half hour approximately.
• How to book this transport: you can buy the ticket directly at the ticket office. You can also book online by sending your personal data.
• Recommended if... you forgot to book a transfer method or if you have little luggage and don't mind venturing around the city.

If your flight coincides with a complicated time or you have forgotten to book transfers, you should consider traveling by cab. Of course, it is the most expensive option depending on the final destination. Generally, you can pay up to 25 euros for 20 kilometers, which is the estimated distance between the airport and downtown. The positive point is that in Singapore taximeters work, so it is not necessary to bargain as in other Asian cities.

In case you plan to stay at least 3 days in Singapore, it can be a comfortable way to move from one place to another. The service is available 24 hours a day, although at night fares can increase up to 50%, something you should consider as it may be more cost effective to choose another method of transportation. Luggage can also increase the cost, or if the cab driver has to make stops and wait for you.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: about twenty-five minutes, although this time may increase during rush hour and vary depending on your destination.
• Price: from 25 euros for about 20 kilometers. Please note that the price may increase during peak hours, at night, on weekends and on public holidays.
• Advantages of using this method: they are operational at any time, and you can even get help with your luggage.
• How to book this transportation: you can book through the website or cell phones of Singapore's most reliable companies including SMRT Taxi and Comfort Delgro. Or, upon arrival you can go out to the arrivals levels of each terminal to take the cab.
• Recommended if... you want to get to your destination without long waiting times, but forgot to book a private transfer.

Singapore's public transport is up to the task, as its modern facilities offer comfort, safety and efficiency. However, if you plan to stay at least 5days in Singapore it is more cost-effective to rent a car. It offers greater freedom and deliveries can be arranged at the airport, with short- and long-term car deals for all types of stays.

Generally, you will be asked for your driver's license, valid passport and a credit card in your name. Note that to drive here you must be over eighteen years of age and have an international license. Additionally, there are options of all kinds such as cars with more space capacity, or perhaps a compact and not very bulky one. Of course, everything will depend on the reason for your trip and the comfort you want to prioritize.

Interesting details

• Travel time: about 30 minutes, although if it is your first time driving in Singapore you may need to take it easy.
• Price: from 69 euros per day.
• Advantages of using this method: you will have the opportunity to move around the city at your leisure.
• How to book this transportation: you can do it through the websites of the main operators such as Europcar or Sixt.
• Recommended if... you plan to stay several days in Singapore, you are going with your family or on business.

If you have a stopover in Singapore and you don't want to miss the experience of a lifetime, perhaps you can join the best local tours. Among them, the option of visiting the city in an organized getaway from the airport stands out. Generally, it is necessary to have a layover of at least 6 hours. This way you will have enough time to explore the city and be back in time for your next flight.

These types of adventures usually include a tour aboard a minibus, in the company of other people passing through the city. If you prefer, you can book a private experience for your family or group of friends. This way, you will have an enriching itinerary with visits to Marina Bay, Merlion Park, the iconic Raffles Hotel and the former convent of the Holy Child Jesus.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: you will arrive in the city in less than forty minutes, depending on your stopover you can choose between a 4, 5 or 8 hour tour.
• Price: from 150 euros.
• Advantages of using this method: you will be able to make the most of your stopover, instead of being bored for hours at the airport.
• How to book this transportation: you can do it online, you just need to choose the date, fill in the form with your flight information and that's it!
• Recommended if... you don't have enough to stay a couple of days in the city, but you want to take a look at it.

Go Ahead Singapore bus 36 connects the airport and the city, however it is the slowest option. After a long trip, the last thing you probably want is to be stuck in traffic or circling for longer than necessary. However, it is an attractive route for its low price starting at 2 euros and can be an alternative if you arrive in Singapore between 6:00 and 00:00. In addition, it has routes every 15 minutes, it can be a good option to appreciate the scenery between the two destinations.

Details of interest

• Duration of the trip: approximately one hour and a half.
• Price: from 2 euros.
• Advantages of using this method: it picks up passengers at terminals 1, 2 and 3, and makes several stops in the city.
• How to book this transport: you can do it on the website a couple of days before or pay at the ticket office as cash and EZ-Link cards are accepted.
• Recommended if... for those who are on a tight budget for the trip to Singapore.

Before arriving at the airport I advise you to bring a tourist map and all your organized documentation for immigration control. Also, check out the attractions at the airport, which even has swimming pools, butterfly gardens, massage machines and numerous stores.

Additionally, not everyone plans to tour Singapore. While that's unfortunate, it's not necessarily bad news. If you have a long layover at Changi Airport, it's best to find a private, quiet space to arrive at your destination refreshed. After a while you might not know what to do to pass the time. The premium lounge allows you to relax in a soothing environment with WiFi, meals, drinks, power outlets and hot shower on request.

This way, you'll turn a long and arduous layover into a rewarding experience. You can even request a massage to loosen knots and eliminate stress. Ranked as one of the best in the world, it is a huge airport with free attractions such as a movie theater and an open-air garden where monarch butterflies swarm. It even has a waterfall coming out of its glass dome, restaurants and some 300 stores.