Changi is one of the world’s best airports, and getting into the city is easy at any hour. Here’s how the options compare.
Changi to the city: options compared
| Option | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRT | ~S$2–3 | 40–60 min | First train ~5:31am (Mon–Sat), last ~11:18pm |
| Public bus (e.g. 36 to Orchard) | ~S$2 | 60+ min | Cheap but slow |
| Metered taxi | S$25–45 + surcharges | ~30 min | Queue at the taxi stands |
| Grab / Gojek / other ride-hailing | Similar to taxi | ~30 min | Pick up at the marked ride-hailing points |
| Airport shuttle (GTC) | S$70 (4-seat) / S$75 (6-seat) | ~30 min | 24 hours, private car |
Details are from Changi Airport. The MRT fare depends on distance.
Taking the MRT from Changi
- Follow the signs to the Changi Airport MRT station, between Terminals 2 and 3.
- Tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, or your phone, at the gates. A small admin fee applies to foreign cards. Tourists can also buy a Singapore Tourist Pass.
- Ride one stop to Tanah Merah and cross the platform to the East West Line towards Tuas Link for City Hall, Raffles Place and Bugis.
- Or ride to Expo and switch to the Downtown Line for Bayfront (Marina Bay Sands), Chinatown and Bugis.
Taxi surcharges to know
- The airport surcharge is S$8 from 5pm to midnight and S$6 at other times.
- The peak-hour surcharge is 25% of the meter (weekday mornings, weekend late mornings and every evening from 5pm).
- The midnight surcharge is 50% of the meter from 12am to 5:59am.
Before you leave the airport
- See Jewel Changi and its Rain Vortex waterfall, which is free and linked to Terminal 1.
- Pick up an eSIM for Singapore or use the free airport Wi-Fi to book Grab.
- Remember to submit your free SG Arrival Card within 3 days before you land.
- Want it seamless? Pre-book a private transfer.
Going back to Changi
Allow 30–45 minutes by taxi, or about an hour by MRT, from the city. Changi is efficient, but arrive 2–3 hours before international flights, plus time for Jewel. For your stay, see where to stay in Singapore.
More Singapore guides
- Singapore travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Singapore
- Singapore itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay tickets and light show
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark tickets
- Universal Studios Singapore tickets
- Best time to visit Singapore
FAQ: Changi Airport to the city
How much is a taxi from Changi Airport to Marina Bay?
Typically S$25–45 on the meter plus the S$6–8 airport surcharge, and more with peak or midnight surcharges.
Does the MRT run 24 hours from Changi?
No. The last train is around 11:18pm to the city. After that, use a taxi, Grab or the 24-hour airport shuttle.
Can I pay for the MRT with my credit card?
Yes. Contactless Visa, Mastercard and mobile wallets work at the gates, with a small admin fee for foreign cards.
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