Changi Airport to the city: every way, with prices
Changi Airport is about 20 km from the city centre. By car it takes 20 to 30 minutes to Marina Bay, the CBD or Orchard Road; by train it takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Here is every way to get there, what it costs and which one suits you.
The quick answer
| Way | Rough cost | Time to the city | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRT train | S$2 to S$3 per person | 45 to 60 min | Light bags, daytime, a hotel near a station |
| Public bus 36 | About S$2 per person | 60 to 90 min | Small budgets, hotels on Orchard Road |
| Taxi | About S$30 to S$55 per car | 20 to 30 min | No booking, any time of day |
| Grab or other ride apps | About S$25 to S$50 per car, more when busy | 20 to 30 min | Upfront price on your phone |
| Private transfer | Fixed price per car | 20 to 30 min | Families, groups, late flights, lots of luggage |
MRT train
Changi Airport MRT station is under Terminals 2 and 3. From Terminal 1, walk through Jewel or take the free Skytrain; from Terminal 4, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2. Take the green East-West Line and change at Tanah Merah, across the platform, for trains to the city (towards Tuas Link). City Hall and Raffles Place take about 45 minutes; for Orchard, change again at City Hall to the red line.
- Pay by tapping a contactless Visa or Mastercard, or your phone, at the gate. No ticket is needed.
- Trains run from about 5.30 am until about 11 pm. A late flight means a taxi, a ride app or a pre-booked car.
- Big suitcases are allowed, but trains are crowded at rush hour (about 8 to 9.30 am and 6 to 7.30 pm).
- Works on the airport line sometimes close it for a few days, with free shuttle buses instead. Check the SMRT or LTA website before you fly.
Public bus 36
Bus 36 leaves from the bus stops in the basements of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and goes through Marina Centre and along Orchard Road. It is the cheapest way if your hotel is on its route, but it stops often and takes 60 to 90 minutes. Tap your card when you get on and when you get off.
Taxi
Taxi stands are outside the arrival hall of every terminal: follow the taxi signs. Taxis use the meter, and on top of the fare you pay:
- An airport surcharge: S$8 from 5 pm to midnight, S$6 at other times.
- A peak-hour surcharge of 25% of the fare at busy times: weekday mornings, weekend lunchtimes and every evening from 5 pm to midnight.
- A late-night surcharge of 50% of the fare from midnight to 6 am.
- Road tolls (ERP) on the way, if any.
Most rides to the city or Orchard come to about S$30 to S$55 in total. At busy times the queue can be long.
Grab and other ride apps
Grab, Gojek and TADA all work at Changi Airport. You see the price before you book, and pickup points are signposted at the arrival halls. Prices go up at busy times and when it rains, and you need mobile data to find your driver.
Private airport transfer
With a pre-booked private transfer your driver tracks your flight, waits for you in the arrival hall with a name sign, helps with your bags and drives you straight to your hotel. The price is fixed for the whole car, day or night, so there is no meter, surge or late-night surcharge. It is the easiest choice for families with children, older travellers, groups of up to 9 people, and flights that land late at night.
- Singapore Changi Airport Private Transfer: Private car between Changi Airport and your hotel, one way. Fixed price per car, meet & greet with a name sign, flight tracking and free waiting. (airport transfer, from S$35 per car, one way)
Book an airport transfer: choose arriving or leaving, the car for your group, and give your flight number. Our sedans take up to 3 people, MPVs and the Toyota Alphard up to 5, and vans up to 9.
Which one should I choose?
- On your own with a backpack, arriving in the day: the MRT.
- Two people with suitcases: a taxi or a ride app costs about the same as two MRT trips to the door, and is much faster.
- A family, a group or a late flight: a private transfer, so someone is waiting for you and the price is fixed.
- Going to Sentosa: go by car. Cars pay a small charge to enter Sentosa.
Tip: Long layover? You can leave the airport and see the city. Read our Singapore layover guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Changi Airport to Marina Bay?
About S$30 to S$55 in total, with the airport surcharge (S$6, or S$8 from 5 pm to midnight) and any peak or late-night surcharge. The ride takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Is there an MRT station at Changi Airport?
Yes. Changi Airport station is under Terminals 2 and 3. Take the East-West Line and change at Tanah Merah for the city. It costs about S$2 to S$3 and takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
My flight lands after midnight. How do I get to my hotel?
Trains stop at about 11 pm. Take a taxi (with a 50% late-night surcharge), a ride app, or book a private transfer with a fixed price and a driver waiting for you.
Can I get a child seat?
Most taxis do not have child seats, and only some ride app options do. When you book a private transfer with us, ask for a child seat in the notes.