Singapore layover: what to do in 5 to 24 hours
Changi is one of the best airports in the world to be stuck in, and the city is only 20 to 30 minutes away. With a few hours to spare you can see Marina Bay, eat at a hawker centre and be back in time for your flight. Here is how to plan it.
How much time do you need?
| Layover | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Under 5 hours | Stay in the airport: the gardens, the free movie theatres and Jewel (Jewel is outside immigration, so you clear immigration to visit it). |
| 5 to 8 hours | A short trip to the city: Marina Bay, the Merlion and the Supertrees, or a hawker meal in Chinatown. |
| 8 to 12 hours | A private car tour of the city highlights, a hawker meal, and time at Jewel before your flight. |
| 12 to 24 hours | Stay a night in the city and see the evening light shows at Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay. |
Before you leave the airport
- Check if your passport needs a visa to enter Singapore on the ICA website.
- Fill in the free SG Arrival Card on the official ICA website or app, within 3 days before you arrive. Avoid websites that charge a fee for it.
- Leave cabin bags you do not need at the baggage storage counters in the arrival halls.
- Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next flight. Allow time for immigration and security at the airport.
The free Singapore tour
Changi Airport runs a free guided bus tour of the city for transit passengers with a layover of 5.5 to 24 hours. It is about 2.5 hours long, places are limited, and you register online in advance or at the transit counters in Terminals 2 and 3. Check the current times and rules on the Changi Airport website.
A private layover tour
For a layover planned around you, a private car tour meets you in the arrival hall and brings you back to your terminal in good time. A licensed driver-guide shows you Marina Bay and the Merlion, the shophouse streets of Chinatown or Kampong Glam, and a hawker centre for a quick local bite, in a cool car with room for your bags. There is no bus time to wait for, and we plan the timing around your flights. Book it for a layover of at least 6 hours.
- Changi Layover Tour by Private Car: A long wait between flights? Your driver-guide meets you at arrivals, shows you Singapore and brings you back to Changi in good time. (4 hours, S$358 per group of up to 4 guests, private car included)
- Jewel Changi Welcome Walk (private, 90 minutes): Just landed or flying out later? A licensed guide shows you the Rain Vortex and the best of Jewel in 90 minutes. (1 h 30 min, S$68 per group of up to 4 guests)
An example 8-hour layover
- Land, clear immigration and leave your bags (about 45 minutes).
- Drive to Marina Bay: the Merlion, the Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands (about 1.5 hours).
- Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Grove (about 1 hour).
- Lunch or dinner at a hawker centre, such as Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell (about 1 hour).
- Back to Changi, with time at Jewel and the Rain Vortex waterfall (about 1 hour).
- Check in and go through immigration and security, at least 2 hours before your flight.
Tip: Landing in the evening? The Rain Vortex at Jewel has a free light and music show at 8 pm and 9 pm (also 10 pm from Friday to Sunday), and the Supertrees light up for Garden Rhapsody at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave Changi Airport during a layover?
Yes, if your passport allows you to enter Singapore (or you have a visa) and you have filled in the SG Arrival Card. Plan to be back at least 2 hours before your next flight.
Is a 6-hour layover enough to see Singapore?
Yes, for the highlights. The city is 20 to 30 minutes away by car, so you can see Marina Bay and the Supertrees, or eat at a hawker centre, and be back in time.
Where can I leave my luggage at Changi?
There are baggage storage counters in the public areas of every terminal. Fees depend on the size of the bag and how long you leave it.