Airport Travel in Singapore

Airport Travel in Singapore

By Dom Bewley

So you've decided to spend your vacation in Singapore. Good choice! It's a diverse melting pot of cultures that will welcome you with open arms. There's nowhere quite like Singapore, thanks to the juxtaposition between awe-inspiring modern architecture and wonderfully exotic nature. And, with a warm climate all year round, it's the perfect place to shake off those winter blues. But what about traveling in Singapore once you reach the airport? Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Scroll down, and discover our guide to airport travel in Singapore. We're going to cover Singapore's airports and the best ways to get into the city once you arrive. So stash your trays and fasten those seatbelts. And let's get into it!

Airports in Singapore

Singapore has two commercial airports, so depending on where you're traveling from, you'll be landing at either Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. Here's what to expect at each.

Image of Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Vegetation, Land, Rainforest, Tree, Arbour, Fountain, Water,

Singapore Changi Airport

If you travel to Changi Airport in Singapore, you're in good hands. It has received multiple accolades throughout its 40+ year history, including Skytrax's 'World's Best Airport' award, as well as other accolades such as 'World's Cleanest Airport', which it has won on multiple occasions.

Visitors are treated to a waterfall, multiple gardens, and even places perfect for entertaining children - a godsend if you need to keep them busy if your flight home is delayed.

On top of all that, there are heaps of shopping, eating, and other entertainment opportunities there. Singapore's tallest ride is found at Terminal 2. It's wild. Both the ride and its placement!

Singapore Changi Airport is just under ten miles from the city center, almost equidistant when compared to Seletar Airport.

Image of Airport, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Hat, Terminal, Bag, Backpack,

Seletar Airport

While the less glamorous of the two, Seletar still serves its ultimate purpose - being an airport where planes land. Originally a military airport, it opened its doors - and its runways - to commercial flights as Singapore became an increasingly popular tourist destination. Well, one runway at least.

It may not have all the bells and whistles of Changi Airport, but it is an airport.

And, as mentioned above it is also just shy of ten miles from the center of Singapore.

So, now we've covered the airport situation, you'll want to know how to travel in to Singapore once you arrive!

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person, Bus, Vehicle,

Travel from Seletar Airport in to Singapore

There are a few ways to get into Singapore proper.

You can get the 102 bus from Seletar Airport to Buangkok Station and then a train from there to Clarke Quay. It's a 58-minute journey and will set you back a measly $2.

Or, if you want to stretch your legs after the flight, you can walk to Buangkok Station instead, which takes about 35 minutes. Considering this only shaves $1 off the $2 price of getting the bus while adding about 20 minutes to your trip, only consider walking if you need to get your steps up.

Alternatively, hire a taxi and make the trip in 17 precious minutes. Of course, this will set you back around 10x more than the bus/train combo, but at $20, is it really worth the fuss?

Image of Railway, Terminal, Train, Train Station, Vehicle, Subway,

Travel from Changi Airport in to Singapore

You'll find similar travel opportunities if you land at Changi Airport.

The subway will get you straight from the airport into the city center in just over 30 minutes, and will only set you back $3.

Or, hop on the 36 bus and make the same journey in just under 90 minutes. It's longer, but at $1, it's also cheaper if you want to squeeze your pennies.

And, like Seletar Airport, a taxi will set you back around $20 and make the journey in under 20 minutes.

Those are your public transport options. But if you're traveling in a group, or want to plan your trip ahead to avoid any post-landing headaches, consider an airport transfer.

Image of Person, Handbag, Bus, Vehicle,

Airport transfers for travel in to Singapore

These days, more and more people are relying on airport transfer services to ensure they have a smooth transition from their plane seat to their hotel bed. And it's easy to understand why. If your cell signal is patchy, or your provider doesn't allow for roaming service, you may end up tearing your hair out while working out where to go. Alternatively, the language barrier could also hinder your efforts in getting to your hotel or Airbnb.

But with airport transfer services, you needn't worry about that. It's all taken care of way ahead of time. Simply step off the plane, meet your driver, and let them worry about the trip.

If that sounds like exactly what you need, here are our recommendations for airport transfer services in Singapore.

SGMaxi Cab

SGMaxi Cab is one of the country's most reliable airport transfer services, providing travel from both airports in Singapore.

They have a wide variety of vehicles in their fleet, from small mini buses to Rolls-Royce Limos. Really, they actually provide Rolls-Royce Limos to those who want to travel in style.

Prices are reasonable, and their service is second to none. Check on their website to see what works best for you, but do bear in mind that pickups between 11PM and 6.30AM come with an extra fee. You are keeping them out of bed, after all.

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person,

Kler Transport

If you're traveling in a larger pack, then Kler Transport might be ideal for you. They specialize in larger parties, with vehicles ranging from 13-40 people.

No Rolls-Royce options, sadly, but they do let you book last minute, which you can make up to 3 hours before you land. So even if you're reading this on your flight, go on their website and get booking!

They also request a nighttime surcharge if your trip is booked between 11PM and 7AM.

Maxi-Cab

If you've got heaps of luggage, Maxi-Cab might be the perfect service for you. While they offer the usual suite of buses with variable passenger sizes, they also offer the Luggage Van - a van designed with luggage in mind.

And, with customers able to book their trip 15 minutes before they need it, it's the speediest and most flexible service of the bunch. Check their prices and see what suits you.

And that about rounds out our guide to airport travel in Singapore! Now you'll just need to plan the vacation part of your vacation. Thankfully, Go City has you more than covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have access to all of Singapore's best bits for one low price.

Continue reading

festivals in singapore
Blog

Festivals in Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of so many beautiful cultures, so it's no surprise you'll find dozens of festivals there throughout the year. If you're visiting this beautiful country and want to join in the festivities, you'll need to know when they are, what they're about, and what you can expect to do and see during them. So, let's talk about festivals in Singapore. We've run our fine-tooth combs through the wealth of offerings to find the very best ones you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, this is our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! And by the by, this list is in chronological order. So you'll find your early-year ones at the top and your later-year ones at the bottom! Enjoy! Including: Pongal Chinese New Year Thaipusam Lantern Festival Hari Raya Puasa and more! Pongal When: January 15 - January 18, 2023 This four-day festival is widely celebrated by the Indian population of Singapore, as it originated there. Dedicated to the Hindu god of the sun, Surya, Pongal is honored to bring wealth and a rich harvest to the people. Head to Singapore's Little India, and you'll find it ablaze with lights, celebrations, and events. It's customary to exchange gifts and wear new clothes during Pongal, so bear those in mind if you want to get in on the festivities. Chinese New Year When: January 22, 2023 Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world, and in Singapore, it's no different. In 2023, the big day falls on January 22, so expect Chinatown to be full of fun and fancy! This year is the Year of the Rabbit, and people born in these years are said to be witty, ingenious, and vigilant. You can be all of those things, too, believe it or not. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Expect to find plenty of red and gold decorations, dancing in the streets, and lively processions to boot. And, like with many of these festivals in Singapore, gifts are often exchanged. Because gift-giving is fun, and fun is all we have in this cruel, cruel world. Thaipusam When: February 5, 2023 'Thai' is a month in the Tamil calendar. 'Pusam' is the name of a star in the night sky. What do you get if you combine the two together? Thaipusam, of course! And you can bet your stars that Singapore's burgeoning Tamil population will celebrate it with abandon! Over the festival, you'll see those taking part walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, carrying all sorts of symbols of divinity, but the celebration itself actually takes place over two days. Lantern Festival When: February 5, 2023 Taking place on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is unsurprisingly celebrated by lighting paper lanterns and letting them drift up into the sky. It's one of the most popular festivals in Singapore, so if you're visiting at the beginning of February, you're sure to see some of these bright tributes floating in the air. Head to Chinatown to get the best views of the festivities. If you've never seen countless lanterns lighting up the sky, you're in for a treat. Hari Raya Puasa When: April 21 - April 22, 2023 Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. So it's no surprise that the following day is called the 'day of celebration'! Following a month of fasting, you can understandably expect plenty of delicious food making the rounds. On the holy side of things, many Muslims also flock to local mosques, visit the graves of their forebears, and wear new clothes to signify the purity and renewal that comes in the wake of Ramadan. If you're a Muslim and visiting Singapore at the back end of Ramadan, you'll be pleased to know you can share Hari Raya Puasa with others! Vesak Day When: May 5, 2023 Don't worry, Buddhists, we see you. And thankfully, you're catered to too here, thanks to Vesak Day. For those that don't know, Vesak Day marks the enlightenment and death of Buddha. And, given its melting pot of cultures, you'll find many Buddhists celebrating Vesak Day in Singapore. Meditation and charity are the name of the game here, which gives believers a chance to look inward and take part in some nice self-reflection. Duanwu Festival When: June 22, 2023 More commonly known as the Dragon Boat Festival around the world, Duanwu Festival is another celebration of Chinese origin. Falling on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar, it's been celebrated for thousands of years. As you may expect from the Dragon Boat Festival, it primarily consists of dragon boats racing one another. Pretty cool! Even onlookers can enjoy the day, thanks to the food and rice wines often consumed from the sidelines. Hari Raya Haji June 28 - July 2, 2023 Another Muslim festival, Hari Raya Haji is dedicated to the character of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his first-born son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Sacrifice plays a huge role over Hari Raya Haji, with volunteers from mosques sacrificing goats, sheep, and cows on the holy day. A third of the meat from these animals is given to people that need it most. The rest is given to the families of those who sacrificed their animals. Singapore National Day When: August 9, 2023 No matter your religion or cultural background, August 9 is a special day for Singaporeans. It's the country's National Day, and it draws massive crowds from all over the world every year. Expect massive parades, choreographed dance, and plenty of other festivities to enjoy! Diwali When: November 12, 2023 And finally, we end our guide to festivals in Singapore with Diwali, the biggest celebration in the Hindu calendar. Marking the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, it represents the triumph of good over evil. But what does it mean for you, oh traveler? Well, plenty! Plenty of fireworks, bright clothes, and dancing. Little India will be buzzing all day, so make sure you go down there and check it out! And that rounds out our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Go City's got you covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience the best of Singapore for one low price, and fit them around your festival itinerary!
Dom Bewley
Child meeting an Ilu from the movie Avatar: The Way of Water.
Blog

Avatar in Singapore - A Guide to the Ultimate Experience

James Cameron’s groundbreaking Avatar movies can now lay claim to not one but two of the 10 highest grossing films of all time. That’s right, not content with hogging pole position for well over a decade with the original movie, those big blue CGI dudes are now well on their way to claiming the number two spot with sequel Avatar: The Way of Water. Cinema-goers yet to see at least one of these billion-dollar blockbusters must now be as rare as unobtanium. And, with great popularity comes great opportunity: for further movies, for merchandise and for tourist attractions inspired by the franchise, of which Avatar: The Experience in Singapore ranks among the very best. Read on for our guide to this unmissable interactive adventure. Avatar in Singapore - A Guide to the Ultimate Experience Avatar: The Experience is located within the Cloud Forest at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, perhaps best known for the iconic man-made tree structures that tower over Marina Bay. James Cameron himself has described the experience as “a window into the beauty of Pandora” and, well, if anyone is qualified to make that claim, it’s James Cameron! He’s not wrong though: what better place to evoke the otherworldly flora and fauna of this fictional planet* than inside a vast durian-shaped tropical hothouse crammed with waterfalls, magnificent plant life and epic spiraling walkways? (*It's an exomoon, actually – ed.) There’s plenty for Avatar fans to enjoy in this bioluminescent alien landscape where, as you enter, you’ll immediately encounter a fearsome Mountain Banshee crouching in the mist at the bottom of the waterfall. There are several more of these colorful aerial predators inside, including an epic full-scale animatronic version on the fourth floor. Heck, you can even have a go at becoming one yourself in a VR simulation where your movements control a Banshee’s flight over the Hallelujah Mountains. Kids will also absolutely love meeting the cute baby Banshee and Viperwolf pup. Other highlights across the five zones include the opportunity to ‘Avatarize Yourself’ in the pods on the first floor. Step inside to have your face rendered as a Na’vi humanoid. Whether this is an improvement on the real thing is for you and your friends to decide afterwards: your Na’vi mugshot can be downloaded for free via the QR code provided. You’ll also come face to face with one of the Avatar universe's newest mythical creatures, namely the friendly Ilu, a massive marine monster in sculpture form. Want to get a banshee’s-eye view of the whole experience? Take the elevator to the sixth floor, from where a stroll across the stunning Cloud Walk bridge brings you back down to the fourth, taking in panoramic views of the Pandora-esque Cloud Forest and out to Marina Bay. Afterwards, whiz back down to the first floor to meet the movie’s Sully family and explore the wild Pandoran flora. We’re talking deadly acid-oozing scorpion thistles, majestic Pandoran cycads and more. And, spread among them, further sci fi-looking plants that are, in fact, from our own planet: marvel at feathery blue-green peacock spikemoss, the red-veined trumpets of ​​Sarracenia cultivars, otherworldly jade vines and other curiously alien vegetation. Avatar: The Experience is an eye-popping immersive feast for the senses at the best of times, but if you get a chance to visit in the evening, you’ll get to see the whole Pandoran landscape illuminated in fluorescent light, just like in the films. A visit at this time of day also gives you the opportunity to catch the free sound-and-light shows that take place nightly in Supertree Grove and at the nearby Marina Bay Sands resort. Know Before You Go Getting There: Avatar: The Experience is at Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay. It’s easy to reach via the Downtown and Circle lines on Singapore’s super-efficient MRT system. Alight at Bayfront station and take the underground linkway through exit B. You can then cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge to reach Gardens by the Bay. Shuttle buses are also available from Tanjong Pagar station on the East-West MRT line. Opening Hours: The experience runs until the end of March 2023. You can visit between 9AM and 9PM daily. Last admission is at 8PM. Tickets: You can get tickets for Avatar: The Experience only, or upgrade to include entry to the Flower Dome in your package. With Go City, you get access to Avatar: the Experience, plus the Flower Dome, and save money on a whole host of other major Singapore attractions, such as the Sentosa cable car, Universal Studios, the National Museum and Singapore Zoo. The Flower Dome Considering opting for a ticket that adds entry to the Flower Dome but want to know more? Step right up: we’ve got the lowdown for you right here... First up: this place is big. We’re talking Guinness World Record-holding big. That’s right, the Flower Dome is the planet’s largest greenhouse, with over 3,000 glass panels and an internal volume equivalent to a whopping 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Suffice it to say that there’s plenty to see and do in a space this size. Inside, carpets of colorful blooms create intoxicating floral perfumes and a thousand-year-old olive tree stands sentinel, the stunning centerpiece of the tranquil olive grove. Explore plants from around the world across nine different zones, including eye-popping specimens from as far afield as Australia, South America and the Mediterranean and spend a few reflective moments in the weird world of the baobab forest. Gardens by the Bay also offers stacks of free things to do. Stroll through outdoor areas including Bay East Garden, Heritage Garden and the aptly named Serene Garden, spotting unique sculptures and artful floral displays along the way. And visit the arid landscape of the Sun Pavilion, where you'll discover magnificent desert plants like the Turk’s cap and Mexican giant cactus that wouldn’t look at all out of place on Pandora. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore
Blog

How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore

Lantern displays, fireworks and cultural performances – there are plenty of ways to soak up the festival spirit in Singapore.
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon