Airport Travel in Singapore

UPDATED JULY 2024
Airport Travel in Singapore

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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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A group cycling in Bedok
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Things to do in Bedok Singapore

Singapore’s Bedok neighborhood occupies much of the coastal area between downtown Singapore and Changi international airport, where you’ll arrive into the country if coming by air. Home to roughly 300,000 people, it emerged as a major residential district in the post-independent period of the 1960s and 70s. Largely because of its high permanent population, there are an exciting range of things to do in Bedok Singapore. From what to buy in Bedok, to Bedok hidden gems, this is the only guide you’ll ever need to feel just like one of the locals! Things to do in Bedok Reservoir and around On the northern limits of the neighborhood, Bedok Reservoir Park has turned a vital piece of public infrastructure into an attractive place to spend some time any day of the week. Paths circle the entire ten-kilometer circumference of the lake, offering ample chances for a stroll amongst attractive greenery. There’s also a dedicated jogging track and children’s playground. Those keen to cool off by getting into the water have the option of a range of watersports, from canoeing and kayaking to sailing. Bedok Reservoir Park is also home to Forest Adventure, a Go Ape style adventure park. The largest in Singapore, it has courses suitable for adults and children, as well as four zip lines giving a unique and exhilarating view of the area. If you’ve got a head for heights or a love of flight, the nearby Air Force Museum should not be missed either. A great mix of original artefacts and multimedia displays combines with an outdoor gallery of military aircraft and missiles that will have any would-be top gun swooning with delight. But for the ultimate in aviation experiences, you’ll want to instead check out Singapore’s Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience. Your virtual mission will see you strapped into an F-15 or F/A-18 as you soar past some of the US’ most recognizable landmarks. What to do in Bedok with the kids It’s not every day we recommend people head to the local library. But Bedok does libraries very differently to most places around the world. In actual fact a community hub containing the neighborhood library, Heartbeat@Bedok is a good all-round tip whatever the weather. In addition to library shelves containing a quarter of a million books, the center contains a first-floor outdoor children’s play area and an eight-lane swimming pool complex with jacuzzi and wet play zone. However, when it comes to slides and rides, the 4.5 hectare Coastal Playgrove in East Coast Park is difficult to beat. Boasting Singapore’s largest outdoor play structure, the four story ‘Vertical Challenge’ play net, there’s also a twisting slide that takes kids down from the fourth floor to ground level. Here they’ll be able to splash about in the pools and water jets or head into the bamboo tunnel which forms part of the ‘nature playgarden’. If the little ones still have energy to burn, you might also consider Gogreen Bicycle Rental as a way of exploring the full extent of East Coast Park. And with park connectors and green corridor tracks linking public spaces throughout the Bedok neighborhood, hitting the saddle is a great way of exploring more widely too. Try your hand at some of Bedok’s alternative past times Whether its skateboarding, wakeboarding, fishing or gardening, Bedok’s got you covered. Stick with East Coast Park to join the skater crowd at Xtreme SkatePark. Its rails, ramps and halfpipes are the obvious place to give a frontside 180, ollie or alley oop a go. Just a short stroll away, Singapore Wake Park (SWP) gives you the chance to tackle similar tricks and stunts on the water. The country’s only cable-ski park, it has three different cable systems allowing everyone from total beginners to semi-professionals to experience the thrill of wake boarding. For the more sedate visitor, Bedok Jetty is an excellent option. Stretching for 300 meters into the Strait of Singapore, it’s a popular spot from which to take in tropical sunsets. But it’s equally well known as a good spot for anyone keen to grab rod and reel. Barracuda, stingray and rosy jewfish can all be snagged. The jetty is easy to combine with a trip to the bright flower heads of the Bougainvillea Garden, which rises gently up the sloping ground from the coast. Perhaps best avoided if you’re a hay fever sufferer, it can be admired from a distance from East Coast Beach. This marries the warm waters of the Strait with soft sand perfect for both sunbathing and sand castles. Head for Bedok’s indoor attractions Come rain or shine, Bedok’s indoor attractions should be just as tempting. Art lovers need look no further than Telok Kurau Studios. An art center housing the work spaces of around 30 artists aged from 29 to 83, it also houses the Singapore Colour Photography Society and Singapore Watercolour Society. Together, the artists and societies host regular exhibitions of their work, so be sure to check local press for upcoming dates. Shopaholics are also well catered for. The first true mall to land in Bedok, Bedok Mall still looks as elegant as ever thanks to its gleaming glass and shining metal interior. When it comes to stores, there are roughly 200 to choose between. They have a great range of fashion and lifestyle items, alongside life’s essentials and a tasty food court too. Other places to soothe the shopping habit are Bedok Point and East Village malls. Both offer typical Singaporean mall experiences. Save on Singapore’s top attractions with Go City Want to enjoy the very best that Singapore has to offer without breaking the bank? Take control of your vacation budget with Go City! Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes let you select from a host of magical attractions whilst saving on admission. Not only do they cover things to do in Bedok, but right across Singapore, from museums and art galleries to tours and one-off experiences. So why not share your vacation photos with us by tagging @GoCity or using #GoCityPass on Instagram and Facebook!
Alex Birungi
Two Sentosa Express monorail trains passing each other on Sentosa island
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Getting Around Singapore

Potential visitors to Singapore, that densely populated megacity at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, could be forgiven by feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect of navigating the bustling streets beneath its gleaming, futuristic skyscrapers. Good news though: getting around the Garden City is actually remarkably straightforward thanks to an efficient mass transit system, dedicated cycling paths and, yes, even cable cars and monorails. Read on for our guide to the best ways to get around Singapore. Getting Around Singapore on Foot Downtown Singapore is made up of several distinct districts, from the atmospheric sights, scents and sounds of Chinatown and Little India to leafy Dempsey Hill and the skyscraping shopper’s paradise that is Orchard Road. These are fairly compact neighborhoods and it’s perfectly possible to explore and even navigate between them on foot. Orchard Road, for example, is just over a mile end to end, and it's a similar distance from Chinatown to the Padang. However, hot and often humid conditions mean many visitors (and locals!) prefer to shuttle to their destinations via air-conditioned public transport which, you’ll be pleased to hear, is plentiful, cheap and easy to use. How to use Public Transport in Singapore Getting Around Singapore by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Singapore’s fully automated and driverless MRT subway system comprises several lines and major interchanges that provide good coverage of most of the island, with the exception of the forested Central Catchment Nature Reserve, rural northwest and Sentosa Island. Hop aboard to whiz to major attractions including Marina Bay, the Botanic Gardens, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel and Orchard Road. Note that Singapore is one of the most densely populated islands on the planet, so expect train carriages to be packed much of the time, but especially during commuter rush hour when it’s strictly standing room only. A Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is the most cost-effective way to travel if you plan to use public transport to get around the island, with passes for 24–72 hours available at selected TransitLink ticket offices and a few other outlets. The pass also covers use of some bus and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services to more rural and residential neighborhoods. You can also pay as you go by tapping in and out of stations and buses with a contactless debit or credit card. Getting Around Singapore by Bus and Taxi Buses in Singapore are every bit as efficient as the MRT, but the sheer proliferation of routes can be a little dizzying, even to locals. It’s certainly a more scenic way to travel though, with routes that cover most of the island, weaving you through the island’s lush greenery and elegant architecture to your destination. Don’t forget to tap on and off using your debit or credit card at the electronic reader on board. Cabs are easy to find and can be picked up by flagging down or queuing at a taxi rank. All are metered and provide a fairly cheap and convenient way to get around in a hurry. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours The Big Bus tour of Singapore provides a fantastic introduction to the island city and really helps newbies find their bearings. Two main routes cover a wealth of major attractions and allow you to hop on and hop off as many times as you like throughout the day. The red line takes in the iconic Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s National Gallery, Chinatown, Little India and the Gardens by the Bay, while the Yellow Line adds the Singapore Flyer, Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road. The more aquatically inclined may prefer to ride the Singapore River Cruise bumboat past Raffles, the Old Parliament House and Marina Bay Sands. Or take the amphibious DUCKtours vehicle for a spin around Marina Bay harbor and the downtown Civic district. Cycling in Singapore Cycling infrastructure in Singapore is pretty good, with hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle paths across the island, from commuter paths that connect to MRT stations, bus stands and malls to major out-of-town networks. Cyclists should observe the same road rules as motorists and wearing a helmet is a requirement here rather than a recommendation. The speed limit is 15km/h. Novices may wish to dodge the busier downtown areas where motorized traffic can be intimidating. Two-wheeled adventurers can get off the busy city streets and onto major bike-friendly routes including the epic Park Connector Network, which links major parks, gardens and nature reserves across the entire island. Hit the Central Urban Loop for a 36-kilometer round-trip through leafy suburban neighborhoods that include the tranquil waterways of Punggol Park and lush woodlands of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. Bikes are available to rent throughout Singapore and there are a number of guided cycling tours included with the Go City Singapore pass. Bonus: the island is pretty flat so you won’t even require all that much pedal power along most routes. Getting to Sentosa Island The island resort of Sentosa is located just off the southern tip of Singapore and is connected to the city by cable car, monorail, road and a pedestrian boardwalk with a cycle lane. Cable car is hands-down the most scenic way to arrive on Sentosa, if not the fastest. The 30-minute ride departs HarbourFront cable car station and cruises across the harbor at around 100 feet above the sea below. Book round-trip tickets online in advance for the best prices. Once on Sentosa, you can walk to Imbiah station for cable car connections to other parts of the island. The quickest way to get to Sentosa is via the Sentosa Express monorail which you can board on level three of the VivoCity shopping mall above HarbourFront MRT station. Tickets are cheap and the journey takes just 3–5 minutes depending on your final destination. Monorail and cable car stations are close to most of Sentosa’s main attractions, while a free beach shuttle operates between the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches. Save on attractions in Singapore Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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