Airport Travel in Singapore

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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The Treetop Walks at MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore
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Natural Attractions in Singapore

Think of Singapore and you’ll likely conjure up images of shimmering glass-and-steel superstructures; a dense forest of urban activity with soaring skyscrapers that jockey for position as they reach ever further heavenwards. But that would be to overlook the vast swathes of green space and unspoiled natural habitat that has earned this island nation the nickname ‘the Garden City’. Read on for our guide to some of the finest natural attractions in Singapore, including: Singapore Botanic Gardens The Gardens by the Bay MacRitchie Reservoir Lazarus Island Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve The Southern Ridges Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Pulau Ubin The Gardens by the Bay Yes we know: the massive durian-shaped hothouses at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are very plainly not the work of Mother Nature. But it’s what’s inside that counts, right? And what’s inside is nothing short of a nature spectacular. Expect an absolute riot of sights, scents and sounds in the Flower Dome, where carpets of colorful blooms emit a quite dizzying array of perfumes and a thousand-year-old olive tree forms the centerpiece of the pretty olive grove. Meanwhile, the humid Cloud Forest promises sweet-smelling orchids, jungles of ferns and trailing vines and a tall, tranquil waterfall. The Southern Ridges Six miles of jungle trails and elevated walkways connect Mount Faber Park, Labrador Nature Reserve and more along the epic Southern Ridges. Tiptoe through the treetops and shutterbugs may just sneak a snap or two of some of the abundant wildlife here: red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos, orange-bellied flowerpeckers and other such tropical critters await. The trail also includes a section that crosses Henderson Waves, an undulating architectural masterpiece that also happens to be the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore at a whopping 36 meters above terra firma. Don’t look down! MacRitchie Reservoir Completed in 1868, MacRitchie is the oldest reservoir in Singapore and has become both a thriving nature reserve for native wildlife and huge natural playground for locals and tourists alike. Spot macaques and monitor lizards on the seven-mile hike around MacRitchie Trails or get a birds’ eye view from the Treetop Walks, a 250-meter suspension bridge that links the reserve’s two highest points. Take to the water and spend the day kayaking or lace up your running shoes and hit one of the excellent cross-country trails here. Lazarus Island Like your beaches secluded? Lazarus Island is the place for you! One of Singapore's Southern Islands, it’s connected to neighboring Saint John’s Island by a causeway. You’ll need to catch a ferry to Saint John’s and walk the 15 minutes or so to get there but, trust us, it’s well worth the effort. Bone-white sands, swaying palm trees and tropical turquoise waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling await the intrepid traveler. Get there early enough and, who knows, you may even find you have the whole place to yourself! Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Twitchers rejoice! One of the finest natural attractions in Singapore, the unspoiled Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a thriving habitat for native birds and a crucial stopover for migratory species including the long-legged Asian dowitcher and distinctive Pacific golden plover. Across more than 300 acres of mangrove forest, mudflats and ponds, you might also spot monitor lizards, lobsters, mudskippers, water snakes and big, beautiful Atlas moths. The occasional saltwater croc has even been known to put in an appearance from time to time. Take the two-hour loop trail around the reserve to get the most from your visit. Singapore Botanic Gardens This sprawling 200-acre tropical oasis on the edge of Singapore’s Orchard Road Shopping district has been around since 1859 so to describe the gardens as ‘mature’ would be something of an understatement. Admire colorful and aromatic plants in the aptly named Ginger Garden, take a stroll around Swan Lake, snap a selfie at the iconic bandstand, and enjoy the rare experience of wandering through a rainforest within the city limits of a vast metropolis. The gardens are open from 5AM until midnight so you'll have plenty of time to get lost among the vines, blooms and tree-lined walkways. Best of all, entry is free, though a fee applies for access to the thousands of eye-popping blooms inside the National Orchid Garden, the park’s star attraction. Pulau Ubin Boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin is an island off Singapore’s northeast coast, where lush uncharted jungle is dotted with traditional kampongs and disused granite quarries, now reclaimed by nature, teem with diverse flora and fauna. Pick ripe, pungent durians along the cycle paths – and try one if you’re feeling bold enough or hungry enough to brave a bite! There’s an observation tower and looping walkway at the island’s otherwise wild Chek Jawa Wetlands, where you’ll hear the melodious call of the bulbul and, if you’re lucky, maybe even catch sight of the electric-blue flash of a kingfisher diving for its supper. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Last but most definitely not least in our rundown of Singapore's greatest natural attractions is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, slap-bang in the middle of the island. One of very few designated reserves in the country to have remained untouched by timber merchants, it’s a sprawling green space containing some 400 acres of tropical rainforest as well as, at over 500 feet, the highest hill in the country. The reserve is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the finest treasure troves of biodiversity to be found in all of Singapore, with animal species including flying lemurs, crab-eating macaques, reticulated pythons and endangered Sunda pangolins to be found among the dense forests and thick undergrowth. There are many superb walking trails here, with options available for everyone from the amateur ambler to the hardened hiker. Head up to the peak for 360-degree views across Singapore and beyond. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Singapore SkyDeck Infinity Pool
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Things to do in Singapore for Couples

Singapore is one of our favorite cities for couples. It’s got everything from romantic adventures to sublime scenery, fine dining to tasty teas, and incredible shopping opportunities. Whether you crave the sun, want some thrills, or just want to party, there’s always something to do for happy couples in Singapore. If you’re searching for things to do in Singapore for couples, check out our list of the top attractions and activities. Best time for couples to visit Singapore There’s never a bad time to visit Singapore. It’s a year-round city. However, depending on what you want from the experience, there are better times than others. If the sun’s your priority, February to April is your time to shine. Those are the months with the least rain, with temperatures in the mid-80s°F (high-20s°C). If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet with the beaches to yourself, July to November is a good window. The streets, shops, and beaches are all a little quieter, although the rain picks up towards the end of the year. Keep that in mind if you’re hoping for romantic picnics or laying out under the stars. Chinese New Year falls either in January or February depending on the cycle of the moon, and can be a spectacular experience for traveling couples. Expect parades, floats, dragon dances, and a feast of fine food to excite the senses. If you’ve got any special items you want to buy your significant other, Singapore is the dream destination. With some of the best shopping malls in the world, you’ll find whatever you need. But, if you want more bang for your buck, time your trip so you arrive during The Great Singapore Sale (also known as the Big Singapore Sale). It usually lasts a month and features island-wide discounts of up to 70%! Check online before booking your trip as the sale period can vary from year to year. Nightlife in Singapore Singapore’s nightlife is pretty impressive. There are amazing venues, a wide variety of cuisines, and countless entertainment options. Although Singapore is small, its nightlife is diverse and won’t leave you wanting. If you want to go out partying in Singapore, here are some great options. Feel like royalty, drinking in one of the most glamorous rooftop bars in the city, CÉ LA VI SkyBar. Panoramic views of the Singapore skyline, delicious cocktails, and celebrity DJs providing the perfect soundtrack to the evening - that’s a recipe for a romantic evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to a dance class to learn one of the many traditional dances of the region, including Zapin, Joget, Peranakan, and Kathak, to name a few. If you just want to shake your hips, you can find clubs playing Salsa, Tango, Cha Cha, and everything in between. Tanjong Beach is one of the liveliest spots in Singapore, with bars and clubs offering a great beach vibe with stunning views of Sentosa, international DJs, and live music playing all year round. Cultural events in Singapore Sightseeing is always fun, but if you can time your trip to coincide with a festival or cultural event, you’ll enhance your experience tenfold. Singapore Night Festival - Spanning a full week, the Singapore Night Festival celebrates the arts and heritage in Singapore. With a different theme each year, it features public art installations, light shows, projection mapping, and nightly performances. Moon Festival runs in early September. How does a romantic evening of Cantonese Opera sound? Or get dressed up in your finest to attend an evening performance by the Chinese Chamber Ensemble. There are plenty of other, lighthearted events during Moon Festival too, from a Lantern Tour to puppet shows. Definitely not one to be missed. Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) - Over 70 performances across the city featuring hundreds of local and international artists, SIFA incorporates theater, dance, music, film, and visual arts. The outcome is a fortnight of stellar, educational, thought-provoking performances that will stay with you for a lifetime. Most romantic locations for a selfie in Singapore If you don’t leave Singapore with a memory card full of photos, you’re doing something wrong. Whether it’s the iconic architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, or iconic landmarks, Singapore is a beautiful city to photograph, which obviously includes a selfie or three. Here are some romantic locations in Singapore for a perfect selfie. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark You cannot leave Singapore without a SkyPark selfie. The stunning view from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck will leave you in awe. 200 meters in the air, with a 150-meter infinity pool offering an unparalleled view of the city below. Gardens by the Bay The Flower Dome offers a perfect romantic getaway for a photo, especially if you and your partner visit on a weekday when it’s a little quieter. The Cloud Forest features a light-and-water show on selected evenings, so you’ll be able to capture that perfect moment with the one you love. For yet more photo opportunities, experience nature from up high at The Supertree Grove, with treetop skywalks and the Supertrees providing the perfect backdrop. Chinatown The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a jaw-droppingly beautiful building, but that’s not the only photo opportunity in Chinatown. Pagoda Street is a vibrant street filled with history, culture, and beautiful architecture. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

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