Changi Airport: Garden, Pool, and Butterflies
Singapore is not only at the top of the list of the most expensive countries but also among the safest. And the local Changi Airport (Singapore Changi Airport) — like a self-contained city within a city — is worth visiting at least once in your life. If you have a layover there, you won't be bored. We'll tell you why.
Changi Airport: Terminals
The airport has four terminals — a big bonus is that all are connected by a transit zone. This means if you are transiting through Singapore, you don't need to go through passport control for a comfortable stay at the airport.
Each Changi terminal has its unique design and specializes in certain airlines. The terminals are connected to each other by free automated trains and regular free buses.
Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal at Changi Airport, operating since 1981. The architecture of Terminal 1 is inspired by traditional Malay culture.
Terminal 2 was launched in 1990 — it is the largest terminal at Changi Airport, serving over 45 airlines. Terminal 2 is known for its modern architecture, as well as a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Terminal 3 was opened in 2008. It serves many premium airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Emirates. Therefore, the space here is appropriate — modern, stylish, and green, and this is where everything you could wish for relaxation is concentrated. A free Skytrain runs between T2 and T3.
Terminal 4 was opened not long ago, in 2017. T4 is known for its modern architecture and technology: it operates the FAST system — “Fast and Seamless Travel” for departing passengers. The main feature is that the passenger self-checks in, goes through passport control, security, and proceeds to boarding. Convenient, and most importantly — fast.
Changi Airport Map
Terminal 1 (T1) is available for flights by Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air Garuda, Korean Airlines, China Eastern, and other airlines.
Terminal 2 (T2) — for flights by Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, and Silk Air.
Terminal 3 (T3) — a modern terminal hosting top airlines.
Terminal 4 (T4) — base for at least nine airlines, some flights from T1 and T2 are served here. Also serves budget airlines, including Cebu Pacific and AirAsia.
Services
Oh, this is the most interesting part! There's so much here, you won't want to leave.
At Singapore's airport, passengers can enjoy a vast array of amenities: these include — as standard — cafes, restaurants, shops, rest and sleep areas, and medical centers. Additionally, all terminals have hotels, pharmacies, mailboxes, lounges and business centers, shower rooms, smoking areas, gadget charging stations, and endless Duty Free shops.
Some of the restaurants and cafes at the airport operate 24/7, which is especially convenient for passengers arriving and departing at night. But there's also something truly surprising at the airport — after all, it's compared to a city within a city not just because of its many dining spots. For example, Changi Airport is famous for its entertainment: inside, there are cinemas, museums, children's zones, jacuzzis, and swimming pools. In the airport terminals, you'll find singing fountains and huge screens broadcasting airport events to passengers.
In T1, besides standard shops and cafes for every budget, you'll find a rooftop pool, a spa center, a cactus garden, a prayer room, and for children — a play area and sports grounds.
In T2, among other things, there is a cinema, a multimedia center, a prayer room, a children's playground, a spa center, an orchid and sunflower garden, an enchanted garden, and even a post office.
T3 is even cooler. This is where the famous tropical butterfly garden is located, as well as a cinema, a high-speed slide, a prayer room, a TV lounge, and a spa center.
Special services are provided for transit passengers, allowing them to quickly and conveniently transfer to their next flight. In addition, Changi Airport offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and currency exchange services.
If your layover is more than five hours, you are entitled to a free tour of Singapore's attractions. The tour lasts two hours, with day and evening options, depending on your arrival time. You need to sign up at The Free Singapore Tours counter in T2 and T3 at least an hour before the tour starts.
Tour schedule:
- 9:00—11:00,
- 11:30—13:30,
- 14:30—16:30,
- 16:00—18:00,
- 18:30—20:30 — “City Lights” tour.
The schedule may change due to weather conditions.
How to get there
Changi Airport is located almost 20 km from the city center. Transport options are standard.
Bus
The bus takes about an hour to reach the city and runs from 6 AM to midnight. To use this option, you need an EZ-Link card, which is sold at Changi Recommends stores.
The bus stop from T4 is located next to the parking lot. Buses #24, 34, 36, and 110 stop there. Buses #27, 53, and 858 stop at SATS Inflight Catering Centre 1.
There's also the Maxicab Shuttle, which drops tourists off in different areas. You can book it in the arrival zones of T1 and T2.
Metro and Train
The train station is located near T2 and T3. If you're going to the city, head to Tanah Merah station — this line is an extension of the metro line. At the station, you simply transfer to the metro and then reach your desired location.
The first train departs at 5:31 AM from Monday to Saturday and at 5:59 AM on Sundays and public holidays. The last train to the station departs at 11:18 PM.
To get to the airport, the situation is the same: you need Tanah Merah station. The first train towards the airport departs at 5:20 AM from Monday to Saturday and at 5:47 AM on Sundays and public holidays.
Taxi
Cars are available at each terminal. The cost of a taxi ride depends on the time of day and duration of the trip, but typically starts from 20 dollars. Usually, taxi fares in Singapore are quite high, but for trips on the Singapore — Changi Airport route, some services offer more reasonable fixed prices. For example, GrabTaxi offers fixed prices for trips from Changi Airport to various points in the city.
Transit and Visa
Russians need a visa to visit Singapore. But you can do without one. There's a concept called transit travel: you can explore the city for 96 hours without a visa. That's four days! Enough to get acquainted with the city. We're sure the city will steal your heart, and you'll want to return. The main thing is to study the rules of entry to Singapore in advance to ensure you get to know the city.
To arrange a transit trip, you need a passport and tickets to your final destination — a third country of onward travel. The trip is not considered transit if you fly Moscow — Singapore and back. There must be a third country. Many fly through Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, or Bali.
In other cases, a visa can be obtained online in a few days, or you can contact specialized companies that cooperate with Singapore or an Asian visa center. There are no embassies for this purpose.
Reference Information
Inquiry Phone: +65 659–568–68
Airport Website: www.changiairport.com
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