How to get to Singapore: plane, train, bus
How to get to Singapore
Direct flights to Singapore are operated by one of the world’s best airlines—Singapore Airlines. There are many more options for connecting flights. Good prices can be found with Etihad with a layover in Abu Dhabi, Turkish Airlines in Istanbul, Finnair in Helsinki, Emirates in Dubai, and Qatar with a layover in Doha. It’s hard to say which airline is better or cheaper; all of them periodically offer ticket discounts, and the comfort of cabins and catering are also at a roughly similar level. For such destinations, companies strive to provide their best aircraft. By the way, all airlines on the list, with the exception of Finnair, were included in the top 10 best airlines in the world in 2016 according to Skytrax. Singapore does not have a clearly defined seasonality, but traditionally, prices will be higher during Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as during major events, such as Formula 1. If you want to save on tickets, start searching in advance; airlines usually sell tickets for autumn and winter in the summer. There are also advantageous flights with one layover, for example, with Turkish Airlines and Finnair. Flights with 2 stops are often even cheaper, depending on the chosen airline.
Hacks for the Thrifty
It’s not necessary to look for tickets specifically to Singapore; if an airline sells tickets at bargain prices to another Asian city, for example, Kuala Lumpur, check the prices for the Kuala Lumpur — Singapore flight with low-cost carriers: Air Asia, Tigerair, Lion air, Malindo Air. It’s possible that by buying two separate tickets, you will significantly reduce your travel costs. Similar to European budget airlines, Asian low-cost carriers charge for luggage, food, and other services. But you choose what to pay for and what not to. You can bring your own food (except for liquids over 100 ml) on board or have a meal at the airport before departure. Airport prices are not always high; you can eat quite affordably in Asia. Hand luggage is always included in the ticket price, usually 7–10 kg. Besides low-cost carriers, there are also trains; for example, many travelers are familiar with the night train route from Kuala Lumpur. However, there’s one catch: the route isn’t entirely direct. You need to buy a ticket to the border, the city of Johor Bahru, pass through border control there, take a shuttle train or bus to Woodlands station (already in Singaporean territory), pass through another border control, and then take a train/bus/taxi/metro to any point in the city. Another option is buses; you can find a convenient route and buy a ticket on the website easybook.com. The journey from Kuala Lumpur takes only 5–6 hours. The standard one-way fare is very affordable (if you buy a round trip, it’s even cheaper), but if you need a bit more comfort, such as an individual TV screen, meals, power outlets, etc., the fare will be slightly higher. And for a small extra fee, you’ll get true business class, and we’re not kidding. Several bus companies offer trips on super comfortable buses with massage seats; just take a look at this.
If you are flying through Singapore in transit
Many travelers can stay in Singapore without a visa for up to 96 hours under the Visa Free Transit Facility, which is a full 4 days. This is enough to explore the city and see the main attractions. But this is on the condition that you are flying to a third country, for example, departing from your home country to Singapore and then continuing to another destination. But even if your stopover in the city is much shorter, you will have a chance to get acquainted with the city. Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport offer several privileges to transit passengers:
Discounts at restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, etc., with a Singapore Airlines boarding pass. See the full list on the airline’s website. For example, a 10% discount is offered on admission tickets to the famous bird park, botanical garden, and Universal Studios.
A voucher worth 20 or 40 Singapore dollars, which can be redeemed at cafes and restaurants at Changi Airport or used to gain access to the Ambassador lounge for up to 2 hours. Depending on your route and airline promotions, passengers can receive a voucher, which can be used not only for food and lounge access but also for purchases of perfumes, cosmetics, airport spa services, etc. This magical voucher can be obtained by Singapore Airlines passengers who have purchased a round-trip ticket with a layover in Singapore. For example, if you only have a one-way ticket, unfortunately, you will not receive a voucher.
Free tour. Here, there are no strict restrictions on belonging to a specific airline. Any transit passenger whose layover duration is no less than 5.5 but no more than 24 hours, and whose waiting time coincides with the tour schedule, can join the tour.
Choose one of two routes:
Cultural and historical tour “Heritage”
Evening tour “City Lights”
Each tour lasts 2.5 hours. It’s very easy to join a tour; you just need to register no later than 1 hour before its start at the Free Singapore Tours (FST) counter, located in the transit area of Terminals 2 and 3 (2nd floor), before passport control.
