Tips for Transportation To and From Changi Airport
Tips for Transportation To and From Changi Airport
As one of the premier air transport hubs in the world, Singaporeâs Changi Airport offers excellent transportation linkages to the rest of the island-state. This is why Singapore is a great city to visit, as you spend less time on travel and more time on leisure.
From Changi Airport, the main forms of transportation are MRT, taxi and bus.
The MRT is the most popular form of transportation in Singapore, which offers air-conditioned comfort at low fares. However, if you have a lot of luggage, taxis can save you hassle. Choosing a hotel near Changi Airport would be a good strategy as taxi fares are cheaper this way and you can use the MRT the rest of the time to explore the country.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
An MRT train passing through a housing estate. [Photo credit: RnD.de.Portraits]
If you're a traveler on a budget, the MRT is your best friend. The MRT is the core metro (train) transport network of Singapore that carries more than 2 million passengers per day. Some parts of the network is above-ground allowing tourists a glimpse into the mishmash of old and new buildings in this small city.
The Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) is co-located with Terminals 2 and 3. Fares are calculated according to the total distance traveled. A one way trip from the airport to a downtown MRT Station e.g. City Hall (NS25/EW13) will only cost you $2.
Singapore MRT System Map. Click here for bigger version.
There are four MRT lines that cover most parts of Singapore. The East-West (Green) Line takes you from Changi Airport to the West part of Singapore, while the North-South (Red) Line takes you to the North.
Both lines have their interchanges at the downtown stops City Hall (NE25/EW13) and Raffles Place (NS26/EW14). The newer lines are the North-East (Purple) Line and the Circle (Yellow) Line. Both of these lines use Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1) as their interchange.
Note - All travelers who are taking the train from Changi Airport MRT train station need to alight at Tanah Merah (EW4) station and proceed to Platform B (East-West line, heading towards Joo Koon MRT station). You can then change trains at City Hall or Chinatown and head on the your desired destinations.
If you prefer budget hotels in the downtown, you should find hotels close to the major MRT stations. The following are the stations serving the most popular hubs.
- Orchard Road Shopping Strip: Orchard (NS22), Somerset (NS23) and Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1)
- Bugis and Arab Quarters: Bugis (EW12) and Lavender (EW11)
- Little India District: Little India (NE7), Farrer Park (NE8)
- Chinatown District: Chinatown (NE4) and Outram Park (EW16/NE3)
- Civic Center: City Hall (NS25/EW13), Raffles Place (NS26/EW14) and Clarke Quay (NE5)
If you're planning to use the MRT a lot, ask the ticket office about the Singapore Tourist Pass that allows unlimited travel for up to 3 days. This pass is only sold at certain stations like Changi Airport, Orchard, Bugis, City Hall, Chinatown and HarbourFront.
Singapore Tourist Pass
Tip - Buy the Singapore Tourist Pass at the Changi Airport MRT Station's ticket office and you can start using it immediately.
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Taxis
Typical taxi in Singapore. Clean and comfortable. [Photo credit: Kath Haboc-Lee]
While taxis in Singapore cost less than those found in Europe and North America, the fares can add up. It is wise therefore to take the taxis only when you need it e.g. airport transfers and after a late night out.
All taxis go by the meter and can be hailed from the roadside or at a taxi stand. It can be very difficult to catch a taxi during Friday and Saturday evenings, so make sure you have a taxi number handy.
There a total of 7 taxi companies in Singapore and here are their hotlines which you can call and book a taxi.
- Comfort Taxi: +65 6552 1111
- CityCab: +65 6552 1111
- SMRT Taxi: +65 6555 8888
- TransCab: +65 6555 3333
- Premier Taxis: +65 6363 6888
- Smart Cabs: +65 6485 7777
- Prime Taxi: +65 6778 0808
The flag down fee ranges from S$3 to S$5 and on top of that there will also be time-based surcharges (peak hours and midnight) and area-based surcharges (city area, Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa, etc).
As you can see, taking a cab in Singapore is really not cheap compared to other SE Asian countries and the various surcharges can be confusing for a first-time visitor. If you like to know more about the various surcharges, check it out here.
To help you save time, here are the estimated taxi fares from Changi Airport to popular destinations in Singapore.
- Changi Airport to Orchard Road: S$18 - S$30 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Little India: S$17 - S$25 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Changi Business Park / EXPO: S$8 - $10 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Chinatown: S$18 - S$30 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Bugis: S$15 - S$23 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands: S$17 - S$26 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Resorts World Sentosa: S$19 - S$35 (midnight)
- Changi Airport to Raffles Place (CBD): S$16 - S$25 (midnight)