Singapore Changi Airport is the primary civilian airport serving Singapore and one of the most acclaimed aviation hubs in the world, consistently ranked as the best airport globally by Skytrax. Changi opened in 1981, replacing the older Paya Lebar Airport, and is located on a 13-square-kilometer site on the eastern end of the island, approximately 17 kilometers from the city center. The airport handles over 65 million passengers annually across four passenger terminals. Terminal 4 opened in 2017, incorporating automated self-service check-in and immigration clearance. Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia are based at Changi, and over 100 airlines connect to more than 400 cities worldwide. The airport is renowned for its passenger amenities, including a rooftop swimming pool, butterfly garden, movie theaters, and free city tours for transit passengers. Jewel Changi Airport, a mixed-use complex opened in 2019, features the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, surrounded by a five-story indoor garden with over 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs. Terminal 5, currently under construction, will be one of the largest airport terminals in the world upon completion. Changi is connected to the city center via the MRT East-West Line and the Thomson-East Coast Line, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes to the central business district. The airport operates two parallel runways and its strategic location at the crossroads of major air routes between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean has cemented its status as one of the busiest international airports in Southeast Asia.

Aviation Terms

Airfield Lighting (AGL) Airport Category Airport Elevation (ELEV) Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Airport Lounge Airport Reference Point (ARP) Apron Automated Passport Control (APC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Singapore Changi Airport to the city center?

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) East-West Line connects Changi Airport to the city center in about 30 minutes. A ride to City Hall station costs approximately SGD 2.20. Trains run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM at 7-12 minute intervals. Taxis are readily available with metered fares to the city center around SGD 20-40.

How many terminals does Singapore Changi Airport have?

Changi has four passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Terminals 1-3 are connected by the free Skytrain people mover. Terminal 4 is separate and requires a shuttle bus. Each terminal handles a mix of airlines, with Singapore Airlines primarily in T2 and T3.

What is Jewel Changi Airport?

Jewel is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Its centerpiece is the Rain Vortex, the world tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters. Jewel features the Canopy Park with hedge mazes and sky nets, over 280 retail shops, and a wide variety of restaurants. It is accessible to both travelers and non-travelers.

Which airlines have a hub at Changi Airport?

Singapore Airlines (Star Alliance) operates its global hub from Changi, with extensive connections to Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Budget carriers Scoot (Singapore Airlines subsidiary) and Jetstar Asia also use Changi as their base.

Does Changi Airport have free transit tours?

Yes, Changi offers complimentary Heritage Tour and City Sights Tour for transit passengers with at least 5.5 hours between flights. Tours run at scheduled times and must be booked at the free tour registration counters in the transit areas. A valid boarding pass for an onward flight is required to participate.