How to Get from Changi Airport Singapore to the City Center

Transport Options

1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

With a metro station near our hotel, this was the best option for us.

• Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes
• Cost: 2-3 SGD (around 1.5-2.2 USD) per trip
• Frequency: Every 5-7 minutes
• Details:
  • From Terminals 2 and 3, follow the signs to Changi Airport MRT station.
  • Take the East-West Line and change at Tanah Merah station.
  • From Tanah Merah, follow the green line towards the city center, depending on your final destination (central stations include City Hall, Raffles Place, Bugis, etc.).

           Pros:

• The cheapest way to get into the city.
• A comfortable and quick journey without road traffic.

           Cons:

• You may need to change trains and it can be crowded during peak hours.

2. Taxi

• Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: 20-40 SGD (around 15-30 USD)
• Details:
  • Taxis are available 24 hours a day at all terminals.
  • Official taxis in Singapore are metered and safe.
  • There are additional charges during peak hours and for trips to the city center.

           Pros:

• Direct to your destination, comfortable, and fast.
• Ideal for travelers with a lot of luggage.

           Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other options.

3. Grab / Gojek (Ride-Hailing Services)

• Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic
• Cost: 18-35 SGD (around 13-25 USD)
• Details:
  • You can book a car using the Grab or Gojek apps.
  • Pay directly through the app or in cash.
  • Grab/Gojek cars are available at all terminals.

           Pros:

• An easy-to-manage option with the app, similar to taxis.
• Often cheaper than traditional taxis, with anticipated prices in the app.

           Cons:

• Prices can vary based on demand and supply (surge pricing).

4. Bus

• Duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hours
• Cost: 2 SGD (around 1.5 USD)
• Details:
  • Buses depart from all terminals, with key routes being 36/36A to the city center.
  • Pay in cash or using an EZ-Link/NETS FlashPay card.

           Pros:

• A very cheap option.
• You get to see part of the city along the way.

           Cons:

• Can be slower and less comfortable, depending on traffic.

5. Shuttle Bus (Airport Shuttle)

• Duration: Approximately 25-45 minutes, depending on destination and traffic
• Cost: 10 SGD (around 7.5 USD) for adults, 7 SGD (around 5 USD) for children under 12
• Details:
  • The airport shuttle bus can take you to most hotels in the city center.
  • You can book at the shuttle counter upon arrival.

           Pros:

• A good option if you’re staying at a hotel and want direct transport.
• Cheaper than a taxi, but more direct than public transport.

           Cons:

• May require waiting time for groups or multiple stops.

6. Rental Cars

• Duration: Depends on route and traffic
• Cost: Varies based on car type and rental period
• Details:
  • There are car rental desks at all terminals.
  • You need a valid international driving license and understanding of local traffic rules.

           Pros:

• Total freedom of movement.
• Ideal for long trips or exploration.

           Cons:

• Can be expensive, and traffic in the city center can be dense.

Summary

• Cheapest: MRT / Bus
• Most convenient: Grab / Taxi
• Fastest: Taxi / Grab (in low traffic conditions)

Choose the option that best suits your needs based on your budget and preferences.

Insects and Dengue Fever

In Singapore, although there is no significant risk of insect-borne diseases compared to other regions in Southeast Asia, it is still advisable to take certain protective measures against potential insect bites and irritations.

Mosquitoes: Singapore occasionally faces dengue outbreaks, a viral disease transmitted through bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Local authorities conduct intensive mosquito control campaigns, but it’s wise to protect yourself by using repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active. We purchased Paranix Max DEET spray against tropical mosquitoes from Romania.

Money

In Singapore, the local currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). It’s easy to exchange money at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices. Card payments are widely accepted in most places. During most of our time in Singapore, we paid with our Revolut card. We withdrew cash to buy souvenirs from the Revolut card without commission from the SC ATM inside Raffles City Shopping Center.

Internet SIM Card

For internet, we used the e-SIM service provided by Revolut. We paid 20 lei for 1 GB of internet.

Transportation in Singapore

Singapore has an extremely efficient and modern public transport system, including the MRT (subway), buses, and taxis. The subway (MRT) is the fastest and most convenient way to travel around the city. Ride-sharing services like Grab are also available and easy to use. During our 3 days in Singapore, we used only the MRT to travel from the airport to our accommodation and back, and the bus to get to Universal Studios. You can pay for public transportation in Singapore with a card.

Food and Restaurants

Singapore is a culinary paradise known for the diversity and quality of its cuisine. Here are some dishes you should try during your visit:

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

   • Considered Singapore’s national dish, it’s a simple and delicious meal consisting of boiled chicken served with fragrant rice and chili and ginger sauces.

2. Chili Crab

   • One of Singapore’s most famous dishes, it consists of crab cooked in a thick chili and tomato sauce, often served with mantou (fried buns).

3. Laksa

   • A spicy noodle soup with Chinese and Malaysian influences, containing rice noodles, coconut milk, curry paste, seafood or chicken, and garnished with fresh herbs.

4. Satay

   • Grilled skewers of meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) marinated and served with a delicious peanut sauce, onions, cucumbers, and rice.

5. Char Kway Teow

   • Stir-fried flat rice noodles with soy sauce, eggs, bean sprouts, shrimp, clams, and Chinese sausage. It’s a very flavorful dish known for its rich aroma and diverse textures.

6. Hokkien Mee

   • Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, squid, pork, and egg, often served with chili paste and fermented rice.

7. Bak Kut Teh

   • A pork rib soup flavored with garlic and various herbs and spices. It’s often served with white rice, noodles, and tea.

8. Kaya Toast

   • A popular breakfast consisting of toasted bread spread with kaya (a coconut and egg jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee or tea.

9. Rojak

   • A traditional salad with diverse ingredients such as pineapple, cucumber, bean sprouts, dough fritters, and a sweet-spicy shrimp paste.

10. Nasi Lemak

    • A popular Malaysian dish also enjoyed in Singapore, consisting of coconut milk rice served with various accompaniments such as fried fish, eggs, peanuts, and sambal (a spicy chili paste).

Recommended Places to Try These Dishes:

• Maxwell Food Centre: Known for Hainanese Chicken Rice.
• Lau Pa Sat: A famous food market for Satay and other local delicacies.
• Old Airport Road Food Centre: A popular spot for Hokkien Mee and Char Kway Teow.
• Newton Food Centre: Renowned for seafood, including Chili Crab.
  
  
  

Rules You Should Not Break in Singapore:

Singapore is known for its impeccable order and strict laws. While the city-state is a welcoming tourist destination, it is important to be aware of certain rules that you should not break to avoid fines or even more serious problems. Here are some of the rules that I would recommend including in your blog post:

1. Do not litter: Littering is a serious offense in Singapore. Fines can be significant, even for minor offenses such as dropping a cigarette butt or chewing gum on the ground.

2. Do not smoke in public places: Smoking is prohibited in most public spaces in Singapore, including buildings, public transportation, bus stops, and parks. There are designated smoking areas, but it is important to make sure you follow the posted rules.

3. Do not behave inappropriately in public: Inappropriate behavior, such as loud talking, begging, or indecent exposure, is prohibited in Singapore. Respect the personal space of others and behave politely in all situations.

4. Do not consume alcohol in public: Alcohol consumption is only allowed in certain places, such as licensed bars, restaurants, and clubs. It is prohibited to drink alcohol on the streets or in other public spaces.

5. Do not vandalize: Vandalizing property is a serious offense in Singapore. Do not damage buildings, monuments, or other public property.

6. Obey traffic rules: Make sure you follow all traffic rules and obey traffic signals. Do not jaywalk and be mindful of pedestrians.

7. Do not use illegal drugs: Possessing or consuming illegal drugs is a serious offense in Singapore and can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.

8. Respect local culture: Singapore is a multicultural country with a diversity of religions and traditions. Be respectful of local customs and beliefs and avoid behaviors that could be considered offensive.

9. Be aware of specific laws: There are certain specific laws that may be less well-known to tourists, such as the ban on importing chewing gum or certain tobacco products. It is recommended to check the Singapore Tourism Board website for updated information.

10. Respect the authorities: Police and government officials in Singapore deserve respect. Cooperate with any requests and avoid arguing or behaving rudely.

Following these simple rules will help you enjoy a pleasant and trouble-free trip to Singapore. Remember that Singapore is a safe and welcoming country, but it is important to be aware of local rules and respect them to avoid any unpleasantness.