Many people dream of having a Singapore layover… Why? This small nation has the most incredible airport in the world: Changi Airport! Here are Singapore layover tips to visit both the city and airport.
When travelling to Southeast Asia, it’s very common to have long layovers in Shanghai, Bangkok or Singapore. Singapore is the absolute best place you could come across for an extended layover.
Here is an itinerary for a Singapore layover of 12 hours, in and out the airport. If you only have a few hours, stay in the airport and skip the city part. There are already enough Singapore airport layover activities to do there!
What to do during your layover in Singapore?
After your first long flight, the fun begins! Here are the best things to do on a Singapore layover, starting at Changi airport.
Changi Airport
Singapore is the perfect blend of harmony, modernity and excess. This unique sovereign island-state is home to some of the world’s most innovative buildings. It starts with Changi Jewel Airport, certified the world’s best airport seven times running.
During your layover in Singapore airport, you should first visit the jewel of the airport itself: an indoor jungle with a 40-meter-high waterfall. If you have a Singapore layover at night, don’t worry: there are stunning light shows at night.
Singapore Koon Seng Road
After exploring the airport, the second stop of your Singapore layover trip is Koon Seng Road. It’s the closest visit spot from the airport. You can get there in around 30 minutes with the East West Line.
Koon Seng Road is not only a nice colorful street but also a relic of history. The first Chinese immigrants built them back in the 20s’. Definitely a must do to consider in your Singapore layover itinerary.
Singapore Little India
Head to the muticulturalism histiry center of Singapore, Little India. From street food smells, vibrant markets, colourful Hindu and Chinese Temples, mosques and churches, this place has it all.
A few buildings truly amazed us: the splendid House of Tan Teng Niah, the incredible Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and the Little India Arcade.
Singapore Old Street Police Station
If you didn’t see enough colorful places yet, you can head to the Old Street Police Station. It is in the Singapore business district area and has 927 rainbow windows. This building carries so much history. It was first a jail, then a police station, and now a ministry and national monument.
Gardens by the Bay
From there, you can do everything by foot. Walk by the Sand SkyPark Observation Deck before you reach one of Singapore famous places: Gardens by the Bay. It’s definitely the highlight of any city tour.
These futuristic gardens feature an incredible variety of lush greenery and skyscraper flowers. It’s as if you’re in a science-fiction film or have been teleported 100 years into the future.
Walking around the gardens cannot be skipped on a Singapore layover free tour. And if you have a Singapore night layover, lucky you! You’ll be able to witness to night light show before heading back to the airport.
To have a deeper experience of the Gardens by the Bay, you can pay $12 USD to access the Cloud Forest. A walk on the OCBC Skyway, the yellow path that connects the Supertree Grove, is $8 USD.
Singapore layover guide: FAQ
Do you need a Singapore layover visa?
The Singapore airlines layover policy is clear: if you are in transit for less than 96 hours, you may be eligible for the 96-hour visa free transit facility.
You must prove that you have an airline ticket to another country within the next 96 hours. To check if you are elegible, check the government website.
Things to do after Singapore layover immigration: map, cash, luggage and transport pass
To avoid wasting time on your short Singapore layover, here are a few tips. Before you leave, download a map of Singapore from maps.me. You can also change your money into Singapore dollars.
To avoid carrying your suitcase or backpack during your Singapore layover tour, leave it on level 2 of the Departures Hall for $10 (if under 10kg). You’re almost free to go! Last but not least, the Singapore Tourist Pass gives you unlimited travel for $10 a day.
What to do on a Singapore airport overnight layover?
If you have a Singapore overnight layover, you have two options: enjoy a night out in the big city or stay inside the airport.
If you choose to go out, you have to check Gardens By the Bay and their incredible light show. Then, you can discover Singapore nightlife. Don’t loose track of time though!
You can also stay inside the airport. The Jewel can be visited at any hour of the day or night. It has offer a great night show with colorful lights.
Where to stay on a Singapore transit?
Sleeping is also recommended if you have a lot of time to kill on your Singapore stopover. We highly recommend the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, an IHG Hotel. It’s a very well-rated hotel only 500 meters from the airport. It even has a swimming pool! The rooms are spacious and their decor, both modern and exotic.
➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,7/10 based on these reviews
Singapore layover: final thoughts
If you have more time during your Singapore airport layover, check out the Art and Science Museum and its out of the world exhibitions. You can also visit the Masjid Sultan Mosque, People’s Park Complex, the Helix Bridge or the Chinese Gardens.
