It’s not a stretch to suggest that a full-day layover at Changi Airport is a cause for celebration. A world-class airport that proudly provides world-class facilities, top-notch entertainment and global retail brands, Changi Airport Singapore is a destination to be explored in its own right.

Whether you’re stopping over in the Lion City for a few hours or an entire day, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive transit guide to Changi Airport Singapore. Hop on the Skytrain and zip between Changi Airport’s conveniently connected terminals, while mixing and matching our recommendations below.

Traveller with his luggage in Changi Airport Singapore Terminal 2

Get a taste of food paradise
Front view of bar at The World is Flat

Activity duration: 1 hour

Feeling peckish? There’re multiple food offerings to be had at the airport, from sushi to burgers, but we recommend that you visit the 24-hour food galleries around the airport to indulge in a taste of Singapore’s delicious cuisines. Besides filling your belly, the dishes at these spaces showcase Singapore’s diverse food offerings, from Hainanese chicken rice to roti prata (South Indian flatbread) and satay (grilled meat skewers).

After a hearty meal, grab a drink at The World is Flat by Tanuki Raw. You can find a wide selection of beers and cocktails along with nibbles such as pizza and sandwiches with a modern take.

The World is Flat by Tanuki Raw at Changi Airport Terminal 1. 80 Airport Boulevard #02-39, Singapore 819642.
Daily 24-hours.


Explore green spaces
A butterfly amongst red flowers at Changi Airport’s Butterfly Garden

Activity duration: 1.5-2 hours

If you’ve had a long flight and are looking to stretch your legs while getting your fix of greenery, you should consider visiting Changi Airport’s beautiful array of public gardens.

To expand your insights on tropical flora and fauna, take a walk through the world’s first Butterfly Garden in an airport, situated at Terminal 3. This beautiful sanctuary is home to a multitude of flowering plants, a six-metre grotto-waterfall and—as its name suggests—butterflies. 1,000 tropical butterflies from 40 different species to be exact.

Nature lovers will also be able to satiate their cravings for tranquil greenery at both Terminal 1 and 2. The former houses the Cactus Garden, a rooftop space with an open bar where you can enjoy a tipple, while basking in the sight of more than 100 species of cacti.

Alternatively, explore the Orchid Garden at Terminal 2, and gain a deeper understanding of tropical flora and plant species indigenous to Singapore. With 700 orchids from 30 species grouped into thematic natural elements of air, water, earth and fire, the garden’s a great place to unwind and infuse some colour into your layover.

Cactus Garden at Changi Airport Terminal 1. 80 Airport Boulevard Level 3 Departure Transit Hall, Singapore 819642.
Daily 24 hours.

Orchid Garden at Changi Airport Terminal 2. 60 Airport Boulevard Level 2 Departure Transit Hall, Singapore 819643.
Daily 24 hours.

Butterfly Garden at Changi Airport Terminal 3. 65 Airport Boulevard Level 2 & 3 Departure Transit Hall, Singapore 819663.
Daily 24 hours.


Enjoy extensive retail therapy
Front view of The Shilla Duty Free duplex store at Changi Airport

Activity duration: 1-3 hours

With over 140 international and local brands spread across the departure transit stores, the airport’s a great place to spruce up your wardrobe, gift-shop for loved ones and hunt for purchases that best express your fashion idiosyncrasies.

Start off at DFS Wines & Spirits. With stores scattered across all four terminals, this establishment boasts an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits and tobacco. You’ll be spoilt for choice with well-loved spirits such as Johnny Walker Black Label, Hennessy XO Grand Champagne and Chivas Regal.

Once you’re in good spirits (pardon the pun), you can explore a wealth of fashion and beauty options across the airport’s four terminals. Head down to The Shilla Duty Free, for a wide range of beauty and skincare producing, including exclusive skincare solutions from prestigious beauty brand La Prairie. Fashionistas looking to bling up their wardrobe should peruse the gorgeous gold trinkets and accessories at Luvenus.

End off your shopping experience with a bout of gift-shopping at the largest confectionary store of its kind, So Chocolate, with its range of premium chocolate brands like Godiva and Neuhaus.

DFS Wines & Spirits. Located in all terminals and transit areas.
Daily 24 hours.

The Shilla Duty Free. Located in all terminals and transit areas.
Daily. Opening hours vary.

Luvenus at Changi Airport Terminal 3. 65 Airport Boulevard Level 2 Departure Lounge (Central), Singapore 819663.
Daily 24-hours.
Also available at Terminal 4. Visit here for more information.

So Chocolate at Changi Airport Terminal 2. 60 Airport Boulevard Level 2 Departure Lounge (near E gates), Singapore 819643. +65 6593 4602.
Daily 6-1am.


Have fun with the family
Display screens and video game consoles at the Entertainment Deck in Terminal 2

Activity duration: 2-4 hours

If you’re looking to keep your entire family entertained while waiting for your connecting flight, the entertainment deck is the place to be. Enjoy movie screenings at the 24-hour movie theatre, choose from an array of Xbox Kinect games such as target shooting and wake racing, or go on a nostalgia trip with the deck’s many classic arcade games.

Entertainment Deck at Terminal 2. 60 Airport Boulevard Level 3 Departure Transit Hall (next to the Sunflower Garden), Singapore 819643.
Daily 6am-midnight.
Refer to Changi Airport’s website for movie screening schedules.


Tours in transit
Bottom-up shot of the Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay

Approximate duration: 2.5 hours per tour

Even if you’re just passing through our sunny island, you should take the opportunity to discover the vibrant spaces in the Lion City. Organised by Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport Group, the Free Singapore Tour is available to transit passengers of all airlines. Take note that you’ll need a minimum of 5.5 hours until your connecting flight.

Inspire yourself with the sights of modern architecture on the City Sights Tour, which will take you on a trip through modern Singapore, with stopovers at iconic buildings like the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands® and the Singapore Flyer.

If an exploration of colonial heritage and traditional neighbourhoods sounds like it’s up your alley, you should consider the Heritage Tour, which will bring you through the ethnic neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam.


Indulge in luxury accommodation
A row of yellow parasols along the outdoor swimming pool at Aerotel

Activity duration: 6 hours, but varies depending on the length of your layover

If you have a long layover, Aerotel Singapore is here to save the day. With its flagship property in Changi Airport, Aerotel is the only transit hotel in Asia to have an outdoor swimming pool with health and fitness facilities and a jacuzzi. You can enjoy unparalleled comfort here after a long-haul flight.

Aerotel Singapore at Changi Airport Terminal 1. 80 Airport Boulevard Level 3 Departure Lounge (near D gates), Singapore 819642. +65 6808 2388.
Daily 24 hours.