Published : 7/7/2026
Updated : 7/7/2026
Author : Aakansha Vatsalya
Singapore is a small island nation in Southeast Asia, famous for its modern skyline, beautiful gardens, diverse neighborhoods, and top attractions.
For many travellers, Singapore Changi Airport is their first glimpse of the country. The airport brings together attractions, gardens, shopping, dining, and easy transport all in one place.
This guide will help you get to know the Singapore airport code, terminal layout, main attractions, lounges, shopping, transport options, and practical tips for navigating Singapore airport with confidence.
So when people ask how many airports in Singapore serve commercial flights, the answer is one: Singapore Changi Airport.
Seletar Airport also exists in Singapore, but it serves only general aviation, private aircraft, and charter operations. You will not find commercial airline services there.
Since Singapore is a city-state with no other cities to connect to internally, there are no domestic flights operating from the Singapore airport.
Singapore Changi Airport operates across four terminals: T1, T2, T3, and T4. Each handles international flights only.
Your boarding pass will show the Singapore airport code SIN, while WSSS is the ICAO code used by air traffic control.
Getting between terminals is simple:
Terminal 2 fully reopened in November 2023 after a major upgrading programme.
Here is a quick look at what each terminal handles:
Terminal | Key Airlines | Signature Feature |
T1 | Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific | Kinetic Rain sculpture, linked to Jewel |
T2 | Scoot, Jetstar Asia, regional carriers | The Wonderfall, Dreamscape garden |
T3 | Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance partners | Butterfly Garden, free cinema and The Slide |
T4 | AirAsia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines | Heritage Zone, automated check-in |
Knowing your departure or arrival terminal makes navigating inside Singapore airport much easier. All flights use the Singapore airport code SIN on boarding passes and baggage tags regardless of which terminal you depart from.
Note: Butterfly Garden (T3) is in the transit area and requires a boarding pass. The Slide and free cinema at T3 are in the public area.
Tribe Travel Tip: Airline terminal assignments change. Confirm your terminal on the official website or your boarding pass before travel.
Everything inside Singapore Airport is designed to make spending time there enjoyable.
There are two Singapore airport waterfalls, each offering a unique experience.
Rain Vortex sits inside Jewel Changi, connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. At 40 metres tall, it is the world's tallest indoor waterfall and opened in 2019. It is surrounded by a lush indoor forest called Forest Valley.
The Wonderfall is a 4-storey digital waterfall inside the Terminal 2 Departure Hall (transit area, airside). It features scheduled multimedia shows throughout the day and evening. Check the official Changi Airport website for the latest show timings before your visit.
Both waterfalls are free to visit. Which one of the Singapore airport waterfalls you see depends on which side of the airport you are on.
The butterfly garden at Singapore airport is inside Terminal 3 Transit.
It holds over 1,000 tropical butterflies from up to 40 species. A 6-metre grotto waterfall sits at its centre.
Educational corners let you watch butterflies breed and feed up close.
This is one of the most distinctive Singapore airport attractions and the world's first butterfly garden inside an airport.
Besides the butterfly garden at Singapore airport and the Singapore airport waterfalls, there are plenty of other things to see in the terminals.
Attraction | Terminal | Free or Paid |
Kinetic Rain (1,216 bronze droplets) | T1 (Public) | Free |
Dreamscape (20,000+ plant indoor garden) | T2 (Transit) | Free |
The Slide@T3 (four-storey slide) | T3 (Public) | Paid |
Canopy Park (bouncing nets, hedge maze, sky nets) | Jewel (Public) | Paid |
The things to do at Singapore airport go beyond shopping. You can easily fill a short layover or several hours between flights without leaving the terminals.
Free activities:
Paid activities:
Singapore airport offers plenty to keep you busy, even if you have a short connection.
Access to a Singapore airport lounge depends on your ticket class, airline membership, or a paid day pass. Singapore Changi Airport offers options across both.
Singapore Airlines operates two lounges at Terminal 3:
Both are in the T3 transit area.
You do not need airline status to access a Singapore airport lounge. Both options below are open to any passenger with a paid day pass:
For pay-per-use access, the Marhaba Lounge at T1 and the Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge at T4 are open to any passenger with a day pass. The Ambassador Transit Lounge at T2 and T3 is another pay-per-use option, with a gym, shower facilities, workstations, and private napping suites.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport at T3 offers day-use room rates and is accessible from T1, T2, and T3 via Skytrain. T4 guests should take the free shuttle to T3.
Lounge | Terminal | Access | Key Amenities |
SilverKris (Singapore Airlines) | T3 | Business/First class | Dining, shower, barista bar, rest suites, kids' playroom |
KrisFlyer Gold | T3 | Airline status | Dining, lounge seating |
Marhaba Lounge | T1 & T3 | Paid day pass | Refreshments, shower, Wi-Fi, airside views |
Plaza Premium Lounge | T1 | Paid day pass | Food & beverages, shower, sleeping pods, Wi-Fi, workstations |
Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium | T4 | Paid day pass | Gym, shower, massage services, nap suites, workstations |
Ambassador Transit Lounge | T2 & T3 | Paid day pass | Gym, shower, workstations, nap suites |
Crowne Plaza Hotel (day-use room) | T3 | Paid room rate | Full hotel facilities, pool access |
All the lounges mentioned above are in the airside transit area unless stated otherwise. If you have airline status or want to buy a day pass, you’ll find Singapore airport lounge options in every terminal.
Singapore airport shopping includes both duty-free stores and regular retail outlets. Duty-free purchases are available for eligible product categories, while qualifying tourists may also claim GST refunds on eligible purchases made in Singapore through the Tourist Refund Scheme. Terminal 3 has the largest concentration of retail within the terminal building.
Jewel Changi is home to over 280 retail and dining outlets, including flagship brands and local Singapore labels. Jewel is in the public area, so no boarding pass is needed to enter and shop. Changi Rewards members can earn points on eligible purchases at participating stores.
Singapore airport offers great local gifts as well as duty-free shopping. Try to set aside some time before boarding for Singapore airport shopping at Jewel and across the terminal stores.
What you can shop for at Changi, by zone:
The easiest way into the city from Singapore Changi Airport is by MRT.
The Changi Airport MRT station is in the basement of Terminals 2 and 3. Take any train to Tanah Merah, then change platforms for the East-West Line. You reach City Hall in around 30 to 40 minutes.
If you are at Terminal 4, take the free shuttle bus to T2 or T3 before heading to the MRT.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are available from all terminals at Singapore airport, with an airport surcharge on departing rides.
City shuttle buses run at fixed per-person rates to major downtown hotels. Book at the ground transport counter in the arrival hall.
Transport | Approx. Cost | Journey Time | Notes |
MRT | S$2 to S$3 | 30 to 40 min | T2/T3 basement; change at Tanah Merah |
Taxi | S$20 to S$40+ | 20 to 30 min | Airport surcharge applies; all terminals |
Grab / Gojek | S$20 to S$40+ | 20 to 30 min | Book via app; all terminals |
City Shuttle | Fixed per-person rate | 30 to 45 min | Drops at major downtown hotels; book at arrival hall counter |
Singapore airport is much more than just a stop before your next flight. With its well-designed terminals, comfortable lounges, famous Singapore airport waterfalls, gardens, shopping, and dining, it makes every part of your journey better. If you know what to expect before you arrive, you can make the most of your time, even on a short layover.
If you’re planning a getaway to Singapore, Holiday Tribe can help you with personalised itineraries and expert advice. That way, you can relax and enjoy every moment, from the airport to your destination.
Yes. When booking connecting flights through Singapore airport (code: SIN), check if you qualify for Singapore's Visa-Free Transit Facility. Indian passport holders with a valid onward ticket and a qualifying third-country visa may leave the airport for up to 96 hours. Eligibility depends on nationality and travel itinerary, so always confirm the latest requirements with Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority before departure.
Not if you stay airside and your bags are checked through to your final destination. If you plan to clear immigration and enter Singapore, check your eligibility on the official ICA website at ica.gov.sg before you travel.
Yes. Transit passengers with a layover between 5.5 and 24 hours can join a free guided tour. Tours take around 2.5 hours and cover city landmarks. The booths are in the transit area of T2 and T3; do not clear arrival immigration before registering. Indian passport holders require a valid Singapore entry visa to participate. Pre-book from the official Changi Airport website or register at the booth on the day, subject to availability.
Yes. The rooftop pool is at Terminal 1, run by Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, in the airside transit area. Hotel guests use it at no charge. Non-guests can pay to access the pool, jacuzzi, and poolside bar on a walk-in, first-come basis.
Terminal 5 is currently under development at Changi East. In its first phase, it is expected to handle around 50 million passenger movements per year and is projected to be operational around the mid-2030s.
Yes. Singapore airport has a free cinema at Terminal 3, open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No booking or ticket is needed. Walk in and find an available seat. Check the official Changi Airport website for the current screening schedule.
Left Baggage counters are available at all four terminals and are open 24 hours a day. You can leave your bags there and move freely around the Singapore Changi Airport terminals. Fees apply and vary based on bag size and storage duration.
Published : 7/7/2026
Updated : 7/7/2026
Author : Aakansha Vatsalya
