Singapore By Air
From Track2Asia
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Changi Airport
Changi Airport has given Singapore the distinction of being one of the largest aviation hubs in Southeast Asia. This airport provides a relaxed atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of baggage distribution and immigration. It is very organized and efficient and will have you processed in no time.
Changi Airport has three terminals. Its major airline – Singapore Airlines and most of the Star Alliance partners use Terminal 2 (T2). Other airlines operate from Terminal 1 (T1). Tiger and Cebu Pacific airlines operate from the Budget Terminal. The “Skytrain” connects these terminals. This is a free shuttle service offered by the airport.
Now, if you are in Singapore for a layover of more than five hours, you can avail of free city tours. These run six times daily. Inquire at the Singapore Visitor Centre for details.
If you do not feel like a tour to the city do not fret, as Changi airport is packed with amenities that will help you wile away your waiting time. Take a dip at the jacuzzi or swimming pool at T1, or watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster in Terminal 2. You can also surf the internet (for free!). If you have your laptop with you, you can connect to the internet via a wireless connection. If not, there are around 200 computers for you to use. If you’re more into gaming, there are X-Boxes available as well.
As for food, there are plenty of reasonably-priced options for you to choose from. Try Sakae Sushu (T2) or Peranakan-themed Soup Restaurant (also in T2).
To catch some zzzz’s, you can check in at the Ambassador Transit Hotel (Telephone +65-6541-9106) located at the airsides of terminals 1 and 2, third floor. Here, you can rent a room for six hours. Room types include Single ($57.75), Double ($64.70) and Triple ($85.65) rooms. There are also budget singles ($40.45) with shared bathroom. If you don’t feel like a nap but would like to freshen up, you can also rent a shower for only $8.50.
You can also work a sweat at the Plaza Premier Lounges for $8.40 (if you can show a Singapore Airlines boarding pass). It features a basic gym with shower.
There is also the free Changi Express paper, which is released every fortnight and provides news about the Asia Pacific, Singapore and Changi Airport. There are also Singtel and Starhub payphones that provide you with free local calls without a time limit.
Transfers Between the Airport and Town
By Taxi
Getting to the city from the airport is around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around S$13 to 20, plus a surcharge (S$5 during Fridays to Sundays before 5:00 p.m. or S$3 at any other time). You will also be charged for each piece of baggage stored in the trunk or when you have three or more passengers in the cab.
If you want to leave the airport in style, you can also rent a limousine for a flat rate of S$35. This will bring you anywhere in the city. With the limousine, you can skip the line, plus the surcharges meted by taxis. You can also rent Maxi-Cabs – which go for the same rate but is roomier – a perfect deal if you have a lot of luggage or if you are traveling as a group.
By Bus
You can take the Airbus from the airport and pay only S$5. The Airbus will pass all the major hotels using three different routes. Schedules for the airbus differ from route to route. For example, the city to airport runs on one route are scheduled as follows 8:20 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. or 6:30 a.m. to 11:10 p.m. The schedules of airport to city runs are also different.
By Shuttle
There are also MaxiCab shuttle services that will take you to hotels or designated areas for S$7.00. You can book these in advance or go to the arrivals hall. These run from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., with 15 to 30 minutes intervals between trips.
By Subway
You can also take the subway from Terminal 2. However, you must cross the platform at Tanah Merah to ride the city-bound train. The train ride to City Hall only takes 30 minutes and will cost S$2.40 (the S$1.00 is a refundable deposit). The trains operate from 5:31 a.m. to 11:18 p.m. The stations are all equipped with elevators, except for the Buona Vista station.
