Singapore is one of the best cities in the world for a long layover. Thanks to Changi Airport’s efficiency, reliable public transportation, and the city’s compact layout, it’s surprisingly easy to explore Singapore even with limited time during your layover. Whether you have 6 hours, 12 hours, or an overnight layover, this guide covers the best things to do during a layover in Singapore, including Gardens by the Bay, famous hawker centers, rooftop bars, cultural neighborhoods, and a few local spots that are worth leaving the airport for.
Surprisingly, one of the most exciting things that you can do in Southeast Asia is schedule a long layover at Singapore Changi Airport. Ranked one of the best airports in the world, Changi has enough attractions, restaurants, and entertainment to keep travelers busy for hours. And, most of Singapore’s biggest attractions are a short drive from the airport, making it easy to explore the city during a layover.
Disclaimer: Regulations change frequently and may impact whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Singapore. Be sure to check with both Singapore Changi Airport directly and your embassy to confirm current entry requirements and what is open before your trip.
What to Do in Singapore Changi Airport
Some people say that they would be happy just visiting Singapore Changi Airport on their vacation. That’s because the airport is a tourist attraction in and of itself. It’s the best airport for a layover in Southeast Asia. Usually, a shorter layover is better when you’re going to your final destination, but in Singapore, the longer the layover, the better.
There are many things to do while you wait for your next flight during a layover in Singapore. You can find everything you need to have fun right in Changi Airport. Here is a list of some of the best activities:
- See the World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall: The Rain Vortex is a waterfall located inside the Singapore Airport. It is a massive display; measuring 7 stories tall. This is one of the most iconic things to see and do at Singapore Changi Airport.
- Visit the Butterfly Garden: The Singapore Airport Butterfly Garden has over 1,000 butterflies. And the best part is that admission is totally free.
- Spend Time in the Entertainment Hall: You can play video games, catch live sporting events & watch movies in one of the many entertainment halls located throughout the airport.
- Watch a Movie in the Theatre: Go see a new movie at the Singapore Airport Movie Theatre. This is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to pass time during a long layover.
- Check Out the Flora & Fauna: There are many parks and gardens inside the airport with different plants and flowers. There is a Cactus Garden, Enchanted Garden, Hedge Maze, Orchid Garden, Pedal Garden, and more!
- Look at the Art Exhibits: There are countless art installations & exhibits at the airport. Some favorites are Petalclouds & Singapore Rojak.
- Take a dip in the pool & jacuzzi: Pay a day rate to spend time in a rooftop pool & jacuzzi, located in the Aerotel Transit Hotel (Terminal 1). Pro tip: be sure to pack your bathing suit in your carry on if this is something you plan to do at the airport during your layover!
- Get a Spa Service: Indulge in a spa treatment at the airport spa.
- Go Grocery Shopping: At most airports, you can find small food vendors with basic items. However, Singapore airport features a full-blown supermarket where you can find almost any food you might want.
- Bring Your Kids to the Family Zone: Keep your kids busy in the family zone. The area has a small playground, books, and games.
- Jump Around on the Bouncing Net: There’s a giant trampoline in the airport that visitors can bounce on; though do note that this is located outside of the security area and requires a ticket to access it. This activity would only be recommended if your layover is 8+ hours or more due to the hassle of having to exit security and come back, but worth it if you’ve got time to spend.
Facilities to Use During a Layover at Singapore Changi Airport
If you have a layover in Singapore Airport, there are a lot of great facilities available to make your time easier. Here are some of the best ones:
- VIP Lounge Access: There are over 20 VIP lounges in the Singapore airport. Some of these lounges allow passengers to pay for access. If you want to use a lounge, here is a list of lounges in the Singapore airport and how you can pay for access when you arrive. There are some lounges in the airport that are accessible to Priority Pass holders. Priority Pass is a subscription that allows you to access numerous airport lounges worldwide for a comparatively low annual fee. I highly recommend signing up for Priority Pass if you’re a frequent traveler.
- Baggage Storage: If you want to explore Singapore during your layover, you can leave the airport and store your baggage at a facility. There are several locations throughout the airport. Just go to a baggage storage room, fill out some paperwork, and let them inspect your bag. When you return, you’ll have to pay a fee to get your luggage back. Keep in mind that if you drop off your baggage in a location outside of your terminal, you’ll have to take it through security before re-entering the terminal.
- Free Rest Areas: If you need to take a nap but don’t want to spend money on a VIP lounge, the free rest areas in Changi airport are perfect. There are comfortable chairs where you can relax and sleep. This is a great place to relax if you have a long layover in Singapore and don’t want to spend much money.
How to Explore Singapore During a Layover
There are two ways to see Singapore during a long layover: on an organized tour or by exploring on your own.
- Take an Organized Tour from Changi Airport: Singapore airport offers various ways to see different attractions around the airport during your layover with professional tour guides. There are free guided tours from the Changi Airport. Note that: the tours offered vary based on city-wide restrictions that can change frequently, so it’s important to refer to the official website when planning your trip for real-time information regarding what’s available. It is also strongly advised to only embark on a guided tour if you have at least 5.5 hours to spare during your layover.
- Explore Singapore Independently: If you want to see something different than what the airport tours offer, or if you want to spend more than a few hours exploring Singapore, then exploring the city without an organized tour group is a good option. Be sure to read Singapore’s current city-wide regulations before setting out on your own. There are many key highlights in the area that you can hit independently such as the Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Mass transit is efficient and affordable in Singapore. The best way to get from the airport to the tourist attractions is by taxi. You can hail a public taxi at the airport and then use taxis to get to different locations when traveling through Singapore alone.
If you choose to explore Singapore on your own, it is recommended that you start your tour at Gardens by the Bay or Marina Bay Sands. These two attractions are in central locations and easy to find.
10 of the Best Attractions to See During a Stopover in Singapore
During a lengthy delay in Singapore, it’s simple to get a feel for the city since most of the major attractions are near to one another and accessible from the airport. If you don’t want to take the free Singapore tour provided by the airport but rather develop your own itinerary, consider these options:
- Marina Bay Sands: This is one of the most unique hotels in the world. The top of the hotel looks like a boat and there’s an infinity pool on the roof. You can visit the top of the hotel by paying a small entrance fee. Once at the top, you can order a cocktail and take in some of the best views of Singapore.
- Gardens by the Bay: This is one of the top attractions in Singapore. It’s a combination of lush, natural plants and man-made structures that look like flowers. The park is open during the day and at night. At night, the man-made structures light up, creating a unique and dazzling illumination. One benefit of visiting Singapore alone, vs via the airport tour, is that you’ll have the opportunity to see sights like this light up at night.
- Merlion Park: This park is in front of Marina Bay. You can sit in the park and enjoy the views of the city from in front of the bay. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking to relax during your Singapore tour.
- Night Safari: If you have a long layover in Singapore and it’s during the night, you can go on a night safari. The safari is about 30 minutes away from Changi Airport. You’ll be able to see animals that are active at night, like Asian elephants, lions, and leopards. The park helps protect the animals and also prevents their species from becoming extinct.
- National Gallery Singapore: If you’re an art fanatic, then visit the National Gallery in Singapore. The gallery is full of South Asian art and is a short 15-minute drive from the airport.
- Kampong Glam: This is a neighborhood in Singapore that’s full of culture & heritage. If you’ve got some time during your tour, walk around the neighborhood. You’ll see markets with Southeast Asian goods & restaurants with different cuisines.
- Haw Par Villa: This is a great place to learn about Singapore’s culture, eat great food, see some sculptures, and people-watch. There are live performances throughout the day and night. It is a 30-minute drive from the airport. You can make this your only stop or add it to your itinerary if you have a lot of time to spare during your layover.
- St. Andrews Cathedral: For travelers who enjoy seeing cathedrals from around the world, adding a trip to St. Andrews Cathedral to your itinerary is a must. The church and its surroundings are beautiful.
- East Coast Road: This is one of Singapore’s most popular areas, and it’s a favorite foodie destination. Grab a coffee or some ice cream if you’re on a budget. If you’ve got some more cash to spend, consider dining at one of their renowned eateries.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: One thing Singapore is well-known for is its lavish gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are massive and a stroll around them will immerse you so much in nature, that you’ll wonder if you’re still in the city.
Suggested Tour Itinerary for an 8-Hour Layover in Singapore
You might be wondering how to structure your Singapore tour if you choose to explore the city on your own. If you go it alone, then 8 hours is the recommended amount of time to have available. This extra time is for “figuring it out” on your own, which can take some time in a foreign country.
If you have more than 8 hours to spend in Singapore, use this as a guide to help structure your trip. You can swap out or add any of the attractions listed above into your itinerary, as they are all within a 30-minute driving range.
- Hours 1 to 2: Arrive at Changi Airport, get your bearings, and leave your luggage in an airport baggage storage facility.
- Hours 2 to 2.5: Hail a public taxi from Changi Airport and instruct them to take you to Gardens by the Bay. It will take you a maximum of 15 minutes to locate a taxi and 30 minutes to drive from the airport to Gardens by the Bay. In total, the entire process should take you around 45 minutes.
- Hours 2.5 to 4: Walk around Marina Bay Sands, which is located next to Gardens by the Bay. There are a lot of things to see within Marina Bay Sands, and the recommended amount of time to spend there is 2 to 4 hours. Because you’ll be on a time crunch, settle for only being able to see a glimpse of it and spend 1.5 hours there.
- Hours 4 to 5.5: Take a taxi from the Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands. It will take about 10 minutes in total. (5-minutes to hail a cab and 5-minutes to drive there.) Spend about an hour at Marina Bay Sands. Get a ticket to the rooftop and have a cocktail while there. You can take great pictures of the city from the top of the hotel.
- Hours 5.5 to 6: Hail a public taxi, and take it back to the airport.
- Hours 6 to 8: Get your baggage from storage and check it back in at the airport for your flight. You’ll need three hours slotted at the end of your itinerary for this, as that’s the amount of time needed to check in at the airport for an international flight from Changi Airport.
So, Where Are you Headed After Your Layover?
Singapore is the best layover spot in Southeast Asia because of its geographical position and the variety of things to do both inside and outside of the airport. You’ll have a lot of fun whether you choose to remain at the airport or go out while on your layover.
There are plenty of places to go in Southeast Asia that you may fly between with a stop in Singapore. Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are some of the greatest countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Check out the guides below for inspiration for your trip to Southeast Asia.
Read More Inspiration for a Trip to Southeast Asia
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Hi,
Could you make some suggestions for a 13-hour layover at night? We’re arriving at 6:40 on Friday, 30/6 :)
We’ll go and see the Gardens by the Bay. What else can we do? Swim at Marina Sand’s Infinity Pool? Will they let us in, not being a guest?
Cheers, Lin :)
Hi there! There’s a lot that you can do inside the airport itself at that hour. There are many bars that will be open, as well as some lounges. There’s also a movie theater that may have evening/nighttime showings.
As far as Gardens by the Bay – you can see the nighttime show there. And for marina Bay Sands, you can have a drink by the pool.
For all hours and availability, I recommend clicking the links for each and consulting with the website directly as those will have the most current information.
Enjoy your trip!!
Hello!
We have a 34 hour layover in Singapore to the USA. Our flight arrives in Singapore at around midnight, is there a hotel that we can check in at the airport? Can we explore Singapore on our own during the day without a visa, considering that we are US citizens? Thank you.
Hi Lou, Yes – there is the Singapore Airport Hotel which I’ve heard is great. I suggest reaching out in advance of your arrival to book a reservation to guarantee a room. You’ll need a visa to enter Singapore, and can read the rules about how to obtain this on the USA Embassy Website. When I went, I obtained one upon entry at the airport but I suggest looking into the current rule & regulations with the embassy prior to arrival, as things change often.
Hii,
Could you make some suggestions for a 7-hour layover at Evening? I am arriving at 24th August 5:40pm. No slots are available for Free Singapour Tour.
Hi there! I recommend taking a taxi to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens at the Bay. They’re located next to one another and light up beautifully at night. Depending on what time your layover is of course, so please check the hours of operation of each prior to heading over. No tour is needed, you can explore this area and others at night independently with a taxi in the evening. It’s very safe and efficient.
Hi Jess,
I would appreciate your suggestion for our 18-hour layover in Singapore tomorrow. We will arrive at 7 am. We want to explore the city, I don’t know if we should do the tour ourselves or take the free tour offered by Changi Airport or do both. Cheers.
Hi Ivy! With that length of time, I definitely recommend doing it yourselves. The tours are only a few hours and if you go it on your own then you can spend the full day in Singapore before returning to the airport. The only thing with going it alone is that you will have to pay taxi fees to/from each location that you want to explore. If that’s within your budget, then I recommend going that route. I hope that helps!
Hi Jess,
We have a 22 hr lay over and planning to just do our own tour, how expensive is a taxi from the airport to the Gardens and garden to marina bay? thank u
Hi Stacey, When I went it was the equivelant of about $16 USD each way from the airport to Marina Bay Sands. Note that the cost can increase due to traffic, etc. so expect a range of about 15 – 40 per way. Hope this helps!
Hi Jess – I have a 5.50 mins layover at Changi. I wanted to go for the free city tour however I am unable to enrol in the slot due to the timings I.e I am landing at 1.05 pm and the tour starts at 4 pm. Can you suggest options to explore? Also, if I have to step out of the airport during the layover do I need to apply for visa etc. what would the procedure be? Any guidance is highly appreciated
Hi Bindiya, It’s a bit tight to explore the city with a 5.50 minute layover but still possible. My recommendation would be to explore the airport in that time – there is so much to do (movie theaters, art exhibits, and more!) but if you would like to get a taste of Singapore outside of the airport then you can limit it to one close activity; maybe Gardens of the Bay for example. You will have to get a Visa in order to step outside of the airport, so be sure to get back to the airport with ample time to exit through immigrations and then come back through immigrations again when your tour concludes.
Hi Jess, arriving Singapore via cruise ship. They kick us off the morning of 1/16/24 and trsfr to airport. Flight not until 11.30pm. How do we access the free tour. I want to store our bags until the airline is open at 8pm. Do I pass thru security and do all this on the other side. I’ll have my tkt and visa for Singapore. Just trying to figure this out. Can I take two tours? Thanks a bunch.
Hello Dominic, there are many storage lockers throughout the airport that you can use for your things so that you don’t have to carry them around all day. There are also storage lockers at some of the tourist spots in the center (like at Marina Bay Sands, for example). With as much time as you have to spare; I suggest exploring Singapore on your own (without a tour) and taking a cab into the city independently. The free tours offered by the airport are for passengers in transit (with a layover flight to flight) only.
Hi Jeass, is there any complimentary shower facilities at the airport?
There are showers in some of the lounges. You’ll need either access to the lounge through a membership such as priority pass, or to pay a day rate for one of the lounges to shower.
Hi,
We will have a 7 1/2 hour layover in Singapore arriving mid afternoon. We thought about doing the free tour and having dinner in the famous Singapore area. We will need to get back to the airport about 8 pm – three hours before our flight leaves. Do we need a visa for such a short visit. Do we need to get that beforehand or can we get one at the airport?
Hello Erica, Visa requirements vary by the country that you have a passport from. As a US citizen, I did need a visa to enter into Singapore and explore. I was able to obtain this visa within minutes upon arrival at immigration. Have fun!!
Australian Pass do e need a visa to ener Singapore
Thank you for sharing, hopefully this is helpful for Australian citizens that read this. With visa requirements constantly changing and differing from country to country, I try to stay away from listing specific requirements and rather recommend travelers check with their embassy prior to booking.
Hi Jess,
We have 8 hrs lay over at Changing airport and our flight will land at 20:35 pm local time .
What can we explore in Singapore at night?
Hi Sruti, If you are planning to explore Singapore overnight then I explore going via cab to/from the airport. There are some food markets open 24 hours that you can explore overnight. You can also see Gardens by the Bay and other attractions all lit up, and check out the bar at Marina Bay Sands. There’s a lot more to do, as well – but those are the top things that come to mind!
Hello Jess!!
We have a 27hr layover in Singapore at 06h10 in the morning. We will overnight as our flight leaves at 10h00 the next morning. What do you suggest we do for 1 day in Singapore? What would be your highlights?
Hi Carmen! With a layover that long you can really see a lot. I suggest definitely checking out the big attractions: Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay Sands. And, if I personally had a layover that long in Singapore I would check-out one of their night markets. And if you’re no getting a hotel room during that long layover then get day-access to a lounge or get a Priority Pass subscription and book a lounge through that to sleep and relax before your next flight. Enjoy it, Singapore is a great city!
Hi Jess.
Super helpful blog. Family of 3 arriving at 545am and 13 h0ur layover. We also have a 7 year old with us. Any recommendations on what to do? The free tours seem gone already. I see you’ve mentioning marina bay sands etc, is that ultra touristy? Also- is that like the downtown area to walk around and see shops etc?
Hi there, there are a lot of family friendly activities that you can do in Singapore. The free tours are nice but not necessary. You and your family can get to the attractions on your own via a cab (they’re very easy to hail!). I suggest going to Gardens by the Bay, they have a few kid-friendly activities and it’s nearby a few other things that you might want to see like Marina Bay Sands. It is definitely a touristy area, but it’s worth checking out. And yes, you can walk around a few areas in Singapore to see shops, go to restaurants, etc. For shopping you can check-out “Orchard Street” which is approx. a 22m taxi ride from the airport.
Hi having a 6hr lay over- arriving at 12nn. Can you suggest a short itinerary for us? Thank you
Hello Joseph, with just a 6 hour layover I really recommend staying in the airport and exploring all that there is to see there. There’s so much to do and the airport is a trip in and of itself. If you really want to see some of Singapore, then I suggest limiting it to one attraction. Marina Bay Sands is a great spot to visit. You can take a cab to/from, spend about an hour there, and then go back to the airport. Keep in mind you will have to exit/enter through customs which does take time.
Hi Jess, by any chance, do you know if I can book the free tour if I’m on two separate flight bookings? I’m coming from US on Singapore flight but will take a different flight to Thailand with an 8 hour layover. I will not have checked luggages.
Hi, yes you definitely can! A lot of people arriving to/from Singapore are in your situation. Your flight plans won’t matter. The only thing that matters is that you are able to go through immmigrations and get the proper visa to enter into Singapore.
Hello, I am looking for information on an evening lay over 5pm-6am in September. I want to see the Gardens by the bay light show and the Jewel Rain Vortex show, Is it easy to get too and see the gardens at 7:45 and come back to see the 9 or 10pm Jewel Rain Vortex? we are US citizens and it looks like we do not need a visa? Could you suggest how we would do both of these in a timely manner. Thanks!
Hello, I would not suggest planning two things that close together as you never know what sorts of delays you’ll face with finding your way, transportation, and immigration at the airport. For visa information you should review the embassy website for the most up to date. When I went as a USA Citizen I received a visa upon arrival to enter into Singapore.
Hi,
We will arrive in Singapore on 16th March, 26 at 9:20 Pm from Sydney and fly to Dhaka on 17th at 8:20 Pm.
What would be suitable for us to do on 17th, assuming 16th will be going hotel and sleep.
Thanks