Singapore Changi (SIN) lets most travellers transit airside without a visa, and it's one of the best airports in the world to spend a layover in, with gardens, a pool and airside hotels. Jewel Changi is outside immigration, so you need Singapore entry permission to visit it.
Do you need a transit visa for SIN?
It depends on your passport and whether you stay airside (inside the international transit area) or want to leave the airport, which always requires entry permission for Singapore.
SIN terminals
Terminals 1, 2, 3
Connected airside by the Skytrain and walkways.
Terminal 4
Connected to the other terminals by an airside shuttle bus. Allow extra time.
Jewel Changi
Landside shopping and garden complex with the Rain Vortex waterfall, linked to T1. You need to clear immigration to visit.
How transfers work at SIN
Follow the 'Transfer' signs. Changi does security at the gate, so transfers are usually quick. Skytrain links T1–T3; take the shuttle bus for T4.
Not sure your connection is long enough? Try the layover calculator →
What to do on a layover at SIN
- 2–5 hours
Garden hop airside
Visit the butterfly garden in T3 and the other gardens, grab local food (laksa, chicken rice) and relax in a snooze lounge.
- 5–8 hours
Jewel Changi (if you can enter Singapore)
Clear immigration to see the Rain Vortex and Canopy Park at Jewel, which is a short walk from T1. Leave plenty of time to re-clear security.
- 8+ hours
Marina Bay by MRT
With entry permission, ride the MRT to Marina Bay / Gardens by the Bay for the evening light show. Return 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Where to sleep at SIN
- 🛏️ Aerotel Singapore (T1)Airside: no visa neededAirside hotel with rooftop pool, bookable in blocks of hours.
- 🛏️ Ambassador Transit HotelAirside: no visa neededAirside hotel offering short stays and pay-per-use showers.
- 🪑 Snooze loungesAirside: no visa neededFree reclining chairs in quiet zones across terminals.
Lounges at SIN
| Lounge | Who can get in |
|---|---|
| SilverKris lounges | Singapore Airlines premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold |
| Plaza Premium / Marhaba / SATS lounges | Pay-per-use or lounge membership programs |
No status? See how to get lounge access without flying business.
Getting from SIN to Singapore city centre
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (East-West Line) | ≈ 30–45 min to the city centre | Station at T2/T3. |
| Taxi / ride-hailing | ≈ 20–30 min | Taxi stands at every terminal. |
Only leave the airport if your passport allows entry and you have enough time. Aim to be back 2.5–3 hours before departure.
Insider tips for SIN
- Security is done at the gate, so don't bring drinks bought earlier to the gate.
- Jewel is landside: you must pass immigration to visit it.
- Changi is very large. Use the Skytrain instead of walking between terminals.
SIN layover FAQ
Do I need a visa to transit through Singapore Changi?
Travellers staying in the airside transit area with a confirmed onward flight generally don't need a visa. Leaving the airport (including Jewel) requires Singapore entry permission, which depends on nationality.
Can I visit Jewel during a layover?
Only if you're allowed to enter Singapore, because Jewel is outside immigration.
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.