Singapore Changi International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Changi is about twenty kilometres from the centre and Singapore is a compact city: even those landing in the evening reach their hotel in half an hour by taxi. That is why sleeping at the airport makes sense above all for short layovers and for flights leaving before dawn, when it matters not to depend on trains and traffic. Those with at least one full free night, on the other hand, make better use of their time in the city: with the humid heat and the afternoon thunderstorms, the evening is the best time to go out, and the choice of district weighs more than the distance from the terminal.

At the airport (terminals and Jewel)

At the airport · On foot: the hotels are inside the terminals or in Jewel, linked to the other terminals by Skytrain and walkways.

Best for: Layovers of a few hours, visa-free transits and departures between midnight and 7 in the morning.

Pros

The transit hotels are reached without going through immigration
Jewel with its waterfall, restaurants and shops open late a few steps away
No risks linked to traffic or MRT timetables

Cons

You see little or nothing of the city
Limited choice of a few properties, often full at peak flight times
Transit rooms are designed for a few hours, not long stays

Recommended hotels in this area

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: Inside Terminal 3 and linked on foot or by Skytrain to all the terminals and to Jewel: you go to check-in without stepping outdoors.
Changi Transit Hotel (Terminal 1): In the transit area of Terminal 1, open 24 hours: those connecting sleep without going through immigration. Formerly Aerotel.
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport: On the fourth floor of Jewel, city side, 5 minutes on foot from Terminal 1; compact cabins that can also be booked by the hour during the day.

See more hotels in this area →

Bugis and Kampong Glam

Neighbourhood · MRT with one change: shuttle to Tanah Merah, then the East West Line to Bugis (30-40 minutes); by taxi 20-25 minutes.

Best for: Those who want the centre with a wider range of prices and a simple link to the airport.

Pros

Bugis is on the same East West Line that serves Changi, with just one change
Lively evenings: Arab Street, Haji Lane and the bars of Kampong Glam
Choice ranging from budget chain hotels to five-star ones

Cons

Busy, crowded streets around Bugis Junction
For Marina Bay you need another MRT stop or a 20-minute walk

Recommended hotels in this area

InterContinental Singapore: Direct access to the Bugis Junction shopping centre and from there to Bugis MRT station, on the line to the airport.
Andaz Singapore: In the DUO tower, with an underground passage to Bugis station (East West and Downtown Line); rooms on the upper floors.
ibis Singapore on Bencoolen: Budget option 8 minutes on foot from Bugis station; reviews praise the location and cleanliness, less so the small rooms.

See more hotels in this area →

Marina Bay

City centre · MRT with a change at Expo on the Downtown Line to Bayfront (about 40 minutes); direct taxi or Grab in 20-30 minutes.

Best for: Those with one or two nights who want the skyline, Gardens by the Bay and the waterfront on foot.

Pros

Gardens by the Bay, the evening light show and the waterfront on foot
Quick taxi to Changi along the East Coast Parkway
Hotels linked to shopping centres, useful in heat or rain

Cons

Almost only high-end hotels
Outside the shopping centres the evening is more showcase than lived-in district

Recommended hotels in this area

Marina Bay Sands: Above Bayfront MRT station (exit B, then 5 minutes on foot).
Pan Pacific Singapore: Linked to the Marina Square, Suntec City and Millenia Walk shopping centres, a few steps from Promenade station.

See more hotels in this area →

Orchard Road

Neighbourhood · About 30 minutes by taxi; by MRT you have to change lines.

Best for: Those who come for shopping or want the greenest, quietest area of the centre.

Pros

Department stores and food courts a few steps away
Tree-lined avenues, quieter than Bugis in the evening

Cons

It is the central area farthest from Changi
By MRT you have to change lines, awkward with suitcases

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Singapore Orchard: On Orchard Road, 5 minutes on foot from Somerset and Orchard stations; reviews praise the location and service.
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road: Self-service check-in available 24 hours and a reception that is always staffed, handy for night arrivals; compact rooms.

See more hotels in this area →