Things To Do on a Long Layover in Singapore

Singapore is a common connecting hub for flights in South East Asia. Waiting in an airport for a flight can be a tedious experience. Although be happy because the airport is located roughly 11 miles from downtown, which makes it an accessible destination if you have a long layover.

First, make sure to check with your airline if they have anything for you. Airlines will only offer accommodation under particular circumstances and they don’t always mention it. The best way is to ask upon arrivals. We will try to give you a list of airlines with such info after doing some deep research for you later on! so make sure to subscribe to our travel magazine!

I flew with Singapore Airlines and they have nothing. Last time I went out to town to see some friends, but what if you have no friends in Singapore? What are your options? Singapore Changi Airport is probably the nicest airport in the world so here are some recommendations!

1. Redeem an S$20 voucher

This applies to people flying for Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Air New Zealand. You will have to read this guide to see if you’re eligible to get an S$20 voucher to spend in the airport.

2. Book a free tour

Many passports do not require a visa to enter Singapore for a short stay. It is 2 hours long however you must have at least 5 hours between flights to be able to sign up. So can’t say no to a free bus tour in the city! You can see the main landmarks of Singapore like the Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion Park, the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, the Civilian War Memorial, Raffles Hotel … I mean you will think you actually did a trip to Singapore!

It runs 5 times a day and there are two options.

Sign up ASAP because these tours fill up very quickly.

3. Go to the Free Snooze Lounge

Find the long comfortable lounge chairs at the Snooze Lounge. Plus you can enjoy the airports’ free wi-fi – a good combination to fall asleep!

4. Get a room, yup…

Lazy and have some coin to spend? Get a room at the Transit Hotels within the airport.

5. Duty-Free Shopping

Singapore’s airport is a shopper’s paradise. Layover passengers can shop at many retail outlets without paying GST in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. For your convenience, the airport has facilities for your luggage so you can shop free of luggage. Check out EASYBAGY in Terminal 2 and 3 and Harilela Hospitality in Terminal 1.

6. Visit the Gardens

There are several gardens in Terminal 3 like the famous butterfly garden. There is also a large glass structure that also houses a waterfall and a collection of carnivorous plants. In Terminal 2, there is the orchid garden, koi pond, sunflower and light garden.

7. Go to the cinema

Changi Airport has two free movie theatres, in Terminals 2 and Terminal 3. They show both classic films as well as the latest movies. It runs 24 hrs!

8. Have a swim

Go have a dip in the pool. Changi Airport has a rooftop pool located in terminal 1 and costs around 15 dollars, including a drink, a towel and the use of the showers.

8. Take a shower

Oh yes, this is the best. Make sure to take a shower before your flight to feel all freshened up! It always feels great in between all the long flights and layovers.

9. Do it yourself?

Ok! Let’s get lost! You can purchase an MRT train and transit passes from the airport terminal. Will take you roughly 30 minutes by train to get into the city. Other options are taxis, airport shuttle, bus, limo or car rental.

Read what I did during my long layover in Singapore!