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  • Changi Airport Guide: All You Need to Know About Singapore’s Famous Airport

    Klook ANZ
    Klook ANZ
    Last updated 13 Dec 2022
    Image Credits - @changiairport & @cpchangiairport on Instagram, Darren Nunis on Unsplash

    Image Credits - @changiairport & @cpchangiairport on Instagram, Darren Nunis on Unsplash

    Why is Changi Airport famous?

    Check out the iconic Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Credits: Darren Nunis on Unsplash
    Check out the iconic Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Credits: Darren Nunis on Unsplash
    A layover at Changi Airport in Singapore might as well be part of your itinerary. After all, many consider it to be a destination itself. It boasts world-class shops, food joints, entertainment, and other facilities. Thanks to this, Changi has become famous among travellers and earned the title of World’s Best Airport for years!
    If you’re visiting Singapore soon, then you’re in for a treat the moment you arrive at Changi Airport. Know what to expect with our guide to all you need to know about the world-famous airport:

    Singapore Airport Terminals

    Changi’s four terminals have something great to offer! Credits: @changiairport on Instagram
    Changi’s four terminals have something great to offer! Credits: @changiairport on Instagram
    Changi Airport has four terminals, three of which are connected to each  another. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected, and you can use the free Skytrains or walk to each terminal. Before you ask, yes, there IS a Terminal 4; however, it’s not interconnected with the rest. It’s the newer terminal with centralised screening after immigration.
    You’ll find a slew of different amenities and attractions in each terminal. Here are what you can find in each one, from which airlines operate there to lounges and hotels:

    Terminal 1

    This is where airlines like Emirates, Qantas, and most under Oneworld, such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, depart. Terminal 1 is also connected to Jewel Changi Airport, an entertainment and retail centre with nature themes.
    There are also check-in lounges and plenty of refreshments, so you can relax before you depart. Here are the notable lounges: 
    Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore
    Relax before your next flight at this swanky lounge. Spanning 7,000 square metres, Plaza Premium Lounge is equipped with shower and massage facilities plus plenty of food and drink offerings. You can freshen up and satiate your growling stomach before hopping on a long flight. Long stopover? You can book for three, six, and twelve-hour use!
    Changi Lounge in Jewel Changi Airport 
    Go-getters can get the hustle and relax at Changi Lounge.
    Go-getters can get the hustle and relax at Changi Lounge.
    Changi Lounge, which is located within Jewel, offers calm and respite in between your transit. Relax in the peaceful lounges or get some work done using the high-speed internet. You can also use the shower rooms and nap facilities to rest up before your trip. 
    SATS Premier Lounge T1
    Sit back, relax, and take a little nap at SATS Premiere Lounge T1.
    Sit back, relax, and take a little nap at SATS Premiere Lounge T1.
    At SATS Premier Lounge T1 you can also enjoy private lounges, shower rooms, food and drinks, massage services and more. Get some work done by connecting to the WiFi at the workstations. Wait, turns out you’re going to be at Terminal 3? You’ll also find a SATS Premier Lounge there!
    Want to stay the night near Changi Airport? Here are the notable hotels you can book:
    YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport Landside
    Got a flight that’s way too early in the morning? Don’t be late and stay the night at YOTELAIR at Terminal 1.
    Got a flight that’s way too early in the morning? Don’t be late and stay the night at YOTELAIR at Terminal 1.
    Stay the night at Changi at the futuristic YOTELAIR. It’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, and an entire family! You can also access the fitness centre and laundry services. It’s also really close to Jewel so that you can appease your inner shopaholic.

    Terminal 2

    Terminal 2 is no slouch with its relaxing vibe.  Credits: @chinito_iced on Instagram
    Terminal 2 is no slouch with its relaxing vibe. Credits: @chinito_iced on Instagram
    Terminal 2 is where Singapore Airlines’ regional and Asian flights depart. While it officially opened in 1991, it already embraced modernity with its facilities and interior. It also gives off a relaxing vibe, thanks to its central garden atrium and koi pond. 
    Its notable lounges and hotels are Ambassador Transit Lounge and Hotel, TGM (with a Priority Pass ‘lounge’ serving restaurant meals), Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, SilverKris, and First Class lounges.

    Terminal 3

    If you’re flying back to Australia or Europe via Singapore Airlines, you’re likely going to Terminal 3. If this is where you’re headed, you’ll be pleased to know that aside from first-class check-in areas, this terminal also has a butterfly garden, the world’s tallest airport slide, and plenty of lounges, dining, and shopping experiences. 
    Crowne Plaza has a one-of-a-kind poolside view that makes even your work trip feel like a vacation! Credits: @cpchangiairport on Instagram
    Crowne Plaza has a one-of-a-kind poolside view that makes even your work trip feel like a vacation! Credits: @cpchangiairport on Instagram
    If you want to stay the night here, you can go to the Crowne Plaza, where you can get poolside and even airport runway views from your own room. Get access to the fitness centre, gift shops, and even the bar if you want a boozy night before hitting the hay.
    Want to know more about the fancy lounges at Changi? Check out our guide on how to get into lounges at Changi Airport:

    Terminal 4

    Have a meal at Changi’s Joo Chiat Road before going to the real one.  Credits: @zoeeejs on Instagram
    Have a meal at Changi’s Joo Chiat Road before going to the real one. Credits: @zoeeejs on Instagram
    Terminal 4 is Changi’s newest terminal, so it’s got a lot of cool tricks up its sleeve. It’s unique in that it’s not interconnected like the other three terminals are, and its focus is automation, with self-service check-in and bag drops. Immigration and boarding are also automated but only when going out, unless you have fast-lane access. You’ll also find a food court reminiscent of Joo Chiat Road, a famous residential conservation area in Singapore. 
    Facilities in Changi Airport
    Changi Airport has so many attractions, it’s a destination all on its own. It’s also got plenty of amenities and facilities for your necessities. Here’s what you can find at the airport:
    • ATMS across all terminals
    • Arrival Garden
    • Baby Care Room
    • Baggage storage
    • Business Centres
    • Cactus Garden
    • Charging Points
    • Children’s play area
    • Clinics and Pharmacies
    • Convenience stores
    • Entertainment Deck
    • Family Zone
    • Free-to-use rest areas
    • Free Wi-Fi
    • GST Refund
    • Ground Transport Concierge
    • Interactive art station
    • Internet kiosks (550+)
    • Local SIM card purchase
    • Lost and found
    • Money changers
    • Passenger meeting services
    • Phone booths
    • Piazza Garden
    • Porter service
    • Post boxes and Post Office
    • Prayer rooms
    • Rooftop pool with jacuzzi
    • Sculptural Tree Garden
    • Shower and spa services
    • Smoking areas
    • Social tree interactive installation
    • Transit hotels
    • Viewing mall
    • Water Lily Garden
    • Wheelchair rental
    Want to have some fun before your flight? Here are our top 14 places to chill out in Changi Airport:

    Food and Drinks

    There are sooo many food joints in each terminal of Changi! Credits: @Xuansnacs on Instagram
    There are sooo many food joints in each terminal of Changi! Credits: @Xuansnacs on Instagram
    You’ll never go hungry at Changi. There are plenty of food joints to choose from, catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes. In fact, there are around 90 of them at the airport! There are restaurants and food courts where you can stuff yourself before or after a long flight.

    Duty-Free shopping

    Changi Airport is a shopaholic’s delight! Credits: @changiairport on Instagram
    Changi Airport is a shopaholic’s delight! Credits: @changiairport on Instagram
    Changi is home to retail outlets (a whopping 150 of them!) and luxury shopping malls (rich folks can get their fix of Louis Vuitton at Terminal 3). It’s also really popular for duty-free shopping, which means you don’t have to pay taxes or duties—perfect when you wanna bring home some souvenirs for loved ones!

    Staying at Changi Airport overnight

    Aside from staying at the transit hotels, there are plenty of options for an overnight stay at Changi. There are a few free sleeping lounges with semi-flat recliners. You can even shower at some of the lounges to keep yourself fresh!
    You can also stay at hotels that are just minutes away, such as Capri by Fraser, which is close to Singapore Expo and East Coast Park. This swanky hotel has all the amenities you need for a comfy stay: a free pool, restaurants, fitness centres, and more. 
    Want to know how to maximize your layover further? Here are 16 secrets in Changi Airport you have to experience:
    Written by: Rohana Monzon