HOW TO GET FROM SINGAPORE AIRPORT TO THE CITY BY MRT: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE!
STUCK ON HOW TO GET FROM SINGAPORE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE?
SINGAPORE AIRPORT TO THE CITY:
A QUICK INTRO
Singapore Changi International airport (SIN) is the main entry point for many International flights heading into Malaysia.
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Whether you are visiting Singapore specifically or simply here on a layover, it has never been easier to get from Singapore airport to the city to see all of Singapore’s delights.
From our personal experience, the most convenient and cost effective way to get directly from Singapore International airport to the city is using the MRT ‘Mass Rapid Transit’ railway system.
Built in 1987, the MRT has progressively expanded over the years to become one of the most convenient modes of public transport, reaching most districts of Singapore with great ease and speed!
In total, the MRT train journey from Singapore airport to the city is approximately 40 minutes, and costs the equivalent of $2.50 USD one-way!
See below the visual step-by-step journey we put together (with recent photos) to show how easy the route is to follow:
SINGAPORE AIRPORT TO THE CITY:
A VISUAL STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
POINT 1
After clearing customs at Singapore International airport (SIN), determine what terminal you have arrived into. You’ll most likely arrive in Terminal 1 – the “Jewel” retail complex in the Singapore Changi airport.
Side note: Here, you can see one of Singapore’s main attractions before even leaving the airport – The “Rain Vortex” – which is the World’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Follow the clear overhead directional signs for ‘MRT / Train to City’. You may need to hop onto the free and frequent Skytrain at Singapore airport to easily move between Terminals.
If at Terminal 1 for example, the signs will lead you to the Skytrain to Terminal 3. Board this train and alight at Terminal 3.
POINT 2
Alight the Skytrain at Terminal 3. Continue on the concourse and follow the immediately visible overhead signs to ‘Train to City’.
You will eventually reach escalators to get down to the MRT. Keep following the clear ‘Train to City’ signs and either go down the escalators or the available elevators.
POINT 3
After the second set of escalators, you will immediately see a row of ticket barriers – the entrance to the MRT!
The ticket barriers accept contactless VISA and Mastercard debit or credit card payments. Simply tap in to enter and tap out to exit at your end destination.
A one way MRT fare from Singapore airport to the city is approximately $2.50 Singapore dollars, equating to approximately £1.50.
Note: Ideally, use a card that does not charge International fees.
As Changi Airport is the start of the MRT line, there will be a singular service going in only one direction, so it’s super easy. Catch the next train that arrives.
Take 2 stops on this service (Changi Airport → Expo → Tanah Merah).
Alight at the Tanah Merah station stop.
POINT 4
Alight the train at Tanah Merah station. Walk across a few paces to the other side of the platform to catch a connecting East-West line service to the city.
You will see obvious ‘To The City’ signs on the railing while you wait to confirm you are waiting in the right spot.
Board the next available service that arrives on this platform.
Take 4 stops on this service (Tanah Merah → Bedok → Kembangan → Eunos → Paya Lebar).
Alight at the Paya Lebar stop.
POINT 5
Before you visit Singapore, use Google Maps to determine the closest MRT station stop for your intended destination, whether that be a city stop or your hotel.
As an example, let’s chose the iconic destination of Gardens by the Bay for now. You can see here that ‘Bayfront’ station on the Circle Line is the closest MRT station to Gardens by the Bay.
In our example, we need to take 6 stops on the Circle Line service terminating at ‘Marina Bay’ (Paya Lebar → Dakota → Mountbatten → Stadium → Nicoll Highway → Promenade → Bayfront).
Alight at the Bayfront stop.
Congrats! You have now successfully made it from Singapore airport to the city by MRT! Now go and enjoy all of the wonderful things Singapore has to offer. We have listed a few of our favourite Singapore spots for you to visit below!
WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE
TOP THINGS TO DO WHILST IN SINGAPORE
Top tip: If you can, pay $8 per adult to walk the OCBC Skyway, a yellow metal bridge suspended between two of the Supertrees at Supertree Grove. Set at 22 metres high, this walkway provides amazing panoramic views of the Gardens and city skyline. Try to be up here for the “Garden Rhapsody” light show, where you will not only witness this magical event, but be fully immersed in it.
Top tip: Join the free WiFi (called GBTB-FreeWifi). Then, scan the large QR codes on posters directly next to all attraction entrances at Gardens By The Bay. This enables you to buy your tickets online there and then for just the attraction you want. Your tickets will come through instantly on your e-mail, simply show them to the attendant.
HAVE DRINKS AT MARINA BAY SANDS ROOFTOP BAR: CÉ LA VIE CLUB LOUNGE!
For the best and highest panoramic view of Singapores dazzling CBD at night, head to the CÉ LA VI Club Lounge, the entrance of which can be found on the Ground level of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, below Tower 3.
To get here from Supertree Grove, walk over Dragonfly Bridge to exit Gardens By The Bay. Go up the short escalator to cross the busy roads via an overpass bridge. Halfway along this bridge, you’ll see a lift on the right-hand side. Take this lift down and head forward until you see one of the entrances to Marina Bay Sands building.
At CÉ LA VI, there is a restaurant (you must book way in advance for this), Observatory and Club Lounge bar. Ask to enter the Club Lounge bar, which is free admission.
If this very popular bar has space (arriving earlier is better), head up the lift to the 57th floor and head towards the buzzing music. There will be an attendant standing outside to give you a hand stamp marking your free admission.
Walk in and turn left to ideally sit near the bar and the incredible sight of Marina Bay sands hotel rooftop pool. The atmosphere is electric and must be experienced during your Singapore visit.
They serve light snacks and (obviously) drinks, but be warned it is slightly pricey! It’s crucial to note that no very informal clothing is permitted i.e. sleeveless shirts or sandals.
HAJI LANE:
A narrow shopping street bursting with the quirkiest retail shops, bars, cafés all amongst an explosion of colour with its iconic street art murals. The closest MRT station to Haji Lane is “Bugis”.
ARAB STREET / GOLDEN MOSQUE:
A trip to the Arab Quarter, directly adjacent to Haji Lane, is a must. It is like stepping into a scene of Aladdin with the grand golden Sultan mosque, vibrant textiles and authentic Middle Eastern cafés and eateries.
ANN SIANG HILL
Get delightfully lost meandering into the old town of Singapore via the Ann Siang Hill Park and Gardens. Trail its quaint cobbles to cut through to the other side to reach Ann Siang Road.
Here, you will find bold bright colours on the walls, and quirky street art on neighbouring street Mohamed Ali Lane. Cross the main road to head directly into Singapore’s Chinatown.
HAVE A SINGAPORE SLING COCKTAIL AT RAFFLES HOTEL:
Head to the iconically exclusive Raffles hotel, a long-established luxury hotel in Singapore and the birthplace of the infamous cocktail: The Singapore Sling.
Head to its stylishly chic ‘Long Bar’ to try this classic cocktail for yourself (albeit at a small fortune of $35!) while eating Monkey nuts and littering the shells on the floor, a semi-rebellious activity dating back to a deeply rooted tradition from the 1900’s! It is certainly a unique experience not to be missed.
CONCLUSION: SINGAPORE AIRPORT TO THE CITY
In conclusion, the most convenient and cost effective way of getting directly from Singapore Changi International airport (SIN) to Singapore’s inner city is by using the MRT ‘Mass Rapid Transport’ overground / underground railway system.
For just $2.50 Singapore dollar one way, the MRT will briskly get you into Singapore city in just under 40 minutes!
From our own personal experience, the MRT is also well signposted, maintained and very safe to use. The service itself is very comfortable – providing ample seating, standing space and much appreciated air conditioning on board all services.
We hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful for you and gets rid of any initial worries or queries or may have had. If in doubt when you’re there, don’t hesitate to ask a local. Everyone in Singapore is very kind and approachable.
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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