Travel information with destination guide in Changi Airport by GuideRooms.com   

Changi Airport was built with ground transportation considerations in mind from the onset, with the East Coast Parkway built and opened in tendem with the airport, providing a direct link to the city center. At a distance of about 20 kilometers (12 mi), the expressway was built almost entirely on reclaimed land, thus minimising disruptions to the existing road network in Singapore's East Coast.

While configured in a compact configuration such that the two main passenger terminal buildings and the upcoming Terminal 3 are sited adjacent to each other, allowing for travellers to venture between terminals on foot, a short people mover system was added to facilitate quicker and more convenient transfers. This system is being replaced by a newer system which will connect the three main terminals in 2007 and will introduce greater security features by separating checked-in passengers from the general public on distinct tracks. This rail system is not extended to the Budget Terminal, which is served by free shuttle buses to minimize operational costs.

Land transportation

Train

The airport is connected to the Mass Rapid Transit network, with Changi Airport Station located underground between Terminal 2 and the future Terminal 3. It operates between CG2 Changi Airport Station and EW27 Boon Lay Station via a cross-platform transfer at EW4 Tanah Merah Station. The stardard fare is S$1.90 on a standard ticket or adult EZ-Link card. It operates between 5:31am (5:59am on Sunday/Public holiday) and 11:18pm daily, the trip taking 27 minutes, excluding waiting and transfer times.

A direct, one-train service to the downtown and western parts of Singapore was initially in operation when the station opened on 8 February 2002. This was replaced with a shuttle service between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport stations on 22 July 2003[29], when it was found that few travellers actually use this route, compared to the number of commuters who need to travel from the city up to Tampines and Pasir Ris. A train transfer is thus neccesary at Tanah Merah MRT Station.

Bus

Buses functioned as the main transport mode for cost-conscious travellers as well as local airport staff for a large part of its history until the opening of Changi Airport MRT Station due to its relative affordability and reliability. Services operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses are accessible via a bus terminal located in the basement level of both terminals. Bus routes serve both terminals by first entering Terminal 1 before continuing to Terminal 2 and back to their points of origin.

Taxi

Taxi stands are located within the arrival halls of both terminals. They run from the airport itself to destinations in Singapore. Prices are the fare shown on meter, plus a S$5.00 surcharge (Fri-Sun, 1700 to midnight) or S$3.00 surcharge (all other times) for trips leaving the airport.

Limousine taxi

Limousine taxi services are readily available at the limousine taxi counters, located at the arrival halls of both airport terminals. Similar to taxis, they run from Changi Airport to anywhere in Singapore. Fares are S$35.00, plus applicable surcharges.

Airport shuttle

A 6-seater MaxiCab is used for the two-way airport shuttle service which goes to anywhere within the Central Business District and to hotels in Singapore, except hotels in Changi Village and Sentosa Island, with booking conducted at the counters in the arrival hall. The fare paid to the driver, in cash, at a rate of S$7.00 per adult and S$5.00 per child. The service leaves every 30 minutes from 6:00am through 6:00pm, every 15 minutes from 6:15pm through midnight and every 30 minutes from 12:30am through 2:00am.

Car rental

Car rental services are provided at the car rental counters located in Terminal 2.

Changi Airport attractions

• East Coast Park. Basically 20 km of free beach on Singapore's southeastern coast, very popular on sunny weekends. The water is on the murky side, but the (imported) white sand, palm trees, and skimpily clad rollerbladers zooming past on the promenade make up for it. Bicycle and skate rental available.
  
  
• Pulau Ubin. Singapore's flashback to yesteryear, a little island off the northern coast where people still live in fishing villages on stilts. The island is covered in biking trails and is an excellent spot for a little steamy jungle offroading; bike rentals go for as low as $3 a day. Access to the island requires a bit of effort though: take the MRT to Tampines, then ride bus 29 to its terminus in Changi Village, find the jetty and hop on a bumboat ($2 each way) for the 10-minute ride to the island.
  
  
• Changi Beach, near Changi Village. Right next to Changi Airport, you can watch (and hear) the neverending parade of airplanes from here. If you walk along the beach to the southeast, you will eventually pass by Bedok Jetty and arrive at East Coast Park.