Layover in Singapore: Complete guide to what to do in Singapore on a layover

If you’re passing through Singapore on a trip to Europe or elsewhere in the world, you may be wondering - can you leave Singapore airport during a layover, and if so, what is there to do?

This guide walks through things to do at Singapore airport during a layover, and also some ideas of where to go if you’ve got enough time on your layover in Singapore to get into the city and explore. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.

Can you leave the airport during a layover in Singapore?

Yes. You can leave the airport and enter Singapore, if you are eligible to enter Singapore and have enough time to make your connection¹.

To be eligible to enter Singapore during your layover you’ll need to check if you need a visa based on your nationality, complete the SG arrival card, and comply with other criteria such as having a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining².

Do you need a transit visa to enter Singapore during your layover?

Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Singapore during a layover³.

If you don’t hold an Australian passport, you can check whether or not a visa is required based on your nationality, on the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs website⁴.

There are also some limited options for Visa-Free Transit⁵ for non-Australian passport holders from select countries. This allows select people with passports from countries like India and China 96 hours to transit through Singapore visa free, but eligibility criteria do apply here.

What to do in Singapore during a layover (Itineraries by layover duration)

If you have a planned (or unplanned) layover at Changi, you may be able to get out and about to explore the airport’s amenities, or into Singapore itself. As one of the best airports in the world, Changi has plenty to do, and is only about 35 minutes from the heart of the city if you would prefer to do some sightseeing. Here are some ideas of what to do in Singapore during a layover.

Things to do at the Singapore airport (for a 3 to 5 hours layover)

Short stay in Changi? Here are some ideas which may help you pass the time productively. We’ve featured top picks which don’t require you to pass immigration⁶ - and also Changi Jewel which does need you to be cleared through immigration to enter.

• Eat local food without leaving the airport - Singapore food street is open for you to tuck into local foods from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and more. Most stalls open until midnight, with some 24 hour options also available.
• Spot butterflies - it may sound unlikely but in T3, right next to the food street and the movie theater, there’s also the Changi butterfly garden. Have a moment of zen, surrounded by 40 different types of butterfly, to relax before your next flight.
• Visit the 24 hour movie theater in T3 - there’s always a movie to enjoy, with the option to wheel your luggage right into the cinema if you need to. The facility is in Terminal 3, on Level 3, near the Ambassador Transit Lounge.
• Swim on the roof in T1 - Terminal 1 has a fantastic open air swimming pool, plus 24 hour fitness facilities. You can swim and grab a drink, or soak up some sunu while you wait for your next flight.
• Visit Changi Jewel⁷ - the huge mall and attraction right next to the airport offers 250+ stores and restaurants, an indoor forest, the world’s largest indoor waterfall and a full range of amenities including baggage storage. You must pass through immigration to enter Jewel from the airport.

Attractions to visit in Singapore (for a 5.5 to 12 hour layover)

If you have long enough to visit the city you can leave your luggage at Jewel after immigration, and then go exploring. Ride hailing services and taxis take around 35 minutes to the central areas, or there’s the MTR train which takes about 45 minutes. The train costs under 3 dollars, but taxis and ride hailing can be 40 SGD or more depending on demand.

Once you’re in the city center, here are a few ideas:

Visit the marina and CBD

The iconic marina with Marina Bay Sands mall and hotel as the centerpiece offers an excellent location to walk, take some photos and grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy, and you could also try hawker food at Lau Pa Sat⁸, a historic food centre in the CBD.

Eat like a local in Chinatown

Chinatown is atmospheric with attractions including temples, markets and hawker centers. Check out Maxwell Food Center for world class Hainan chicken rice, and look out for the street art depicting scenes from Singapore's past.

Check out Singapore’s amazing museums

From art to local history, there’s an excellent range of museums if you’re looking for a quick dose of culture. Check out the National Gallery⁹ for exceptional art, the Asian Civilisations Museum¹⁰ for history, or the Art Science Museum¹¹ if you’re with family - all are centrally located and very easy to get to.

Get out and about in nature

Gardens By the Bay offers an excellent place to walk and see some of the local flora and fauna. You can also visit the Cloud Forest¹² and the Flower Dome¹³ for a unique experience.

Take the Singapore layover tour

If your baggage is checked through to your destination already you may be eligible for a free Singapore layover tour¹⁴. There are several different itineraries which you can register for before passing immigration, lasting 2.5 hours each.

Overnight layover (12+ hour layover)

If you’re in Singapore for longer, you can book hotels in the central area fairly easily, with a range of options from lower cost hostels through to world class luxury. Look for cheaper stays in Chinatown, or go all out in the Marina area if you want luxe. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway out of the city center, there are also top end options on Sentosa island.

Depending on your interests you may choose to combine a couple of the ideas above - or you could try one of these:

• Visit Sentosa for theme parks and beaches - Sentosa¹⁵ is an island just off the south coast of Singapore, which hosts attractions like Universal Studios, a newly refurbished aquarium, and beautiful beaches. From the thrills of a theme park to a walk to the southernmost point of continental Asia - or a night at a beach club - it has it all.
• Check out Singapore’s zoos - Singapore has it all for wildlife lovers. There’s the huge main zoo¹⁶, but also dedicated facilities for river life, birds and a night safari which offers a rare glimpse at the nocturnal life you may not otherwise see. It’s more than you can do in one day, but tickets can be bought separately - perfect for families, with options for wildlife shows, experiences and feeding also available.

Where to rest and sleep in Changi Airport?

Of course, exploring may not be on the cards if you’re part way through a tiring journey. Here are some ideas of what to do in Singapore on a layover if you’re hoping to simply rest before your connection.

Free resting areas

There are complimentary resting areas at designated locations throughout all terminals at Changi airport. You can find them in the following locations¹⁷:

• Terminal 1 - one location on Level 3
• Terminal 2 - three locations on Level 2 and one on Level 3
• Terminal 3 - one location on Level 2
• Terminal 4 - one location on Level 2M

Look out for the Snooze Lounge signage. These resting areas offer charging points, a mix of seating and a quiet atmosphere, but they’re not really intended for overnight or longer term stays.

Singapore airport transit lounge

If you’re travelling business you may have complimentary access to an airline lounge where you can rest and take a shower. Or if you’d prefer you can also get one time access to a pay per use lounge. There are several to choose from throughout the airport, including the following¹⁸:

• Through immigration - Jewel Changi Lounge
• Through immigration - T2 Public area, Hub & Spoke
• T1 Transit - Plaza Premium Lounge
• T2 Transit - Ambassador Transit Lounge
• T2 Transit - JetQuay
• T3 Transit - Ambassador Transit Lounge
• T4 Transit - Blossom Sats & Plaza Premium Lounge

Access is subject to availability and booking may be required - check the details with the lounge directly to learn more.

Sleeping pods

If you just need a short nap, you can check out the Sleeping pods available through immigration at the Jewel Changi Lounge. You’ll also need to book and pay for general lounge access for this service, with the pod costing an additional 15 SGD per hour on top of the entry fee.

Transit hotels

Singapore has several transit hotels which offer a mix of services, from hire by the hour during the day, through to overnight stays or even just a quick shower if you have an unexpected layover and need to freshen up. Your options include¹⁹:

• Through immigration - Jewel YOTELAIR
• T1 Transit - Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel
• T2 Transit - Ambassador Transit Hotel
• T3 Transit - Ambassador Transit Hotel

Costs vary based on booking type and date, and the hotels are operated by several different companies - full details are available on the Changi airport website.

Bring the Wise card along with you on your travels to save on foreign currency fees

Keep your costs down during your Singapore layover and beyond with the Wise card. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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