Guide to a Layover in Singapore in 2025

So, you've got a Singapore layover - awesome! Singapore's Changi Airport is known for its efficiency and world-class amenities, making even a brief stopover feel like a mini-vacation. Whether you have a few hours or almost a day, this guide helps you maximize your time with curated suggestions for what to do and eat, Singapore style.

We will show you how to quickly experience some of the best bits of Singapore, from amazing food to iconic sights, and make it in time for your next flight.

Layover Less Than 5 Hours

You’ve got a lightning-fast connection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of Singapore! Singapore has some of its best experience jam packed in Changi Airport and Jewel Changi, making it an attraction itself!

Explore Airside (Transit Area) Only

If you have got only 3 hours or less, consider exploring the airside without exiting Immigration. With full transit areas across the T1, T2 and T3, there is much to explore, do and eat.

First, head straight to airside Skytrain for free rides between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. This will give you a unique view of the Rain Vortex as the skytrain runs through Jewel. Changi Airport has an updated list of things to do airside. Check out the Butterfly Garden at T3, and Dreamscape and Sunflower Garden at T2.

Dig into affordable local cuisine for a quick meal at the transit areas:

1. Ya Kun (T1) - For their famous kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs.

2. LiXin (T1) - For bouncy fishball noodles.

3. LiHo (T2) - For local boba drinks.

4. Wee Nam Kee (T2) - For succulent steamed chicken rice.

5. Encik Tan (T3) - For flavourful curry chicken rice (Halal).

6. Old Chang Kee (T2/T3) - For crusty curry puffs (Halal).

The greatest advantage of being airside is the duty-free shopping! Make sure to check these local brands:

1. TWG and Bacha Coffee (All) - Artisanal tea and coffee flavours.

2. Bengawan Solo (T1/T2/T4) - Fluffy chiffon cake and peranakan kuehs.

3. Charles & Keith (All) - Casual chic shoes and bags.

4. Pedro (T1) - Casual chic shoes and bags.

5. Eu Yan Sang (T2) - Traditional Chinese herbs, remedies, and gifts.

6. Irvins Salted Egg (All) - Sinfully delicious snacks (some are Halal).

7. MyEureka (T2) - Local flavoured popcorn (Halal).

8. Fragrance Bak Kwa (T1/T2) - BBQ pork and snacks.

Explore Landside

With more than 3 hours, we have just enough time to explore outside Immigration. Clearing Immigration would be swift, and since your luggage is already checked in to your next destination, let’s head out to Jewel!

While it is possible to walk to Jewel from T2 and T3, it will be easier to take the free skytrain to T1 and start your Jewel exploration there. Your first stop should be the Jewel Concierge Counter at Level 1 to collect your free Jewel Privilege Card for tax refund, $5 retail voucher and $5 attraction voucher.

You will not miss the Rain Vortex spanning all levels. If you are there in the evening, check out the timings for the 5-mins Light and Music Showcase at Shiseido Forest Valley.

We highly recommend the Mastercard® Canopy Bridge ticket which includes admission to Canopy Park (for the Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, Topiary Walk).

Here is a curated list of local casual dining places to try at Jewel Changi. Do expect queues during peak meal times.

1. Dian Xiao Er (B2) - Herbal Braised Duck.

2. Lenu (L4) - Assorted Beef Noodles.

3. Mr Coconut (B2) - Ice-Blended Coconut Drinks.

4. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (B2) - Peppery Pork-Bone soup.

5. White Restaurant (B1) - “Wok-hey” White Bee Hoon.

6. Tun Xiang Hokkien Delights (B1) - Hokkien mee with prawns.

Terminal 2 was recently renovated, and you should definitely check out the 2 art installations - Flap Pix (L3) and The Wonderwall (L2).

If you are inclined for something outdoors - rent a bike (rates from $10/hour) at Hub & Spoke (T2, Level 1) to explore the Jurassic Mile. You can even cycle to East Coast Park (Bedok Jetty), a return trip can be done in less than 2 hours.

Layover Less Than 10 Hours

With a bit more time, you can venture outside Changi Airport for a quick city glimpse! The Marina Bay area is a must-do and you can do that with the free Singapore City Sight Tours to see Gardens By The Bay and Merlion Park.

Pre-booking is necessary, on a first come first serve basis. There are 2 other free tours to choose from and each takes 2.5 hours. The Heritage Tour would be our 2nd choice.

However, if you cannot make the timings or prefer DIY, here’s how you can visit either one or both of these:

1. Gardens By The Bay (3 hrs) - Stroll the gardens and check out the Supertree Observatory. After that, visit Cloud Forest with your discounted combo ticket.

   a. Take the MRT from Changi Airport (Green Line) → Tanah Merah → Paya Lebar → Bayfront (Orange Line). This one-way trip takes about ~70 mins.

   b. Follow the signs - Exit B leads to Gardens By The Bay.

2. Merlion Park and Singapore River (2-3 hrs) - Catch the Merlion overlooking MBS and Marina Bay. Then stroll along Singapore River to Boat Quay for a short history of Singapore’s commerce past.

   a. Stroll from MBS via Helix Bridge to the Merlion. This will give you a nice view of Esplanade.

   b. Cross under the bridge to Anderson Bridge or Cavenagh Bridge and walk along Singapore River overlooking the conserved shophouses.

   c. Take the MRT from Raffles Place (Green Line) → Tanah Merah → Changi Airport. This one-way trip takes ~1 hour.

Remember to factor in transportation and walking times. If you are short on time, have your meals at Jewel or Changi Airport. If time permits, check out the nearby Market Street Hawker Centre at CapitaSpring Tower for some authentic hawker delights:

1. Ah Liang Ipoh Hor Fun (#02-04) - Fried Fish Dumpling Seafood Hor Fun.

2. Tiong Bahru Wanton Mee (#02-19) - Signature Wanton Mee.

3. Tiong Bahru Roasted Noodle House (#03-20) - Roast Pork and Char Siew Noodles.

4. Sunrise Traditional Coffee & Toast (#02-15) - Local Kopi or Teh with toast.

5. Golden Nur (#03-11) - Crispy Chicken Rice (Halal).

Overnight Layover

This is for the folks who find themselves having a layover late at night! While most of Singapore is closed at night, there are places bustling with night owls. Check out the area between Serangoon Road and Jalan Besar. Your main mode of transport would be taxi or Grab. If the MRT is operating, take the train from Changi Airport (Green Line) → Expo → Jalan Besar (Blue Line).

1. Swee Choon - For late night dim sum at an affordable price. Closes at 4am.

2. Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice - Ask for the curry on the side if you can’t take spicy food. Closes at 330am.

3. Hwa Heng Beef Noodle - Dry beef noodles. Closes at 4am.

4. Mustafa Centre - The shopping centre that sells everything. Spans across 2 buildings and opens 24 hours.

5. Berseh Food Centre - There might be hawkers stalls that open till late.

If time permits, rent a bike-share, Anywheel (S$1 per 30 mins), and leisurely cycle (via Park Connector Network PCN) along Rochor River to Kallang Basin and eventually Marina Bay.

Layover of 24 Hours or Less

Consider taking one of the 3 Free Singapore Tours. However, take note that passengers with a non-transit hotel booking cannot participate. Transit hotels include Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel, Ambassador Transit Hotel T2 and Ambassador Transit Hotel T3.

Beyond the Gardens By the Bay, Merlion Park and Singapore River, there are 3 cultural places you must visit to experience Singapore’s multiculturism - Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam. Click on each of the links for a PDF walking guide and subscribe to be informed about our post and recommendations to see, do and eat there!

Here are some hotels (all near MRT) we recommend in each of these areas:

1. Chinatown - The Southbridge Hotel, Hotel 1900, Butternut Tree Hotel.

2. Little India - ST Signature Jalan Besar, Hilton Garden Inn Serangoon, Hotel Mi Rochor.

3. Kampong Gelam - Heritage Collection on Arab, Arena eSports Hotel, Village Hotel Bugis.

FAQ for Short Term Tourists

Q1. Can I leave the airport to enter Singapore if I am transiting at Changi Airport?

A1. Yes, you can enter Singapore, subject to Customs requirements (eg. visa, passport, etc). Here is a quick Transit Guide.

Q2. How do I pay for public transportation (ie. trains, bus, taxis) in Singapore?

A2. All public transport in Singapore allows use of contactless credit cards with Visa and Mastercard (other cards are not supported). Consider using Wise card for better exchange rates. You can also use Apple Pay and Google Pay if it is loaded with these cards.

Alternatively, for MRT train and bus rides, you can purchase a stored value “EZ-link” card. Fares are distance-based, allowing for up to 5 transfers within a total travel time of 2 hours. Refer to the transfer rules for distanced-base fares.

Q3. How do I pay for food at hawker centres and restaurants in Singapore?

A3. Most restaurants accept major credit cards for payment. For payment at hawker stalls, cash is preferred for tourists as they may not have access to digital payment modes via QR code. Most places accept cash and will inform you if they do not.

Q4. Where can I change money/currency?

A4. There are money changers in most places and the rates are much better than the ones you get at the airport. A search in Google Maps will give you good choices. The most competitive rates you will find are at The Arcade which has over over 10 money changers to choose from. Wise card also supports free ATM cash withdrawal.

Q5. Do I need to tip? What is the tipping culture in Singapore?

Q5. There is no tipping culture in Singapore. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. You can still tip if you want to appreciate the service rendered.

Q6. Where can I find free toilets/restrooms in Singapore?

A6. 99% of toilets/restrooms are free to use. Look out for signs to the restrooms in any places of interest. Most attractions have nursing rooms and accessible toilets.

Q7. Where can I find a place to fill my water bottle?

A7. Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. Some places may have cold/hot water dispensers for free too. If you use Telegram, use @wheregotbot to find water points, nursing rooms, charging points, musollah and lockers near you.

Q8. Where can I find free WIFI hotspots in Singapore?

A8. Major shopping malls and McDs offer free WIFI. Check out our post on SIM and eSIM recommendations and free WIFI hotspots.

We hope you find this post useful and that you enjoy your layover! Do share with your friends if they are also in Singapore for a layover too!