Singapore's Changi Airport is not only a destination in itself but also a major hub within Southeast Asia, connecting it to hundreds of other localities across the globe. Passengers traveling through the airport might be changing flights or even airlines, and the process of connecting flights can be complicated for the uninitiated. Here's your simple guide to getting around Changi Airport on your next adventure.

What is the layout of Singapore Changi Airport?

Changi Airport is divided into four terminals, handily named T1, T2, T3, and T4. Flag carrier Singapore Airlines operates from Terminal 2 (Southeast Asian flights) and 3 (all others), meaning you will need to end up here if you are flying with them. Meanwhile, Terminals 1 and 4 (reopened in September 2022) house carriers from around the globe, so you could be landing at them ahead of a connection as well.

Looking at this map, we can see that T1-3 are actually connected to each other, making the transit fairly easy. You could choose to walk, but a much easier route is taking the Skytrain, which operates from 04:30 AM to 01:30 AM daily. With a journey time of only four minutes, you could move from one terminal to another in under 10 minutes.

Terminal 4 is not connected to the structure and requires a bus to move around, but is still airside. The buses run every 10-13 minutes, going from Terminal 1 (Gate C21) to T3 Arrivals to T4. There is a separate bus connection from T2 to T4 as well.

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How do you get to each terminal?

Fortunately, the main three terminals connect via people-mover trains, the SkyTrain. These significantly speed up the process of getting to each terminal. Here's a quick guide to the system:

• On the other side of Terminal 3, transfer B links to transfer E in Terminal 2.
• On the opposite side of Terminal 1, transfer C links to Terminal 3's transfer B.
• Buses to Terminal 4 operate in a loop from Terminal 1 (Gate C21) to T3 to T4.

If you want to travel on the Skytrain that travels through the Jewel garden and waterfall, you will need to travel on the link between transfer B to transfer E on the airside. Note that the Jewel is located landside and requires one to exit the secure area.

In total, we would recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2 hours for this connection.

How much time do you need to connect and transfer?

For the most efficient transfers, we recommend the following times.

• Give yourself a minimum of 1 hour if your flights arrive and depart from T1, T2, or T3. Remember, you need to clear security at the departure gate as well, assuming you already have all boarding passes and your bags are checked through. Clearing immigration and checking in again requires at least 3 hours.
• If transiting to Terminal 4, even with boarding passes, we would recommend a minimum time of 1.5 to 2 hours. Given the frequency of the buses, it's best to arrive a bit earlier.
• For a comfortable layover, and to enjoy the top-class amenities at Changi, a layover of 3-4 hours is the way to go in personal experience!

What do you think? Have you connected in Singapore before? Let us know in the comments.