Singapore Travel Planning
Flight times, Changi Airport, jet lag tips, and getting around
⚡ Quick Facts
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is consistently rated the world's best airport! Flights from London: 13h, NYC: 19h,Sydney: 8h. Visa-free for most nationalities (30-90 days). Getting to city center: 30 mins by MRT, S$2.
✈️ Flight Times to Singapore
| From | Flight Time | Time Difference | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 London (LHR) | 12-13 hours | +8 hours | Singapore Airlines, BA |
| 🇺🇸 New York (JFK) | 18-19 hours | +13 hours | Singapore Airlines (direct!) |
| 🇺🇸 Los Angeles (LAX) | 17-18 hours | +16 hours | Singapore Airlines, United |
| 🇦🇺 Sydney (SYD) | 7-8 hours | -3 hours | Singapore Airlines, Qantas |
| 🇯🇵 Tokyo (NRT/HND) | 6-7 hours | -1 hour | Singapore Airlines, ANA, JAL |
| 🇮🇳 Mumbai (BOM) | 5-6 hours | +2.5 hours | Singapore Airlines, IndiGo |
| 🇦🇪 Dubai (DXB) | 7-8 hours | +4 hours | Emirates, Singapore Airlines |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (HKG) | 3-4 hours | 0 hours | Singapore Airlines, Cathay |
🏆 Changi Airport Guide
World's Best Airport for 12 consecutive years! 🌟
Terminals
- • T1, T2, T3: Main terminals, connected by Skytrain
- • T4: Separate (budget airlines), shuttle bus
- • Jewel: Amazing indoor waterfall, shopping
Amenities
- • Free WiFi everywhere
- • Free movie theaters
- • Butterfly garden, rooftop pool
- • 24-hour food courts
🌊 Jewel Changi
Don't miss the HSBC Rain Vortex - world's tallest indoor waterfall! Located between T1-T3. Light & sound shows at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Worth a visit even if just transiting.
🚇 Getting to the City
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚇 MRT (Recommended) | 27-35 mins | S$2-3 | East-West line direct to CBD |
| 🚕 Taxi/Grab | 20-30 mins | S$25-40 | Metered or flat rate, +surcharges |
| 🚌 Public Bus | 60+ mins | S$2-3 | Bus 36 to Orchard, cheapest |
| 🚐 Private Transfer | 20-30 mins | S$50-80 | Book ahead, meet & greet |
💡 Pro Tip: Get a Singapore Tourist Pass (S$22/day unlimited MRT & bus) at the airport MRT station. Or just use contactless credit card to tap in/out.
😴 Jet Lag Tips
From USA/Americas
- • Hardest adjustment (13-16 hours)
- • Take overnight flight, arrive morning
- • Stay awake until 9-10 PM local
- • Expect 4-5 days to fully adjust
- • Melatonin can help reset
From Europe
- • Moderate adjustment (7-8 hours)
- • Night flight arrives evening SGT
- • Sleep on plane, power through first day
- • Expect 2-3 days to adjust
- • Get morning sunlight
From Australia
- • Easy adjustment (2-3 hours)
- • Minimal jet lag
- • Can jump into activities immediately
- • Short flight, no recovery needed
General Tips
- • Stay hydrated on flight
- • Avoid alcohol first 24 hours
- • Singapore's heat will tire you - good for sleep!
- • AC everywhere - bring light jacket
📋 Entry Requirements
Visa-Free Entry
Most nationalities get 30-90 days visa-free:
- • 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 🇪🇺 - 90 days
- • 🇮🇳 🇨🇳 - Visa required (e-Visa available)
- • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- • Return/onward ticket may be requested
🆕 SG Arrival Card
Submit online within 3 days before arrival at ICA website. It's free and takes 5 minutes.
💳 Money & SIM
💰 Money
- • Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD/S$)
- • Cards accepted everywhere
- • Contactless payment universal
- • ATMs at airport, malls, MRT stations
- • Tipping NOT expected
📱 SIM Card
- • Buy at airport arrival hall
- • Singtel, Starhub, M1 available
- • Tourist SIM: S$15-30 (7-30 days)
- • Typically 100GB data
- • Passport required to activate
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Changi?
2 hours for international flights is usually enough - immigration is fast and efficient. But arrive earlier to enjoy Jewel!
Is Changi Airport far from the city?
About 20km from the CBD. MRT takes 30 minutes, taxi 20-25 minutes. It's very accessible compared to most international airports.
What should I NOT bring to Singapore?
Chewing gum (for personal use is fine, just don't import), drugs (severe penalties), e-cigarettes/vapes (illegal), more than 1 carton of cigarettes.
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Last updated: December 2024.