Singapore’s Changi Airport is probably the best place to spend a long layover.Changi Airport was named the world’s best by Skytrax from 2013 to 2020. The airport is a major hub for Singapore Airlines and features luxuries like a pool and a movie theater.
The Skytrain to terminal 3 from terminal 1.
The transit area spans across all four terminals, with 1, 2, and 3 connected via an airside train, while the 4th can be accessed by an airside bus. The unique activities and extravagant shops are mostly located in terminals 1 and 3.
Boasting four huge terminals with endless shopping, food, and entertainment, the airport was named the world’s best by Skytrax for eight years in a row from 2013 to 2020.
Despite losing its crown to Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in 2021, Changi still welcomed over 32 million passengers in 2022 and is planning a fifth terminal to open in the mid-2030s.
After hearing the hype about Changi, I decided to spend eight hours inside exploring everything it has to offer. Here’s what it was like.
Curbside entrance to terminal 3 at Singapore’s Changi International Airport.
Instead of just having a regular departures floor, there was also a huge “underground carnival” in the basement of terminals 2 and 3, and I was instantly eager to explore.
Entrance to the “underground carnival” from Changi’s terminal 3 check-in lobby.
What I found was essentially a huge fun zone that had way more than I was expecting.
One of the restaurants in Changi’s “underground carnival” in terminal 3.
There was a playground for kids, which included a slide…
The playground with a slide at Changi’s “underground carnival” at terminal 3.
…as well as several restaurants and giant shops. The stores were incredible, with everything from groceries and clothes to suitcases and kitchen supplies.
All types of different produce were available, and I saw a lot of people here doing their grocery shopping. There was pretty decor, like chairs and a fountain.
After forcing myself not to buy any of the cool knickknacks, I headed back to the check-in lobby at terminal 3. The space was pretty normal compared to other airports, though it definitely felt cleaner and more open.
Changi’s terminal 3 check-in lobby.
There were huge windows creating natural light and beautiful green plants lined across the back wall.
A view of Changi’s Jewel complex connected to terminal 1.
According to Changi’s associate communications director Lay Ling Toh, 99% of the plants and trees are real and are maintained by a team of horticulturalists.
While the landside area was impressive in itself, most of the fun within Singapore’s famous airport is located in the transit area.
Because Changi is a major hub for Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary, Scoot, the space is important for keeping connecting travelers entertained for hours between flights.
Inside Singapore’s Changi International Airport.
Unfortunately for locals or tourists who just want to visit the airport for fun, only passengers who intend to travel can access the transit area, unless they’re an employee or have another authorized reason to be there.
A sign at Changi that says only passengers that plan to travel are allowed in the transit area, including those who have a boarding pass. This is likely to discourage people from buying a cheap fare just to have fun in the transit area for the day.
When accessing the transit area, I noticed there was no security line, but Toh explained that security takes place at the gate. Travelers just need to scan their passport and boarding pass to enter.
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