Singapore Changi Airport Guide

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), named the world’s best by Skytrax in 2025, is the main international airport serving the Republic of Singapore and is one of the most crucial gateways in the Asia Pacific region. It handled over 65 million passengers in 2024 across its four terminals and the Jewel complex, and is a base for more than 100 international carriers.

Changi Airport has 25 lounges that range from premium exclusive spaces to quality pay-per-use facilities that are open to all travellers. This quick guide details some need to know information regarding terminals, lounges, and airport services.

Landscape view of Singapore Airport with Singapore airlines and star alliance planes in the foreground.
Exterior view of Singapore Changi Airport with blooming pink bougainvillea flowers, lush greenery, and the iconic control tower in the background.

Terminal Navigation Hub

The following is a quick reference to notable airlines that use each terminal, the number of lounges available and quick access links for more in depth guides:

Modern check-in area at Changi Airport with sleek design, greenery, and automated kiosks under curved ceiling architecture.

Quick Lounge Finder

By access type:

  • Pay-per-use: Available in all four terminals and Jewel; bookable via LoungePair

  • 24-hour access: 7 lounges across all terminals

  • Accessible via lounge membership: 10 lounges 

  • Airline status or premium cabin travel: Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam carriers

Best pay-per-use lounge in each terminal at Changi (our view!):

Blossom Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 4 with modern seating, greenery, and Peranakan-style shophouse view in the background.

Above: Blossom Lounge in T4

Airline lounges:
Accessed with premium cabin tickets or elite status with Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam. These lounges are usually exclusive and aren't accessible on walk-up.

Pay-per-use lounges:
Regardless of airline or cabin class, all passengers are welcome. Advance bookings can be made directly with the lounge or through websites such as LoungePair, Plaza Premium, or Lounge Pass.

Credit card or program access:
Pay-per-use lounges generally accept Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, and Dreamfolks memberships. Access can also be gained via credit cards that offer these membership programs, such as American Express Platinum, Capital One, and various local credit cards.


Terminal Transfer Guide

A free Skytrain connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in 2-4 minutes. Terminal 4 is linked to other terminals by a 24-hour shuttle bus taking 15-20 minutes.

Overnight connections are possible via walkways or shuttle buses when the Skytrain is closed.

Jewel is directly connected to the landside areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and can be reached on foot from these terminals without taking transport. From Terminal 4, a complimentary shuttle bus can be taken to Terminal 2 to reach Jewel.

Minimum connection times:

  • Same terminal: 45 minutes

  • Between Terminals 1-3: 1 hour

  • To/from Terminal 4: 2 hours

Early check-in up to 24 hours before departure allows passengers to clear security at a different terminal for lounge access.

Travellers walking on travellator inside glass walkway at Changi Airport with control tower view in background.

Jewel Complex

‘Jewel’ is an impressive nature themed glass and steel complex linking Terminals 1, 2 and 3. It is open to the public and connected to the landside areas of each terminal.

Key attractions include:

  • Rain Vortex: The world’s tallest indoor waterfall (40 meters) with an evening light and sound show.

Skytrain passing through Jewel Changi Airport with indoor waterfall and lush greenery under glass dome.
  • Canopy Park: Walking nets, hedge mazes, gardens, and play areas.

Flower elephant sculpture spraying water at Canopy Park, Jewel Changi Airport Singapore, surrounded by lush greenery under glass dome.
  • Dining and shopping: Over 280 outlets, from food courts to Michelin-starred restaurants.

  • YOTELAIR: Hotel offering rooms bookable by the hour or overnight.


Changi Lounge at Jewel

The Changi Lounge located in the Jewel complex offers a comfortable space for travellers landing early, awaiting hotel check‑in, or seeking a quiet stop for refreshment before heading into the city. Unlike airside lounges, it is accessible before security, making it suitable for arrivals and departures alike.

Changi Lounge entrance at Jewel Changi Airport Singapore, featuring modern marble design, welcoming reception, and luxury seating area.

Location: Landside, Level 1, Jewel. Opposite the early check‑in counters.

Map of the jewel complex Changi Airport highlighting the location of the Changi Lounge.
Stylish seating area with modern armchairs and workstations at Changi Lounge, Jewel Changi Airport Singapore.

Opening Hours: 06:00-22:00 (6am-10pm) daily; last food order at 21:00 (9pm)

Comfortable seating area with modern armchairs and sofas at Changi Lounge, Jewel Changi Airport Singapore.

Amenities: Premium food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, massage chairs, Wi-Fi, power outlets, flight monitors, work zones, showers, conference rooms, printers and copiers (charges apply), nap pods (charges apply), TVs.

    • Shower: S$20 for 20 minutes

    • Nap pod: From S$22 per hour

    • Meeting room: From S$80 per hour

Business centre with iMac computers and modern seating at Changi Lounge, Jewel Changi Airport Singapore.

Access Options:

  • LoungePair Pass: Purchase a flexible lounge pass via LoungePair which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from $35 USD, a fully refundable pass for an additional $5 USD, or a free pass when purchased together with a LoungePair+ membership.

    Access via LoungePair will provide you with one complimentary hot meal per person, one beer, free shower access, and additional non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

  • Memberships:

    • A DragonPass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3 hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for $55 USD, without a membership.

    • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

    • Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership with either of these programs.

  • Cardholders:

    • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass memberships. Examples include:

      • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum (+ 1 guest), and Diners Club

      • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards.

      • DragonPass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

      • Mastercard Travel Pass

  • Walk-Up Access: You can purchase a pass at the reception desk directly.

Stylish lounge chairs and sofa seating with modern decor at Changi Lounge, Jewel Changi Airport Singapore.

Helpful Tips:

  • Ideal for freshening up after an early morning arrival

  • Food offerings can be limited; better suited for a quick refresh than a full meal.

  • Shower facilities are well‑maintained and superior to the basic lounge setup.


Family Facilities

Changi Airport is one of the most family friendly airports in the world. Each terminal features unique attractions, free play spaces, and services designed for travelling families.

All Terminals:

  • Baby care rooms

  • Complimentary stroller rentals

  • Family immigration lanes for faster clearance

  • Nursing and diaper-changing facilities located landside and airside

World’s tallest airport slide at Changi Airport Terminal 3 Singapore with multi-level spiral design and adventure play area.

Above: ‘The Slide@T3’

Top Family-Friendly Attractions:

  • Terminal 1: Cactus Garden, a rooftop garden with 100+ cacti and desert plant.

  • Terminal 2: ‘2 Bears Hideout’, a free, fully air‑conditioned indoor play area for children aged 1-12.

  • Terminal 3: ‘The Slide@T3’ is a 12-meter-tall indoor slide (the largest at any airport) that can be used with vouchers (free through the Changi app)

  • Terminal 4: The ‘Chandelier’, a 16-meter-tall play structure made of rope in the kids’ playground

  • Jewel: Canopy Park, featuring sky nets, mazes, and Discovery Slides

Chandelier playground at Changi Airport Terminal 4 Singapore with climbing net structure and giant slide attraction in spacious terminal area.

Above: ‘The Chandelier’ at Terminal 4

Overnight at Singapore Changi

Whether you want a flat bed, a quiet seat, or a late night snack, you will find round the clock facilities without leaving the airport:

  • 24-hour pay-per-use lounges: 7 lounges across all four terminals.

  • Free rest areas: ‘Snooze Lounges’ with recliner chairs in quiet zones.

  • Transit hotels: Airside and landside hotels.


Showers

Changi makes it easy to freshen up during a layover. Showers are available in most lounges and transit hotels, plus at a dedicated paid shower facility just outside Terminal 2.

Public Paid Showers

  • HUB & SPOKE

    • Located landside, a five-minute walk from T2 baggage claim

    • Dedicated changing rooms, lockers, and showers open to the public

    • S$5 for a one-time entry or S$7 for two entries (both valid for 6 hours)

    • Tickets sold via HUB & SPOKE Café or the Changi app

    • Complimentary body wash, shampoo and hair dryer

    • Towel not provided; may be purchased from vending machines

In Lounges and Hotels

  • T1: SATS Premier (free), Plaza Premium (S$20 extra), Marhaba (free), British Airways/Emirates/Qantas/Qatar (included), Aerotel Hotel and swimming pool (included)

  • T2: SATS Premier (free), Ambassador Transit (extra fee), Singapore Airlines lounges (will be included after renovations)

  • T3: SATS Premier (free), Marhaba (free), Ambassador Transit (S$20 extra or included with nap room), Singapore Airlines lounges (included)

  • T4: BLOSSOM (free)

  • Jewel: Changi Lounge (S$20 per 20 min), YOTELAIR Hotel (included with room)

Modern shower facilities at Changi Airport with private cubicles, sleek design, and natural light for traveler comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pay for lounge access at Singapore airport?

Yes, several lounges accept walk-up payments, and access can also be purchased in advance through various providers such as Plaza Premium, LoungePair, or directly from the lounge operators. Pre-booking also ensures guaranteed entry during busy periods.

Is the Changi waterfall free?

Yes, the Rain Vortex in Jewel is free to visit and can be viewed from multiple levels. The light and sound show runs at regular intervals in the evening and is also free.

Is Jewel worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you have at least four hours to explore before a flight or during a layover. Attractions include the Rain Vortex, Canopy Park, and over 280 dining and shopping options.

Are there free showers in Changi?

Pay-per-use lounge showers start from US$15 (S$20), with full amenities and towels included, and are often bundled with entry to lounges or transit hotels.


Summing Up

With four well connected terminals, the stunning Jewel Complex, and a wide range of lounges and facilities, Singapore Changi Airport is an experience all in itself.

Whether you’re passing through on a layover or beginning a longer adventure in Singapore, Changi Airport continues to set a global standard for efficiency, and service. It’s no wonder it remains one of the most celebrated airports in the world.

Next
Next

Singapore Changi Terminal 4: Lounges and Terminal Guide