Singapore Changi Terminal 1: Lounges and Terminal Guide

Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 has one of the most varied lounge line-ups you’ll find anywhere. You can slip into the elegance of the Qantas First Lounge, unwind over a plated meal in the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge, or settle into 24-hour favorites like SATS Premier and Plaza Premium.

Travelers who'd rather eat and drink than settle into a traditional lounge have another option, too: Tiger Bar & Restaurant, a dedicated dining pass experience.

This guide covers every lounge option at Changi’s Terminal 1, as well as practical airport information, details on terminal attractions, and tips for choosing the best lounge.

Terminal 1 is the main hub for oneworld airlines at Changi Airport, serving:

• British Airways

• Fiji Airways

• Finnair

• Japan Airlines

• Qantas 

• Qatar Airways

(Note that 3 other oneworld carriers operate from other terminals: Malaysia Airlines from T2, SriLankan Airlines from T3, and Cathay Pacific from T4.)

T1 is also home to a mix of full-service and budget airlines, and SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and non-alliance carriers:

• Air China

• Air France

• Air Niugini

• Bangkok Airways

• China Southern Airlines

• Chongqing Airlines

• Emirates

• Hebei Airlines

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

• Philippine Airlines

• Scoot

• Shandong Airlines

• Shenzhen Airlines

• Turkish Airlines

• Xiamen Airlines

• ZIPAIR

At Changi Airport Terminal 1, travelers have 3 contract lounge options offering food, drinks, showers, and a place to recharge before their flight:

• SATS Premier Lounge

• Plaza Premium Lounge

• Marhaba Lounge

SATS Premier Lounge is our top recommendation thanks to its spacious layout, consistent buffet, complimentary showers, and relaxing annex area.

For travelers seeking better lighting, panoramic views, or overnight rest, the Plaza Premium Lounge is a strong second choice, especially with its private sleeping pods (additional charges apply) and local dining favorites like laksa and chicken rice.

Tiger Bar & Restaurant is Changi Terminal 1's newest airside option, and it's built for a different kind of travelr: one who wants a proper sit-down meal and a drink rather than a lounge buffet and a quiet corner to wait.

It's a 24-hour restaurant on the Food Court level, and it runs on a dining pass rather than lounge admission, so the experience is closer to a restaurant reservation than a typical lounge visit.

Each pass includes a 90-minute dining period from check-in, with 1 item each from the mains, bar snacks, and dessert menus, plus 1 beer, wine, or mocktail selection. Diners also get complimentary, unlimited fries, select snacks, soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea, along with a 30% discount on any additional beer ordered directly at the restaurant.

Airside, Level 3 (Food Court level). After immigration, take the escalator beside Hermès.

24 hours daily

• 1 item each from the mains, bar snacks, and dessert menus, plus 1 beer, wine, or mocktail selection

• Complimentary, unlimited fries, select snacks, soft drinks, juices, coffee, and tea

• A 90-minute dining period, starting from check-in

• A 30% discount on additional beer purchased directly at the restaurant

• No service charge or GST is added to the pass price itself, though any extra items ordered beyond the package incur a 10% service charge and 9% GST.

• There is a discounted pass available for children aged 3-12. Children under 2 years are admitted free.

• Walk-in seating is available but subject to availability and isn't guaranteed.

• Because walk-in seating isn't guaranteed, booking a pass in advance is the more reliable route, especially around peak meal times.

• Its 24-hour opening makes it an option for a meal during an overnight layover or before an early departure.

If you’re departing from Singapore and want a cheap, filling meal before heading through security and immigration, the T1 staff canteen is a little-known option that’s open to the public.

Located landside (before immigration), this basement-level food court offers a wide range of local Singaporean dishes at prices well below what you’ll find elsewhere in the terminal.

While it’s designed primarily for airport staff, non-staff travelers are welcome to eat here at slightly higher (but still very reasonable) public pricing. Just don't expect a polished dining experience; this is a functional, no-frills food court focused on value rather than ambiance.

The SATS Premier Lounge offers Singaporean and international buffet dishes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and shower facilities. Its DIY laksa station is a signature feature.

The lounge has several seating areas, including work booths and a quieter section toward the back with a water feature. Paid passes and participating lounge memberships provide access (subject to capacity).

Check out this video review from ‘Epic Travel Journeys’ below to get a feel for the lounge:

Location: Airside, Level 3, Departure Transit Hall. After clearing departure immigration in Terminal 1, turn left and take the first escalator leading to the airline lounges.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, massage chairs, work booths, Wi-Fi, charging points, and showers (included with LoungePair passes), subject to availability.

Access Options:

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • LoungePass sells 3-hour access for US$41.

• Memberships: Dragonpass and Priority Pass

• Walk-Up Access: Available at the lounge desk (subject to capacity)

Helpful Tips:

• The lounge is often quieter than Plaza Premium and a good choice for late-night or budget airline departures.

• For a more peaceful experience, head to the annex area with teahouse-style seating and a tranquil water feature.

• Ask about shower availability when you arrive, particularly if you have limited time before boarding.

• Buffets refresh throughout the day, but laksa is served consistently.

• Massage chairs are free but may be occupied during peak periods.

The Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 is a large, versatile space. Open to Priority Pass and Dragonpass cardholders, LoungePair guests, and other pay-per-use customers, it offers a mix of business amenities, signature local dishes, and quiet nooks for productivity or rest.

Location: Airside, Level 3, Departure/Transit Lounge West. After immigration, follow the signs toward the airport lounges.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Amenities: Buffet dining with local dishes such as laksa and chicken rice, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, charging points, TVs, and showers (included with LoungePair passes; subject to availability). Premium alcoholic drinks and private resting facilities cost extra.

Access Options:

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • While booking directly via Plaza Premium requires you to select a fixed date and time of access, it offers a few alternatives, such as 3-, 5-, and 10-hour stay packages, as well as 30-minute shower packages, e.g., a 3-hour pass for US$37 (US$58 with 30-min shower access).

  • LoungePass sells 3-hour access for US$42.

• Memberships: Priority Pass

• Walk-Up Access: Available at the lounge desk (subject to capacity)

Helpful Tips:

• Shower suites may require a short wait during peak periods.

• Solo travelers should look for the hive-style cubicles near the windows for better lighting and quiet.

• Can get crowded during peak hours.

The Marhaba Lounge is a modest, functional option. While the decor can feel a bit dated, it has a quieter vibe and reliable basics like comfortable seating and an extensive drink station (especially for alcohol). It might be more worthwhile for shorter layovers.

Check out the video review from ‘Epic Travel Journeys’ below to get a feel for the lounge:

Location: Airside, Level 3, above the Departure Immigration Area, diagonally opposite the Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao restaurant.

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily

Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits, Wi-Fi, charging points, and showers (included with lounge access; subject to availability).

Access Options:

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • LoungePass sells 3-hour access for US$38.

• Memberships: Dragonpass and Priority Pass

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Passengers flying first or business class same-day on a oneworld airline (Finnair, Japan Airlines), have access to the Marhaba lounge.

• Walk-Up Access: Available at the lounge desk (subject to capacity)

Helpful Tips:

• Children under the age of 6 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

• Expect a limited variety of food at the buffet.

• Seek out the free liquor, as Marhaba offers notably generous beverage options compared to other lounges.

The Qantas First Lounge is widely regarded as one of the best lounges in Changi Airport for food, offering a full dining experience with a standout Neil Perry menu.

Designed by David Caon and Kelvin Ho and built to feel like a boutique hotel, this premium space is both stylish and practical.

Location: Airside, Level 3, Departure Transit Hall (near D Gates). Take the escalator near the main departure shops and follow the signs for Qantas lounges.

Opening Hours: 16:30-23:00 (4:30pm-11pm) daily

Amenities: À la carte menu (signature dishes include the likes of salt and pepper squid and prawn wontons), cocktail bar (curated wines, spirits, and barista-made coffee), Wi-Fi, flight monitors, shower facilities, and power outlets.

Access Options:

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Eligible first class passengers departing on Qantas, another oneworld airline or Emirates can use the lounge.

  • oneworld Emerald members can use the lounge before an eligible oneworld departure, regardless of cabin class.

  • Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members have access when departing on flights covered by Qantas’ eligibility rules.

  • Business class travel or oneworld Sapphire status alone does not provide access to the First Lounge.

Helpful Tips:

• Plan to arrive early for a proper dining experience, as orders may be cut off 30-45 minutes before closing.

• Try the salt-and-pepper squid, one of the most consistently praised dishes across Qantas First lounges.

• Crowds can spike before Qantas and British Airways departures, reducing service speed and seating availability.

• This lounge has no tarmac views and limited natural light.

The Qantas International Business Lounge offers a reliable and comfortable experience for business class passengers.

It's larger than the Qantas First Lounge, and typically less crowded (somewhat surprisingly, given more people have access).

Location: Airside, Level 3, Terminal 1. After clearing departure immigration, turn left, take the escalator up, and follow signs for the Qantas International Business Lounge.

Opening Hours:

• Monday and Thursday: 11:00-00:15 (11am-12:15am)

• Tuesday: 07:50-10:15 (7:50am-10:15am) and 14:00-00:15 (2pm-12:15am)

• Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: 03:20-10:15 (3:20-10:15am) and 14:00-00:15 (2pm-12:15am)

• Saturday: 14:00-00:15 (2pm-12:15am)

Amenities: Rotating buffet (hot and cold dishes, salads, curries, and desserts), bar (wines, beers, spirits, coffee, and tea), workstations, shower facilities, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.

Access Options:

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Eligible first and business class passengers departing on Qantas or another oneworld airline can use the lounge.

  • oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members qualify before eligible oneworld departures.

  • Qantas Platinum One, Platinum, and Gold members, and eligible Qantas Club members, must be traveling on a flight covered by Qantas’ access rules. Membership alone does not provide entry.

  • Lounge access is also available to passengers holding an international first or business class ticket, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus frequent flyers, traveling on a same-day international flight with Air France or KLM.

Helpful Tips:

• Arrive early to avoid crowding, especially before evening Qantas flights.

• Showers are basic but functional; ask for a towel at the reception desk.

• Power outlets are widely available, but some older seats may lack USB ports.

The British Airways Lounge has refined, heritage-inspired décor and a Concorde Dining area for a quiet, upscale experience.

The lounge offers seating for up to 226 guests.

Location: Airside, Level 3, Departure Transit Hall near D Gates. Take the escalator behind the duty-free shopping toward the lounge corridor and follow the signs for British Airways.

Opening Hours: 15:00-23:00 (3pm-11pm) daily

Amenities: Buffet dining, a bar, showers, work areas, Wi-Fi, and charging points. The separate Concorde Dining area offers table service for eligible customers.

Access Options:

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Eligible first and business class passengers departing on British Airways or another oneworld airline can use the lounge.

  • Gold and Silver members of The British Airways Club, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, qualify before eligible British Airways or oneworld departures.

  • Concorde Dining has separate eligibility requirements.

Helpful Tips:

• Shower suites are limited, so request access early if you’re hoping to freshen up before boarding.

• Concorde Dining is best experienced earlier in the evening and is limited to first class passengers on British Airways flights.

• Solo travelers can seek out the semi-private pods for a quieter stay.

The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge outperforms typical business class lounges in both cuisine and calm, but operates during narrow evening and morning windows and admits only Qatar or oneworld premium cabin passengers.

Location: Airside, Terminal 1 near C Gates, Level 3. Take the escalator up toward the Emirates and Plaza Premium Lounges.

Opening Hours: Aligned with Qatar Airways flight departure times

Amenities: À la carte dining with plated starters and mains (e.g., grilled beef tenderloin, roasted vegetables, bread pudding), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., champagne and mocktails), 2 private shower facilities, prayer room, Wi-Fi, magazines, and power outlets.

Access Options:

• Travel Class:

  • The lounge welcomes eligible first and business class passengers departing on Qatar Airways or another oneworld airline.

  • Qatar Airways Business Lite and Finnair Business Light fares do not include lounge access.

  • oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status alone does not provide access when traveling in economy.

Helpful Tips:

• Dining exceeds expectations, so arrive hungry for plated meals.

• Pod seating near windows is ideal for privacy or quiet work.

• Shower wait times can spike in the evening, so ask reception upon entry.

The Emirates Lounge offers buffet dining, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, showers, and runway views. It opens in several daily periods aligned with Emirates departures.

It's a consistently solid lounge experience with comfortable seating. First class passengers seeking a more elevated experience may prefer the nearby Qantas First Lounge.

Location: Airside, Terminal 1 near C Gates, Level 3. After immigration, head toward the C gates and take the escalator past Plaza Premium; the Emirates Lounge is on the left.

Opening Hours:

• 07:35-09:35 (7:35am-9:35am)

• 12:40-14:40 (12:40pm-2:40pm)

• 17:00-00:40 (5pm-12:40am)

Amenities: Buffet (hot dishes, salads, satay, desserts, and halal options), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (self-serve Moët and Veuve Champagne, wines, spirits, and soft drinks), 4 showers, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reading materials.

Access Options:

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Emirates first class and Business Class Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus fares include lounge access.

    • Business Class Special fares do not include access unless you qualify through another entitlement.

  • Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members qualify when traveling on an eligible flight, regardless of cabin class.

  • Gold members may bring 1 adult or child. Platinum members may bring 1 adult and 2 children under 17.

  • Guests must travel on the same eligible flight as the member.

  • Emirates currently excludes Singapore from its paid lounge-access destinations.

Helpful Tips:

• Food quality and variety peak in the evening (ahead of multiple late-night departures to Dubai).

• Showers are simple but functional, with shorter waits in the early evening.

Terminal 1 offers a range of family-friendly amenities to help parents and little ones stay comfortable and refreshed while in transit:

• Baby care rooms: 5 rooms with hot water dispensers, changing tables, privacy for breastfeeding, and diaper disposal

• Family immigration lanes: Dedicated lanes to move strollers and little travelers through faster

• Diaper vending machines: Conveniently placed near family zones and play areas

And here are some attractions to keep you or your kids busy and engaged (all are 24 hours and on Level 2 unless noted otherwise):

• Cactus Garden: Rooftop garden with more than 100 cacti and desert plants plus a bar (Level 3)

• Discovery Garden: Tree-like structures wrapped in foliage for a quick nature break. Located on Level 2.

• Tropical Rainforest Vivarium: Rainforest paludarium with terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna.

• Water Lily Garden: Tranquil pond with water lilies in a natural aquatic setting

If you’d rather swap lounge chairs for a sun lounger, the Changi Transit Hotel in Terminal 1 is home to Changi’s only outdoor pool and jacuzzi. There are also a poolside bar, towels, and shower facilities.

Tucked away on Level 3 of the Departure Transit Hall near Gate D41, it offers a rare chance to get fresh air and watch planes between flights.

Cost per person: US$25+ per adult (hotel guests enjoy complimentary use of these facilities)

Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (10am-10pm) daily

For late-night departures, early morning arrivals, or unexpected layovers in Terminal 1, you have several options to rest without leaving the airport:

24 Hour Pay‑Per‑Use Lounges:

• Plaza Premium Lounge: Open 24 hours with buffet dining, showers (for an additional US$20 fee; complimentary with LoungePair passes; subject to availability), and private resting suites, sleeping pods, and showers (from US$121 extra). These suites are ideal for travelers who want a quiet, enclosed space for real rest without having to book a hotel.

• Helpful tip: Reserve a suite or pod as soon as you arrive, given that late-night demand is high.

• SATS Premier Lounge: Open 24 hours with basic overnight seating, massage chairs, and showers included at no extra cost. Best for those who can rest in an open lounge environment and value access to food and drinks throughout the night.

• Helpful tip: For the quietest spot, head to the annex area with teahouse-style seating.

Free ‘Snooze Lounges’

• Free padded chairs in dimly lit areas near the C Gates and Level 3 Transit Mall. Great for short naps but not ideal for deep sleep.

• Helpful tip: These fill up quickly after 10pm. Bring a travel blanket or sweater to combat the strong overnight air conditioning.

Changi Transit Hotel (airside hotel)

• Located near Gate D41, this hotel offers proper hotel rooms in 6-hour (or longer) blocks (from US$130), ranging from single-bed rooms with shared bathrooms to 2-bedroom family rooms with private bathrooms. Guests also have access to the outdoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and showers.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (landside hotel)

• Located landside and connected to Terminal 3 (a short Skytrain ride or a short walk from T1), the Crowne Plaza is ideal for travelers with longer overnight layovers who don’t mind clearing immigration. Expect soundproof rooms, plush bedding, and runway views.

Terminal 1 is well connected, making transfers to other terminals quick and straightforward:

• To Terminals 2 and 3

• The free Skytrain connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3 in both the public and transit areas, normally operating 05:00-02:00 (5am-2am).

• When the Skytrain is closed, transit passengers can use the signed walking routes and moving walkways without clearing arrival immigration. Allow additional time to reach your departure gate.

• To Terminal 4

• In the transit area, use the shuttle from Gate C21. It operates approximately every 8 minutes throughout the day, with a listed journey time of approximately 19 minutes to T4. Your itinerary must be checked through to your final destination.

• In the public area, free buses from T1/Jewel run approximately every 7-9 minutes from 06:00-00:00 (6am-midnight), with an overnight loop approximately every 19 minutes. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

• To Jewel

• Jewel's entrance is connected to T1 arrival hall on Level 1 (outside the secure zone; you’ll need to clear immigration to enter Singapore)

With world-class airline lounges and high-quality contract lounge options, Changi’s Terminal 1 offers something for every travel style and budget.

Eligible passengers can choose from airline lounges including Qantas First, Qantas Business, British Airways, Qatar Airways Premium, and Emirates. Access depends on your operating airline, fare, cabin, or frequent flyer entitlement.

For paid access, compare SATS Premier, Plaza Premium, and marhaba. Check shower inclusions and any additional charges for private resting facilities before purchasing.

And for travelers who'd rather eat and drink their layover than lounge through it, Tiger Bar & Restaurant offers a 24-hour dining pass alternative on the Food Court level.

So whether you’re seeking a premium experience or just a comfortable stopover, Changi’s Terminal 1 has a facility to suit your style.