Seeking advice on car rental @ SIN

[doctork]

I'm flying QF31 SYD-SIN (business class I) in May 2011. We're traveling with a baby, so I want to rent a car with a child seat to get from the airport and around. I'm both Hertz #1 Gold & Avis Preferred enrolled. I have a provisional booking with Hertz.

I have some questions re: Changi Airport and car hire.

:?:Question 1: Arrive at Terminal 1. How easy is it to get from Terminal 1 arrivals to the Hertz desk at Terminal 2? (It appears they don't have a desk at Terminal 1) Especially as we'll have a (probably upset) child and loads of luggage.

:?:Question 2: Arrival time of QF31 is 2230. Car Rental desks close 2300. Even if I went with Avis (Desk in Terminal 1), will I still need to request late pick up (+SGD100!)?

:?:Question 3: Anyone have any thoughts on QF31 (A380, arrives 2230) vs QF5 (747, arrives 2155 - in time to pick up car)?

Thanks in advance

dk

 

[drmikki]

To be honest, I'm not sure there is any value to hiring a car in singapore- between the cheap taxis and MRT train system it's very easy to get around, and with traffic, parking, tolls, and seemingly random road closures at times, driving isn't going to be a stress-free experience. Unless you are staying somewhere in the middle of nowhere (unlikely as there's not a lot of Singapore) or are planning on visiting friends in singapore's suburbs there's not really any need for a car. Put it this way, my folks took us kids when sis was 2 with no car and no probs - sis is now 25 and pram/wheelchair accessibility has improved even more since then!

Was there any specific rationale for a car? Sorry I can't directly answer you question...

Oh, and you'll be in taxi/car 15-30 mins after landing so if you go for the earlier flight you shouldn't have any problems getting there before hertz close. Provided no delays of course!

 

[Worldtraveller8888]

Cabs and MRT have always suited me when in SIN, but I understand that having a child seat may necessitate the hire car.

Getting from Terminal 1 to 2 is not difficult. There is either the terminal transfer train, or you can walk.

A late pick up is probably going to be required. If the QF31 is being operated by an A380, then a delay is highly likely. Last night's QF31 was delayed by somewhere in the order of 4 hours. That said, changing to the QF5 might involve some change fees, plus you will get the old Skybed.

As an alternative, the Crowne Plaza hotel is located nearby. For the $100 late pick up fee, and assuming you'll need somewhere to stay that night anyway, would it be worth staying as planned on the QF31, staying the night at the Crowne Plaza and then picking the car up the following morning?

Hope that helps!

WT

 

[markis10]

I cannot imagine how hiring a car would make things any easier, SIN is one of the worst places to hire a car with its traffic, high costs and tolls. Taxis are great for where the MRT does not cover, between the two you are pretty much covered.

 

[doctork]

Many thanks for the responses.

Just to explain - the need for the hire car is (1) getting form the airport with baby safely strapped in (and without needing to change MRT lines twice with luggage++), and (2) yes - we do have relatives in the 'burbs about 15min from the nearest MRT.

I hadn't thought about the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport - will probably take this option now for night 1, then move closer to town for the rest of the stay.

This forum is great - everyone is very helpful - Thanks heaps from this newbie.