Have a long transit in Singapore’s Changi Airport? Changi is one of the best airports in the world, so you’re unlikely to get bored. But if you’d like to leave the airport and do some sightseeing during your layover, you could also join a free city tour.
Singapore’s popular free transit tours returned in 2023 with updated itineraries, and there’s even a new Changi Precinct Tour. There are six tour departures every day.
The tours are run by Monster Day Tours and jointly organised by Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport Group and the Singapore Tourism Board.
Originally introduced in 1987 but temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, these free tours are designed to make Changi Airport an even more attractive airport for a layover. They also give travellers who are just passing through a taste of Singapore as a holiday destination. (I mean this quite literally, as some of the tours include the opportunity to sample some of Singapore’s delicious local food.)
Around 30% of passengers flying in and out of Singapore’s Changi Airport are transiting between international flights. The transit tours are particularly popular with Australian and Indian travellers who account for over a third of tour participants.
Who is eligible for a free Singapore transit tour?
To take part in a free Singapore tour, you need to have a layover at Changi Airport that’s scheduled between 5.5 hours and 24 hours.
Your transit will also need to coincide with at least one of the tour departure times. These are currently all between 10am and 7pm. Also note that you need to check in for the tour at least 90 minutes before the departure time.
To take part in a tour, you need to have a visa or be able to enter Singapore without a visa. Australian citizens generally don’t require a visa to enter Singapore.
You do not necessarily need to be flying Singapore Airlines to join one of these tours, but you should already have a boarding pass for your onward flight. Passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You can pre-book a tour on the Changi Airport website. If you plan to take part, this would be a good idea as the tours can book out in advance.
If there is still space available, you can also register on the day at the Terminal 2 or 3 transit desks. This is also where you’ll check in for the tour. Note that the transit desks are airside, and you’ll clear arrival immigration with the rest of the tour group.
A choice of three tours
The Changi Precinct Tour is a new option which takes in Tampines, Changi Village and Changi Beach Park. The other two tours were previously available before the pandemic, but have since been updated. All are bus tours with several stops.
The Jewel Tour, a walking tour of the airport precinct, has been discontinued. If you’re transiting through Singapore, you can still visit the Jewel without joining a group tour.
These are the free Singapore transit tour options and their departure times:
- Changi Precinct Tour – 10am daily
- City Sights Tour – 12pm, 4pm and 7pm daily
- Heritage Tour – 1pm and 6pm daily
All of the tours take 2.5 hours. They finish back at the airport and you need to remain with the group for the entire tour.
You can read more about each of the tours on the Singapore Airlines website.
Enjoying a Singapore transit if you’re not eligible for a free tour
If your transit time isn’t long enough or at the right time, don’t worry! Changi is one of the world’s best airports with lots of entertainment options, eateries and lounges to help pass the time.
You can access many of the lounges at Changi Airport using Priority Pass. If you’re lucky enough to have access to the Qantas First Lounge, be sure to try one of Chef Linda’s excellent dishes.
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The transit tours aren’t available during overnight hours. But there are a range of airside and landside hotels at Changi Airport where you can get some sleep.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are six daily free transit tours available from Singapore Changi Airport departing at 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm and 7pm. You must check in for your tour at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time.
The City Sights Tour is the most popular option as it takes in some of the city’s main attractions including the Merlion statue and Gardens by the Bay.
If you’d like a bit more of a cultural experience, the Heritage Tour is a great choice as it includes visits to two of Singapore’s most culturally interesting districts and a visit to one of the city’s most famous Hawker Centres, where you’ll have the opportunity to try some delicious Singaporean food.
If you’ve been to Singapore’s city centre before but haven’t yet ventured to the eastern side of the island, go for the Changi Precinct Tour where you’ll see a different side to Singapore!
I you fail to check in at least 75 minutes before the tour start time, your spot may be given away to someone on the waitlist. Even if you arrive late due to a delay to your flight outside of your control, unfortunately you may not be offered an alternative tour.
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