Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Changi Airport (SIN) — the best airport in the world
Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the best airport in the world for years (Skytrax World Airport Awards). And it deserves it: four terminals, a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, a rooftop swimming pool, free cinemas, over 400 shops, and the spectacular Jewel Changi with the Rain Vortex (the highest indoor waterfall in the world, 40 m). Some travelers plan their stopover specifically to experience the airport.
Flights from Germany
- Direct flights: Singapore Airlines flies nonstop from Frankfurt and Munich (approx. 12 hours). Lufthansa also offers direct flights from Frankfurt and Munich.
- With a stopover: Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Thai Airways (via Bangkok). Often cheaper: from 500–700 € return.
- Low-cost carriers: Scoot (Singapore Airlines' low-cost subsidiary) flies from Berlin via Athens — the cheapest option (from 350 € one-way).
- Flight time: Nonstop approx. 12 hours, with a stopover 15–20 hours.
Transfer to the city center
- MRT (train): The Changi Airport MRT Station (East-West Line) connects the airport with the city center. Travel time: 30–40 minutes, price: approx. 2.50 SGD. The best option.
- Bus 36: To the Orchard Road area, approx. 60 minutes, 2.50 SGD.
- Taxi: To CBD/Marina Bay approx. 20–30 SGD (20–35 minutes, depending on traffic). Night surcharge 50%.
- Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber): Order via app, fixed price, often cheaper than taxis. Pickup points in every terminal.
Tipp
If you have a long layover at Changi: Singapore Airlines offers transit passengers with a layover of at least 5.5 hours a free Heritage Tour or City Sights Tour (2.5 hours). Registration at the transit counter in Terminal 2 or 3. Alternatively: The Jewel Changi is accessible from the landside — also visitable during shorter layovers.
Local Transport
MRT — the backbone of transport
Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is one of the best metro systems in the world: clean, punctual, air-conditioned, safe, and affordable. Six lines cover the entire island, and almost all attractions are located near an MRT station.
- Operating hours: 5:30 to approx. 0:00 (depending on the line).
- Single ride: 1–3 SGD (depending on distance).
- Payment: Contactless with credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or EZ-Link Card (reloadable card, 12 SGD including 5 SGD credit, available at MRT stations and 7-Eleven). The EZ-Link Card saves 20% compared to single tickets.
- Singapore Tourist Pass: 20 SGD for 3 days of unlimited MRT and bus — worth it for intensive use.
Bus
The bus network complements the MRT perfectly — over 300 lines reach even the corners where no MRT station is available. Air-conditioned, affordable (1–2 SGD), but less intuitive for tourists than the MRT. Tip: Google Maps reliably shows bus connections.
Taxi & Grab
Taxis in Singapore are affordable (by Western standards): Base fare 3.90 SGD, then 0.25 SGD per 400 m. A ride across the city rarely costs more than 15–25 SGD. Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) is often even cheaper and more comfortable — download the app, enter your destination, see the price, book. Payment by credit card or cash.
On foot
Singapore is surprisingly pedestrian-friendly — provided you have acclimatized to the heat. Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay, and Kampong Glam are all walkable. Many areas are connected by covered walkways — Singapore's answer to daily rain. Nevertheless: plan for sunscreen, water, and regular air-conditioned breaks in malls.
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