Stopover in SIN. Transit between terminals

[thommo9]

Afternoon all,

I'll be coming back through Singapore on a trip to Helsinki.

Have a 3.5 hour stopover before boarding the plane back to Australia.

Landing and then departing from T1, I'd like to visit T2. Is 3.5 hours sufficient time to change Terminals, have a look then back to T1 to leave again?

If so, I assume you don't have to pass through security or immigration again each time?

Thanks AFF!

 

[michaelj]

That's plenty of time, particularly in SIN where everything is so efficient. Just jump on the air-side transfer trains, no need to clear immigration. You pass security in SIN where you enter your gate lounge (outside teh actual gate lounge, arriving and departing passengers mix.)

 

[wingspan]

That's certainly enough time. Depending on what gate you're walking from and where you're walking to, it can often be quicker to give the air-side transfer train a miss and walk it, as the terminals are continuous and you can easily walk from one to the other. (Which is also nice after a long time sitting down in a plane).

 

[thommo9]

Thank you so much for your responses. Very much appreciated!

 

[rlarosa]

T3 is also worth a look - it really is a stunning terminal. Also Terminal 1 is now home to the world's largest 3D kinetic ball sculpture - looks amazing
Terminal 1 - Changi Airport

 

[Cruiser Elite]

thommo do you have lounge access at all?

If not do you have Priority Pass?

 

[Awesom Andy]

3.5 hours is enough to tour all 3 major terminals in SIN, air-side, at least. In fact, they are all linked by both the skytrain and normal walkways. And if you take the shuttle skytrain from T1 to T2, the ride takes approximately 30 seconds, with a "train" departing every few mins. Also similar frequencies for all other terminal "transfers".

 

[ermen]

if only all airports work as well as changi!
apparently when they designed the airport, the made sure that from kerb to gate will never be longer than 300m

 

[thommo9]

Sadly, no lounge access nor Priority Pass. I had heard fantastic things about Singapore (T3 specifically as noted earlier) so just wanted to walk around and have a look. There isn't anything better than a good walk after 12 hours in Y!

Also, I just found out in T3 there is one of my favourite American fast food outlets, Popeyes!

 

[Mal]

T2 isn't anything special, I do think you mean T3. But the airport is easy to navigate through the terminals airside.

I thought there is a Popeyes in T2 as well, but it may only be on the landside.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Sadly, no lounge access nor Priority Pass. I had heard fantastic things about Singapore (T3 specifically as noted earlier) so just wanted to walk around and have a look. There isn't anything better than a good walk after 12 hours in Y!

Also, I just found out in T3 there is one of my favourite American fast food outlets, Popeyes!

OK so no Lounge access - still plenty to do.

You can go to Ambassador Lounge in either T2 or T3 and get a shower for S$8 first if you desire - or buy a Lounge pass for S$30 - but you may not need this.

Plenty to see in all 3 terminals - T1 has the Cactus Garden - well worth a look - T2 has Sunflower Garden - bit ho-hum but still you might enjoy just looking and taking in that Sing air - T3 has Butterfly Garden - this is really worth a look.

T3 has Hard Rock Cafe - yeah big deal many will say - personally I love sitting there for half hour or so and having a frozen margarita and listening to the music.

Plenty free internet terminals in all 3 terminals - plenty shopping but it's a bit boring IMHO - plenty food outlets - Harrys Bar - now thats a must - locked inside glass with a hundred smokers - you might escape without lung cancer - you may not.

Free cinemas to take in whatever movie is playing - people watching - just marvelling at how an airport can and does run - the cheapest duty free you will find anywhere - Changi is just a great airport.

As others have mentioned - Sky Train from T1 to T2 then T3 then back to T1 is the go - trains depart every 3 to 5 mins - travel time between terminals about 1 min - enjoy your 3 hours there - it will go in a blink of an eye.

Exactly what time do you arrive into SIN? And finally NO you do not need to worry about clearing immig at all - you are transit pax so no problemo.

 

[wingspan]

You may have already checked out the pool - but though I'd add that I really like having a swim between connections. It's not a lap pool but it's also not super, super busy so you should be able to swim a couple of laps (if you're into that sort of thing) or just lounge around if you prefer. You get a free soft drink with entry to the pool, too.

 

[RB]

thommo do you have lounge access at all?

If not do you have Priority Pass?

Whatever you do, do not waste money buying your way into the [FONT=&amp]the Priority Pass lounge of T3-Ambassador Transit Lounge -total waste of a visit entitlement from our credit cards. Not sure about the other Priority Pass lounges[/FONT]

 

[Awesom Andy]

For first time visitors, there is plenty to do in the airport so I wouldn't recommend paying for any sort of lounge access. Pay for a shower and/or gym/pool if you like, but apart from that, there's little point in paying more when there are so much free stuff around.

 

[yohy?!]

Whatever you do, do not waste money buying your way into the [FONT=&amp]the Priority Pass lounge of T3-Ambassador Transit Lounge -total waste of a visit entitlement from our credit cards. Not sure about the other Priority Pass lounges[/FONT]

Stick with the Skyview lounge which is also used by CX at SIN

 

[yohy?!]

Harry's Bar in Cactus Garden T1 is my favourite, grab an ice cool tiger beer in the outdoor patio while planes scream down the runway next to you

 

[dajop]

Also don't confine yourself to the main level of terminals most of the eateries and interesting stuff is located upstairs in each terminal. The main level in each terminal is just DF shops + luxury brand shops you find anywhere. If travelling on AUS passport (or most passports) you can also easily pass through immigration and back in this time, and if you want try really local food at local prices there is a Kopitiam (food centre) on basement 2 of T3 - landside. Enjoy!

 

[thommo9]

Seems like I can have more fun at SIN rather than on my trip!

Arrive into SIN at 4:35 pm then on QF10.

The missus would love a Hard Rock Cafe. But a pool to stretch out and move around in sounds fantastic for me. Maybe a swim followed by a Tiger beer is the go!

AFF - as always, so very helpful and knowledgeable!

 

[Awesom Andy]

Harry's Bar in Cactus Garden T1 is my favourite, grab an ice cool tiger beer in the outdoor patio while planes scream down the runway next to you

Definitely my favourite "lounge" by far, despite that all drinks need to be paid for.

Also don't confine yourself to the main level of terminals most of the eateries and interesting stuff is located upstairs in each terminal. The main level in each terminal is just DF shops + luxury brand shops you find anywhere. If travelling on AUS passport (or most passports) you can also easily pass through immigration and back in this time, and if you want try really local food at local prices there is a Kopitiam (food centre) on basement 2 of T3 - landside. Enjoy!

For an even more local experience, look for the staff canteen in T1 and T2. These are low-end, simple food courts designed for staff, with absolutely zero glamour. It's very interesting to see a workers class area hidden from the glamour and bling of the terminals. The food court in T3 is not too bad, costs slightly more, but obviously looks a lot nicer.

 

[ButFli]

if only all airports work as well as changi!
apparently when they designed the airport, the made sure that from kerb to gate will never be longer than 300m

If kerb-to-gate distance is what you're measuring by then Changi is far from the best.