Transiting through Singapore? Join a free tour while you're at it!
Are you transiting through Changi Airport and have a few hours to spare before your next flight? Instead of sitting around, why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore with the Free Singapore Tours? If you have at least 5.5 hours of layover time, you can join this complimentary, 2.5-hour guided tour, which offers a glimpse of Singapore’s rich history, vibrant culture, and modern wonders—all within the comfort of a coach bus.
Here’s everything you need to know about this unique layover experience.
What is the Free Singapore Tour?
The Free Singapore Tour is a special offering by Changi Airport for transit passengers, allowing them to explore the highlights of Singapore without leaving the transit area on their own. The tour is perfect for travelers who have 5.5 to 24 hours of layover time and want to experience a bit of Singapore during their stopover.
There are three different tour options to choose from: the City Sights Tour, the Heritage Tour, and the Changi Precinct Tour, each with its own charm. Whether you're interested in modern architecture, colonial history, or the local way of life, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Who Can Join?
The Free Singapore Tour is exclusively available to passengers who meet these criteria:
You must be transiting through Changi Airport and have your baggage checked through to your final destination.
Your layover time is at least 5.5 hours and less than 24 hours.
You have not booked a non-transit hotel in Singapore.
Your flight schedule fits the tour timing (more on that below).
It’s important to stay within the transit area of the airport and not clear immigration before joining the tour, as the registration booths are located in the transit halls of Terminals 2 and 3.
How to Register
There are two ways to register for the Free Singapore Tour:
Pre-booking online – You can pre-book a tour up to 50 days in advance on the Changi Airport website. This is ideal if you want to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons.
Walk-in registration – If you didn’t pre-book, you can register at one of the Free Singapore Tour booths located at:
Terminal 2: Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (near Gate F50)
Terminal 3: Level 2, Departure Transit Hall (near Gate A1-A8)
Keep in mind, walk-in registrations are subject to availability, so arriving early is key to securing a seat.
You’ll need your passport, boarding passes, valid entry visa (if applicable), and your tour booking confirmation to join.
The Tours: What to Expect
The Free Singapore Tour offers three different itineraries, each showcasing different sides of Singapore:
1. City Sights Tour
Timing: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM, and 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Highlights: If you’re looking for modern-day Singapore in all its futuristic glory, this tour is for you. You’ll get to stop by the iconic Merlion for a perfect photo-op against the city skyline, and visit the stunning Gardens by the Bay, home to the towering Supertrees that light up like something out of a sci-fi film. These short photo stops will give you a taste of the city’s sleek blend of nature and technology.
2. Heritage Tour
Timing: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Highlights: Take a step back in time with this tour, which brings you to Singapore’s historic Civic District, Chinatown, and Kampong Gelam. It’s a wonderful way to explore the city’s multicultural heritage and colonial past in a short time. You’ll get a quick, immersive taste of the local culture through your tour guide’s stories, along with stops at heritage buildings and vibrant neighborhoods.
3. Changi Precinct Tour
Timing: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Highlights: Want to see what everyday life looks like for Singaporeans? This tour takes you away from the bustling city center to the charming east side of Singapore. You’ll get a peek into the quieter, local areas near Changi Airport, such as Changi Village, Changi Beach Park and the best neighborhood in Singapore — Tampines, where you can experience a more laid-back, authentic slice of life.
Important Things to Note
Availability: Tours operate daily, including weekends and public holidays.
Language: All tours are conducted in English.
Eligibility & Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Singapore. Transit passengers from eligible countries can qualify for visa-free entry or a Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF). Make sure to check the entry requirements before your trip.
Booking and Reporting Time: For all tours, you need to check in at the Free Singapore Tour booth 90 minutes before the tour start time. Tour check-in closes 75 minutes prior to the start. Be sure to arrive on time, as latecomers will not be allowed to join the tour.
Essential Documents and Preparation
You’ll need to bring your passport, boarding passes, and, if required, a valid entry visa. Don’t forget to stow away any large or wheeled cabin baggage, as they aren’t allowed on the tour. There are baggage storage facilities in the transit area where you can safely leave your belongings for a fee.
A Few More Tips
First-Come, First-Served: Spots are limited, so it’s best to either pre-book or arrive early if you’re doing a walk-in registration.
Food Sampling: Some tours include food sampling, so if you have any allergies, be sure to let your guide know beforehand.
Be Mindful of Time: Remember, transit passengers must follow the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) guidelines. If you’re late returning to the tour bus or get separated from the group, you’ll have to find your way back to the airport on your own, at your own cost.
Stay Together: Participants are required to stay with the group throughout the tour and return to the airport afterward.
In just under three hours, the Free Singapore Tour gives you a taste of what this bustling city-state has to offer. Whether you're a culture lover, architecture enthusiast, or just want to make the most of your time during a long layover, this tour provides an enjoyable, hassle-free way to explore Singapore’s best sights.
For more details, or to check your eligibility and book your tour, visit the official website of the Free Singapore Tour.
Disclaimer: Images used are for illustrative purposes and are not owned by exploretomakan.
