Cheapest Way to Get from Changi Airport to Singapore City: Real Prices Compared
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-17
Looking for the cheapest way to get from Changi Airport to city? The MRT is it. Take the East-West line from Terminal 2 to Tanah Merah, change to a westbound train, and ride to City Hall. Total fare: ₹105-₹187 (~1.40-2.50 SGD or ~$1.09-$1.94). Travel time: about 45 minutes to City Hall or Raffles Place.
The MRT is the cheapest realistic option for an Indian traveller landing at Changi with luggage. The public bus is technically a few cents cheaper, but with a backpack and jet lag, it’s not worth the saving. If you’re planning a longer Singapore stay, our Singapore transport guide covers everything from EZ-Link cards to Grab bookings. For broader Southeast Asia transport options, check the SEA backpacking hub.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest realistic option | MRT (East-West line, 2 legs) | ₹105-₹187 (~1.40-2.50 SGD or ~$1.09-$1.94) |
| Cheapest full-cheapskate option | Public bus 36 to city centre | ₹67-₹187 (~0.90-2.50 SGD or ~$0.70-$1.94) |
| Fastest option | Grab (car) | ₹598-₹1,121 (~8-15 SGD or ~$6.20-$11.63) |
| Most convenient (door to door) | Singapore Airport Taxi (budget meter) | ₹1,644-₹2,242 (~22-30 SGD or ~$17.05-$23.26) |
| Card you need | EZ-Link or SimplyGo | ₹747 (~10 SGD or ~$7.75) deposit (5 non-refundable) |
| First train / last train from Changi | ~05:31 / ~23:50 (check below for shifts) | , |
| Currency reference | 1 SGD ≈ ₹74.69 | , |
At current rates (1 SGD ≈ ₹74.69), 10 SGD ≈ ₹747. The MRT ride costs you about ₹105 (~$1.09) to ₹185 (~$1.92). A Grab to the same hotel costs roughly ₹600 (~$6.22) to ₹1,120 (~$11.62).
What Is the MRT and How Does It Work from Changi?
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is Singapore’s metro system. Changi Airport has a dedicated MRT station sitting inside the link bridge between Terminals 2 and 3, served by the Changi Airport branch of the East-West line (the green line on the system map). Trains run into Terminal 1 too, via the free Skytrain that connects all terminals underground and above.
For an Indian traveller, think of it like the Delhi Metro Airport Express, except cleaner, more frequent, and run by two operators (SBS Transit on the Changi branch, SMRT on the rest of the East-West line). You tap a contactless card on entry and on exit. No paper tickets for tourists, no queue at a counter. If you’re unsure which card to get, our best MRT card comparison breaks down EZ-Link vs SimplyGo vs contactless cards.
There are two fare systems. A single-trip Standard Ticket (the plastic card with a chip) costs ₹105 (~1.40 SGD or ~$1.09) to ₹187 (~2.50 SGD or ~$1.94) inclusive of a ₹7 (~0.10 SGD or ~$0.08) refundable deposit. An EZ-Link card costs a ₹747 (~10 SGD or ~$7.75) deposit (₹374 (~5 SGD or ~$3.88) non-refundable + ₹374 (~5 SGD or ~$3.88) stored value) but fares are discounted and you can reuse it. For a one-way airport run, the single-trip ticket is the cheapest honest answer. For a multi-day stay, EZ-Link or SimplyGo wins.
Step-by-Step: The Cheapest Route, Changi to City
This is the exact path, terminal by terminal, gate by gate. Changi Airport Group publishes wayfinding maps for all four terminals, and the MRT station sits between Terminals 2 and 3.
Step 1: Land and clear immigration
Changi processes arrivals quickly. For Indian passport holders you’ll need a Singapore visa (apply 3-5 working days ahead via ICA or an authorised visa agent), your passport, the disembarkation card handed out on the flight, and proof of onward travel. Don’t lose the white immigration slip, you’ll surrender it on the way out of Singapore.
Step 2: Walk to the MRT station
From Terminal 2 arrival hall, follow the purple “MRT” signs. The walk is about 5 to 7 minutes including a transit through the link bridge. From Terminal 3, the station is even closer, around 3 minutes via the same bridge. From Terminal 1, take the free Skytrain (departing every 4 minutes, runs 05:00 to 02:30) to Terminal 2 or 3 and then walk. From Terminal 4, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2, then walk to the MRT station.
If you’ve landed at Terminal 4, the shuttle bus runs 24 hours but only every 9 to 15 minutes depending on the hour. Budget an extra 25 minutes for Terminal 4 arrivals.
Step 3: Buy a ticket or top up your card
At the MRT station you have three options:
- Standard Ticket (single trip): ₹7 (~0.10 SGD or ~$0.08) deposit + fare. Fare is ₹105 (~1.40 SGD or ~$1.09) if you tap out within the first journey, more if you extend. Buy from the General Ticketing Machine (GTM) at the station concourse. Cash, NETS, or contactless card accepted.
- EZ-Link card: ₹747 (~10 SGD or ~$7.75) upfront (₹374 (~5 SGD or ~$3.88) non-refundable + ₹374 (~5 SGD or ~$3.88) stored value). Buy from the SimplyGo Ticket Office at the station or from any 7-Eleven after you arrive in the city. Fare is discounted to roughly ₹90 (~1.20 SGD or ~$0.93) for this airport run.
- SimplyGo on your contactless card: If you have a Visa payWave or Mastercard contactless card, tap in and out. Fare ₹105-₹112 (~1.40-1.50 SGD or ~$1.09-$1.16). Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3.5 percent, so check before relying on this.
For the cheapest possible journey, buy the Standard Ticket. For a 3+ day stay, buy the EZ-Link card.
Step 4: Board the eastbound train to Tanah Merah
From Changi Airport MRT, board any train heading east. All trains on this branch terminate at Tanah Merah, so you cannot board the wrong one. The ride is 2 stops, about 8 minutes. Stay in the train, do not alight at Expo unless you want to stretch, but Expo is not where the city trains terminate.
Step 5: Change at Tanah Merah
Tanah Merah is the interchange station between the Changi Airport branch and the main East-West line. The platform layout is cross-platform interchange, meaning you step off one train, walk 5 to 10 steps across the platform, and board the next westbound train to Pasir Ris. Trains arrive every 2 to 4 minutes during peak hours and every 5 to 7 minutes off-peak.
Step 6: Ride westbound to your destination
Major stops from Tanah Merah going west:
- Bugis (4 stops) for Arab Street, Haji Lane, and the indie shopping district
- City Hall (8 stops) for Raffles Hotel, Padang, the National Gallery
- Raffles Place (9 stops) for the financial district, Merlion Park, Marina Bay
- Orchard (12 stops) for the shopping belt, with a transfer at Outram Park to the North-East line
If you’re heading to Little India, alight at Rochor (10 stops) or Little India (11 stops). For Chinatown, take the East-West line to Outram Park and change to the North-East line one stop to Chinatown.
Step 7: Tap out and walk
Tap your ticket or card on the exit reader. The fare deducts from stored value or, for the Standard Ticket, the deposit adjusts and you can keep the card for your trip back. From City Hall MRT, the Raffles Hotel is a 4-minute walk and Merlion Park is about 8 minutes on foot.
Step 8: At night (after 23:50)
The last MRT train from Changi departs around 23:50 on weekdays and 00:05 on weekends. If your flight lands late, you have three fallback options covered in the next section. Don’t get stranded at the airport waiting for a train that won’t come.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: If you land between 22:00 and midnight, board the train without delay. The eastbound train from Changi to Tanah Merah runs every 12 minutes in that window. If you dawdle at the GTM buying the wrong ticket, you’ll miss the connection and wait 25 minutes in an underground station with nowhere to sit.
The Other Options, Honestly Compared
Public Bus 36 (and friends)
SBS Transit bus 36 runs from Changi Airport to several inner-city stops including Tomlinson Road (near Orchard), and bus 24 to Bedok and beyond. The fare is ₹67 (~0.90 SGD or ~$0.70) to ₹187 (~2.50 SGD or ~$1.94) depending on distance, paid via EZ-Link or SimplyGo.
Pros: Cheapest honest option. Air-conditioned, frequent, exact change not required.
Cons: Slow (60 to 90 minutes to the city), stops are spaced out, you’ll need to walk further from the bus stop to your hotel, and you’ll be standing in the luggage rack competing for space with other passengers if you’re on a 6 PM flight with full panniers.
Verdict: Take it on a quiet weekday morning with a daypack. Don’t take it on a Saturday night with a 65-litre backpack.
Grab / Gojek / Tada
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Singapore. From Changi to the city, fares are typically ₹598-₹1,121 (~8-15 SGD or ~$6.20-$11.63) for a GrabCar (regular 4-seater), ₹747-₹1,345 (~10-18 SGD or ~$7.75-$13.95) for a JustGrab (nearest car), and ₹1,345-₹2,242 (~18-30 SGD or ~$13.95-$23.26) for a GrabShare or 6-seater.
Pros: Door-to-door, no map reading, fixed price shown upfront, no surge at airport if you walk to the pickup point rather than the official taxi queue.
Cons: Costs roughly 4 to 10x the MRT. Pickup point at Terminal 2 is Level 1, pick-up bay 6, but travellers report the official airport taxi queue can crowd out Grab drivers on weekend nights. The Land Transport Authority enforces a ₹374 (~5 SGD or ~$3.88) airport surcharge on weekday peak (17:00 to 00:00) for all pickup-based bookings.
Verdict: Right choice for groups of 3 to 4, late-night arrivals, or anyone with 30+ kg of luggage. See our Grab booking guide for step-by-step pickup-point navigation.
Singapore Airport Taxi (Budget Meter)
At the official taxi queue outside arrivals, a budget taxi (by Trans-Cab or Premier) costs ₹1,644-₹2,242 (~22-30 SGD or ~$17.05-$23.26) to the city with no peak surcharge. A standard Comfort or CityCab taxi is ₹2,242-₹3,363 (~30-45 SGD or ~$23.26-$34.88) including the airport surcharge, ERP (electronic road pricing) tolls, and a ₹224 (~3 SGD or ~$2.33) midnight surcharge after 00:00.
Pros: Available 24/7, English-speaking drivers, no app needed.
Cons: Expensive. A single ₹1,868 (~25 SGD or ~$19.38) ride is roughly ₹1,800 (~$18.67), more than half a week’s MRT budget for a backpacker.
Verdict: Skip unless the MRT has stopped and Grab is showing 2x surge.
Airport Shuttle (Free for Transit, Paid for Hotel Drop)
Changi runs a free shuttle bus between terminals and a paid shuttle to selected downtown hotels. The paid shuttle is operated by multiple companies and typically costs ₹673-₹1,121 (~9-15 SGD or ~$6.98-$11.63) one-way with hotel pickup. Frequency is hourly, not high.
Verdict: Useful only if your hotel is on the route and you don’t mind the schedule.
Common Mistakes Indians Make at Changi
Mistake 1: Exchanging money at the airport, then paying MRT fares in cash
The MRT ticket machines do not accept Indian rupees, and airport money changers give terrible rates. Either buy a Standard Ticket from the GTM (which takes SGD cash, NETS, or contactless cards) or, better, use the SimplyGo feature on your Visa payWave or Mastercard contactless card. Don’t queue at a money changer just to buy an MRT ticket.
Mistake 2: Boarding a train and not tapping out
If you don’t tap out, the system charges you a maximum fare (around ₹187 (~2.50 SGD or ~$1.94)) and your card is blocked until you tap at any exit gate in the system. This catches first-time users daily. Always tap on entry AND on exit.
Mistake 3: Going to the wrong Changi terminal
Changi has four terminals. The MRT station is physically located between T2 and T3. If you exit from T4 thinking you’re at the MRT, you’re not, you need a free shuttle. Always confirm your terminal before you book the flight.
Mistake 4: Choosing a Standard Ticket for a 3+ day stay
The Standard Ticket is a single-trip card with ₹7 (~0.10 SGD or ~$0.08) refundable deposit. If you use it for your airport run AND for daily city trips, you’ll keep buying new ones and losing ₹7 (~0.10 SGD or ~$0.08) each time. For a multi-day stay, the ₹747 (~10 SGD or ~$7.75) EZ-Link card pays for itself in 3 to 4 rides.
Mistake 5: Trusting “last train” times printed on outdated websites
The MRT last train shifts by 5 to 15 minutes depending on whether it’s a weekday, Saturday, or Sunday/Public Holiday. Always check the official SBS Transit and SMRT apps on the day you travel. Last train from Changi on a Sunday can be as late as 00:30. The 23:50 number I quoted above is a weekday worst case.
What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
1. The cross-platform interchange at Tanah Merah only works for the westbound direction
If you board the eastbound train at Changi Airport, ride 2 stops to Tanah Merah, and want to go back the way you came, you have to walk up or down a level to change platforms. The “cross-platform” convenience only works Changi-to-City, not City-to-Changi. Don’t panic when you can’t find the door on the platform, just follow the signs.
2. There’s no Changi branch train after 23:50 on weekdays
Once the last eastbound train leaves Changi, the airport branch closes. You’re stuck with Grab, a taxi, or waiting until the first train at 05:31. If your flight lands in that 6-hour window, MRT is not an option.
3. Indian debit cards often don’t work at the GTMs
HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Axis Visa/Mastercard debit cards work on the SimplyGo tap-in/tap-out readers (sometimes). Indian RuPay cards do not. If your card is rejected at the entry gate, you need a Standard Ticket or cash. Always have a backup.
4. You don’t need an EZ-Link card for the MRT anymore
Since 2024, you can tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, or American Express directly on the entry gate and the system deducts from your card. The transaction posts as a foreign currency charge (SGD), so factor in your bank’s FX markup (1 to 3.5 percent). For most Indian travellers on a forex card, this is the cheapest realistic option after the Standard Ticket.
Getting Connected in Singapore
Singtel, M1, and StarHub all sell tourist SIMs at Changi. The 7-day tourist SIM with around 50GB data is ₹1,121 (~15 SGD or ~$11.63) at any of the three carriers’ airport counters on the arrivals level. You need your passport for KYC.
If you’d rather skip the airport counter, Get Nomad eSIM is an Asia-region eSIM you can buy online before you fly and activate the moment you land. No passport scan, no queue. For a 7-day Singapore trip, the Nomad 5GB plan is around ₹868 (~9 USD), the 10GB plan is ₹1,350 (~14 USD). Both cover Singapore, and the 10GB plan doubles as a Thailand/Malaysia/Vietnam data pack if you’re continuing the trip. Activate on landing, finish activation in 5 minutes, save the ₹1,121 (~15 SGD or ~$11.63) airport counter spend for your hawker budget.
What to Eat Near the City Once You Arrive
Once you’ve dropped bags and showered, here’s where Indian backpackers eat within a 10-minute walk of City Hall MRT. For a full food guide, see our Indian food in Singapore guide.
For an Indian fix that doesn’t feel like a sad diaspora canteen, KOTHI RESTAURANT & BAR (From Amritsar With Love) in the Bras Basah-Bugis corridor does proper Punjabi fare, dal makhani and tandoori momos, with a family-friendly seating area. We Desi - Indian Bistro inside City Gate Mall is the spot for North Indian street food and signature tandoori momos, around ₹1,495 (~20 SGD or ~$15.50) per head including drinks. THREE. By Garamika is the modern Indian fusion option if you want something less Amritsar, more Mumbai-hip.
For local flavour without breaking the budget, head to Sanook Kitchen - Square 2 on Orchard Road for Thai food that costs less than a Suntec City lunch. Yogiyo Korean restaurant in the Dhoby Ghaut area does solid Korean comfort food. Ming’s Cafe & Pub is your late-night option near Boat Quay for cheap bites and a pint.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Singapore tap water is drinkable. Carry a refillable bottle and skip the ₹149 (~2 SGD or ~$1.55) mineral water habit. Saves you a meaningful chunk over a week.
Once You’re in the City
After you’ve checked into a hostel near Bugis, Little India, or Chinatown, the MRT day-pass concept doesn’t exist anymore (it was discontinued in 2022), so just use stored value on EZ-Link or SimplyGo. For budget accommodation options, check our best budget hotels and hostels guide. Each ride costs ₹74-₹162 (~0.99-2.17 SGD or ~$0.77-$1.68), which means a packed sightseeing day tops out at around ₹598 (~8 SGD or ~$6.20) total.
If you’ve got half a day after landing, the Merlion Park at Marina Bay is a 12-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT and the obvious first photo stop. From there, walk 10 minutes to Gardens by the Bay for the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest conservatory is roughly ₹2,391 (~32 SGD or ~$24.81) for foreigners, the Supertree Observatory is ₹1,046 (~14 SGD or ~$10.85), and the Flower Dome is ₹1,345 (~18 SGD or ~$13.95). Indian travellers often ask if there’s a resident discount. There isn’t.
For something free and less crowded, the Macritchie Treetop Walk Trailhead in the central catchment nature reserve is a 250-metre suspension bridge across the rainforest canopy. Access is free, but the nearest MRT (Caldecott on the Thomson-East Coast line) is a 15-minute bus ride. Worth it on a clear morning. The corresponding TreeTop Walk is the same structure, a different access trailhead.
If you’re a backpacker who likes an adrenaline hit, Mega Adventure - Singapore on Sentosa runs Asia’s steepest zip line and aerial obstacle courses. Tickets start around ₹3,736 (~50 SGD or ~$38.76) for the MegaZip alone, 70+ SGD for the MegaQuest plus zipline combo.
For the airport-to-city run covered in this article, plus onward transport to Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok, Book on 12go for buses and trains out of Singapore.
FAQ
What is the absolute cheapest way to get from Changi Airport to Singapore city?
The public bus (36 or 24) is technically the cheapest at ₹67-₹187 (~0.90-2.50 SGD or ~$0.70-$1.94), but for a first-time Indian traveller with luggage, the MRT Standard Ticket at ₹105 (~1.40 SGD or ~$1.09) is the cheapest realistic option.
How much does Grab cost from Changi Airport to the city?
Grab to most central areas (City Hall, Orchard, Bugis) runs ₹598-₹1,121 (~8-15 SGD or ~$6.20-$11.63) during off-peak hours and ₹897-₹1,644 (~12-22 SGD or ~$9.30-$17.05) during peak. Weekday 17:00 to 00:00 attracts a ₹374 (~5 SGD or ~$3.88) airport surcharge.
Is the MRT in Singapore safe at night?
Yes. Stations are well-lit, monitored by CCTV, and have station staff on duty until the last train. The carriage is normally half-full even at 23:00. Travellers report no incidents in the airport branch in recent years.
Can I use Indian Paytm or UPI to pay for the MRT?
No. Singapore MRT does not accept UPI or Paytm. Use a Visa/Mastercard contactless card via SimplyGo, an EZ-Link card, or buy a Standard Ticket at the GTM with cash or NETS.
Do I need a Singapore visa to take the MRT from the airport?
Indian passport holders need a valid Singapore tourist visa before they fly. You cannot get a visa on arrival, and immigration will not let you into the country without one. Apply 3-5 working days ahead via the ICA portal or an authorised agent.
What if I land after midnight and the MRT is closed?
Take a Grab (₹598-₹1,121 (~8-15 SGD or ~$6.20-$11.63)), an airport budget taxi (₹1,644-₹2,242 (~22-30 SGD or ~$17.05-$23.26)), or a Comfort taxi (₹2,242-₹3,363 (~30-45 SGD or ~$23.26-$34.88)). Confirm the airport surcharge on the meter before you board.
Is there a day pass for the Singapore MRT?
No, the tourist day pass was discontinued in 2022. Use stored value on EZ-Link or tap your contactless card. Each ride is ₹74-₹162 (~0.99-2.17 SGD or ~$0.77-$1.68).
Subodh’s Take
The MRT is the right answer for 90 percent of Indian backpackers landing at Changi. It costs 100-180 INR, gets you to City Hall in 45 minutes, and runs on a schedule you can plan around. The public bus is a 30-cent saving you’ll regret when you’re standing at the back of route 36 with a 65-litre backpack at 7 PM on a Friday. Grab is fine for groups and late-night arrivals. Ignore anyone telling you to take an airport taxi at the queue. The MRT is how every Singaporean gets home from Changi, and you should too.
