When to Go

The busy season is from January to June. In the late summer months, business travel dies down, and in fall, even tourism drops off somewhat, making the season ripe for budget-minded visitors. These may be the best times to get a deal. Probably the worst time to negotiate will be between Christmas and the Chinese New Year.

How to Get There
Most visitors to Singapore will land at Changi International Airport, which is located toward the far eastern corner of the island. Compared to so many other international airports, Changi is a dream come true, providing clean and very efficient space and facilities. Expect to find in-transit accommodations, restaurants, duty-free shops, money-changers, ATMs, car-rental desks, accommodation assistance, and tourist information all marked with clear signs. When you arrive, keep your eyes peeled for the many Singapore Tourism Board brochures that are so handily displayed throughout the terminal.

The city is easily accessible by public transportation. A taxi trip to the city center will cost around S$22 to S$25 (US$13-US$14) and takes around 20 minutes. You'll traverse the wide Airport Boulevard to the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) or the East Coast Parkway (ECP), past public housing estates and other residential neighborhoods in the eastern part of the island, over causeways, and into the city center.

CityCab offers an airport shuttle, a six-seater maxicab that traverses between the airport and the major hotel areas. It covers most hotels, and is very flexible about drop-offs and pickups within the central areas, including MRT (subway) stations. Bookings are made at the airport shuttle counter in the arrival terminal or by calling tel. 65/6542-8297. Pay S$7 (US$4) for adults and S$5 (US$2.85) for children directly to the driver.

The MRT now operates to the airport, linking you with the city and areas beyond. Follow signs in the terminal buildings. Trains operate roughly from 6am to midnight daily, and the trip takes about a half-hour. Pay S$1.40 (US80¢) to travel to City Hall Station.

A couple of buses run from the airport into the city as well. SBS bus no. 16 will take you on a route to Orchard Road and Raffles City (in the Historic District). SBS bus no. 36 runs a direct route to and from the airport and Orchard Road. Both bus stops are located in the basement of the arrival terminal. A trip to town will be about S$1.40 (US80¢).

For arrival and departure information, you can call Changi International Airport toll-free at tel. 65/6542-4422.