Destinations Travel Guide

Changi Airport & Jewel

BusGoWhere Team
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Travel Time
27 mins by MRT, 1 hour by Bus 36 from city
Fare Range
$1.00 - $2.50 by bus, $1.50 - $2.50 by MRT
Best For
Airport Access, Budget Travel, Jewel Attractions, Shopping

Bus Routes

24 27 34 36 53 110 858

Nearby MRT Stations

Changi Airport (linked to T2/T3)

Changi Airport isn't just a place you pass through—it's a destination in its own right. Consistently ranked the world's best airport, Singapore's aviation hub transformed from an excellent transit point into an attraction worth visiting even if you're not flying anywhere, thanks to the addition of Jewel Changi Airport in 2019.

Jewel Changi Airport: Where Nature Meets Innovation

Jewel Changi Airport is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex featuring the world's tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by terraced forest gardens. This architectural marvel operates 24 hours a day, making it accessible for early morning arrivals, late-night layovers, or midnight adventures.

The Rain Vortex: World's Tallest Indoor Waterfall

At 40 meters tall, the HSBC Rain Vortex dominates Jewel's center, with 10,000 gallons of water cascading down every minute. During the day, natural light illuminates the falls, creating spectacular photo opportunities. But the real magic happens after dark.

Light & Sound Show Schedule:
Daily from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM at hourly intervals (7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM). The waterfall transforms into a canvas of lights, projections, and music—completely FREE to watch.

Best Viewing Spots:

  • Level 1 (ground level) for the full height perspective
  • Level 5 Canopy Park for bird's-eye views looking down
  • Basement 2 for unique upward-looking angles through the glass ceiling

Canopy Park: Adventure 23 Stories High

Sitting atop Jewel at Level 5, this 14,000-square-meter playground offers attractions with stunning views of both the waterfall and the forest valley below.

Attractions Include:

  • Canopy Bridge: Walk 75 feet high across a suspended net bridge
  • Hedge Maze: Navigate Singapore's largest hedge labyrinth (250 meters of pathways)
  • Discovery Slides: Four tube slides and two open slides offering views of Forest Valley
  • Foggy Bowls: Bowl-shaped walking nets surrounded by mist
  • Sky Nets: Bouncing and walking nets suspended in mid-air

Entry Fee: SGD per person (incredibly affordable for what you get)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Time Needed: 1-2 hours to enjoy all activities

Shiseido Forest Valley: Indoor Garden Oasis

Surrounding the Rain Vortex, Forest Valley features lush gardens with walking trails across multiple levels. Over 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs create a genuine forest atmosphere—hard to believe you're inside a building at one of the world's busiest airports.

Highlights:

  • Four themed garden areas: Petal, Topiary, Foggy Bowls, and Forest Valley
  • Multiple viewpoints and photo spots throughout different levels
  • Air-conditioned comfort year-round
  • Completely FREE to explore

Shopping & Dining at Jewel

Shopping: 280+ Retail Outlets

From luxury brands to local Singapore souvenirs, Jewel's shopping spans basement through Level 4. Key stores include:

  • Tangs department store (Level 3-4) for premium goods
  • Changi Recommends for curated Singapore gifts and souvenirs
  • International brands including Nike, Zara, Uniqlo, Sephora
  • Electronics and travel essentials

Dining: 90+ Food & Beverage Options

Budget Eats (Basement 2 Food Court):
Multiple food-court-style eateries offering meals from SGD -12, including local favorites like chicken rice, laksa, and dim sum.

Mid-Range (Levels 2-5):
Casual dining restaurants from SGD 8-35, with options ranging from Japanese ramen to American burgers. Many offer outdoor seating with views of Forest Valley.

Sweet Treats:
Famous outlets like A&W (returning to Singapore after 15 years), Shake Shack, and local dessert cafes.

Early Check-In: The Traveler's Dream Feature

Located on Level 1 of Jewel, the Early Check-In facility lets you drop off luggage and collect boarding passes up to 24 hours before your flight (for participating airlines). This brilliant service means you can explore Jewel, shop, dine, and enjoy attractions without dragging suitcases around.

39 Airlines Participating (2025): Including Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Scoot, AirAsia, Jetstar Asia, and many international carriers.

How It Works:

  1. Arrive at Jewel's Early Check-In counter (Level 1)
  2. Check in and drop luggage (must be at least 24 hours before departure)
  3. Receive boarding pass
  4. Explore Jewel stress-free for hours
  5. Return to airport 2-3 hours before flight for security and boarding

Getting to Changi Airport & Jewel by Bus

Multiple bus routes connect different terminals, with some offering direct access to Jewel. Buses operate from approximately 6:00 AM to midnight, with frequency varying by route.

Bus Routes to Terminals 1, 2, 3 & Jewel

  • Route 24: From Clementi and western Singapore; serves all terminals including T4
  • Route 27: From Boon Lay and Jurong areas
  • Route 34: From Punggol and northeastern regions; serves all terminals including T4
  • Route 36: THE airport bus—operates from Sims Avenue through city center; services all terminals (T1-T4); runs 6:00 AM - midnight
  • Route 53: From Bishan and central Singapore
  • Route 110: From Changi Village and eastern coastal areas; serves all terminals including T4
  • Route 858: Express service from various points

Bus 36/36A: The Airport Specialist

If there's one bus to remember for Changi Airport, it's Route 36. This service has been serving airport passengers for decades.

Route: Starts from Sims Avenue East, passes through Geylang, city areas, then serves Terminals 4, 1, 2, 3, and Jewel
Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - Midnight daily
Frequency: Every 8-15 minutes during peak hours; 15-20 minutes off-peak
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour from city to airport
Fare: .62 - .26 depending on boarding location

Money-Saving Calculation:
Bus 36 from city: ~.00
Grab/taxi from city: 5-25
Savings: 3-23 per trip!

Important: Terminal 4 Bus Service

Terminal 4 has LIMITED bus routes. Only buses 24, 34, 36, and 110 serve Terminal 4. If your flight departs/arrives at T4, verify your bus route stops there or plan to transfer via free inter-terminal shuttles.

Best Times to Visit Jewel (Non-Travelers)

Since Jewel operates 24/7, you can visit anytime, but strategic timing enhances the experience:

  • Weekday Mornings (10 AM - 12 PM): Smallest crowds, perfect for photography without people in your shots
  • Evening (7:30 PM - 9:30 PM): Catch the light show, enjoy dinner, experience the magical nighttime ambiance
  • Avoid: Weekends 2-6 PM: Peak family crowd time; expect queues at attractions and restaurants

How Much Time Do You Need?

Quick Visit (1-2 hours): See Rain Vortex, walk Forest Valley, grab a quick meal
Standard Visit (3-4 hours): Above plus shopping, Canopy Park attractions, leisurely dining
Extended Visit (5-6 hours): Full experience including all attractions, extensive shopping, multiple meals

For travelers with long layovers: 6+ hours is ideal to fully enjoy Jewel plus exploring the airport terminals' own attractions (butterfly garden, movie theater, rooftop pool, etc.).

Money-Saving Tips for Jewel

  • Free Attractions: Rain Vortex light show, Forest Valley, all garden areas cost absolutely nothing
  • Canopy Park Value: At just , it's one of Singapore's most affordable attractions
  • Eat at Food Court: Basement 2 offers meals from -12 vs 8-35 at restaurants
  • Free WiFi: Available throughout Jewel and all airport terminals
  • Water Fountains: Free water refill stations throughout—bring a reusable bottle
  • Bus vs Taxi: Save 3-23 by taking Bus 36 instead of taxi/ride-hailing

Perfect Half-Day Jewel Itinerary

2:00 PM: Arrive via Bus 36, enter Jewel from Terminal 1
2:15 PM: Explore Forest Valley walking trails across multiple levels
3:00 PM: Visit Canopy Park (Level 5) for attractions and views
4:30 PM: Shopping browse through Levels 1-3
6:00 PM: Dinner at Basement 2 food court or Level 5 restaurants with forest views
7:15 PM: Position yourself for the light show (best spots fill up 15 minutes before)
7:30 PM: Watch Rain Vortex light & sound show
8:00 PM: Final stroll through Forest Valley to see it illuminated at night
8:30 PM: Catch Bus 36 home

Practical Visitor Information

  • Jewel Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666 (between Terminals 1, 2, and 3)
  • Operating Hours: 24/7 (some shops/restaurants close around 11 PM)
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Fully accessible with elevators connecting all levels
  • Stroller Friendly: Wide walkways and ramps throughout
  • Left Luggage: Smarte Carte locations for short-term luggage storage
  • Free Showers: Available in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (not in Jewel itself)

Why Visit Changi Airport & Jewel?

Where else in the world can you experience a 40-meter indoor waterfall, explore a five-story indoor forest, bounce on suspended nets 23 stories up, shop at 280 stores, dine at 90 restaurants, and catch a world-class light show—all while remaining indoors in air-conditioned comfort at an airport?

Jewel represents Singapore's philosophy perfectly: take something functional (an airport) and transform it into something extraordinary. Whether you're killing time during a layover, seeking a unique date spot, entertaining visiting relatives, or just want to experience one of Singapore's newest attractions, Jewel delivers an experience that justifies the journey—even if you're not catching a flight.

And with Bus 36 offering affordable, frequent service directly to Jewel, there's no excuse not to experience this architectural and natural wonder.