Flying around Southeast Asia with a short stopover in Singapore? Generally, you have two options: sleep in Singapore city or sleep in Changi airport.
As I’ve been to Singapore a few times and I am pretty often disappointed with the accommodation and their prices, one time I decided I could stay at the transit hotel during my long stopover.
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That being said, I wasn’t able to sleep at the Transit Hotel and I decided to sleep at Singapore Airport.
As Singapore is one of the best airports in the world, I thought it would be finally my time to make the most of it.
That said if you’d rather spend more time in Singapore, take a look at our Singapore itinerary.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- We recommend you book a hotel room at least two weeks before your trip. Most Changi hotels get booked out very quickly.
- Consider staying in one of the best Singapore Airport hotels: Ambassador transit hotel Terminal 3 or Aerotel Transit Hotel Terminal 1
- There are no sleeping pods at the moment at Changi Airport. Although, you’ll find snooze lounges and comfortable sleeping spots at Singapore Airport.
🛌 Where To Sleep In Changi Airport
If you are wondering if you can sleep at Singapore airport, the answer is yes.
Singapore Changi Airport has many comfortable spots to pick from when it comes to sleeping in this airport.
In the transit area, you can find transit hotels, snooze lounges, and hundreds of comfortable and modern chairs.
You can also access a lounge that includes a pool, a gym, and a buffet. Although you have to pay to get in and honestly, it’s not that cheap.
Overall, it’s fair to say that there are many sleeping areas in Changi Airport.
I decided to spend my night in Terminal 3 (I was flying in and out of Singapore in Terminal 4, but I was able to take a shuttle to stay in the transit area to terminal 2 and then the Skytrain to Terminal 3.
If you tell the shuttle bus staff your will to spend the night in the transit hotel, they should be able to clear the immigration for you.
Why did I pick Terminal 3? There’s a free cinema on-site and there’s a lot to do in this terminal.
Terminal 2 could also be a great alternative as they also have a cinema and other great things to do. (Updated in May 2022: Terminal 2 is temporarily closed.)
After having a nice meal and watching travel shows on Netflix, I struggled to find a spot where to sleep. It was already getting late.
All the longer couches were already taken and so were the snooze lounge chairs.
After walking a few times in this area which is pretty quiet by the way, I finally found a massage chair (which gives you free massages).
This chair became my bed for the night and I did enjoy a few massages while I was there too. Of course, it wasn’t the best spot, but I can’t really complain.
I managed to sleep for about 7 hours which is pretty fair considering how I normally struggle to sleep in airports. Overall, sleeping in Changi Airport was a success!
The following day, I had to go through immigration and re-enter Terminal 4 which wasn’t a big deal to me since I still had time to kill.
It turns out that terminal 4 was not bad either. In fact, it was less busy and there were a lot of comfy chairs to pick from too. (And there is also a snooze lounge in this terminal.)
That being said, it would have probably been easy to sleep there too.
Although, during nighttime, you can’t take the Skytrain or shuttle to other terminals. I didn’t want to risk it as it’s a smaller terminal.
Want to stay in a hotel instead?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in or around Singapore airport.
Best budget hotel: YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport Landside
Best mid-range hotels: Ambassador transit hotel Terminal 3 or Aerotel Transit Hotel Terminal 1
Best luxury hotel: Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
🛬 My Experience Sleeping At Changi Airport
Would I sleep at Singapore Airport again? Yes. I was desperate when I realized there were about 17 hours to kill.
It went by fast, and I didn’t feel too much pain – in fact, my legs were pleased with the massage chair, and I managed to watch a whole TV show on Netflix. Ha!
🏨 Singapore Airport Hotels
If sleeping at the airport is not an option, we recommend you book one of the best Singapore Airport hotels in advance.
They can get booked out quickly, so make sure to book ahead.
Below, you’ll find the best-rated Singapore Airport hotels located in the airport or nearby.
YOTELAIR Singapore Chaingi Airport
Located just outside of the transit area, YOTELAIR is the most budget-friendly option.
You can walk from the airport to the hotel easily. You can book for the night.
Aerotel Transit Hotel Terminal 1
Aerotel Transit Hotel is located in Terminal 1 next to Gate D41.
You can book an hourly package (6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours).
Ambassador Transit Hotel Terminal 3
Ambassador Transit Hotel is located in Terminal 3.
You can book an hourly package for 6 or 12 hours with an access to the gym if you wish to move your body while you’re there.
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
Dusit Thani Laguna is located 3.9 kilometers from the airport.
It’s a 5-star hotel, ideal for those who want to relax away from the airport during their stopover.
What To Do At Singapore Airport
There are a lot of things you can do while at Singapore airport. There are gardens, cinemas, gyms, TVs, and many shops and restaurants to pick from.
Honestly, it’s the perfect airport for longer stopovers.
You could even get a free city tour if you register at one of the desks at the transit lounges.
The tours can be full quickly, so make sure you do this first if you have a long stopover. It’s a great opportunity to see the city.
What To Bring For A Comfy Sleep In Changi Airport
If you’re sensitive to cold, you will likely get cold at Changi Airport.
Make sure to bring warm clothes or a blanket to fall asleep.
As the light will stay on, you might want to bring a sleeping mask and earplugs too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping In Singapore Airport
Below, you’ll find popular questions and answers regarding Singapore Airport.
Are There Sleeping Pods In Singapore Airport?
No. There are no sleeping pods in Singapore Airport like the ones you’ll find in Kuala Lumpur Airport. Instead, you’ll find long chairs in Snooze areas around the airport.
Alternatively, you’ll find excellent hotels inside Singapore Airport.
Since 2020, there has been a rumor about sleeping pods in Terminal 1 in the arrivals hall, but we couldn’t find any information about this on Changi’s Airport website.
Where Can I Sleep For Free At Changi Airport?
Singapore Airport provides Snooze lounges where you’ll find long chairs to relax and sleep.
These are free, but if you arrive late, you may not be able to find a free chair as these areas are usually packed.
We suggest you go around early to find a spot where you’d like to sleep.
Are there showers At Singapore Airport?
Yes. You’ll find showers in the lounges. To access the showers, you’ll need to pay $20.
Final Thoughts On Sleeping At Changi Airport
Sleeping at Singapore Airport is a great way to save money on a hotel and have a place to rest during your travels.
The airport offers comfortable chairs, quiet areas, and clean facilities to make your experience more pleasant.
But sleeping at the airport is not for everyone.
Instead, consider booking a room in one of the hotels mentioned above to get the beauty sleep you need before your next flight.
Are you heading to Singapore soon? Read our guide to learn how to buy a Singapore SIM card.
Need Internet when you’re there? Consider purchasing one of the best eSIM for Asia.
Traveling to Asia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
