How to get from Singapore Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Singapore · Urban & Cultural · Changi Airport · Marina Bay Sands

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is an easy hop: take the MRT (fast and cheap), a taxi or ride-hailing app (most convenient), a prebooked private transfer (door-to-door), or a public bus combo (cheapest but slower). Pick the option that fits your arrival time, luggage, and budget.

At A Glance (Singapore Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands)

Mode Duration Best For
🚇 MRT (Changi Airport → Expo → Bayfront) + Short Indoor Walk ~40–55m train + 5–10m walk inside MBS Lowest cost, predictable timing
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 1.90–2.50 adult with contactless card » travel cards/passes
🚖 Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Grab, Gojek) ~18–30m (traffic-dependent) Door-to-door ease, heavy luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 22–38 (meter/variable) » fixed-price quotes | meet & greet option
🛺 Private Transfer (Meet & Greet) ~20–30m Families, groups, guaranteed pickup
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 45–95 per vehicle (size/time) » compare transfers | more options
🚌 Public Bus + Short Walk ~55–75m (wait times vary) Cheapest cashless ride, light luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 1.50–2.20 adult (cashless) » alt. listings

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Contactless works everywhere: Tap your Visa/Mastercard/phone wallet on MRT/bus readers; no need to buy a separate card.
  • Luggage timing: MBS check-in is busy mid-afternoon—if early, store bags via Radical Storage and explore Gardens by the Bay.
  • Arriving very late/with kids: Consider prebooked transfers or Welcome Pickups for a name-board pickup.
  • Staying elsewhere first? Compare nearby hotels on Booking.com (MBS area) before moving to the resort.

🚇 Option #1 — MRT (Most Popular, Best Value)

Cheap Air-conditioned 1 transfer

  • Overview: From Changi Airport MRT (CG2) take the Changi Airport branch to Expo, transfer to Downtown Line (DTL) toward downtown, and alight at Bayfront (DT16). MBS is connected directly underground—follow signs to your tower or The Shoppes.
  • How to book (with price): No booking needed. Fare ~SGD 1.90–2.50 (adult) with contactless or stored-value. Tourist passes and SIM + transport bundles are on Klook.
  • Pros: Fast, frequent, avoids traffic. Cons: One transfer at Expo; can be crowded at peaks.

Step-by-step: MRT

  1. From your arrival terminal, follow signs to Changi Airport MRT (linked to T2/T3; free Skytrain connects terminals).
  2. Tap in with a contactless bank card/phone. Board the train to Expo (CG1/DT35) (one stop).
  3. Transfer at Expo to the Downtown Line (DTL) toward Downtown/Bukit Panjang; ride to Bayfront (DT16).
  4. At Bayfront, follow signs to Marina Bay Sands (The Shoppes/Casino/Hotel). Walk indoors to your tower lobby.

Getting to the main embarking points (Changi MRT & Bayfront)

  • Changi MRT: Wayfinding from Arrivals to the station is clearly signed; lifts available for luggage.
  • Bayfront: Multiple exits feed into MBS; check tower numbers on overhead signs.
  • Official info: Changi MRT guide | MBS – Getting Here
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Fastest Door-to-Door)

No transfers 24/7 Variable fare

  • Overview: Follow signs to the terminal taxi stand or book Grab/Gojek from Arrivals. Most rides take 18–30 minutes via ECP or MCE expressways.
  • How to book (with price): Metered taxis typically SGD 22–38 depending on time/tolls; app fares vary with surge. For fixed quotes and larger vehicles compare GetTransfer or Welcome Pickups.
  • Pros: Quick and simple with luggage/kids. Cons: Costs more at peak/late night.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Ride-Hailing

  1. From Arrivals, follow signs to the official Taxi rank or the Ride-hailing pickup zones.
  2. If using apps, set destination to Marina Bay Sands and select your tower or “Hotel Lobby Drop-off”.
  3. Confirm tolls (ERP/MCE) and payment method; load luggage and go.
  4. On arrival, ask for your specific MBS tower lobby or The Shoppes entrance as needed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport forecourt & MBS lobbies)

🛺 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Meet & Greet, Fixed Price)

Meet-and-greet Great for groups Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, helps with bags, and drives directly to your MBS lobby.
  • How to book (with price): From ~SGD 45–95 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare on Klook transfers or GetYourGuide; fixed quotes also on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: Stress-free arrival, vehicle options (sedan/MPV/van), child seats on request. Cons: Costs more than MRT/taxi.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Prebook with flight number, passenger count, and luggage. Select vehicle type and child seats if needed.
  2. After landing, connect to airport Wi-Fi and meet the driver at the agreed arrivals point (name-board).
  3. Ride directly to Marina Bay Sands; confirm tower lobby for drop-off.
  4. Pay as per booking (cashless usually) and head to check-in.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals meet point & MBS lobbies)

🚌 Option #4 — Public Bus (Cheapest, Slowest)

Low fare Frequent Multiple stops

  • Overview: Several SBS/SMRT services connect the airport to the city with a transfer near Marina Bay. Good for budget travelers with small bags.
  • How to book (with price): No booking; tap contactless. Expect ~SGD 1.50–2.20 adult depending on route and distance. For alternative transport/tour combos see 12Go Singapore listings.
  • Pros: Cheapest way. Cons: Slower than MRT/taxi; standing likely at peaks.

Step-by-step: Public Bus

  1. From Arrivals, follow signs to the terminal Bus Stops (basement). Check the service board for routes toward Marina Bay.
  2. Tap in with contactless and ride toward the city (you may need one transfer near Bayfront/Promenade).
  3. Alight near Bayfront or The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands stop and walk indoors to your tower lobby.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport bus bays & MBS stops)

FAQ (Singapore Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands)

What’s the absolute fastest way?
Taxi or ride-hailing—often under 25 minutes off-peak, kerbside to hotel lobby.

Is the MRT easy with luggage?
Yes. Trains and stations have lifts and wide gates. Avoid rush hours if you have multiple large bags.

Can I pay with my phone/watch?
Yes—contactless (Visa/Mastercard/Apple/Google Pay) works on MRT/buses with standard fares.

What time does MRT start/stop?
Early morning to around midnight (varies by day). If you land very late, use taxi or a prebooked transfer.

Which MRT exit at Bayfront for MBS?
Follow “Marina Bay Sands / The Shoppes” signs; you’ll stay indoors to reach the hotel towers and mall.

Do I need to tip taxi drivers?
Tipping isn’t customary in Singapore; fares include tolls/surcharges (if any). Round up if you wish.