Last updated . Facts checked against LTA announcements.
To travel from Changi Airport to the city centre by MRT, head to the basement of Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 to find Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2). Tap in with a SimplyGo-enabled contactless bank card or tourist pass, then board the train. Ride two stops to Tanah Merah Station (EW4), cross the platform, and board a westbound East West Line train towards Tuas Link. That connecting train takes you into the city, reaching Bugis, City Hall and Raffles Place in around 30 to 40 minutes.
The MRT is known for its cleanliness, reliability and very effective air-conditioning. The airport connection does have one specific quirk that catches many first-time visitors off guard, so read on for a clear step-by-step breakdown of the route.
Quick Takeaways:
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It is not a direct train: The airport train runs on a short branch line. You must transfer at Tanah Merah (EW4) to reach the city.
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No paper tickets needed: Tap in with a foreign Visa or Mastercard, or use Apple Pay or Google Wallet, via the SimplyGo system.
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Affordable fare: A one-way trip to the city centre costs a fraction of a taxi or ride-hail fare. Expect to pay only a few dollars.
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Check the operating hours: The MRT does not run 24 hours. If your flight lands late at night, you may need to take a taxi instead.
Step 1: Finding the Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2)
The MRT station sits underground, between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Changi Airport covers several terminals and the Jewel complex, so it helps to know exactly where to go before you start walking.
If you arrive at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, follow the overhead signs for “Train to City” and take the escalators down to the basement. You will reach the ticketing concourse in under five minutes from the arrival hall.
If you arrive at Terminal 1, walk through the transit areas linking to T2 or T3, or take the complimentary Skytrain. Passengers landing at Terminal 4 need to board the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first, then head down to the basement station. You can read more about fare options on our 2026 Singapore MRT guide.
Getting around Singapore? Find any station on the interactive MRT map, or save the PDF map to use offline.
Step 2: Paying Your Fare in 2026
The entire MRT network now operates on a tap-and-go basis. There are no single-trip paper tickets, so come prepared with a contactless payment method.
For most visitors, the simplest option is a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. These work directly at the fare gates through the SimplyGo system. You are billed for the exact distance travelled.
If you plan to take the train frequently during your stay, a Singapore Tourist Pass is worth considering. It offers unlimited rides for a flat daily rate and can be purchased at the passenger service centre at the airport station.
Tip: If you use a foreign credit card, your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee on each tap. If those fees are high, picking up an EZ-Link card or a Tourist Pass at the airport station will likely work out cheaper overall.
Step 3: Boarding and the Tanah Merah Transfer
Once you tap through the fare gates, head down to the platform. There is only one line here, so you cannot board the wrong train. Secure your luggage and settle in for a short ride.
The train leaves the airport, stops briefly at Expo (CG1), then terminates at Tanah Merah Station (EW4). You must get off here. Listen to the announcements and do not miss it.
When the train pulls into Tanah Merah, doors open on both sides of the carriage. To continue into the city, exit through the left-side doors onto Platform B. The westbound train to the city will arrive at the same platform, so there are no stairs or level changes involved.
Step 4: Riding the East West Line into the City Centre
Once you are on the westbound Green Line train, you are on the main spine of the MRT network. The train runs above ground through the eastern suburbs, then goes underground as it approaches the city centre.
The journey from Tanah Merah to the heart of the city takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the route maps above the doors so you know when your stop is coming up.
If your hotel is near Bugis, City Hall or Raffles Place, you will not need to change lines at all. Alight directly from the Green Line.
Tip: Weekday rush hour runs from around 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. If you are travelling with large suitcases during those windows, expect crowded trains, especially closer to the city centre.
Getting to Specific City Destinations
The Green Line gets you into town, but you may need to change to a different line depending on exactly where you are headed. Here is how to reach the most common destinations in 2026.
Getting to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay
Ride the Green Line to Bugis Station (EW12), tap out and transfer to the Downtown Line (Blue Line) via the underground linkway. Take the Blue Line to Bayfront Station (DT16/CE1), which brings you out directly at Marina Bay Sands.
Getting to Orchard Road
Stay on the Green Line to City Hall Station (EW13), then cross the platform to board the North South Line (Red Line) towards Jurong East. Alight at Somerset or Orchard, depending on where your hotel is.
Getting to Chinatown
Ride the Green Line to Outram Park Station (EW16). From there you can transfer to the North East Line (Purple Line) for Chinatown Station, or the Thomson-East Coast Line (Brown Line) for Maxwell Station.
2026 MRT Timings and Travel Data
The MRT does not run all night, so it is worth knowing the last train times before you land. If your flight is delayed or baggage claim takes longer than expected, the table below will help you plan.
| Route / Departure Point | First Train (Mon-Sat) | First Train (Sunday) | Last Train to City | Approx. Travel Time |
| Changi Airport (CG2) | 05:31 AM | 05:59 AM | 11:18 PM | N/A |
| Tanah Merah (EW4) Transfer | 05:36 AM | 06:04 AM | 11:30 PM | 30 to 40 mins (total) |
Note: Train schedules can change slightly on public holidays. Check live timings if you are arriving late at night.
If you miss the last train, head to the official taxi stands outside the arrival halls in each terminal. A late-night taxi to the city centre takes roughly 20 minutes. Fares vary depending on midnight surcharges, so check the meter.
Tips for the Airport Commute
A few simple habits will make your journey more comfortable and keep you on the right side of local etiquette.
Stand on the left side of escalators and leave the right free for people walking. If you have luggage, keep it close to the left rail so other commuters can pass easily.
Respect the reserved seats near the train doors. They are for elderly passengers, pregnant women and those with mobility issues. You can sit in them on an empty train, but give them up promptly if someone who needs one boards.
Do not eat or drink anywhere inside Singapore MRT stations or on the trains. This includes taking a quick sip of water. Fines are substantial, and enforcement officers do patrol regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the MRT from Changi Airport to the city?
Fares are calculated by distance and deducted automatically when you tap out at the fare gate. The exact amount depends on which city station you are heading to.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Wallet on the Singapore MRT?
Yes. The SimplyGo system accepts most major contactless bank cards and mobile wallets. You can tap your phone or card directly on the fare gate reader at Changi Airport without needing to buy a separate transit card.
Does the MRT run 24 hours a day in Singapore?
No, the MRT does not run around the clock. If you arrive late at night after the last train has gone, you will need to take a taxi, a Grab car or a late-night bus into the city.
Where do I change trains from Changi Airport to the city?
You change at Tanah Merah (EW4). The Changi Airport branch train terminates there, so you step off, cross the platform and board the next westbound East West Line train towards the city.