Is a layover in Singapore worth it? What to do in 6, 12, or 24 hours

Singapore is on many travellers' bucket lists, but when traveling in Southeast Asia, the main reason they don't get to visit this location is because of the price. I admit, compared to the other very budget-friendly destinations around, like Thailand or Vietnam, Singapore is on the other end of the spectrum. BUT. This does not mean that you have to give up on the idea of visiting this incredible location.

The HSBC Rain Vortex in Changi Airport, simply seeing this is worth a layover

Of course, if you want to immerse yourself in the experience of the location, food, sights, and cultures, the more time you can spend there, the better. The first time I visited Singapore, I got to spend about 5 days there, but the second time I only had a 12-hour layover there, and let me tell you, even 12 hours can give you a glimpse of why Singapore is so enchanting. So, I wrote this blog post for you until you manifest a full-blown trip to one of the most futuristic places on the planet. Because yes, even a 6 or 12 hours layover is worth the visit.

I have to start with a disclaimer, how easy for you to move around and spend time in Singapore will obviously depend on your passport and visa options. So, please only consider these travel tips once you know your own visa process and circumstances. For many nationalities for example EU or US it is quite a simple process.

Now, once you have the above details confirmed, what you can fit into your exploration will depend on how much time you have. Don't forget that Changi Airport is huge, so definitely account for the 3 hours window before your flight as the final deadline to explore. So, if you only have a 4 hours layover in total, this blog post may not be for you. But if you have an extra 5-6 hours minimum on top of the 3 hours you accounted for, keep reading!

If you have 5-6 hours:

You will be lucky enough to explore the most futuristic and modern airports ever existed. With 4 terminals total, a full-on department store/shopping centre, and countless other things to see such as the HSBC Rain Vortex. If you have luggage you can leave it at a storage locker for a fee (there are a few options starting from around $6 up to $35-50 depending on the size and weight of your luggage). I would definitely recommend this option, so that you actually get to enjoy your time spent.

Gardens by the Bay is only a bus journey away from the airport

If you have 12 hours minimum:

Last time I visited Singapore I had about 12-13 hours and I actually felt like a time millionaire. After leaving my luggage in a storage locker, I took a bus from the airport (36 I believe, you can also take a taxi but would MASSIVELY add to your budget) to the Gardens by the Bay and spent several hours walking round there, enjoying a nice coffee in the park and even grabbed something to eat. I had plenty of time to spare at the airport itself afterwards and I'm not saying Singapore does not have more to offer, but I feel like if you manage to visit the Gardens by the Bay and the HSBC Rain Vortex at the airport, you already feel like you've been to another planet!

The Botanic Garden was another sight I would recommend fitting in a layover if you have the time

If you have 24 hours:

In this case you can of course combine all of the above, plus you are more likely to be there in the evening hours 7-8pm-ish, just in time to watch the light show at the Gardens by the Bay, Supertrees. Of course, depending on when you get there you also have this option even of you only have 12 hours to explore. But if you have around or more than 24 hrs you can also add some culinary and cultural experiences to your list, like visiting Chinatown and Little India areas, to see how much of a melting pot of Asia Singapore really is. And if you haven't had enough of greenery yet, I could also recommend visiting the Botanic Garden. It is a beautiful location too. I think these are some of the major things one might want to see in Singapore in 24 hrs, of course you have to choose and prioritise because I don't think fitting all of these are comfortably doable in 24 hrs. I would pick exploring the airport (at least the Rain Vortex), Gardens by the Bay and one more sight. This should give you plenty to see and discover in 24 hrs.

Visiting the Supertrees at night feels like you just stepped into the future

So, if you have found this article because you've been looking for answers whether a layover is worth it in Singapore, the answer is yes. Singapore is an exciting location that you can easily discover using public transport and the airport shuttle bus service. Even if you only have a few hours, there is something to see and do.

I hope you enjoyed this post or found it useful for your next adventure (or layover). And if you’re looking for a way to feel more grounded while travelling, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. It’s packed with simple tools like a printable checklist, self-care prompts, and mini rituals to help you feel more at home—wherever the journey takes you.

Grab your freebie