Hello guys !

I'm travelling towards Australia in march. On my way back to Europe I'll be flying CNS-SIN-LHR. CNS-SIN will be with AO and SIN-LHR with QF. I guess I'll be checked-in through from CNS to Europe.

As I'll have 5 hours of transfer time in Changi, I was wondering if according to you it'd have been possible to go dowtown and have a diner ??
What do you think of that ? Is it too tight ?
Will QF allow this if my bags are already checked-in in CNS ?

Looking forward to have your tips on that !!  


FB.

5 hours is planty of time to get downtown by taxi and back, especially if you avoid the rush hours.

The food at Changi is great as well and there is tons to do at the airport.

9V-SPJ

I wouldn't be so certain of having enough time to go downtown! It depends on immigration situation. Sometimes it really takes time. Besides Changi usually expect passangers to check in early. Of course your situation is different as you do not have any luggage to check in. You should be back at the departure gate at the latest ten minutes before the departure - then they will close the gate.

You should reserve at least half an hour for the drive to city and then of course the same back to Changi. Sometimes I have been in my downtown hotel room in one and a half hours from landing, but sometimes it has taken almost three hours.

But I really do not see what QF would have to say to this. You will have your boarding pass and that's it. In the immigration they are interested in your passport and the form you have filled in during your flight from CNS. On your way back to the airside they will ask you to show your boarding pass and in the immigration again your passport and the other half of the immigration form.

Best regards,
LordHowe

Been there, done that fellow citizen!

If you're an aviation enthusiast, 5 hours are definitely not enough to consider leaving Changi for a second. I think you'll be using the non-SIA terminal and I'm more acquainted with the SIA terminal but I can tell you that there are enough things to see, eat and eventually shop for.

Like the others stated, it can take a 10 minutes ride to Changi and it can take a 3 hour one. In my own experience it took me 1 and a half hour once to cover the distance. That's mostly the case when you leave downtown at rush hour or shortly after.

I know they had plans to have the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) operate all the way to Changi but I don't know if that's been achieved yet. If it is the case, then hop on it, go downtown, and find a food court! Use Google to find the MRT or Changi's website for more details.

Have a pleasant flight!

PS: Been to PER & SYD, how is CNS?

Changi is now connected to the MRT on the East-West Line

Changi actually has a site with suggested activities for your transit time. They also run their own city tour to show you the sites of Singapore if you're only there a few hours.

http://www.changi.airport.com.sg/changi/level2_with_links.jsp?ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181064&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302023737&bmUID=1108246816074

Many thanks for the info.

Actually I'm supposed to land from CNS at 19.10LT. My next stretch is scheduled at 1.10LT. So 5 hours gate to gate.

I will check about the MRT.

Cheers,

FB.

As far as dinner, you don't really have to go downtown, but if you chose to, at that time of day, you shouldn't have a problem making it in half hour.
If it was me I'd go have a black pepper crab at the Seafood Center in the East Coast Park. It's only about a 10-15 minute cab ride from the airport, and it's the best pepper crab you'll ever have  

The MRT is mega-slow to go into town. Too many stops inbetween... I took it a few times, the first time thinking it would be 20-30 minutes. Well: I was late for my lunch appointment! It takes you at least 40 mins (waiting, switching trains at Expo, etc.). A taxi is easiest as long as you can avoid rush hour.
Or don't go downtown and have dinner in Serangoon Gardens or something.
Cheers,
Ed

[Edited 2005-02-14 16:14:41]

If dropping by SIN...

First, I doubt you may have energy to run around downtown - but it's possible - but USE A TAXI - it will save lots of time. MRT has too many stops - as stated correctly above.

Staying at the airport is the best solution - SIN is the best transit airport in the world with free internet after midnight - TV's with CNN BBC ESPN etc - a movie theater - a swimming pool with a tarmac view and workout room for minimal price - a hotel you can pay for 6 hrs.

Popeyes and other fastfoods and pub - shopping all around and a clean environment.

SIn is impressive if you want to transit.

...with free internet after midnight ...

There are several FREE internet desks all day - and night - long! And I agree: Changi is fantastic and you most certainly do not have any problems spending five hours there.

Regards,
LordHowe