If you have a layover or if your flight gets canceled at Singapore’s Changi Airport, you shouldn’t worry about where to sleep. Changi Airport is of the most beautiful airports in the world and it is apparent from the airport design that they had the mind of passengers in mind. Specifically, the sleepy passenger looking to find a place to rest their head without breaking the bank and without losing the luggage.
In 2019, New York Times ran a feature showcasing how beautiful the airport is and how the author was able to spend 27 hours which was like a vacation.
There are plenty of rest spaces in the sprawling airport, but one of the best ways to spend your time here is by taking a nap in one of their world-class sleeping pods!
Indeed it is a very inviting town – see the image below;
What is a sleeping pod?
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A sleeping pod is a small, comfortable space where you can take a nap or catch some shut-eye. They are usually found in airports, although they are also becoming popular in other public places such as shopping malls.
A number of European companies such as Gosleep pioneered this technology and other brands such as Restworks have revolutionized sleep in open terminal spaces at airports with their sound-attenuating and comfortable work pods.
Below is an image of Gosleep capsule designed by a Finish company that started out in 2011 with installations at Dubai Airport.
It now has operational sleep pods in 33 airports including JFK, Helsinki, Perth, and Schiphol, among others. Read more about this company on its website here. Check out all these airports that have installed Sleep pods.
There are also other companies such as Rest works, Minute Suites and NapCabs which have installed similar sleep pods in a number of airports.
What amenities can you expect in Changi sleeping pods?
Changi Airport’s pods come with a few creature comforts to help you get some rest. Each pod is sound-proof and comes with:
– A bed
– A pillow
– A blanket
– A reading light
– A power outlet
Some of the pods also have a television.
How much do sleep pods cost to sleep at Changi Airport?
When it was operational back in 2020, one user explained that the cost was about $40 for the first hours and then it increases by $20 after every three hours. However, I tried checking Changi’s airport website for official information on the cost of sleeping pods per hour but couldn’t find any. I found info on other sleep pods. There are a few things to keep in mind:
- – The price is per capsule, not per person. So if you’re traveling with a friend or family member, you’ll need to book two capsules.
- – The price is all-inclusive and comes with amenities such as Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages. However, at Changi Airport, these are not included in the price of the capsule.
Where are the sleeping pods at Changi Airport?
When it was operations back before COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, the Gosleep Pods were located at Terminal 1 Arrivals. A check to identify which pay-per-use sleeping options are available at Changi’s Terminal 1 revealed that only Plaza Premium Lounge is operational at Terminal 1, Level 3 a t the Departures Transit Hall near Gate C1.
Can you sleep at Changi Airport?
The answer is yes! There are plenty of places to sleep at Changi Airport. You can catch a nap on any of the dedicated rest areas or can opt for airport-based sleep rooms that charge per hour or get a regular hotel room. There are hotels within the airport but you’ll probably find cheaper and more affordable if you pick any hotels near Changi airport with free shuttles.
What other option do I have if sleep pods aren’t operational:
Sleep at any of T1 or T3 Snooze lounges:
There are a number of Snooze lounges in the public areas of Terminal 1 and 3. These are comfortable, quiet areas where you can relax or take a nap. They have reclining chairs, power outlets and some have television sets.
Changi airport even has an entire section dedicated to napping which is called the “Snooze Cube”. It is located in Terminal 2 between Gates E11 and E12. The Snooze Cube has 12 individual cubicles, each with a beanbag, power outlet, a small side table and a reading lamp.
- Terminal 1: Snooze Lounge, airside, Transit East, Level 3.
- Terminal 3: Snooze Lounge, airside, Transit North Mezzanine, next to Singapore Food Street
Sleep at Aerotel Transit Hotel within the Airport:
The Aerotel Transit Hotel, located in Singapore’s Terminal 1 near Gate D41, offers day rooms for those with a layover or long wait. The minimum room rental is six hours, but you can pay per hour after that if needed. A basic room starts at SG$ 63-185 for six hours. If you want to add meals or use the pool during your stay, there are packages available for an additional cost.
According to estimates from Tripadvisor, it will cost you about $112 to spend a night at the hotel, which is a bit more pricey than some of the other options. You can also check the rate at Booking.com here.
The hotel also has a swimming pool, spa and a restaurant if you want to add some luxury to your stopover. keep in mind that the rates for all of these options may change so it’s always best to check with the airport or the service provider directly before making any bookings.
Sleep at Ambassador Transit Hotel at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3
The Ambassador Transit Hotel offers day rooms in 6-hour blocks for travelers who want to rest before their next flight. To access the transit hotels, you do not need to pass through customers as checked-in luggage cannot be collected.
Sleep Cabins at Changi Airport YotelAir:
For about $179 a night, you can book yourself this in-airport hotel called YotelAir located at Jewel Terminal 4, Landside.
The YotelAir offers 18 sleep cabins that can be rented by the hour (minimum 4 hours). Cabins come equipped with Queen size beds, WiFi, showers, and more.
As they describe on their marketing materials, YotelAir “cabins” are inspired by luxury first-class aircraft design and provide everything you need to work, relax, sleep and refresh. Each cabin has a flat-screen TV, an en-suite bathroom with a rain shower, a pull-out workstation, and free super-fast WiFi.
Check the rates from TripAdvisor here.
Below is a snapshot of a user reviewing his 6-hour booking at YotelAir;
Jewel Changi Sleeping pods:
According to online reports from a few years back, there were “sleep pods” at Jewel Lounge in Changi Airport. However, upon further review and research from primary sources (e.g., contacting the customer service line), we could not find any evidence to support this claim. It is possible that these sleep pods were available at some point in time but have since been removed.
I looked up what Jewel Lounge’s website is an advertising and realized that they market YotelAir as their official stay/sleep partner that you can book. Again, the YotelAir does not have sleep pods similar to those by Gosleep but has sleep cabins. Similar to sleep capsules, YotelAir charges rates that vary hourly.
Sleeping pods at Changi Terminal 1 & Other T1 Sleep options
No, there are no sleep pods at any of Changi Airport’s terminals, including T1. The only option that comes close are YotelAir’s sleep cabins which can be found in Jewel Terminal 4 (Changi’s newest terminal). YotelAir has a total of 18 sleep cabins that customers can book by the hour (minimum 4 hours).
The official Changi Airport website has listed Plaza Premium LOunge as the only facility at Terminal 1 that you can access and get some sleep. Their private resting suites at T1, Level 3 at the Departure Transit Hall – above Gate 1 cost $130 for a 6-hour block.
Some online sites such as sleepinginairports.net claim that the Plaza Premium lounge is temporarily closed at the moment. See the snapshot below;
However, upon checking Plaza Premium LOunge’s website to determine if they currently accept booking revealed that they do. They also accept Priority Pass cardholders.
Below is a snapshot from Plaza Premium Lounge’s website booking page;
You can read more about this 7000 sq ft. lounge and even make a booking on its website here.
Where can I sleep in Changi Airport for free without Cabins?
If you are not looking to spend any money and would like to find a place to sleep for free in Changi Airport, your options are quite limited.
Public benches:
You can try to find a spot in one of the airport’s many public areas such as chairs near departure gates, armrests in the common areas, or even on the floor. However, these areas can get quite crowded and may not offer the most comfortable experience.
Changi’s Nap rooms/Rest Areas
Changi Airport has a few rest areas that are open to all passengers and airport staff. These rooms come with reclining chairs, and footrests, and some even have showers. Unfortunately, they are few and far between, so you may have to do some exploring to find one.
The following is a list of some of the known rest areas in Changi Airport:
- Terminal 1, before Security: Transit East, Level 3.
- Terminal 2, before/at Security: Oasis Lounge at Transit North Pier, opposite Gate E1, and Sanctuary Lounge, Transit North Pier, opposite Gate E5.
- Terminal 3, at Security: Snooze Lounge, Transit North Mezzanine, next to Singapore Food Street.
- Terminal 4, before Security: Snooze Lounge, Departure Transit, Level 2M.
What if I want to shower after taking a nap at Singapore Airport?
You can freshen up with a shower at one of the many public showers at Changi Airport. These showers are located in the following places located before security checks in the these terminals;
- Terminal 1: Airport Wellness Oasis and Plaza Premium Lounge.
- Terminal 2: Ambassador Transit Lounge, TranSpa, and Spa Express.
- Terminal 3: Ambassador Transit Lounge and Be Relax Spa.
What are the hours of operation of Changi sleep pods?
YotelAIr and a few transit hotels are open 24 hours although some providers such as YotelAir allow customers to book blocks of 6 hours. If you are inside the airport in any of their four terminals, ask about any of the hotels and its likely that they have staff that can guide you on how to best go about getting yourself a space to sleep – either a hotel or the sleep cabins.
Are there sleep capsules at Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport?
No, as of October 2022, there are no sleep cabins at Changi’s Terminal 3.
If you have a layover and your flight dropped you off at Terminal 3, your best option are airport-based hotels such as Ambassador Transit Hotel at the Departures section of the Mezanine Level 3.
If you want something close to a sleeping pod that charges per hour, consider the Haven by JetQuay. This hotel is not highly rated but it has the advantage of convenience as it is located in the Arrivals section of Terminal 3. Their nap rooms are available in blocks of 3 hours.
This is an expert of one customer on TripAdvisor;
“I booked an 8 hour lounge stay, which included use of the showers, a free hot meal, and free drinks (non alcohol) and snacks. The lounge was comfortable, with plenty of power sockets. The snacks weren’t up to much (instant noodles). They offered breakfast cereals, bread (there was a toaster). I ordered Thai basil chicken as my main meal. It was ok. It tasted like a microwave meal.”
With 164 ratings as of this publication, this hotel has a lower-than-average rating for an airport hotel with an average of 3.5/5 with mixed reviews that seem to point to claims of misleading advertising. This should tell you not to get your hopes up about this nap space provided by Haven(JetQuay).
Check the current rates of this hotel here.
Where is Changi’s Sleeping area?
The sleeping area is located in the transit area of Terminal 1, near Gates B1 – B16. It is a quiet and comfortable space with padded benches that can be converted into beds. To use this facility, passengers must first clear immigration and security.
Is it safe to sleep at Changi Airport at night?
Yes, Changi Airport is safe to sleep at night. The airport has a 24-hour security presence, and there are also many CCTV cameras throughout the facility. In addition, the sleeping area is located in a well-lit and busy part of the airport.
If you do sleep in a public place and have your luggage with you, you can find a way to position your luggage so you are able to hear if someone wanted to steal your luggage. You can sleep on part of the luggage so you feel the movement or put it on your chest. And of course, do not put your valuables in your checked luggage.
Here are some other general safety tips to follow when sleeping at the airport:
– Do not sleep in remote areas of the airport where you will be less visible and more vulnerable to crimes such as theft or assault.
– If you are a woman traveling alone, try to find a place to sleep near other people.
– Avoid sleeping on the floor where you could be awakened by someone stepping on you or your belongings.
– Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in a particular area, move to another location.
What are the Changi Airport rules for sleeping in the airport?
– Passengers must first clear immigration and security to use the sleeping area.
– The sleeping area is for transit passengers only, and passengers must have a boarding pass for a flight within the next 12 hours.
– The sleeping area is not a hotel, and passengers are not allowed to stay overnight.
– Passengers are not allowed to sleep in the terminal areas outside of the sleeping area.
– All luggage must be stored in the luggage racks provided. Luggage may not be stored in the aisles or on the benches.
– No food or drink is allowed in the sleeping area.
– Passengers must keep the sleeping area clean and tidy.
– No smoking, gambling, or drinking alcohol is allowed in the sleeping area.
– No loud noise or rowdy behavior is allowed in the sleeping area.
– Passengers must respect the rights of other passengers to sleep and rest in the sleeping area.
FAQs
Are there sleeping pods at Changi Airport?
There are few reports online that indicate that Gosleep brand of sleep pods launched sometime back in Singapore’s Changi Airport. However, a careful review and research from primary sources reveal that there are no sleep pods at Changi but can settle for sleep cabins provided by YotelAir. The key difference between YotelAir’s sleep cabin and Gosleep’s sleep pod is that the former offers a more comprehensive experience with an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a workstation while the latter is only a pod with basic facilities.
What other options do I have if sleep pods aren’t working?
If you are looking for something similar to sleep pods (i.e., a private and comfortable space to relax or take a nap), your best bet would be to book a room at the Aerotel Transit Hotel, Ambassador Transit Hotel, or YotelAir. These hotels are located within the airport and offer day rooms that can be rented by the hour (minimum 6 hours).
What to do in Changi Airport at Night:
For those who are looking for things to do at Changi Airport at night, there are a few options. The airport has a movie theatre, several restaurants and cafes, a playground, and a few shops. There is also an indoor garden and a swimming pool (for transit passengers only).
You can also explore the city’s nightlife by taking a bus or train into the city center. Singapore has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to keep you entertained. Just be sure to check the schedules and make sure you have enough time to get back to the airport for your flight.
Wrapping it up:
It’s been fun researching and writing about sleep options at Changi Airport. I hope this guide informed you on all you need to know if you are ever stuck at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Despite the fact that traditional sleeping pods such as those by Gosleep are not there, Changi Airport has plenty of sleep options including smaller sleep cabins offered by airport-based hotels such as YotelAir.
I have learned so much about the airport. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to reach out.
My name is Alex Mutuma and I founded this blog, Airport LLC as a way to document and engage with clients in my travel consulting business. Airportllc.com is the only source of over 2,000 fun things flyers could do during layovers.
Over the past 7 years, I have designed and planned tour packages for hundreds of clients and have recently focussed on the mission of changing boring layovers to excellent mini-vacations by giving you the best suggestions on must-do activities when flying over different airports.
Next time you or your friend are looking for suggestions on what to do in some airport, remember Airport LLC or Airportllc.com. On this site, you’ll get the best suggestions available on the internet regarding hand-picked activities that will fulfill your airport experience.
I currently reside in New York City and have obtained a license to provide professional tour guidance at Airports in the US and across the world. Why should you listen to my suggestions? I have flown through more than 100 airports in the world and fortunately, I have pictures, stories, and tips to share with you regarding all the fun stuff you can do as you wait for your next flight.
Aside from gaining thousands of flying miles, I am also a travel consultant assisting clients with bookings and specifically advance tour bookings of things to do at airports when the layover is longer than 5 hours.
To make a 15-minute free things-to-do consultation with Alex, use my email, alex@airportllc.com.
This is only recommended for flyers with long layovers of over 5 hours. If your layover is 3+ hours, you can still reach out but we cannot guarantee the ideal package that will change your layovers to mini-vacations. I only support clients flying through US airports and a select number of cities across the world.
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Name: Alex Mutuma
Profession: A professional travel consultant with a focus on airport activities to do during layovers
Email: Alex@airportllc.com
Phone: +1 945 348 889
Website: airportllc.com
Location: 322 Main Packway Street, Boston, US
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