Singapore's Changi Airport Review 2025: The World's Best Airport, Unpacked

If you’ve ever wondered what the world’s best airport really looks like, Singapore’s Changi Airport continues to set the global benchmark in 2025.

More than just a travel hub, Changi is a destination in its own right, blending state-of-the-art efficiency with lush greenery, immersive experiences, and stress-free travel from check-in to gate.

With outdoor spaces, this is an airport with a difference

Singapore's Changi Airport Review 2025

Sam has flown through this paragon of an airport where as this was my first time ever and I was blown away. We were lucky enough earlier in the year to get to experience Hamad International Airport in Doha back in January and Feburary flying to and from beauitful New Zealand. And to be honest, I didn't see how any airport could top that one. Well, I now see why Changi has been named the World Best Airport in the Skytrax World Airport Awards for the 13th time in a row!

Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first visit, our Singapore's Changi Airport Review for 2025 covers everything from check-in and security to hidden gems like the butterfly garden, rooftop pool, and the iconic Jewel complex.

Seamless Check-In & Biometric Customs: A Traveler's Dream

One of the first things you notice at Changi is how incredibly smooth the check-in and security process is. The airport has embraced a fully automated, biometric-enabled journey, drastically reducing wait times and contact points.

There are Smart Check-In Kiosks which most passengers use to print their boarding passes and baggage tags. These are fully self service but there are always airport staff nearby to assist.

They use Biometric Immigration Gates with facial recognition technology so your face becomes your passport. Simply walk up, look at the camera, and the gate opens. There are of course issues with this, I saw a good news piece recently which mentioned how identical twins (when travelling together) can mess the system up as one will go through absolutely fine but the second will more often than not get stuck. Part of the following fall out is the fact that the biometric cameras cannot differentiate between the two twins and it doesn't actually record which twin has been photographed as which twin name. So Twin 1 could have been photographed as Twin 2, and when staff step in to help, they will have no idea which twin name hasn't been used. Nightmare!

There was greenery everywhere you looked, which really made the airport feel fresh and different

They take security efficiency to the next level. Security lines are swift and courteous, with advanced scanners eliminating the need to remove laptops or liquids in many terminals. Also, security takes place at the gate which is both a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is you don't have the overwhelming panic after checking your luggage and getting your boarding pass. Instead you get to breeze on in to the terminal and shop / eat orrrrr do any of the other amazing activities listed below! The bad? If you have recently bought a coffee or a water bottle, you will either need to down that drink like you're back at University chugging a pint in a game of "We like to drink with..." or throw it away.

Jewel Changi Airport: The Crown Jewel of Travel

No Changi Airport review is complete without mentioning The Jewel.

A 10-story lifestyle and retail complex linked directly to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Even if you’re just in transit, The Jewel is worth planning a layover for. This is precisely what we did on our recent trip. Having thrown our bags in the hotel room and used the facilities, we hot-footed it back to The Jewel, heading all the way down to the bottom floor for some food. Because apparently we hadn't eaten enough on our flight here... check out that review of British Airways First Class!

The round floor hawker is situated under the waterfall

There is a hawker downstairs, right under the waterfall where you can sit and watch the waterflow down the glass, and the food is amazing. This was my first experience of a hawker and it is, I have to say, the best way to dip your toe into the overwhelming (in the best way) and chaotic (also in the best way) world of the hawker.

There are also so many shops here for you to buy souvenirs or for your own needs. From Birkenstocks to ceremonial grade matcha, The Jewel has it all!

The Rain Vortex: A Fountain Like No Other

At the heart of Jewel lies the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, plunging 40 meters through a lush rainforest canopy. It’s breathtaking during the day and transforms into a light-and-sound show by night.

The waterfall is a sight to behold

Surrounded by the Shiseido Forest Valley, a four-story indoor garden, it is truly a wonderful place to come and escape a shopping centre and an airport. It is peaceful and tranquil, be it during the day or at night. Do note though that the waterfall shuts off between 10pm and 10am for maintenance each night. Thankfully we saw it when we landed in Singapore, as when we leaving and were planning on getting some epic footage, it was pre 10am and it was off!

Even with the waterfall off for maintenance the space it's absolutely stunning

There are elevated walking trails which you can pay to walk along, or if you have time one your hands, get the connecting train from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 and you will drive right past it. The train slows right down so you can get to see it properly.

Nature Within: The Butterfly Garden

Terminal 3 is home to the world’s first Butterfly Garden in an airport, a serene tropical enclosure with over 1,000 butterflies, waterfalls, and flowering plants.

The number of species of butterflies was amazing

With educational corners explaining butterfly life cycles and with it being a truly calming spot to relax before a flight, this is a great option to visit with little travellers or a nervous flyer. There is something about hundreds of colourful, beautiful butterflies floating all around you to make you forget about your worries.

Fruit and flowers were put out for the butterflies as food

There are also pools with fish all around the airport which was utterly gorgeous.

The fish were really well looked after as were all the pools they were in

Unexpected Delights: The Airport Cinema & Swimming Pool

Only at Changi could you watch the films in an actual cinema or take a dip in a rooftop pool.

• Free 24/7 Movie Theatre: Located in Terminal 3, showing Hollywood hits and local films. This is a great option for long layovers or early arrivals. As well as keeping children entertained.

The cinema was a great feature, and had various different films being shown throughout the day and night

A film for every one

• Rooftop Pool & Jacuzzi: Yup, really! This can be found in Terminal 1 by the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel. This airside oasis lets you swim with runway views. Dive into pure relaxation at this poolside paradise. Sip something refreshing at the bar, soak in the bubbly jacuzzi, and enjoy all the essentials (towels and showers). It’s the perfect spot to recharge before your next adventure. The pool is only open from Midday to 10pm (we missed it thanks to our early flight home) and costs S$25++ per adult, about £14.33 (as at 3rd June 2025). If you are staying at the Aerotel Hotel you will have access to the pool included in your stay.

Alas the pool was shut but here is a photo of Sam pointing to it!

Food & Shopping: A Destination Itself

From fine dining restaurants to Singaporean street food stalls, Changi Airport's food options are outstanding. Whether you want to visit the hawker, or you want a sit down meal in one of the many restaurants serving all the cuisines you can think of, you will be spoilt for choice.

The shopping and food choices throughout the airport are exceptional

Add in duty-free shopping, luxury high end boutiques, as well as local brands, and you’ve got a lot to discover.

Why Changi is Still Number 1 in 2025

Changi Airport isn’t just functional, it’s a place people look forward to visiting. In 2025, it continues to push boundaries with:

• Sustainability initiatives (solar panels, water recycling)

• Art installations and interactive zones

• Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and nursing rooms

• An amazing array of green spaces and plants throughout the airport

• Reliable, fast free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. The Wi-Fi really was very good.

Even during layovers, traveller's find themselves wishing they had more time to explore.

Final Verdict: Is Changi Airport Worth the Hype?

Absolutely. From check-in to departure, everything is built around the traveller's journey. With comfort, ease and enjoyment being top of the list of things the airport wants you to feel. Whether you're visiting The Jewel’s Rain Vortex, wandering through the Butterfly Garden, or catching a movie between flights, Changi turns the mundane airport experience into something unforgettable and enjoyable. You never know what is around the next corner, but it is always something to surprise and delight.

I really loved the use of planting throughout the airport, bringing out the outdoors in is such a clever way to make the traveller feel less like their stuck inside for hours on end.

Beautiful flowers were featured everywhere in the airport, a nod to Singapore's fantastic horticulture scene

If you’re planning a trip to Singapore or have a layover opportunity, make sure to schedule time at Changi Airport. This is a rare occasion where you want to get to the airport hours before your flight. You’ll leave wondering why every other airport can’t be more like it.

Helena

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