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June 3, 2014Singapore Changi Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on November 23, 2025
Singapore Changi Airport handled 62 Million Passengers in 2017 and is one of Asias biggest airports. Changi Airport is a hub for Jetstar Asia Airlines, Scoot, SilkAir and Singapore Airlines. The airport is expanding very fast and a new terminal 5 and two runways are beeing build on the former military part.
The Airport is served by airlines from the most parts of the world except South America. The main targets are in Asia and Europe. The airport is also served by all major cargo airlines to desitinations all around the globe. The airlines handles a couple of different Airbus A380 a day including Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa.
Written by Patrick Weis, Marcus, Ho Zong Xi, Thomas Okaty, Stephan Weidenhiller, Lum Wei Tuck. Last change: August 2025 – Spot 6 updated by Chen Hui
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 02L/20R | 4.000 m (13.123ft) |
| 02C/20C | 4.000 m (13.123ft) |
| 02R/20L | 4.000 m (13.123ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 (north) | SkyTeam and Oneworld, partly Star Alliance, |
| Terminal 2 (east) | Singapore Airl., Silk Air, Scoot and mainly Star Allaince |
| Terminal 3 (west) | Singapore Airlines, Carriers from Asia and Oceania |
| Terminal 4 (south) | Cathay, Cebu Pacific, Vietnam, Vietjet and some more asian carriers |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not necessary as it’s not allowed to stand at the fence |
| Car/Public Transport | Most of the spots can be reached by train and/or bus. A good alternative is taking a taxi or a “Grab” (similar as Uber or Lyft in the USA) as this will get you right to your desired spotting location hassle-free. Both are affordable, but Grab is usually slightly cheaper, just download the App on your smartphone (Apple or Android). The app is free of charge and is pretty much self-explanatory and you don’t necessarily need to communicate with the driver, however, most taxi and Grab drivers sufficiently speak and understand English. |
| Restrooms | There is a public toilets at the Beach and in the Terminal |
| Drinks/Food | Take drinks and snacks with you at the moring spot. At the terminal and at the afthernoon beach spot there is a restaurant |
| Hotels | The are a few Hotels arround the Airport but they are very expensive. |
| Season | The best month to travel are February to September. You can go here the whole year round but it rains more from Oktober – January |
| Security | Changi Airport is no longer a spotter friendly airport. Spots disappeared and there are no photo signs everywhere around the airport along the fence. Even if you just stand on the overpass which can see the runway, police will come and ask you to leave.
– No photography from the fenceline, signs have been in place (don’t photograph from outside into the airfield) |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | 02 ist the prefered runway direction |
| 02L/20R | Mainly in use for landings |
| 02C/20C | Mainly in use for departures |
| 02R/20L | Closed for maintenance |
Changi Beach - 20R arrivals (morning)
| WHERE | This spot is located at a bus stop between the ferry terminal and the Changi Beach on the morning side of the Airport. Bus stops, ferry terminal and parking are directly at this location. |
| WHAT | You will get most of the traffic on arival into Singapore |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from sunrise till 11:00 |
| MISC. | There is a rubbish bin and a bench at the spot. Restaurant/Supermarket/toilet at spot #2. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm |
Changi Beach Park - 20R arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | This spot is located at the Changi Beach near the restaurant at the beach. Depends where you spot the angle is different. Bus stops, ferry terminal and parking are directly at this location. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for Aircrafts arriving into Runway 20R |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 14:00 to sunset |
| MISC. | There is a restaurant, a supermarket, public toilets and benches. Along the pedestrian/bike path there are a few places to sit that have a roof to protect you from sun or rain. From there you can still take pictures. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Changi Buisness Park - 02L arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | This spot is located in the Changi Buisness Park Central Road. From MTR “Tanah Merah” take bus 47 or from MTR “Expo” take bus 47 or 118 to Changi Business Park Bus Terminal. From there it is just a short walk to find your preferred location. There are several places to be in the shade. In case of a rain shower find a shelter at the bus terminal. You can also walk up the Changi South Ave 1 until you’re at the Changi Buisness Park Central Road. Turn right and choose you’re position for spotting the planes.
UPDATE JAN 2023: construction works and fences are added between spot 3 and landing approach way. It’s very limited view now. (But still this is maybe the most usable spot now) |
| WHAT | From this spot you can take all plane movements arriving on 02L |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 14:00 till sunset |
| MISC. | Beware of the traffic here! No facilities and food stores at the spot. Take everything with you. At MTR “Expo” a shopping mall with a supermarket and food court is open all day. Several small local restaurants offering good and cheap food. A McDonald’s can be found there as well. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm |
Terminal 1 Viewing Mall - ramp/taxiway action
| WHERE | This spot is located landside at terminal 1. Once you have arrived at the terminal, go to the center of the terminal and take the escalator (right behind the information desk) up to level 3. Then keep to the left and follow the signs to the Viewing Mall.
Update 2025: we received several reports about security/police checks because of plane spotting from here. Its still possible to watch the traffic from here but keep a very low profile in the case you use a bigger camera. |
| WHAT | From this spot you can take planes taxiing to and from the runways or from and to Terminal 1. The best view is through the emergency exit windows as these are not tinted. A lot of heat haze here! Limited angle to some parking spots and a short part of taxi way. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 11:00 till sunset depends which acitivities. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is in the terminal. Mind that in/near the viewing mall is also a kids playground so be prepared for kids noise. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 15-400mm |
Crown Plaza Changi Airport Hotel - 02L/20R movements, taxiway
| WHERE | The hotel is located next to Terminal 3. Follow the signs inside the building to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Ask for a runway view room on a high floor. You can also book it directly on the hotel website. Or take a cheaper room and walk to the open bridges on the 9th floor to take your pictures (see pic below). Rooms are from 400 USD. Before reservation apply for IHG Rewards membership to get discount and late check out.
Update August 2024: there are several reports that spotting from the deck is no longer tolerated and security will ask you to leave. Of course spotting from the rooms is still accepted. |
| WHAT | From this spot you can take all plane movements on Runway 02L/20R and everything taxying in front of you. Pictures can be taken from the room through tinted glass or from an outside bridge on each floor. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from sunrise till 12:00 depends if runway or taxiing. Also night shots are possible. |
| MISC. | All you need is in the Terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400 mm |
Tanah Merah Country Club (Garden Course) - 02C arrivals/20 heavy departures + 02L Arrivals
| WHERE | The location is on a grassy area along Tanah Merah Road, next to the Tanah Merah Country Club (Garden Course). Be aware that Tanah Merah Country Club has two courses, one called Tampines Course and the other called Garden Course. There is no parking directly at the location so best is to take a cab to the country club. Parking is not possible there! By public transport take Bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT station and alight at bus stop “Tanah Merah Ferry Ter (962169)”. From there, it is a 20 minute walk to this location on a sidewalk. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for heavies climbing out as the narrow bodies and even the heavies with light loads would be quite high at this point. Walk further to the area where the road bends for afternoon 02C arrivals. Or turn around for 02L Arrivals. |
| TIME | Best light conditions are from 14:00 to sunset. |
| MISC. | Absolutely nothing nearby. Just some trees spending shadow. You can go to the golf club and buy something to drink/eat and go to the restroom. Heat haze is a big issue for 02L movements. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 02C Arrivals: 773 = 140mm; 738 = 210mm 02C Departures: Scoot 789 = 210mm; IL96 = 150mm 02L Arrivals: >300mm |
02C/20C Movements:
02L Arrivals:
Ferry Terminal - 20C/L departures (morning)
| WHERE | This spot is at the carpark or on the footpath just outside the Ferry Terminal. Take Bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT station and alight at bus stop “Tanah Merah Ferry Ter (962169). Parking is available at the terminal if you arrive by car. |
| WHAT | From here you can spot 20C and 20L departures and might also get nice banking shots. |
| TIME | For 20C from sunrise till noon. For 20L from afternoon till sunset. |
| MISC. | There are snacks/drinks and restrooms available inside the ferry terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A359 = 280mm; 77W = 240mm |
National Service Resort and Country Club - 02L arrivals (morning)
| WHERE |
This is an alternative to the previous spot which is a bit quieter as you are not on a busy road. There is a small strip of grass between trees and the fence to the “National Service Resort and Country Club”, which you should also use as destination for the taxi to go there. The gate guards of the golf club will also be happy to call you a taxi when you have finished your work. Travel time from/to airport or MRT Expo is about 10 minutes by taxi.
|
| WHAT | All arrivals for Runway 02L during the morning hours. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon. |
| MISC. | No facilities at this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm |
Aviation Park Rd - 20C arrivals/02 departures (morning)
| WHERE | This spot is located nearby a canal at the northern part of the airport, not far from Changi Ferry Terminal. Take Bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT station and alight at bus stop “Bef Changi Ferry Road (95161)”. From the bus stop walk back the road to the location. It is a 5-minute walk. It is the same bus that brings you to spot 6,7,8 so don’t wonder. The closest public carpark is available at Changi Beach Carpark 7. From there, it is an estimated 10 minute walk to the location. Otherwise take a cab and jump out at the Changi Ferry Terminal. |
| WHAT | From here, you can spot Runway 02C departures or Runway 20C arrivals. You might also be able to get some banking shots here. |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon. |
| MISC. | Nothing available at this location. There are snacks/drinks and restrooms available inside the ferry terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A380 = 180mm; 748 = 140mm |
Terminal 2 - Taxiway, ramp, runway 02C/20C
| WHERE | Update Oct. 2024: Construction works occurring for the entire ramp area of the spot. Impossible to spot things now until the gate area is revamped |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | |
| FOCAL LENGTH | |
Two days in changi at the end of april with room in crowne plaza 9th floor…but not the best room for spotting
we have been two days at the deck without any particular problem really the second morning security staff has been friendly and quiet and nobody told us anything
The same for the viewing mall T1 2 afternoons without problems…the problem is that now you can not see air asia and others from this point…
I recently (1st/2nd March 26) visited spot 3 on the advice of a friend and because 02L was in use for landings. There are 2 spots on the ‘Spotterguide’ map labelled ‘CBP Planespotting’ off ‘Changi Business Park Central 2’, The more northerly spot is indeed obstructed by construction works. The more southerly spot is clear and unobstructed so approaches to 02L can be seen and photographed without any problems. The more southerly spot is the one that is actually labelled ‘spot 3’ in ‘Spotterguide’. I have photos as supporting evidence of this!! There are often spotters around and I was not challenged by any authorities. Incidentally, I walked to spot 3 from the Expo MRT station in 15 – 20 minutes.
Rencently during the Singapore Airshow 2026, some little bastards caused chaos during their spots on the IHG deck, resulting a quarrel with the hotel staffs. Even worse, their Karen parents didn’t think it was their fault ,who even complained it on the social media.
After this, IHG may have a more negative attitude towards planespotting. Currently it’s still fine to take photos in the room, but I’ll just keep updating if anything happens.
I hope every spotter goes to IHG should be in a lower profile, and try to stop those annoying person from making more troubles. (this can be added to the guide, which may reduce the possibility of these unhappy experience happening again).
I’ve been there in Aug, 2024. at that time, spotting in the corridor is fine, and when last year July I went there again, it has been prohibited, but spotting in the room (which costs more) is okay, but some of spotters still tries to take pics outside and arguing with staffs when they are asking to be left.
Gibt es was Neues zum Spotterpunkt 10 ?
Sind im T2 oder T3 sonst noch brauchbare Fenster mit Blick auf das Vorfeld?
Habe etwas Zeit vor dem Umsteigen.
Why cosford containing park cannot spot? In aug 2025 I came to this point and spotted aircraft in Cosford (in seat in cosford area but not close to fence)
We added the spot last year, but locals asked us to remove it, because taking pictures there is not tolerated.
Understand for this condition. But I saw in Cosford’s page present about view of airplane and taking video of aircraft in this place. Thank you for sharing me.
During winter months, the grass field on the right of the sheltered path of Standard Chartered Building at Changi Business Park is the most ideal place for plane-spotting. Today, I stand at the grass field to spot planes from morning to 4.45 pm and I am able to shoot 30 pictures of Myanmar Airways International new livery and 40 pictures of MIAT Mongolian Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner flying towards Changi in straight lines. This grass field is not state land. Go there if egrets are not sighted landing to hunt for food on the grass.
Is this the spotter spot #3?
It is the totally different spot not mentioned in this Spotters’ Guide.
@Gan: can you please provide us GPS coordinates and some examples to support@spotterguide.net. Thanks!
I do not know what are GPS coordinates. I only have the photos of aircraft flying past the site.
Some típs will be very appreciated. For what runway is is used?
The runway that is used for landing during winter months.
Watch out for Karens. They like to ruin your day especially if you’re not local.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) Karen called the cops on me for my makeshift camera setup. I was at Terminal 1 viewing mall.
The woman came and looked at my setup. Asked questions. Initially, I thought she was interested in my setup. She said the setup was suspicious and left. Next, she called the cops.
I got questioned by 6 dudes. 4 cops and 2 cag men. I did nothing wrong. So I cooperated and talked my way out while being polite and respectful. It was over.
They did however point out that spotters need a permit. It’s a vaguely put-together policy so the airport can do something to you if your photos or videos put them in a bad light or hurt CAG. So yeah. Ok cool.
The woman though was nowhere to be seen. And get this, cops said they were called for a suspicious person. So apparently, Karen did what many karens did.
If you are spotting, I suggest you to do it on weekends or weekdays evening (5.30 pm+) or with friends. This is when entitled Karens go home so you should be safe. I do not wish anyone to go through this experience as me especially if you can’t talk your way out or keep your emotions in check.
Thanks for reaching out, I left a note. Spotting in SIN gets more and more annoying.
-Julian
Yeah. The cops were cool and reasonable. The only strange thing in my makeshift setup was that I put black tape on the glass to block reflections. You don’t want those lights when you’re filming behind glass. The lead cop sided with me, and I was allowed to continue filming.
Apparently, Karen was dumber than the cops. She couldn’t see that. She asked, and I politely explained. She ended the conversation by calling my setup suspicious. Then she went off and called the cops.
I got questioned by four cops and two CAG guys. The questions ranged from what camera is this? to which school did you graduate from? They searched my bags and looked through the photos on my phone too.
The lead cop said they were called because I was a suspicious person. So, in other words, this had nothing to do with my setup or my spotting activity. All of this could have been avoided if Karen had listened and framed it correctly.
So yeah. To all the new spotters out there: the law is whatever Karens say it is. Be prepared, because you’re going to go through this experience before you’re deemed innocent.
Save yourself from needless trouble. Spot after office hours (5:30 p.m. and later), on weekends, or with friends. Entitled Karens won’t work overtime or on weekends.
Hi there, just checking, was this at T1 Viewing Mall? The last we spoke with CAG, plane spotting for your own use, (non commercial non paid) photography is allowed. You do not need a permit to plane spot. I’m so sorry your experience in Singapore was ruined by a Karen. hope you did take some nice photos that day! Cheers.
Yes, I was taking timelapse videos. The lead cop understood this and I appreciate it greatly to this day. He did very well in de-escalating this ‘suspicious person’ situation.
He followed protocol, like looking through my phone and stuff. Fine by me. I understand their protocols.
But others might experience emotional distress or take this differently, which could worsen or escalate what is otherwise lawful activity.
All of this could have been avoided if the Karen had been more mindful and framed it correctly.
But I appreciate the cops, especially the lead cop, and the CAG higher-ups.
Are you a local male of school age? That’s a Singapore Karen’s favourite target. Cowardly b*tches.
Hey, I‘m planning to go to SIN in a few days for planespotting. Are the spots 1, 2 and 3 safe and is it really legal to spot here? I don‘t want to get in trouble.
Yes spots 1-3 all very safe, around the beach there is a small military building but guards happy for us to be there on my visit last year along as I didn’t photograph the building
Can I know where is the best spot to shoot pictures of aircraft flying towards Changi Airport after 7.30 pm?
Is it possible to spot parked planes with short lens after immigration like HKG? Wonder if security directly at gate effects the view. Thanks in advance!
No, because of security at the gate, making photos of airplanes parked at the gate is almost impossible. There are windows that enable apron views, but not for the HKG-style photos you’re after.
Appreciate!