Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Seletar Airport occupies a site on the northeastern coast of Singapore, roughly 20 kilometres from the city centre. Originally built as a Royal Air Force base in the 1920s, it now functions as Singapore's secondary commercial airport, specialising in business aviation, charter flights, and regional turboprop services. The airport sits within the Seletar Aerospace Park, a purpose-built zone for aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations. Unlike Changi Airport's sprawling terminals, Seletar operates from a single, compact terminal building that handles a fraction of the passenger traffic — around 60,000 passengers per year compared to Changi's tens of millions.

Getting There

Reaching Seletar Airport from central Singapore takes between 20 and 30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic. The most direct routes use the Tampines Expressway (TPE) or the Seletar Expressway (SLE). From the city centre, taxis typically cost between SGD 20 and 35. Ride-hailing services such as Grab are also widely available and offer a similar price range.

Public transport options are limited compared to Changi Airport. The nearest Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station is Sengkang, about 6 kilometres away, from which bus services 103, 117, and 858 connect to the airport. Bus 858 runs directly from the airport to Sengkang and also passes through the city centre on its way to Changi Airport. Journey times by bus from the city centre take roughly 45 minutes to an hour. For those driving, the airport provides a paid parking lot with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. Rates are moderate — around SGD 1.50 per hour for the first few hours, with a daily cap of approximately SGD 15. The car park includes wheelchair-accessible spaces located near the terminal entrance.

Inside the Terminal

Seletar Airport's terminal is compact and modern, designed for efficient processing of a low volume of passengers. Upon entering, visitors find a small check-in hall with several counters serving the airport's few scheduled carriers — currently Firefly (a Malaysian subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines) operates flights to Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur. The terminal also handles general aviation and charter flights, with separate facilities for private jet passengers.

The airport is fully wheelchair-accessible, with level access throughout the terminal, a dedicated wheelchair-accessible car park, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. A changing table is available in the accessible toilet. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the terminal; no login is required — passengers simply connect to the network and accept the terms. On-site services include a small café before security, and a vending machine near the departure gate. There are no duty-free shops or airline lounges, reflecting the airport's point-to-point, no-frills character.

Security screening is efficient, typically taking only a few minutes. The departure lounge consists of a single room with seating for about 100 passengers, a television, and views of the apron. Boarding is by bus gate — passengers walk to the tarmac and board via stairs. Luggage collection after arrival is straightforward: a single carousel serves all arriving flights. The baggage hall opens directly into the arrivals area, where taxis and ride-hailing services can be arranged.

The atmosphere at Seletar is notably calm compared to the busy terminals at Changi. Passengers often comment on the lack of crowds — there are no long queues, no jostling, and no announcements echoing constantly. For travellers accustomed to the intensity of major hubs, Seletar offers a more relaxed pace. That said, passengers should note that the airport does not operate 24 hours daily; its published hours are generally from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, though these may vary depending on flight schedules. It is advisable to confirm operating hours with the airline before arriving.

Seletar Airport and Singapore

Singapore is a city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, known for its blend of modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and lush greenery. The country covers just 728 square kilometres but packs enormous variety: hawker centres serving Michelin-rated street food, botanical gardens recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a coastline dotted with islands and beaches. For many travellers, Seletar Airport provides an alternative entry point that avoids the scale and crowds of Changi.

The Seletar area itself holds attractions worth exploring. Seletar Reservoir is a short drive away, offering walking trails and water sports. The nearby Seletar Country Club features a golf course and dining options. Coney Island, a nature park with sandy beaches and coastal forests, lies just north of the airport — accessible via a 15-minute walk or a short drive. The aerospace park surrounding the airport is also home to several aviation-themed cafes and a viewing gallery where visitors can watch aircraft movements on the runway.

Beyond the immediate vicinity, Singapore's major attractions are all within 30 minutes by car. Gardens by the Bay, with its iconic Supertrees and air-conditioned conservatories, is a 25-minute drive. Sentosa Island, offering beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, and the S.E.A. Aquarium, is about 30 minutes away. The civic district — featuring the Raffles Hotel, the National Museum, and the Singapore River — is roughly 20 minutes from Seletar.

Singapore's cultural diversity is one of its strongest draws. The country has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam (the Malay-Arab quarter) each offer distinct architecture, food, and festivals. Hawker centres are a culinary highlight — the city has more than 100 such centres, serving dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab at affordable prices.

For those arriving on business, Seletar's location is strategic. The airport is close to the northern industrial estates, including the Senoko industrial park and the Woodlands Checkpoint to Malaysia. It is also the home base for several private jet operators and charter companies, making it a convenient hub for executives.

Practical Information

Seletar Airport is generally open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, though flight schedules may extend these hours. It is best to confirm with your airline. Contact the airport administration at +65 6595 6868 or visit http://www.seletarairport.com/ for updates.

Passengers should allow at least 15 minutes for security screening, though it usually takes less. There are no ATMs inside the terminal; the nearest ATM is at a petrol station about 500 metres away. Cash is not essential for taxis or ride-hailing as most accept credit cards and mobile payments.

For wheelchair users, the airport provides full accessibility, but it is advisable to notify the airline in advance to ensure assistance is available. Wi-Fi is free and reliable.

One concrete piece of advice: if arriving by car, pre-book parking online through the airport's website to secure a spot, especially during weekday afternoons (the busiest times are Monday at 2 pm, Tuesday at 11 am, Wednesday at 10 am, and Thursday at 3 pm). Parking spaces can fill up quickly, and the nearby streets have limited alternative parking.