Overview
Singapore packs a continent's worth of experiences into one compact, walkable island. It's a natural first stop in Southeast Asia for UK travellers – safe, English-speaking, superbly connected and endlessly diverse, from futuristic gardens and rooftop pools to hawker stalls serving some of the world's best cheap eats. Whether you're pausing en route to Australia or Bali or staying put for a city break, flights to Singapore are among the most straightforward long-haul journeys from Britain.
Best time to fly to Singapore
Singapore sits almost on the Equator, so it's hot and humid all year, with daytime temperatures around 30°C and warm, sticky evenings. There's no true dry season, though February to April tends to be a little brighter, while November to January brings heavier monsoon downpours – usually short, intense bursts rather than all-day rain. Demand and fares peak during the UK school holidays in July, August and December. For better value, target February to May or September and October, and check the When to book chart above.
Main gateway cities & airports
Singapore is a city-state, so nearly everyone arrives at Changi Airport (SIN), regularly voted the world's best. It's about 20 minutes from the city centre by taxi or Grab, or roughly 30 minutes on the MRT metro's East–West Line for just a few dollars. The terminals are linked, with the Jewel complex and its indoor waterfall sitting between them.
Airlines and routes
Singapore Airlines flies direct to Changi from London Heathrow and from Manchester, and British Airways operates non-stop from Heathrow. Direct flying time is about 13 hours from London and around 13 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. One-stop options add flexibility and often lower fares: Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, and Lufthansa, KLM or Turkish Airlines via their European hubs. Connecting routes suit travellers flying from Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow and other regional airports.
Popular places to visit in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay: the Supertree Grove and cooled conservatories are Singapore's signature sight, spectacular after dark.
- Marina Bay: the waterfront promenade, Marina Bay Sands and the nightly light show frame the modern skyline.
- Sentosa: a resort island of beaches, cable cars and family attractions, minutes from downtown.
- Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Glam: vibrant heritage quarters packed with temples, mosques, markets and street food.
- Hawker centres: Maxwell and Lau Pa Sat serve chilli crab, Hainanese chicken rice and laksa for a few pounds.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Singapore
- Book roughly two to four months ahead and compare departure dates using the price charts on this page.
- Avoid the July, August and December school holidays; shoulder months such as February to May are noticeably cheaper.
- Weigh a one-stop Gulf carrier against a direct flight – the saving can be significant if you don't mind a longer journey.
- Midweek departures and using Singapore as a stopover towards Australia or Southeast Asia often unlock lower fares.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you must complete the free electronic SG Arrival Card within three days of travel, and your passport should be valid for at least six months. The currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), and cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, with a little cash useful at hawker stalls. For the best value, compare dates on the price charts on this page and book a couple of months in advance.
