A google search suggests cab fare from the airport to Clarke Quay is about S$20. Does this sound reasonable?

Looking to help some elderly folks plan their trip and I'm thinking of suggesting they just take a cab rather than MTR when they arrive, as from the MTR website it looks like they will have to transfer 2 times.

Thx for any insights - Enjoy-la!

I think 20$ is the average rate. I took a cab from the airport to the Fairmont hotel a few weeks ago and it only cost me 13$. I was nicely surprised lol.

Great - thx a mint for the info, mcbg1! I haven't been to Singapore for so long that I can't even remember what would be reasonable. This will make it a lot easier for them.

Enjoy-la!

If I remember correctly, I paid about S$22 (or 23) from the airport to Orchard Road, near the Somerset metro station. A few days later, for the return leg to the airport, I had a top-end (luxury vehicle) service for a flat rate of S$35.

I agree that the hassle of changing lines, esp with luggage and for first-timers using the MRT, makes the subway a bit unattractive. (Perhaps on the return trip if budget is an issue.) However, they could take the Green line, with no changes required, and get off at City Hall, and then take a taxi from there to the Clarke Quay area; the taxi would take literally less than 5 minutes and would probably cost S$5 (not including any rush hour surcharge). It’s also walkable, and should not take more than 15 minutes, but this may not be a great option with a lot of luggage and if they don’t like heat, there is also a little bit on an incline on River Valley Road if they are heading up that way.

Otherwise, I think your S$20 estimate to Clarke Quay is about right. They may have to pay a rush hour fare if they arrive during the morning or evening rush hour. There is also a late-night charge of 50% if they arrive between midnight and 6 am. Finally, there is a small surcharge for trips FROM the airport, and luggage charges (the driver may not charge them for luggage). You might take a look at the Changi airport website to see if they provide any information on cab fares and surcharges. Tipping is not required nor expected, however leaving change is always appreciated.

Thx a mint for the extra replies.

Budget is not an issue in that they can afford it but they have been savers all their lives so are not used to taking cabs. Perhaps I'll suggest they can take it back to the airport after they've spent a few days navigating the MTR and will feel confident with it and their surroundings.

Thx for the City Hall suggestion, Cicerone. I checked the MTR website and they would still have to transfer onto the main line - looks like the airport is just branch off. Good to know that it is a bit of an incline there - that seals the deal as they are active but still elderly and will be weighed down with their luggage, albeit they are going to pack light.

Enjoy-la!

I don't generally take cabs either...with one notable exception...when I'm in Singapore. They're clean, efficient, reasonable, regulated and metered - best place in the world to take a cab IMO.

As an added bonus, the taxi queue at Changi is generally very short or non existant. It's a wonderful thing.

Time of day makes a big difference regarding cab fare in Singapore - different surcharges for different things as Cicerons has outlined above.

Thx a mint, Melnq8. They would wait anyway but one definitely lacks patience so this is a bonus!

The surcharges, if any, will be fine. Not sure what time the arrive but know it is during "regular" morning hours. However, if they were arriving btwn 12AM and 6AM - I think the surcharges are worth every penny rather than stumbling around...LOL!

Enjoy-la!

The cab in Singapore are extremely efficient and cheap compare to other country, most of them speak English too. I would highly suggest that they take a cab to their destination to avoid any mishap that would ruin their vacation.