Love & Layovers"How much will Singapore cost us?" is the question friends and family back home ask us most. Here's an honest answer for a 5-day, 4-night trip from India, with flights included, in three budgets.
All figures are approximate per person and include return economy flights. We use ₹65 per S$1 for easy maths; check the live exchange rate and current prices before you book.
Flights from India
Singapore is about 4 to 5½ hours from most Indian metros, with direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi and other cities on Singapore Airlines, Air India, IndiGo and Scoot.
| When you book | Typical return economy fare |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks ahead, off-season | ₹18,000–28,000 |
| Peak (Diwali, Christmas, May–June holidays) | ₹30,000–45,000+ |
| Last minute | Can go well above ₹45,000 |
Visa and entry
- Indian passport holders need a visa for Singapore. Apply through an authorised visa agent; the all-in cost is usually around ₹2,500–3,500 and it typically takes a few working days.
- Everyone must submit the free SG Arrival Card online in the three days before arrival. Use only the official ICA website or app; there's no fee.
- Rules can change, so check the latest requirements on the ICA website before you travel.
Where to stay and what it costs
| Type | Per night (room) | Good areas |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel bed / capsule | S$35–60 | Bugis, Chinatown, Little India |
| Budget hotel | S$100–160 | Little India, Lavender, Geylang edge |
| Mid-range 3–4★ | S$180–300 | Bugis, Clarke Quay, Orchard, Chinatown |
| Luxury / Marina Bay | S$450+ | Marina Bay, Orchard |
For Indian travellers, Little India and Bugis are especially convenient: affordable stays, vegetarian food on every street and quick MRT links. See our guide to Indian restaurants in Singapore.
Food costs
- Hawker centre meal: S$5–8 (₹325–520)
- Indian vegetarian thali: S$8–15
- Casual restaurant: S$20–35 per person
- Coffee / bubble tea: S$4–8
Eating at hawker centres for two meals a day keeps food to roughly S$25–35 a day, while a mix of restaurants is closer to S$50–70.
Getting around
- MRT and buses: most rides cost S$1–2.50. Tap in and out with a contactless Visa or Mastercard (check your card's foreign transaction fee) or buy a tourist pass.
- Grab taxis: S$12–25 for most city trips; S$25–35 to or from Changi Airport.
- Airport to city by MRT: about S$2.50, around 45 minutes to the centre.
Plan on S$10–15 a day if you mostly use the MRT.
Attractions: what's free and what's paid
| Attraction | Approx. adult ticket |
|---|---|
| Universal Studios Singapore (1 day) | S$85–90 |
| Gardens by the Bay: Flower Dome + Cloud Forest | S$45–55 |
| Night Safari | S$55–60 |
| Singapore Zoo | S$45–50 |
| Singapore Flyer | S$35–40 |
| Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck | S$32–40 |
| Sentosa Express (monorail to Sentosa) | S$4 |
| Free | Supertree Grove, Garden Rhapsody and Spectra light shows, Merlion Park, Botanic Gardens, Jewel's Rain Vortex, Chinatown, Little India, Haji Lane, Sentosa beaches |
Sample 5-day mid-range budget
| Item | Per person |
|---|---|
| Return flights (booked ahead) | ₹25,000 |
| Visa (through an agent) | ₹3,000 |
| Hotel, 4 nights at S$220/night, shared by two | ₹28,600 |
| Food, S$50/day × 5 | ₹16,250 |
| MRT and Grab, S$15/day × 5 | ₹4,875 |
| Attractions: Universal Studios, Gardens domes, SkyPark, Night Safari (≈ S$230) | ₹15,000 |
| Shopping, SIM/eSIM, buffer | ₹8,000 |
| Total | ≈ ₹1,00,000 |
Ways to save
- Fly mid-week and outside Indian school holidays and festival weeks.
- Stay in Little India or Bugis rather than Marina Bay.
- Eat at hawker centres at least once a day; they're how Singaporeans eat.
- Plan around the free sights: the Garden Rhapsody and Spectra light shows are spectacular and cost nothing.
- Pick two or three paid attractions you really want instead of buying everything.
- Use the MRT; taxis add up fast.
Next: build your days with our list of the best places to visit in Singapore.
FAQs
How much does a 5-day Singapore trip cost from India?
Roughly ₹50,000–65,000 per person on a tight budget, ₹85,000–1,10,000 for a comfortable mid-range trip and ₹1.5 lakh or more for luxury, including return flights. Prices vary by season.
Do Indians need a visa for Singapore?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Singapore visa, usually applied for through an authorised visa agent, plus the free SG Arrival Card before arrival. Check the ICA website for the latest rules.
How much money should I carry to Singapore?
For a mid-range trip, budget about S$80–120 per person per day for food, transport and small expenses, excluding hotel and pre-booked tickets. A card works almost everywhere, but keep some cash for hawker stalls.
What is the cheapest time to visit Singapore from India?
Flights and hotels are usually cheapest outside Indian school holidays, Diwali, Christmas and New Year. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead helps.
Is Singapore expensive for Indian tourists?
Hotels and attractions are pricier than many Asian destinations, but food at hawker centres and the MRT are affordable, and many top sights are free.
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Prices and opening details change often. Figures here are approximate as of October 2026, so please check official websites before you book.
