How to get from Singapore to Batam

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Indonesia · Singapore · Urban & Cultural · Batam · Singapore

Singapore to Batam is a classic straits hop: fast ferries run year-round from HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah to several Batam terminals (Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, Nongsapura). You can go DIY (just book a ferry), bundle a tour that includes tickets and hotel pickup, or add a private car to the ferry terminal for door-to-pier convenience. Below is everything you need to choose and book smoothly.

At A Glance (Singapore to Batam)

Mode Duration Best For
⛴️ High-Speed Ferry (HarbourFront / Tanah Merah → Batam) ~45–70m on water (+ check-in/immigration) Everyone; fastest & simplest
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 25–40 one-way (adult) + terminal/tax; promos vary. » compare ferries | alt. listings
🧭 Day Tour / Bundle (Ferry + Transfers/Activities) ~8–10h (day tour) or custom First-timers, hands-off logistics
🏷️ Cost: ~SGD 80–150+ pp depending on inclusions » see tours | Klook picks
🚘 Private Car to Terminal + Walk-On Ferry ~20–45m drive + 45–70m ferry Door-to-door ease, groups, luggage
🏷️ Cost: Car ~SGD 35–80 in SG (variable) + ferry ticket » fixed quotes | meet & greet
🅿️ Self-Drive to Terminal + Ferry ~20–45m drive + 45–70m ferry Locals/long-stay visitors with cars
🏷️ Cost: Parking ~SGD 2–5/hr (varies) + ferry ticket. » stay near terminals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest & easiest: High-speed ferry from HarbourFront → Harbour Bay/Batam Centre, or Tanah Merah → Nongsapura/Batam Centre depending on your Batam hotel.
  • No-planning, included transfers: Tour/bundle that covers ferry tickets, Batam transport, and activities/spa/meals.
  • Door-to-door comfort: Private car to the terminal + ferry (great with kids or lots of luggage).
  • Driving yourself: Self-drive to the terminal and walk on; cars generally don’t ship over on these ferries.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Choose the right Batam terminal: Harbour Bay (near many hotels), Batam Centre (central malls/immigration), Nongsapura (resorts on the northeast coast), Sekupang (west).
  • Check passport/visa: Many nationalities get visa-free/VOA for Indonesia, but always verify current rules before travel.
  • Arrive early: Be at the ferry check-in counter 60–90 minutes before departure on weekends/holidays.
  • Luggage & storage: Pack light; if needed, use city storage before/after sailing—see Radical Storage Singapore.
  • Deals & bundles: Watch promo fares and activity combos on 12Go, Klook, and GetYourGuide.

⛴️ Option #1 — High-Speed Ferry (Most Popular, Best Value)

Frequent Fast immigration Peak crowds

  • Overview: Ferries depart Singapore’s HarbourFront Centre and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Batam’s Harbour Bay, Batam Centre, Nongsapura, and Sekupang. Crossing times are typically 45–70 minutes.
  • How to book (with price): From ~SGD 25–40 one-way (adult) plus terminal/taxes. Compare timetables and book on 12Go, Klook, or Trip.com activities. Official operators include Batam Fast, Majestic Fast Ferry, and Sindo Ferry.
  • Pros: Quick, frequent, economical. Cons: Weekends sell out; seas can be choppy—sit mid-ship if sensitive.

Step-by-step: High-Speed Ferry

  1. Select the best terminals for your hotel: e.g., HarbourFront → Harbour Bay for central Alun-Alun/Waterfront, or Tanah Merah → Nongsapura for northeast resorts.
  2. Book your tickets on 12Go or Klook and note check-in time (generally 60–90 minutes before departure).
  3. Travel to the Singapore terminal by MRT/bus or ride-hailing; bring passport and booking reference. Clear Singapore exit control at the terminal.
  4. On arrival in Batam, clear Indonesian immigration and customs; ATMs and SIMs are in terminal halls. Use local taxis or prebooked transfers to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (HarbourFront / Tanah Merah)

  • HarbourFront Centre: Directly connected to HarbourFront MRT (NE1/CC29); plenty of food and shops for waiting.
  • Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Reach via bus or taxi/ride-hail from the east; allow extra time on weekends.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧭 Option #2 — Day Tour / Bundle (Ferry + Transfers/Activities)

Hassle-free Hotel pickup Fixed schedule

  • Overview: Many providers sell packages that include round-trip ferry tickets, Batam terminal pickup, lunch/spa/shopping, and return transfers—ideal for first visits or groups.
  • How to book (with price): From ~SGD 80–150+ depending on inclusions (spa, seafood, activities). Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide, Klook tours, or Trip.com experiences.
  • Pros: Minimal planning; transfers arranged. Cons: Less free time; set meal/shops.

Step-by-step: Day Tour / Bundle

  1. Pick a package with your preferred departure terminal/time and included activities (spa, sightseeing, shopping).
  2. Reserve on GetYourGuide or Klook; note meeting time and voucher requirements.
  3. Meet the coordinator at the Singapore terminal, collect boarding passes, and sail to the assigned Batam terminal.
  4. Join your group vehicle after immigration; follow the program; return on the scheduled ferry.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tour meeting spots)

  • HarbourFront Centre: Most packages meet near the ticket counters—details in your voucher.
  • Batam terminals: Coordinators wait outside customs with signage; follow instructions for pickup points.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Private Car to Terminal + Walk-On Ferry (Door-to-Pier)

Door-to-door Meet & greet Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver meets you at your hotel/office, drops you at HarbourFront or Tanah Merah, you walk on with your ferry ticket—great with children, elderly travelers, or bulky luggage.
  • How to book (with price): From ~SGD 35–80 in-city depending on distance/vehicle/time. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer or arrange meet-and-greet via Welcome Pickups. Buy ferry tickets on 12Go or Klook.
  • Pros: Zero transit changes; schedule exactly when you want. Cons: Costs more than MRT/bus; traffic affects travel time.

Step-by-step: Private Car + Ferry

  1. Book a pickup time that lands you at the terminal ~90 minutes before sailing (weekends/holidays).
  2. Prepurchase ferry tickets on 12Go or Klook; keep e-vouchers handy.
  3. Meet your driver (lobby/kerbside); ride to HarbourFront or Tanah Merah; check in and clear immigration.
  4. Arrive in Batam; use taxi/ride-hailing from the terminal to your hotel or activity.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel/Office → Terminal)

  • HarbourFront Centre: Best for central/west SG; connected to MRT (HarbourFront).
  • Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal: Best for Changi/East Coast; taxi/ride-hail recommended.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🅿️ Option #4 — Self-Drive to Terminal + Ferry (Simple for Drivers)

Flexible Easy parking Car stays in SG

  • Overview: Drive to HarbourFront Centre or Tanah Merah, park, and walk onto the ferry. Vehicles generally aren’t carried to Batam on these fast ferries—rent scooters/cars on Batam if you need wheels.
  • How to book (with price): Buy ferry tickets on 12Go or Klook. For on-island mobility, compare scooters/bikes via BikesBooking, and hotels on Booking.com.
  • Pros: Full control over timing; easy with kids/luggage. Cons: Parking costs; you’ll still arrange transport in Batam.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive + Ferry

  1. Choose terminal (HarbourFront or Tanah Merah) based on your route and the Batam terminal nearest your hotel.
  2. Purchase ferry tickets on 12Go or Klook; aim to park 90 minutes before departure on busy days.
  3. Park in the adjoining car parks; bring passports/tickets to the check-in counters and clear exit immigration.
  4. On arrival, hire a taxi/ride-hail at the terminal or rent locally (scooter/car) for hotel transfer and sightseeing.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car Parks & Access)

  • HarbourFront: Multi-storey car parks connected to the mall and ferry counters (follow signs).
  • Tanah Merah: Surface lots; allow extra time on public holidays.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Singapore to Batam)

Which Batam terminal should I choose?
Pick the one closest to your hotel/activities: Harbour Bay (central hotels), Batam Centre (malls/government), Nongsapura (northeast resorts), or Sekupang (west).

How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?
Plan 60–90 minutes before departure on weekends/holidays for ticketing and exit immigration.

Do I need cash on arrival?
ATMs are available at terminals, but bring some Indonesian rupiah for taxis/incidentals. Many places accept cards.

Can I bring large luggage?
Yes—ferries accept suitcases; check your operator’s limits. Travel light for easier boarding.

Are there flights from Singapore to Batam?
No regular commercial flights; ferries are the standard way. If you’re flying elsewhere in Indonesia, you can connect via Jakarta/Medan to Batam (BTH).

What’s the sea like?
Generally calm, but it can be choppy. Choose mid-ship seats if prone to motion sickness.

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