Singapore to Batam Ferry Guide: Terminals, Operators and Tips

The quickest way to Batam is a fast ferry from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah. Crossings take roughly 40 to 70 minutes depending on the route, and four main operators run the routes. The key decision is not the operator but the pair of terminals: the right one on each side can save you an hour of driving.

Singapore terminals

HarbourFront (new terminal)

HarbourFront has a new home. The new HarbourFront Ferry Terminal is at 5 HarbourFront Avenue, Singapore 099549, a red terracotta building about 70 metres from the old ferry hall. BatamFast moved first, on 7 July 2026; Horizon Fast Ferry, Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry and Indo Falcon followed from 15 July 2026, according to Mothership. Use HarbourFront MRT Exit B; there are sheltered walkways from the MRT and VivoCity. The terminal has food and drink outlets, shops and money changers.

Routes and schedules did not change with the move.

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal

Tanah Merah, near Changi, is the natural choice if you live in the east. The terminal has a self-service check-in kiosk, which the Singapore Cruise Centre promotes as a way to skip the queue.

Batam terminals and who sails there

Based on the Singapore Cruise Centre ferry schedule (checked October 2026):

From HarbourFront

• Batam Centre: BatamFast, Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry
• Sekupang: BatamFast, Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry
• Harbour Bay: Horizon Fast Ferry

From Tanah Merah

• Batam Centre: BatamFast, Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry
• Nongsapura: BatamFast
• Sekupang: BatamFast

Sindo Ferry's own site also lists HarbourFront sailings to Waterfront, and BatamFast's timetable shows its Gold Coast route as "suspended until further notice" at the time of checking. Always confirm on the operator's site before you book.

Which Batam terminal should you choose?

• Harbour Bay: lands you on the waterfront in the old downtown, about 10 minutes from Nagoya, with restaurants and a mall at the terminal. Crossings from HarbourFront take about 45 minutes.
• Batam Centre: the island's main gateway. The terminal connects by bridge to Mega Mall, which makes it ideal if you are staying in Batam Centre or want to shop on arrival.
• Nongsapura: on the north-east coast, a short drive from resorts such as Turi Beach Resort (about five minutes, according to the resort). Pick this if your weekend is a resort weekend.
• Sekupang: on the west coast, a quieter arrival point and handy for that side of the island.

Journey time and time zones

Expect roughly 40 to 70 minutes on the water. The Harbour Bay crossing is about 45 minutes.

Remember that Batam is one hour behind Singapore. Operators such as Sindo show Singapore times in GMT+8 and Indonesian times in GMT+7. A ferry that leaves HarbourFront at 9.30am Singapore time and takes 50 minutes lands at about 9.20am Batam time.

Check-in and boarding

• Arrive early. BatamFast asks passengers to arrive at least 60 minutes before the scheduled sailing at the new HarbourFront terminal. Treat that as your rule at both ends.
• Bulky bags. If you are carrying golf clubs or large luggage that needs checking in, allow extra time.
• Online check-in and kiosks can speed things up; check what your operator offers.
• Bring your passport, with at least six months' validity from your date of entry into Indonesia.

Paperwork for the Indonesian side

Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration within the three days before you arrive. It combines the immigration arrival card, customs declaration and health declaration into one form and produces a QR code you show on arrival. Use the official All Indonesia portal or app. Indonesian immigration confirms the declaration is free of charge, so avoid third-party sites that charge a fee.

Details are in our entry requirements guide.

Fares and booking

Fares change with the route, the season and promotions, so we do not list them here. Book directly with the operator or a reputable platform, and buy return tickets if you know your dates. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times. Some sailings only run on particular days; BatamFast's timetable marks departures that operate only Friday to Sunday, for example.

What to bring

• Passport (six months' validity)
• All Indonesia QR code (screenshot it)
• Ferry booking confirmation
• Some rupiah in small notes for your first taxi or snack

What happens when you land in Batam

1. Immigration. Have your passport ready and your All Indonesia QR code on screen. The same QR code is scanned at both immigration and customs.
2. Customs. Indonesia allows personal goods bought abroad up to US$500 FOB per person without duty. Declare cash of IDR 100 million or more.
3. Out to the kerb. Taxis wait outside the terminals and fares are often negotiated, so agree the price first. At Batam Centre, ride-hailing cars could not pick up inside the terminal zone at the time of a local report in April 2026; walk to Mega Mall for pickup instead.

Our getting around Batam guide explains the options.

The return trip from Batam

Leave more time than you think on the way home, especially on Sunday afternoons when weekend visitors all head back at once.

• Batam Centre: Mega Mall connects to the terminal by bridge, and BatamFast's shopping guide notes pre-immigration on the mall's second floor. Handy if you want a last meal before checking in.
• Harbour Bay: BayFront Mall and seafood restaurants sit at the terminal, so you can eat and walk straight to the ferry.
• Nongsapura: if you are staying at a Nongsa resort, book the hotel transfer back to the terminal in advance.

Coming back to Singapore

At Singapore customs, the duty-free liquor concession only applies if you have been out of Singapore for at least 48 hours, and GST relief is S$100 if you were away less than 48 hours. Cigarettes never get a concession. See the Singapore Customs page.

Quick decision guide

• Staying in Nagoya or Harbour Bay: HarbourFront to Harbour Bay.
• Staying in Batam Centre or shopping on arrival: either Singapore terminal to Batam Centre.
• Heading to a Nongsa resort: Tanah Merah to Nongsapura.
• Living in the east of Singapore: start at Tanah Merah.

Ferry schedules can change without notice, and operators reserve the right to change timings. Check the BatamFast, Sindo Ferry or Majestic Fast Ferry sites the day before you travel.