Batam is Singapore’s nearest international island neighbour — just 45 to 75 minutes by ferry across the Singapore Strait. It draws shoppers, spa seekers, golf enthusiasts, and families looking for a genuinely affordable getaway. Ferry fares from Singapore to Batam start at SGD 28 one-way with Sindo Ferry, making it one of the cheapest international trips available from the city-state.
Sindo Ferry has been connecting Singapore and Batam since 1999, establishing itself as one of the region’s most trusted and frequently used ferry operators. Here is everything you need for a smooth crossing.
Singapore to Batam Ferry: Route Overview
Main Routes and Terminals
| Singapore Terminal | Batam Terminal | Operator Options | Travel Time |
| HarbourFront Centre | Batam Centre | Sindo, Majestic, BatamFast | ~60–75 min |
| HarbourFront Centre | Sekupang | Sindo Ferry | ~45–60 min |
| Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal | Batam Centre | Sindo, Majestic | ~50–70 min |
| HarbourFront Centre | Waterfront City (Nongsa) | Sindo (weekends only) | ~60 min |
Most popular route: HarbourFront to Batam Centre — this gives direct access to Batam’s main shopping and dining areas.
Sindo Ferry: Singapore’s Most Trusted Batam Operator
About Sindo Ferry
Sindo Ferry has operated on the Singapore–Indonesia corridor for over 25 years, making it the largest ferry operator in the region by route coverage. It connects Singapore to Batam Ferry, Bintan, Tanjung Pinang, and Tanjung Balai Karimun — giving travellers exceptional flexibility from a single operator.
Sindo Ferry Schedule (HarbourFront to Batam Centre)
| Timing | |
| First departure | 8:00 AM |
| Last departure | 9:50 PM |
| Weekend Waterfront service | Saturday and Sunday only |
Ferries from Tanah Merah to Batam Centre run from 10:20 AM to 5:40 PM, with fewer daily sailings than the HarbourFront route.
Sindo Ferry Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price |
| One-way (Singapore to Batam) | SGD 28 |
| Return (round trip) | SGD 56 |
| Singapore Passenger Departure Fee | SGD 10 per person (payable separately) |
| Batam Terminal Fee | ~SGD 10 per person (payable at Batam terminal) |
Note: Always confirm whether departure and terminal fees are included in your booked ticket price — some platforms include them, others add them separately at check-in.
Why Travellers Prefer Ferry Travel Over Flying
Ferry vs Budget Flight to Batam
| Ferry (Sindo) | Budget Flight (SG–BTH) | |
| Price (one-way) | SGD 28 + fees | SGD 60–120+ |
| Travel time (terminal to terminal) | 45–75 min | 45 min (+ airport time = 2–3 hrs) |
| Immigration ease | Simple — ferry terminal is compact | Full airport process |
| Baggage | 20 kg free checked + 10 kg hand-carry | Extra cost for checked bags |
| Weekend availability | High frequency, walk-up tickets are often available | Must book ahead |
For any stay under 4 days, the ferry is the obvious choice — faster door-to-door, significantly cheaper, and with a far simpler immigration process.
Immigration: What to Expect at Each Checkpoint
On departure from Singapore:
- Arrive at HarbourFront or Tanah Merah at least 60 minutes before departure
- Clear Singapore immigration (standard passport stamp process)
- Board the ferry at the designated boarding gate
On arrival in Batam:
- All passengers must now present a Digital Arrival Card (DAC) — mandatory as of October 1, 2025, for all international arrivals into Batam
- DAC replaces the traditional paper arrival card and must be completed before departure
- Indonesian immigration clearance at Batam Centre is generally fast — typically 10–20 minutes for ferry arrivals
ferry routes map
What to Do in Batam
Once through immigration, Batam offers a wide range of activities suited to different traveller types:
Top Batam Experiences
- Batam City Square (BCS Mall) — 5 minutes from Batam Centre ferry terminal; retail, restaurants, cinemas
- Harbour Bay Mall — waterfront dining with Singapore skyline views, seafood restaurants
- Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall — Batam’s largest mall; electronics, fashion, food court
- Ocarina Theme Park — outdoor recreation including go-karts, mini golf, and waterfront walks
- Golf Courses — Batam has 18+ golf courses, many with green fees under SGD 50, including caddy
- Spas and Wellness — full-body massage packages start from SGD 15–25; significantly cheaper than Singapore rates
- Seafood Restaurants — fresh catch at waterfront restaurants, typically RM 50–80 (SGD 15–25) for a full seafood meal for two
Travel Tips for a Smooth Batam Ferry Trip
Booking:
- Book Sindo Ferry tickets online at least 2–3 days ahead on weekends — popular sailings sell out
- Bring your NTUC Link Card if you have one — Sindo Ferry partners with NTUC for member discounts
- Keep the redBus App on your phone for quick rebooking and schedule changes
Batam Ferry Travel Guide from Singapore
Documents and Currency:
- Valid passport required with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
- Indonesian Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available for Singapore passport holders at the Batam ferry terminal — currently USD 35 per person
- Carry Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for small purchases; ATMs are available at the Batam Centre terminal
- Bring Singapore Dollars — many Batam shops and restaurants accept SGD directly
At the Terminal:
- Arrive 60 minutes before departure — Sindo recommends early check-in, especially for weekends
- Ferry luggage limit: 20 kg checked baggage + 10 kg hand-carry
- Oversized items (surfboards, bicycles over 1.5m) attract a SGD 10 surcharge and must be checked in 30 minutes before departure
Batam Remains Singapore’s Favourite Quick Escape
With a crossing time under 90 minutes, tickets starting at SGD 28, and an island full of affordable food, spas, golf, and shopping, Batam remains the top short-trip destination for Singapore travellers.
