How to Get from Johor Bahru (Malaysia) to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport

There are no direct flights from Senai International Airport (JHB) in Johor Bahru to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ). All flight itineraries require at least one transfer, making this option significantly more expensive and time-consuming than the ferry. However, for travelers who prefer to avoid sea travel or are combining trips, here are the viable transit options.

Option A: Via Batam (BTH) – Less Common but Possible

• Fly: JB (Senai) → Batam (Hang Nadim Airport) – Firefly or AirAsia, 1 h 10 min, RM120–180 (US$28–42).
• Ferry: Batam (Batam Centre) → Tanjung Pinang – 1 h 45 min, IDR 150,000–250,000 (US$10–16).
• Taxi: Tanjung Pinang port → Airport – 20 min, IDR 50,000–80,000 (US$3–5).
• Total time: 5–7 hours (including layovers and transfers).
• Total cost: RM200–310 (US$47–73) – roughly 3–4× the ferry direct cost.

Option B: Via Jakarta (CGK) – Longer but More Flight Choices

• Fly: JB → Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta) – AirAsia, Batik Air, 2 h, RM150–250 (US$35–59).
• Fly: Jakarta → Tanjung Pinang (TNJ) – Lion Air, Wings Air, 1 h 50 min, RM200–350 (US$47–82).
• Taxi: TNJ Airport arrival – already at destination.
• Total time: 6–10 hours (including transit time at CGK – minimum 3 hours).
• Total cost: RM400–650 (US$94–153) – extremely high for this short distance.

Flight vs Ferry: Total Time & Cost Reality Check

Option	Door-to-Door Time	Total Cost (RM)	Total Cost (US$)	Transfers
Ferry + Taxi (Best)	3–4 h	RM55–85	US$13–20	1 (ferry → taxi)
Flight via Batam	5–7 h	RM200–310	US$47–73	2 (flight → ferry → taxi)
Flight via Jakarta	6–10 h	RM400–650	US$94–153	1 (flight → flight)

Bottom line: Flying is not recommended unless you have a specific reason (e.g., collecting flight miles, avoiding sea if pregnant or prone to motion sickness). The ferry is 3× faster and 5× cheaper.

For travelers on a tight budget, combining a bus from Johor Bahru to a secondary ferry terminal can save a small amount of money, though it adds complexity and time. This option is only recommended for experienced backpackers who are familiar with both Malaysia and Indonesia.

Route: JB → Batam (by Bus & Ferry) → Tanjung Pinang → Airport

1. Bus from JB to Batam: Take a bus from Johor Bahru's Larkin Sentral to Batam's Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal. Buses depart hourly, 1.5 h, RM25–35 (US$6–8). Note: This includes a ferry crossing from Malaysia to Batam (the bus drives onto a ferry).
2. Ferry Batam → Tanjung Pinang: From Batam Centre or Harbour Bay, take a ferry to Tanjung Pinang. 1 h 45 min, IDR 130,000–200,000 (US$8–13).
3. Taxi to Airport: From Tanjung Pinang port to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport. 20 min, IDR 50,000–80,000 (US$3–5).

Total cost: RM55–80 (US$13–19) – only slightly cheaper than the direct ferry, but takes 5–7 hours.

Day Bus vs Night Bus

• Day bus (06:00–18:00): Frequent departures, easy to find, but you'll spend most of the day traveling.
• Night bus: Available from JB to Batam (last departure ~22:00), but ferries from Batam to Tanjung Pinang stop around 17:00. So you would be stranded in Batam overnight. Not practical for this route.

Booking & Luggage

• Book bus tickets via BusOnlineTicket.com or at Larkin Sentral counter.
• Ferry tickets can be purchased at Batam Centre terminal or via 12Go.asia.
• Luggage allowance on buses: 20 kg. Ferries: 20 kg. Excess luggage costs extra.
• Warning: You will pass through immigration twice (Malaysia exit, Indonesia entry at Batam, then internal ferry to Tanjung Pinang). Ensure your visa allows multiple entries if needed.

Verdict: Only choose this if you are already planning to visit Batam. Otherwise, the direct ferry from JB to Tanjung Pinang is cheaper, faster, and simpler.

Private transfers offer the highest level of convenience but come at a significant premium. This option is best for: late-night arrivals, travelers with heavy luggage, families with young children, or those with limited mobility.

Option 1: Private Taxi from JB Hotel to Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal

• Cost: RM25–45 (US$6–11) depending on hotel location and time of day.
• Duration: 15–25 minutes from central JB.
• Booking: Grab, MyCar, or hotel concierge. Pre-book via Klook for fixed rates.

Option 2: Private Transfer from Tanjung Pinang Port to Airport

• Cost: IDR 80,000–120,000 (US$5–8) for a pre-booked car (vs IDR 50,000–70,000 for Grab).
• Duration: 20 minutes.
• Convenience: Driver meets you at the arrival gate with a name board, helps with luggage.
• Booking: Via Traveloka or local Tanjung Pinang transfer services.

Option 3: Full Journey Private Transfer (JB Hotel → TNJ Airport) – Very Expensive

• Cost: RM450–700 (US$106–165) – includes taxi from JB to Stulang Laut, ferry ticket (business class), and private car from Tanjung Pinang port to airport.
• Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours.
• Providers: Some tour operators like Riau Islands Trans offer combined sea+land packages. Not widely available – must be booked 48 h in advance.
• When to choose: If you are a VIP, have a very tight schedule and cannot wait, or are traveling with someone who has severe mobility issues.

Price Comparison of Local Transfers

Route	Grab / Ride-hail	Metered Taxi	Pre-booked Private
JB city → Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal	RM15–22 (US$3–5)	RM20–30 (US$5–7)	RM30–45 (US$7–11)
Tanjung Pinang port → Airport	IDR 50,000–70,000 (US$3–5)	IDR 60,000–90,000 (US$4–6)	IDR 80,000–120,000 (US$5–8)

Tip: For most travelers, Grab in Tanjung Pinang is the best balance of cost and convenience. Metered taxis at the port sometimes overcharge – always agree on the fare before boarding.

Use the table below to compare every transport option side by side. Best option and cheapest option are highlighted.

Option	Total Time	Total Cost (RM)	Total Cost (US$)	Transfers	Comfort	Best For
⭐ Ferry + Taxi (Best Overall)	3–4 h	RM55–85	US$13–20	1	★★★★☆	All travelers
💰 Bus + Ferry (Cheapest)	5–7 h	RM48–70	US$11–16	2–3	★★☆☆☆	Backpackers, budget travelers
Flight via Batam	5–7 h	RM200–310	US$47–73	2	★★★☆☆	Those avoiding sea
Flight via Jakarta	6–10 h	RM400–650	US$94–153	1	★★★☆☆	Business travelers, mileage collectors
Private Transfer (Full)	3.5–4.5 h	RM450–700	US$106–165	0 (concierge)	★★★★★	VIPs, mobility issues, late night

Where to Book Tickets

• Ferry: Indomal Express | Majestic Ferry | 12Go.asia (aggregator).
• Flight: AirAsia | Lion Air | Batik Air.
• Bus: BusOnlineTicket.com | EasyBook.
• Private Transfer: Klook | Traveloka.

Pro tip: Ferry tickets are often 10–15% cheaper when booked online at least 3 days in advance. Walk-up prices at the terminal are always higher.

Based on hundreds of traveler reports and local advice, here are the real-world tips that can make or break your journey from Johor Bahru to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport.

1. Immigration & Visa – Don't Get Caught Out

• At Stulang Laut, you clear Malaysia exit and Indonesia entry before boarding. This takes 15–30 minutes on average.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) costs IDR 500,000 (US$32) – bring Indonesian rupiah or pay by card (some terminals charge a 3% fee).
• Passport must have 6+ months validity and at least 2 blank pages.

2. Luggage Strategy – Use Takkyubin (Luggage Delivery)

If you have heavy bags, consider using luggage delivery service from JB to Tanjung Pinang. Indomal Express offers a baggage transfer service for RM15–25 per piece. Alternatively, pack light – a 20 kg limit on ferries is strictly enforced. Overweight bags cost RM5–8/kg (US$1–2).

3. The "Hidden" Cost of Flight – Don't Forget Airport Transfers

If you choose to fly, remember that Senai Airport (JB) is 30 minutes from JB city (RM30–40 taxi), and from TNJ airport to Tanjung Pinang city is another 20 minutes. Add these to your total time. The ferry port is much closer to both city centers – a major advantage.

4. Peak Season & Booking Warnings

• Hari Raya / Eid: Ferries sell out 2–3 weeks in advance. Book early.
• School holidays (May–June, November–December): Expect crowds at immigration.
• Monsoon season (November–January): Seas can be rough. Bring motion sickness pills. Ferries rarely cancel, but delays of 30–60 minutes are possible.

5. Food & Facilities at the Terminals

• Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal: Small café selling nasi lemak, sandwiches, and drinks. Limited seating.
• Sri Bintan Pura Terminal (Tanjung Pinang): Several warungs (local eateries) with Indonesian classics like mie goreng, soto, and fresh coconut water. ATM available.
• TNJ Airport: One small café and a convenience store. Don't expect airport-style dining.

6. Connectivity – SIM Cards & Wi-Fi

Buy an Indonesia eSIM (via Airalo or Holafly) before you travel. Physical SIMs are available at Tanjung Pinang port (Telkomsel, Indosat). Prices start at IDR 50,000 (US$3) for 10 GB. Free Wi-Fi is available at both ferry terminals and at TNJ airport (limited speed).

7. What Locals Do – The Insider Way

Experienced travelers on this route always: (a) book the first morning ferry (08:00) to avoid afternoon crowds, (b) bring a light jacket – air conditioning on ferries is very cold, (c) carry small denomination rupiah for taxi and snacks, and (d) use Grab rather than metered taxis at the port.