How to Get from Singapore via Ferry from Tanjungpinang to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport

The ferry is the only direct and most practical way to travel from Singapore to Tanjungpinang (the gateway to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport). Unlike the fictional "train" option sometimes suggested by generic guides, there is no railway connection between Singapore and Tanjungpinang — the sea route is the established and only efficient link. Below is a deep dive into everything you need to know.

Ferry Operators & Schedules

Two main operators serve the Singapore–Tanjungpinang route:

Operator	Vessel Type	Daily Departures	Travel Time	Adult Fare (One Way)
Sindo Ferry	Conventional ferry	4–5 (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM)	2.5–3 hours	IDR 590,000–740,000 / ~USD 37–47
Batam Fast	High-speed catamaran	3–4 (8:00 AM – 3:30 PM)	2 hours 15 min – 2 hours 45 min	IDR 680,000–850,000 / ~USD 43–54

Source: Official operator schedules (2025). Fares vary by season and booking time.

Departure & Arrival Terminals

• Singapore departure: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) — located at 50 Tanah Merah Ferry Road, Singapore 498833. Easily accessible by MRT (Tanah Merah station) and bus 35.
• Tanjungpinang arrival: Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal — Jalan Yos Sudarso, Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands. The terminal is modern with immigration, baggage claim, and a taxi stand.

Onboard Experience & Amenities

Both operators offer economy class seating with air conditioning, onboard washrooms, and basic snack service. Batam Fast’s catamarans feature slightly more comfortable seats and larger windows. Seasickness tip: The South China Sea can be choppy, especially from November to February (monsoon season). Bring motion sickness medication if you are prone.

Baggage Policy

Standard allowance: 20 kg checked luggage + 1 carry-on (max 7 kg). Excess baggage fees: IDR 15,000–25,000 / ~USD 1–2 per kg. Oversized items (surfboards, bicycles) require prior arrangement and cost IDR 100,000–200,000 / ~USD 6–13 per item.

Booking & Ticketing Tips

• Book online via Sindo Ferry official site or Batam Fast official site at least 3–7 days in advance for best prices.
• Walk-in tickets are available but may be 15–25% more expensive and subject to availability.
• Peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Eid, school holidays): book 2–4 weeks ahead.
• Check-in: arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for immigration and baggage drop.

Why There Is No Train (and Why That Matters)

Some travel guides mistakenly mention a "train" option for this route. In reality, there is no railway network connecting Singapore to Tanjungpinang — the sea crossing makes a train physically impossible. The only rail option would be taking a train from Singapore to Johor Bahru (Malaysia) and then traveling to a different ferry terminal, which adds 3–4 hours and is not recommended. Stick to the direct ferry for efficiency.

While flying might seem faster, the reality is that no direct flights exist from Singapore to Tanjungpinang (TNJ). The closest airports are Batam (BTH) and Bintan (BBT), both requiring a connecting ferry. Below is the honest breakdown.

Option 1: Fly to Batam (Hang Nadim Airport) + Ferry to Tanjungpinang

• Flight: Singapore Changi (SIN) → Batam (BTH) — 45 min, operated by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and AirAsia. Fare: IDR 550,000–1,200,000 / ~USD 35–76.
• Ferry: Batam (Batam Centre Ferry Terminal) → Tanjungpinang — 1.5–2 hours, operated by Sindo Ferry. Fare: IDR 200,000–300,000 / ~USD 13–19.
• Taxi: Tanjungpinang ferry terminal → Airport — 15 min, IDR 50,000–100,000 / ~USD 3–7.
• Total time: 4.5–6 hours (including transit, immigration, and waiting).
• Total cost: IDR 800,000–1,600,000 / ~USD 51–102.
• Verdict: More expensive and slower than the direct ferry. Only consider if you have airline miles or need to visit Batam anyway.

Option 2: Fly to Bintan (Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport Direct)

Ironically, you can fly directly to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport — but only from Indonesian cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam, etc.), not from Singapore. For international travelers already in Singapore, the direct ferry remains the only practical choice.

Hidden Time Costs of Flying

Many travelers underestimate the "door-to-door" time when flying:

Segment	Time
Singapore city → Changi Airport	30–60 min
Check-in & security	45–60 min
Flight to Batam	45 min
Immigration & baggage	20–40 min
Batam Airport → Ferry Terminal	20–30 min (taxi)
Ferry Batam → Tanjungpinang	1.5–2 h
Tanjungpinang Terminal → Airport	15–20 min
Total (door-to-door)	4.5–6.5 h

Compare this with the direct ferry: 3.5–4.5 hours total. The "flight shortcut" is a myth for this route.

Public transport within Tanjungpinang is limited but functional. Here’s what you need to know about getting from the ferry terminal to the airport by bus or minibus.

City Bus (Angkot) — The Budget Option

• Route: Terminal Sri Bintan Pura → Pasar Baru → Jalan Yos Sudarso → Airport (route 01A / 01B).
• Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Fare: IDR 5,000–8,000 / ~USD 0.30–0.50 per person.
• Travel time: 30–40 minutes (with stops).
• Tip: Angkots are small minibuses (12 seats). They run until early evening only — not available after dark.
• Challenge: No direct signage in English. You may need to ask the driver to drop you at "Bandara" (airport).

Shuttle Minibus (Travel Agent)

Some local travel agencies near the ferry terminal offer shared minibus transfers to the airport:

• Cost: IDR 25,000–40,000 / ~USD 1.60–2.50 per person.
• Departure: Typically timed to match ferry arrivals (9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM).
• Booking: Purchase at the travel desk inside the ferry terminal arrival hall.
• Note: These minibuses may wait until full (8–10 passengers), which can add 15–20 minutes to departure.

Limitations of Public Transport

Public buses and minibuses are not recommended if you have large luggage (more than one suitcase per person), are traveling with small children, or arrive after 5:00 PM. The service is basic and may not run on public holidays. For most travelers, a taxi or ride-hailing service is the more reliable choice.

For convenience, speed, and reliability, taxis and ride-hailing services (Grab) are the top choice for the short 5–10 km trip from Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport.

Taxi (Airport Taxi Counter)

• Fixed price: IDR 80,000–120,000 / ~USD 5–8 (depending on vehicle type and time of day).
• Where to find: Official taxi counter inside the ferry terminal arrival hall — look for the "Airport Taxi" sign.
• Vehicle: Sedan or MPV (Toyota Avanza / Daihatsu Xenia).
• Travel time: 15–20 minutes via Jalan Yos Sudarso.
• Advantage: Fixed price, no surge, available even when Grab has no drivers.

Grab (Ride-Hailing)

• Estimated fare: IDR 50,000–90,000 / ~USD 3–6 (GrabCar).
• Availability: Generally good from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Late-night availability is limited.
• Pick-up point: Exit the ferry terminal and walk 50 m to the main road (Grab pick-up zone).
• Tip: Use GrabPay or link a credit card for cashless payment — not all drivers have change for large bills.
• Surge pricing: During peak hours (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM), fares can increase 1.5–2x.

Private Car / Hotel Transfer

If you are staying at a hotel in Tanjungpinang before heading to the airport, many mid-range hotels (e.g., Hotel Bintan Plaza, CK Hotel Tanjungpinang) offer complimentary or paid airport transfers for IDR 60,000–100,000 / ~USD 4–7. Ask at the front desk.

When to Choose Taxi Over Bus — Extreme Cases

• Late arrival (after 6:00 PM): Buses and minibuses stop running. Taxi or Grab is your only option.
• Heavy luggage (3+ bags): Taxi/MPV provides ample space; angkot minibuses have no luggage compartment.
• Traveling with elderly or infants: Direct, air-conditioned taxi is far more comfortable.
• Early morning flight (before 8:00 AM): Book a taxi the night before — Grab availability before 6:00 AM is unreliable.

Use the table below to compare every possible way to get from Singapore to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport. Best option and cheapest option are clearly marked.

Route / Method	Total Time	Total Cost (IDR)	Total Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
⭐ BEST: Direct Ferry + Taxi	3.5–4.5 h	IDR 640,000–1,200,000	~USD 40–76	1 (ferry → taxi)	All travelers — best balance of speed & cost
💰 CHEAPEST: Direct Ferry + Angkot Bus	4–5 h	IDR 595,000–745,000	~USD 37–47	1 (ferry → bus)	Budget backpackers with light luggage
Direct Ferry + Shuttle Minibus	4–5 h	IDR 615,000–780,000	~USD 39–49	1 (ferry → minibus)	Solo travelers who prefer not to haggle
Fly to Batam + Ferry + Taxi	4.5–6.5 h	IDR 800,000–1,600,000	~USD 51–102	2 (flight → ferry → taxi)	Travelers with airline miles or visiting Batam
Fly to Bintan (from Jakarta etc.)	N/A (not from Singapore)	N/A	N/A	—	Not applicable for Singapore departures

Where to Buy Tickets

• Ferry tickets: Sindo Ferry | Batam Fast | also via 12Go (third-party aggregator).
• Flight tickets: Garuda Indonesia | Lion Air | AirAsia.
• Taxi / Grab: No advance booking needed for taxi counter; Grab booked via app.
• Bus / Angkot: Pay cash directly to the driver.

Important: Currency & Payment Notes

All prices in the table are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) with USD equivalents for reference. Ferry tickets can be paid in SGD or IDR — paying in IDR often gives a better exchange rate. Taxis and buses require IDR cash — there are ATMs at the ferry terminal (Bank Mandiri, BCA). Grab accepts credit cards and GrabPay.

Based on frequent traveler reports and local knowledge, here are 8 practical tips to make your trip from Singapore to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport via Tanjungpinang hassle-free.

1. ⏱️ Arrive at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal Early

Immigration queues at Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal can be 15–40 minutes during peak hours (8:00–10:00 AM). Arrive 90 minutes before departure for international ferries. The terminal has a small café and duty-free shop.

2. 🌊 Beware of Rough Seas (Nov–Feb)

The northeast monsoon (November to February) brings choppy waters to the Singapore Strait. Ferry rides can be bumpy — motion sickness medication is strongly advised. Batam Fast’s catamarans handle waves better than Sindo’s conventional ferries.

3. 🛄 Use "Takkyubin" Style Luggage Services? Not Here — But You Can Store Bags

Unlike Japan, Tanjungpinang does not have a luggage forwarding service (Takkyubin). However, the ferry terminal has a left luggage counter (IDR 20,000–35,000 / ~USD 1.30–2.20 per bag per day) if you want to explore Tanjungpinang before heading to the airport. For most people, going directly to the airport is more efficient.

4. 🏙️ Tanjungpinang — Worth a Short Stop?

If your flight from TNJ is in the evening, consider spending 2–3 hours in Tanjungpinang. The Vihara Budhi Bhakti temple and Purnama Market are within 2 km of the ferry terminal. A taxi from the market to the airport costs IDR 60,000–80,000 / ~USD 4–5.

5. 📱 Grab vs. Taxi — Which Is Really Better?

Grab is often cheaper (IDR 50,000–90,000 vs. taxi IDR 80,000–120,000), but taxi is more reliable when Grab has no available drivers (common in the afternoon). Pro tip: check Grab first; if no driver, walk to the taxi counter — it’s only 20 m away.

6. 🛂 Immigration at Tanjungpinang — Have Your VoA Ready

Visa on Arrival (VoA) costs IDR 500,000 / ~USD 33 (cash only — exact change preferred). The immigration hall at Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal has 6–8 counters; average processing time is 15–30 minutes. Have your return ticket and hotel booking printed or on your phone.

7. 📅 Peak Season Warning — Book Everything Early

During Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Eid al-Fitr (Mar/Apr), and July–August school holidays, ferry tickets can sell out 2–3 weeks in advance. Taxi fares also surge by 1.5–2x. Book ferry tickets online and consider pre-booking a taxi via your hotel.

8. 🔄 Terminal Transfer at Tanjungpinang — Step by Step

1. Disembark ferry at Sri Bintan Pura Terminal.
2. Proceed to immigration (ground floor) — have passport and VoA payment ready.
3. Collect checked baggage from carousel (1 belt).
4. Exit to arrival hall — taxi counter is on your left, Grab pick-up is outside to the right.
5. 15–20 minute drive to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport.
6. Arrive at TNJ airport — departures hall is on the upper level.

Total terminal time: 20–40 minutes (immigration + baggage).