How to Get from Singapore (via Ferry) to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport

Quick Answer

Best way: Ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal (BBTFT), then a 15–20 minute taxi to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ). Total time: ~1.5–2 hours. Total cost: SGD 55–80 (USD 40–60) per person. Key transit point: Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal, Bintan Island. This is the only practical door-to-door option — no direct flight or bus exists.

Ferry System – The Core Route from Singapore to Bintan

Operator Comparison

Step-by-Step Ferry Process

1. Arrive at TMFT: Take MRT to Tanah Merah station, then bus 35 or taxi (10 min). Allow 45 min before departure.
2. Check-in & Immigration: Present passport (valid ≥6 months), ferry booking, and complete Singapore exit formalities.
3. Ferry crossing: 50–55 min. Air-conditioned, snack bar available. Sea conditions can be choppy in afternoon.
4. Arrival at BBTFT: Complete Indonesian Visa on Arrival (VoA) — free for most nationalities, valid 30 days.
5. Exit to transport: Follow signs to taxi queue or shuttle pickup point (see next sections).

Key tip: Book your ferry at least 48 hours in advance during peak periods (Chinese New Year, school holidays, July–August). Walk-up tickets often sell out. Source: Bintan Resort Ferries official site.

Why This Is the Only Practical Option

Unlike routes to Batam, there is no direct flight from Singapore to Bintan. The ferry is the only direct link. Trains and buses do not cross the Singapore Strait. Therefore, the ferry + land transfer is the standard and recommended approach for all travelers.

Multi-Segment Flight Alternatives (Not Recommended)

Option 1: Singapore → Batam (Hang Nadim Airport) → Ferry → Bintan → Taxi to TNJ

• Fly: Singapore (SIN) to Batam (BTH) — 45 min, from SGD 80 (USD 59) one-way (budget carriers).
• Ferry: Batam (Sekupang or Batam Centre) to Bintan (BBTFT) — 60–90 min, from IDR 200,000 (USD 13).
• Taxi: BBTFT to TNJ — 15–20 min, IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD 6–10).
• Total time: 4–6 hours (including transfers and waiting).
• Total cost: SGD 120–180 (USD 88–132) per person.

Verdict: Only useful if you are already in Batam or need to visit Batam first. Otherwise, the direct ferry from Singapore is faster and cheaper.

Option 2: Singapore → Jakarta (CGK) → TNJ (domestic flight)

• Fly SIN → CGK: 2 hours, from SGD 150 (USD 110).
• Transit & fly CGK → TNJ: 1 hour 45 min, from IDR 800,000 (USD 52) on Garuda, Citilink or Sriwijaya.
• Total time: 6–8 hours (minimum connection 3–4 hours at CGK).
• Total cost: SGD 250–350 (USD 184–257) per person.

Verdict: Only logical if you are combining a Jakarta trip. For airport access alone, the ferry route is 5x cheaper and 4x faster.

Source: Flight data via Garuda Indonesia and Citilink.

Shuttle & Hotel Transfer – Budget Land Connection

Public Shuttle Bus (Bintan Resort Shuttle)

• Route: BBTFT → Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (and major resorts).
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes, aligned with ferry arrivals.
• Travel time: 20–25 minutes.
• Fare: IDR 50,000–80,000 (USD 3–5) per person.
• Booking: Purchase ticket at the shuttle counter inside the terminal (cash or card).
• Baggage: Free for standard luggage; large sports equipment may incur a small surcharge.

Hotel Transfer Services

Many resorts on Bintan (e.g., Bintan Lagoon, Sanchaya, Banyan Tree) offer complimentary or paid airport transfer for guests. If you are staying at a resort before flying out, check with your hotel. Typical hotel transfer cost: IDR 150,000–300,000 (USD 10–20) per vehicle (one-way).

Pros & Cons vs. Taxi

Tip: The shuttle is reliable but not bookable online — simply queue at the counter. If you have a tight connection to a flight, consider a taxi instead. Source: Bintan Resort Ferries transfer info.

Taxi & Private Transfer – Fastest & Most Comfortable

Taxi from BBTFT to TNJ

• Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles).
• Travel time: 15–20 minutes (depending on traffic, usually light).
• Fare: IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD 6–10) — fixed price from the official taxi counter.
• Availability: Taxis wait immediately outside the terminal exit. No advance booking needed.
• Payment: Cash (IDR) preferred; some accept card with a surcharge.

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

• Providers: Klook, Traveloka, local Bintan transfer services.
• Cost: IDR 200,000–350,000 (USD 13–23) for a standard sedan.
• Benefits: Meet-and-greet at the terminal, flight monitoring, fixed price, no queuing.
• Booking: Online at least 24 hours in advance.

When a Taxi/Private Transfer Is Worth the Extra Cost

• Late ferry arrival: If your ferry docks after 5:00 PM, the shuttle may be less frequent.
• Tight flight connection: You have less than 60 minutes before your TNJ flight departs.
• Heavy/bulky luggage: Surfboards, golf bags, or multiple suitcases are easier in a private vehicle.
• Early morning departure: First taxis available from 7:00 AM; shuttles may start later.
• Group of 3–4: Cost per person becomes comparable to the shuttle, but with much greater convenience.

Note: There is no ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) pickup at BBTFT — only official taxis and pre-booked transfers are permitted. Source: Klook Bintan transfers.

Cost & Time Comparison – All Options at a Glance

Key takeaway: The ferry + taxi option is 4x faster and 5x cheaper than the cheapest multi-segment flight. For 99% of travelers, this is the only sensible choice.

Where to Book Ferry Tickets

• Bintan Resort Ferries — Official website (best price, direct booking).
• Sindo Ferry — Official website (slightly cheaper, fewer departures).
• Klook / Traveloka — third-party platforms sometimes offer SGD 3–5 discount codes.

Advance booking recommended: Especially for Friday–Sunday and public holidays.

Traveler Tips & Local Insights

1. Immigration & Visa on Arrival (VoA)

• Most nationalities get a free 30-day VoA at Bintan ferry terminals. No advance visa needed.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
• Fill out the Indonesian e-CD (customs declaration) online before arrival to speed up processing.

2. Luggage & Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery)

• Ferry baggage limit: 20 kg check-in + one hand carry. Excess baggage costs SGD 5–10 (USD 4–7) per kg.
• For heavy travelers: consider baggage transfer service from Singapore to Bintan resorts (available via some hotels). Not available directly to the airport.
• If you have surfboards or golf clubs, inform the ferry operator at least 24 hours in advance.

3. Best Time to Travel & Weather

• Morning ferries (7:50–10:00 AM) are recommended — seas are calmer, and you avoid afternoon thunderstorms common from November to February.
• Peak seasons: Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb), Easter, June school holidays, and Christmas. Book ferries 2–3 weeks ahead during these periods.
• Sea sickness: If prone, take medication 30 min before departure. The Strait can be rough in the afternoon.

4. Navigating the Ferry Terminals

• Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT): Small terminal with basic cafes, currency exchange, and free WiFi. Arrive 45 min before departure for check-in.
• Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal (BBTFT): Larger terminal with duty-free shop, ATM, taxi counter, and shuttle desk. Withdraw IDR cash here for the taxi — no Grab available.

5. Connectivity & Communication

• Buy an Indonesian eSIM or SIM card (Telkomsel, XL) at BBTFT for data — starts from IDR 50,000 (USD 3).
• Singapore roaming works but is more expensive. Free WiFi is available at both terminals.

Pro tip: Join the "Bintan Traveler" Facebook group for real-time updates on ferry delays, weather, and road conditions. Source: Bintan Resort Ferries Travel Guide.

FAQs: Singapore to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport via Ferry