A ferry ticket to Batam might look cheap at first glance, but the final price depends heavily on what’s included. Some operators include terminal fees and surcharges in the ticket price. Others charge a lower base fare, then add passenger fees, fuel surcharges, or Batam terminal charges at checkout. This guide explains what to check before you pay, so the Singapore to Batam ferry price does not surprise you at the final step.
| Cost | What it is | Typical amount |
| Base fare | Ferry ticket price before or after operator fees | Varies by operator |
| Singapore passenger departure fee | Fee for departures from HarbourFront or Tanah Merah | Around S$10 |
| Batam terminal fee | Fee charged on the Batam side | Around Rp100,000 / S$10 |
| Fuel / temporary surcharge | Added by some operators when applicable | Varies |
| Visa on Arrival | Only for travellers who need it | IDR 500,000 |
*Approximate, as of 2026 and before promotions. Always confirm the full total at the checkout screen.
Why the ticket price isn’t the final price
The initial price you see may not be the final price. Some operators charge an initial fee for a base route and extra terminal fees or surcharges. These charges are also included in the fare that is published. Please ensure that the Singapore passenger departure fee, Batam terminal fee and any fuel surcharge have been included before paying.
Two things push it up: a passenger fee on the Singapore side and a seaport tax on the Batam side (around Rp100,000 / S$10).
One-way vs return: which is cheaper
Return tickets are usually cheaper than buying two separate one-way fares, because operators discount the round trip when you book it in advance.
Price also moves with the day and time. Weekday, daytime crossings are the cheapest. Friday evenings and weekends cost more, and they sell out first.
HarbourFront vs Tanah Merah: pick the right terminal
Singapore has two ferry terminals for Batam Fast Ferry, and choosing the wrong one can cost you an extra taxi across the island before you even board.
| Terminal | Best for | Common arrival ports |
| HarbourFront | Central & western Singapore | Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, Waterfront |
| Tanah Merah | Eastern Singapore | Nongsa, Batam Centre |
Pick the terminal nearest you, then check which Batam port that sailing lands at – arriving near your hotel saves another transfer on the far side.
Booking online to find the best fare
Booking online usually beats the ticket counter. You get occasional promotional fares, instant e-ticket confirmation, and a locked-in seat on the date and time you want.
That last point matters on this route. The most popular departures fill up fast, and several operators run the crossing – including BatamFast, Sindo Ferry, Majestic Fast Ferry and Horizon Fast Ferry – so it pays to compare a few before you book.
How to pay less
There are a few tricks to ensure that you pay the cheapest fare:
- Make sure you travel on Wednesday or Thursday in the morning. Those days are always the cheapest
- Also, try to pack lightly and never make any amendments to your booking after purchasing it. Ferry operators may charge extra for overweight bags and any last-minute changes to an already booked ticket.
Don’t forget the visa cost
Singapore citizens and several ASEAN travellers may enter Indonesia visa-free for short visits. Other nationalities may need a Visa on Arrival, which costs IDR 500,000. Indonesia Immigration also lists a passport with at least six months’ validity and an outbound ticket as requirements for VOA travellers.” Indonesia eVisa
Frequently asked questions
Are return fares always cheaper than two one-way tickets?
Most often, yes, because operators give discounts for round-trip bookings, but check that the discount applies to your desired dates, since prices change with demand.
What other charges should I budget for, besides the ticket price?
A passenger service charge on the Singapore side, and a seaport tax (Around Rp100,000 or so) on the Indonesian side; busy season incurs a surcharge as well.
Is one terminal cheaper – HarbourFront or Tanah Merah?
Fares are broadly similar. The real saving is convenience: choose the terminal closer to you so you don’t pay for an extra trip across Singapore.
Is a visa required to go to Batam?
Do I need to pay an additional fee for it? Singaporeans and most of the ASEAN citizens do not need a visa to enter the island. However, a visa on arrival for IDR 500,000 is possible for other nationalities, so it is better to budget for it.
What days are the cheapest to get to Batam?
The cheapest days to travel are midweek, around noon. The most expensive time to go is Friday evening and weekends. Moreover, Sunday afternoons are the busiest time for returning ferries.
The price shown on the website is probably not the lowest available. After calculating the taxes, the correct terminal, and baggage, a little effort and research can help you get a much better deal. Moreover, travelling at a less busy time can also lower the price.