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Comparing HarbourFront and Johor Bahru Ferry Terminals To Batam

Steve Fletcher | June 2, 2025 | 10:27 am | No Comments
Johor Bahru

Traveling to Batam, a popular Indonesian island known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and duty-free shopping, is a common choice for many tourists and commuters in Southeast Asia. A main step in getting to Batam as a tourist is choosing which ferry terminal to use. Ferries to Batam leave mainly from Singapore’s HarbourFront Ferry Terminal and Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal in Malaysia. They have individual advantages when it comes to speed, cost, how convenient they are and how you travel.

In this blog, we’ll take a close look at the HarbourFront Ferry Terminal to Batam and the Johor Bahru to Batam ferry options, helping you decide which is best suited for your travel needs.

Speed and Travel Time: HarbourFront vs Johor Bahru

The HarbourFront Ferry Terminal is usually where you can travel to Batam the fastest. From HarbourFront, it takes 45 to 70 minutes to reach the main terminals in Batam, Batam Center or Sekupang, aboard a ferry. You can get to Batam faster because Singapore is closer which makes the travel time shorter.

Ferries from Johor Bahru to Batam generally take a bit more time and usually take between 90 and 120 minutes. The reason is that Johor Bahru is situated farther from Batam than it is from Singapore and the ferries generally cover a greater distance in their journey. For people who need to get to the city quickly, using the HarbourFront ferry is the quickest option.

Cost Comparison: Which Ferry is More Affordable?

Cost is always a major consideration for travelers. Generally, Johor Bahru to Batam ferry tickets are cheaper than those departing from HarbourFront. The cheaper price results from the ferry companies focusing on certain kinds of travelers and there being more competition in Johor Bahru.

It’s best to book your ferry ticket using redBus, since it correctly shows the available ferries and how much they will cost. Most HarbourFront ferries charge more because of their convenience and fast trips, whereas Johor Bahru ferries may be less expensive for those who want to save money.

Convenience and Accessibility

HarbourFront Ferry Terminal

HarbourFront terminal is found inside Singapore’s city, making it available to both tourists and locals. Public transport like the MRT and buses connect the airport and it is equipped with modern shops, lounge areas and food outlets. Since the terminal is next to the large shopping mall VivoCity, it is a simple option for shopping or relaxing before your ferry journey.

Going through customs at HarbourFront is generally easy and efficient. The process here includes both leaving Singapore and entering Indonesia, so you finish all paperwork before getting on the ferry. With this, the line may be shorter and you can spend less time waiting when you get to Batam.

Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal

There are less public transport options from Johor Bahru than from HarbourFront, since the terminal is close to the city center. Most people traveling arrange transport via taxi or private service to take them to the airport. Kranji MRT station has less modern amenities than HarbourFront.

Johor Bahru normally takes a bit longer for customs check. Everyone must go through the Malaysian exit process and only after arriving in Batam can they go to the Indonesian entry immigration. The process might cause you to wait and take a little longer than just going there in one step, depending on how many are traveling.

Pros and Cons of Each Terminal

HarbourFront Ferry Terminal

Pros:

  • Shorter travel time to Batam
  • Excellent public transport connectivity
  • Modern, comfortable facilities
  • Streamlined customs clearance
  • Proximity to Singapore city attractions

Cons:

  • Generally higher ticket prices
  • Can be crowded during peak travel periods

Johor Bahru Ferry Terminal

Pros:

  • More affordable ferry fares
  • Suitable for travelers based in Malaysia or southern Johor
  • Less crowded terminal

Cons:

  • Longer ferry travel time
  • Limited public transport options to terminal
  • Customs clearance involves two stages, potentially increasing wait times
  • More basic terminal facilities

Choosing the Right Ferry Terminal for Your Trip

Which ferry terminal you use to reach Batam from Singapore is mostly a matter of where you start, your budget and your main goals.

  • If you are located in Singapore or like the idea of a direct, faster and more comfortable ride, the HarbourFront ferry terminal to Batam is the best choice even if it is more expensive.
  • Should you find yourself in Malaysia, especially in Johor Bahru or do not mind a longer voyage and have a tighter budget, then catching the ferry from Johor Bahru to Batam could be your best choice.

Always choose redBus when buying ferry tickets, because they provide official information, dependable schedules and solid support to help your trip go smoothly.

Final Thoughts

People can reach Batam using HarbourFront or Johor Bahru terminals which have their own sets of pros and cons. Looking at how fast, cheap and easy your journey is will guide you to the best departure point. You can go to Batam from Singapore fast at HarbourFront or for less at Johor Bahru and once there, you will find its lively culture and wonderful experiences.