Ferry Ticket to Bintan 2026: Prices, Booking & Tips

Anyone planning a weekend escape to Bintan soon realizes the ferry booking is the first big decision. With multiple classes, shifting prices, and a handful of online platforms, it’s easy to pay more than you need to. This guide walks you through the real costs, booking options, and timing tricks so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the island.

Cheapest one-way fare from Singapore: SGD 53 (Economy, via Easybook) ·
Average travel duration: 1 to 2 hours depending on route ·
Number of daily departures from Tanah Merah: Approximately 4 ferries per day ·
Main operator: Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) ·
Peak season surcharge: Up to SGD 20 more per ticket

Here are the key facts you need to know before booking.

How much is a ferry ticket to Bintan?

Economy class fares

• Economy one-way tickets start at SGD 53 when booked through Easybook (booking platform). Buying directly from Bintan Resort Ferries (official operator) costs around SGD 63.
• Single adult one-way tickets are approximately SGD 57 according to Instarem (travel finance blog).

Emerald class fares

• Emerald Class one-way adult fare is SGD 84, as listed by Instarem. Other sources put the range at SGD 80–100 for the upgraded experience.
• Return Emerald tickets can go up to SGD 150 during peak holiday periods, per WeekendGoWhere (travel blog).

One-way vs round trip pricing

• Booking round-trip tickets typically saves 10–15% compared to two separate one-ways, notes WeekendGoWhere.

Peak and regular season rates

• During weekends, public holidays, and school breaks, expect a surcharge of SGD 10–20 per ticket, based on BRF’s published rates.

Five fares, one pattern: the cheapest option is almost always an Economy round‑trip booked in advance on a weekday. The premium for flexibility—buying one‑way or at the terminal—is significant.

The implication: planning ahead and choosing the right class can save you significant money.

Can I book Bintan ferry tickets online?

Official BRF website and app

• The primary booking channel is Bintan Resort Ferries (official operator), where you can select seats and class.

Third-party booking platforms (Easybook, Ferryhopper)

• Alternatives include Easybook (booking platform) and Ferryhopper (ferry aggregator), both of which often show slightly lower fares than the official website.

Step-by-step online booking process

1. Go to your chosen platform (BRF, Easybook, or Ferryhopper).
2. Select direction: Singapore (Tanah Merah) to Bintan, and your preferred destination (Bandar Bentan Telani or Tanjung Pinang).
3. Choose travel date and number of passengers. Enter passenger names and ID/passport details.
4. Select class (Economy or Emerald) and any extras.
5. Pay via credit/debit card, PayPal, or local bank transfer.
6. Receive e‑ticket by email—show on your phone or print.

Required information for booking

• You need full names as per passport, passport numbers or NRIC, and a valid email address.

The catch: third‑party platforms sometimes discount their own margin, but change fees may differ. Always compare the total price including any booking fee before confirming.

Which ferry to take to Bintan?

Bintan Resort Ferries (direct from Tanah Merah)

• Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) is the main operator from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani (1 hour) and Tanjung Pinang (2 hours).

Economy vs Emerald class

Two classes, one key difference: Emerald is designed for travellers who want more space and meal service. Here’s how they compare:

Routes: Tanjung Pinang vs Bandar Bentan Telani

• Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) is the main jetty for Bintan Resorts area, with a 1‑hour crossing.
• Tanjung Pinang is the capital, a 2‑hour ferry ride often served by Sindo Ferry (ferry operator) as an alternative.

Other operators and alternatives

• Besides BRF, Majestic Fast Ferry also runs services, but BRF is the dominant choice from Singapore.

The trade‑off: For a quick hop to BBT, Economy is fine. If you’re heading to Tanjung Pinang (2 hours) or value a relaxed start, Emerald is money well spent.

What is the cheapest day to get a ferry?

Weekday vs weekend pricing

• Historical data from Direct Ferries (ferry aggregator) shows Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally have the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday sailings incur a SGD 10–20 surcharge.

Off-peak season timing

• Outside school holidays and major public festivities (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, year‑end), mid‑week fares drop further.

Booking in advance for lower fares

• WeekendGoWhere notes that booking 2–4 weeks ahead is the sweet spot for catching introductory or early‑bird discounts.

Price comparison tools

• Use Direct Ferries or Easybook to compare multiple dates at once. The official BRF site does not show a calendar view, making aggregators more useful for spotting deals.

The pattern: Tuesday or Wednesday departure + 2‑week advance booking = the lowest possible price. Friday or Sunday walk‑up = the highest.

Do I need to book the Bintan ferry in advance?

Availability during peak vs off-peak

• Girl Eat World (travel blog) warns that ferries to Bintan sell out completely on long weekends and holidays. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Walk-up purchase at the terminal

• If seats remain, you can buy walk‑up tickets at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, but the risk of a sold‑out sailing is high, especially on Friday evenings.

Cancellation and change policies

• BRF allows changes and cancellations with a fee. Check the official policy page for current terms; third‑party platforms may have different rules.

Recommended booking window

• For peak periods: at least 1–2 weeks ahead. For off‑peak: 3–5 days is usually safe, but booking earlier never hurts.

Why this matters: A sold‑out ferry can derail an entire trip—hotels and activities may not be refundable. Book the ferry first, then the hotel.

For a Singaporean weekend traveller, the choice is clear: book Economy round‑trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday, at least two weeks ahead, and you’ll keep the total under SGD 110. If comfort matters more than cost, Emerald is a justified upgrade—just avoid paying full walk‑up peak fares. Either way, the ferry ticket to Bintan is the one reservation you should make before anything else.

Frequently asked questions