Island in Riau Islands, Indonesia
Getting around Batam
How to get around Batam
Ferries link Singapore's HarbourFront and Tanah Merah to Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang and Waterfront City. On the island, use Grab or Gojek.
Ways to get around Batam
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Grab / Gojek car or bike | About 20,000–60,000 IDR in town | Cheapest and most reliable way to cross the island |
| Trans Batam buses | About 5,000–8,000 IDR | Limited routes; slow and not tourist-friendly |
| Ferry from Singapore | About S$20–30 one-way | 45–60 min; run by several operators; check passport validity |
| Taxi (Bluebird-style) | About 50,000–120,000 IDR short trips | Insist on the meter; ferry terminal taxis quote high flat fares |
Ride-hailing apps in Batam
A 5 km ride costs about Rp20,000–45,000 ($1.1–2.5).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Reliable cars and bikes across Batam |
| Gojek | Often cheaper; also covers food delivery |
| Maxim | Budget option with local drivers |
- Apps are far cheaper than taxis at ferry terminals; check which pickup point is allowed. Local taxis rarely use meters.
Arriving in Batam
Hang Nadim (BTH)
About 25 min from Batam Centre; Grab or Gojek about 80,000–150,000 IDR. Domestic flights, plus Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Via Singapore ferry terminals (SIN)
Most visitors fly to Singapore Changi, take a taxi or MRT to HarbourFront or Tanah Merah, then ferry to Batam, 45–60 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentals about 70,000–100,000 IDR a day, but heavy traffic and licence checks make ride apps easier.
- Driving: on the left. Bring an IDP plus your home licence with the motorcycle category; Bali police fine unlicensed scooter riders at checkpoints.
- Onward travel in Indonesia: Fly between islands (Garuda, Lion Air, Citilink, AirAsia); trains run the length of Java; ferries and fast boats link Bali, Lombok and the Gilis. Allow for delays.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Batam?
No. Use Grab, Gojek, Maxim instead.
What's the best way to get around Batam?
Ferries link Singapore's HarbourFront and Tanah Merah to Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang and Waterfront City. On the island, use Grab or Gojek.
How do I get from the airport to Batam?
About 25 min from Batam Centre; Grab or Gojek about 80,000–150,000 IDR. Domestic flights, plus Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Is Batam walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Batam
Going to Batam solo?
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Sources
- KAI (Indonesian railways)
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam)
- InJourney Airports (Indonesian airports)
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.