Island in Riau Islands, Indonesia
Getting around Bintan
How to get around Bintan
Ferries link Singapore's Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani (Lagoi) and Tanjung Pinang. Resort shuttles and private cars cover the island; there is no public transport worth using.
Ways to get around Bintan
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry from Singapore (Tanah Merah) | About S$25–45 one-way | About 55 min to Lagoi, 1–2 h to Tanjung Pinang; passport and onward ticket required |
| Resort shuttle or private transfer | About 150,000–350,000 IDR | Ferry terminal to Lagoi resorts; book through hotels |
| Taxi or car with driver | About 400,000–700,000 IDR per day-trip | Fixed rates; no meters |
| Scooter rental | About 100,000–150,000 IDR a day | Easy outside Lagoi; rural roads are narrow and dark |
Taxis in Bintan
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. Ride apps do not serve the resort area. Use resort shuttles or pre-booked drivers; taxis and ojek need fares agreed first.
Arriving in Bintan
Raja Haji Fisabilillah (Tanjung Pinang) (TNJ)
Small domestic airport; taxi to Tanjung Pinang about 80,000–150,000 IDR, to Lagoi about 400,000–600,000 IDR, 1–1.5 h.
Via Singapore Tanah Merah ferries (SIN)
Fly to Changi, taxi to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, then ferry to Lagoi or Tanjung Pinang.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentable in Tanjung Pinang and Trikora for about 100,000–150,000 IDR a day; police checks are uncommon but licences are required.
- 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 Bintan?
No ride-hailing apps work here. Ride apps do not serve the resort area. Use resort shuttles or pre-booked drivers; taxis and ojek need fares agreed first.
What's the best way to get around Bintan?
Ferries link Singapore's Tanah Merah to Bandar Bentan Telani (Lagoi) and Tanjung Pinang. Resort shuttles and private cars cover the island; there is no public transport worth using.
How do I get from the airport to Bintan?
Small domestic airport; taxi to Tanjung Pinang about 80,000–150,000 IDR, to Lagoi about 400,000–600,000 IDR, 1–1.5 h.
Is Bintan walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Bintan
Going to Bintan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bintan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- KAI (Indonesian railways)
- Bintan Resorts
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- 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.