How to Get from Johor Bahru to Bintan
Leaving behind the bustling border city of Johor Bahru for the serene shores of Bintan Island marks a transition from urban grit to tropical relaxation. While many travelers instinctively look toward Singapore for island transfers, Johor Bahru offers its own direct gateway to Indonesia's Riau Archipelago, allowing you to bypass the international transit through the Lion City. The journey across the Singapore Strait is a short but significant shift in atmosphere, trading shopping malls and causeway traffic for white sand beaches and fresh seafood.
Choosing the right path depends entirely on your final destination on the island. Whether you are heading to the upscale resorts of Lagoi in the north or the cultural hub of Tanjung Pinang in the south, the route from Johor Bahru is surprisingly straightforward. You can easily secure your spot for this cross-border journey by booking through GoAsia.cc, ensuring your transition from Malaysia to Indonesia is as smooth as the coastal breeze.
Johor Bahru to Bintan by Ferry
The ferry is the most logical and popular way to make this trip. Departing from the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru, these vessels provide a direct link to the island. The experience is relatively comfortable, featuring air-conditioned cabins and seating that allows you to relax as you watch the shipping lanes of one of the world's busiest waterways pass by.
For a price of approximately $37 to $39, the ferry completes the crossing in about 2 hours and 12 minutes. This is a dedicated international service, so you will need to factor in time for immigration clearance at both the Berjaya Waterfront and your arrival point in Bintan. The ferries are well-maintained and offer a stable ride, though it is always wise to check sea conditions during the monsoon season when the water can get a bit choppy.
Johor Bahru to Bintan by Bus
While Bintan is an island, the transport data lists a bus option that mirrors the ferry's duration and price point. In the context of this specific route, this typically refers to a combined coach and watercraft service or a terminal-to-terminal transfer package. At $37, it is essentially the same investment as the standard ferry ticket.
The duration remains a consistent 2 hours and 12 minutes. This option is often favored by those who prefer a streamlined booking process that might include transfers to the terminal area. You will experience the same scenic maritime crossing, arriving at the Indonesian port ready to begin your island adventure.
Johor Bahru to Tanjung Pinang by Flight
Flying from Johor Bahru to Tanjung Pinang (the capital of Bintan) is a much more complex undertaking. Although the physical distance is short, there are no direct commercial flights between Senai International Airport and Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport. Consequently, air travel involves long layovers, often requiring a flight back to a major hub like Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta before connecting to Bintan.
The price for this journey is around $52, but the duration is the primary drawback. Expect to spend anywhere from 17 to nearly 24 hours in transit. Unless you have a very specific reason to avoid travel by sea, or you are already at the airport with a complex multi-city itinerary, the flight is significantly less efficient than the two-hour ferry ride.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | $37 - $39 | 2h 12min | High |
| Bus (Combined) | $37 | 2h 12min | Medium |
| Flight | $52 | 17h - 24h | Low (due to layovers) |
Tips for Traveling from Johor Bahru to Bintan
- Check Visa Requirements: Before heading to the terminal, ensure you are aware of the current Indonesian visa regulations for your nationality. Many travelers qualify for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), but you should have the exact fee in cash (IDR or USD) to speed up the process.
- Arrive Early: Since this is an international departure, arrive at the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure to clear Malaysian customs and immigration.
- Currency Exchange: While major resorts on Bintan accept credit cards, local markets and small transport operators in Tanjung Pinang prefer Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It is often cheaper to exchange your Malaysian Ringgit for Rupiah in Johor Bahru before you depart.
- Luggage Handling: Ferry operators generally have a generous luggage allowance, but be prepared to carry your bags through immigration checkpoints. Porters are available at the Bintan ports, but always agree on a price before they take your bags.
- Seasickness Prep: If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication about 30 minutes before boarding the ferry. The Singapore Strait can have strong currents and swells depending on the weather.
Timetable
| Flight Johor Bahru - Tanjung Pinang $ 50.42 17h 4m – 23h 39m | |
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| Bus Johor Bahru - Bintan $ 36.31 2h 12m | |
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| Ferry Johor Bahru - Bintan $ 36.47–37.77 2h 12m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Johor Bahru to Bintan directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The bus (combined service) is the most affordable option at approximately $37, though the ferry is nearly identical in price, ranging from $37 to $39.
The ferry and the combined bus service are the fastest options, both taking approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete the journey.
A direct trip by sea takes just over 2 hours. However, if you choose to fly, the journey can take between 17 and 24 hours due to the lack of direct flights.
Yes, since you are crossing from Malaysia to Indonesia, a valid passport with at least six months of validity is required for all travelers.
The ferries to Bintan typically depart from the Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal (formerly known as The Zone) located in Stulz Tebrau, Johor Bahru.
The ferry is significantly better as it is much faster and more direct. Flying involves long layovers and takes nearly a full day, whereas the ferry takes only two hours.