Is there a direct ferry from Pekanbaru?

No, you must travel to Dumai first to catch a ferry to Batam.

How long is the flight?

The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Can I use Singapore Dollars in Batam?

Some shops accept them, but Rupiah is preferred.

Batam is generally affordable for food and shopping.

What is the best way to get around Batam?

Ride-hailing apps are the most convenient and reliable.

Pekanbaru

Batam

Flight Ship

Pekanbaru to Batam

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Pekanbaru to Batam is a common route for business and leisure. You can take a direct flight from Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport to Hang Nadim Airport. Alternatively, you can travel by bus to Dumai and then take a high-speed ferry to Batam. The flight is significantly faster, while the ferry route offers a scenic view of the Riau Islands. Batam is a free trade zone, making it a popular destination for shopping.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 350 km (including ferry); straight-line air distance is 300 km.

Fastest Way

Direct flight takes only 1 hour.

Cheapest Way

Bus and ferry combination is the most budget-friendly.

Compare Pekanbaru to Batam Routes

	Flight Direct	Ship Connecting
Duration	1 hour	8 hours
Avg Price	IDR 600,000 - 1,000,000	IDR 400,000 - 600,000
Operator	Lion Air	Batam Jet
Route	PKU to BTH	Bus to Dumai, then Ferry to Batam
Tip	Check baggage allowance as budget airlines have strict limits.	Ensure you arrive at the ferry terminal 1 hour before departure.

Travel Tips

Duty-Free
Batam is a free trade zone; check customs regulations before buying large quantities of goods.
Ferry Tickets
Book ferry tickets online to avoid long queues at the terminal.
Local Transport
Use ride-hailing apps for fair pricing compared to local taxis.
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah is the standard, but some shops accept Singapore Dollars.
Weather
Carry an umbrella as tropical rain showers can occur suddenly.

Safety Tips

Sea Travel
Check weather forecasts before taking the ferry to ensure safe sea conditions.
Scams
Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers at the ferry terminal.
Sun Protection
Use high SPF sunscreen when visiting the islands.
Documents
Keep your ID or passport in a waterproof bag during ferry travel.