Anyone who’s taken the ferry to Batam knows the drill. Arrive early, join the queues, clear immigration, then wait for boarding with kopi in hand. From 7th July 2026, that familiar routine will happen in a brand-new building instead.
You’ve already heard the HarbourFront Centre is closing down. And so, Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) is relocating its ferry and cruise operations to a new HarbourFront terminal just beside the current one. In addition to a larger waiting area, travellers can expect self-service check-in kiosks, just like those at Changi Airport, passport-less immigration clearance, and more amenities to make the journey a little smoother.
Here’s a first look at the new terminal, plus everything you need to know before your next island escape.
SCC’s new HarbourFront ferry terminal opens in 2 phases this July. The first phase begins on 7th July 2026 with Batam Fast Ferry. All other ferry operators and cruise services will relocate from 15th July 2026.
The good news is that passengers don’t need to relearn their travel plans. Ferry routes, sailing schedules and berth locations all remain exactly the same. The only real difference is where you’ll check in before boarding.
The new terminal is located at 5 HarbourFront Avenue, Singapore 099549, about 70m from the existing HarbourFront Passenger Terminal. So anyone familiar with the area won’t have to venture far.
It occupies a newly built red terracotta building behind HarbourFront Tower 2 and opposite The Reef at King’s Dock condominium.
The new SCC HarbourFront terminal has everything you could ask for – self-service check-in kiosks, automated baggage drop, and facial biometric immigration clearance.
There are also nursing rooms, prayer rooms, wheelchair-accessible facilities, EV charging points, convenience stores, food outlets and money changers.
Frequent ferry travellers will probably appreciate the upgrades most.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
The new terminal spans around 14,300sqm, with a passenger waiting area that’s roughly 50% larger than before. That should make waiting for your ferry feel less sardine-packed during long weekends and school holidays.
In fact, there’s a small waiting area on the 1st floor and an even larger one on the 2nd floor at the Departure Hall.
Image credit: Aditi Kashyap
During non-cruise periods, these nifty modular benches can also be pulled out from the cruise check-in counters to provide additional seating in the Departure Hall.
There’s also a new VIP lounge that accommodates up to 70 passengers. This will be reserved for all the fancy folks travelling on cruises that give them access to the lounge.
Technology is another major improvement. Ferry passengers can use 25 self-service check-in kiosks, along with automated baggage drop counters and boarding gates, to speed up the departure process.
Behind the scenes, the layout has also been redesigned to reduce bottlenecks and improve passenger flow throughout the terminal.
All travellers, please note that you must still print your boarding pass even if you’ve got the e-ticket in your email already. Simply print it at the terminal on level 1 before you go through security checks. You can also print your baggage tags at the same kiosk should you be checking in your suitcase.
Immigration has also been modernised with ICA’s Automated Border Clearance System, allowing eligible travellers to clear immigration using facial biometrics instead of presenting their passport at every checkpoint. The terminal houses a whopping 46 automated clearance lanes, so you should be able to enter and leave in no time.
Waiting for a ferry often involves arriving well before departure, especially during peak travel periods.
The new terminal aims to make that waiting time a little more comfortable. Facilities include nursing rooms, prayer rooms, wheelchair lifts for passengers with mobility needs, and EV charging points. The building has also been designed to meet Singapore’s latest accessibility standards.
The retail stores were not fully operational when we visited, but will be ready by the time the terminal opens.
Image adapted from: Aditi Kashyap
When the terminal opens on 7th July, travellers will also find 7-Eleven and Subway operating on-site. Singapore Cruise Centre has confirmed that more than 10 retail and service tenants will eventually move into the terminal, with additional announcements expected later this year. A little birdy told us we can probably look forward to Old Chang Kee as one of the additions.
Money changers and other convenience services like a mobile phone accessories shop will also be available, making it easier to settle any last-minute errands before boarding your ferry. Future plans also include the opening of a duty-free zone.
The new terminal continues to serve many of Singapore’s most popular short getaway destinations.
| Ferry operator | Destinations served |
| Batam Fast Ferry |
|
| Horizon Fast Ferry |
|
| Majestic Fast Ferry |
|
| Sindo Ferry |
|
| Indo Falcon Shipping & Travel |
|
Planning to head to Bintan instead? Most ferry services to Bintan continue to depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, so always double-check your departure terminal when booking your tickets to avoid turning up at the wrong place.
Since the HarbourFront terminal is new, Singapore Cruise Centre is encouraging passengers, especially those travelling from 7th July onwards, to arrive earlier than usual to familiarise themselves with the building and check-in process.
Relocation notice at the old HarbourFront Centre passenger terminal.
Just in case some blur sotongs arrive at the old terminal, there are signs to let you know to head to the new one less than a 5-minute walk away.
Parking around HarbourFront is also limited. Taking the MRT to HarbourFront Station Exit B remains the easiest option, with sheltered walkways connecting the station, VivoCity, and the new terminal.
The most popular destination on the list is Batam. 4 terminals bring you to the island: Batam Centre, which is closer to the city centre and takes roughly 40 minutes; Bengkong (Gold Coast), which brings you to the doorstep of the famous Blue Fire Beach Club after about a 70-minute ferry ride; Harbour Bay, and Sekupang.
Read our article to find out what you can do outside of Batam city centre.
If you get off at Tanjung Balai terminal, you’ll be stepping foot onto Karimun Island. The 90-minute ferry ride is worth your time if you’re looking for a non-touristy alternative with less crowded beaches.
Another highlight is Nirup Island, a beautiful paradise just 45 minutes away from Singapore that’s known for water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as numerous resorts and wellness spas.
For many Singaporeans, hopping on a ferry to Batam or Karimun is one of the quickest ways to squeeze in a weekend escape. The new HarbourFront terminal won’t change where you’re heading, but it should make getting there a lot more comfortable thanks to larger waiting areas, faster check-in options, and upgraded facilities.
Whether you’re planning a seafood feast in Batam, a golf getaway, or simply crossing the border for a short recharge, remember to head to the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal from your travel date onwards so your trip gets off to a smooth start.
Address: 5 HarbourFront Avenue, Singapore 099549
Google Maps location
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Photography by Ashley Hoon.
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