Bintan Ferries Emerald Class vs Economy: Key Differences

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Bintan Resort Ferries (BRF) offers two ticket classes: Economy Class and Emerald Class. The class difference applies on both the outbound crossing from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan, and the return crossing.

Both classes cover the same 70-minute crossing, but seating, baggage allowance, and terminal experience differ.

What Is Emerald Class?

Emerald Class is BRF’s premium option. It includes an assigned seat, complimentary refreshments, and free Wi-Fi.

Assigned seat in a dedicated section
Outdoor open-deck seating on select vessels
Complimentary refreshments served by an attendant
Free Wi-Fi on board
About 57 seats per ferry, keeping the section less crowded than Economy

What Is Economy Class?

Economy Class is BRF’s standard fare. Seating is unassigned in the main cabin.

Unassigned, first-come, first-served seating
Air-conditioned main cabin
Restroom and baggage storage access
Snacks and drinks available for purchase, not included

Emerald Class vs Economy: Side-by-Side

Seating: Economy is unassigned in the main cabin. Emerald is an assigned seat in a dedicated section.
Open-deck access: Not available in Economy. Available in Emerald on select vessels.
Refreshments: Purchase on board in Economy. Complimentary in Emerald.
Wi-Fi: Not included in Economy. Complimentary in Emerald.
Check-in: Regular counter for Economy. Dedicated, combined counter for Emerald.
Baggage allowance: 20 kg for Economy. 30 kg for Emerald.
Lounge access: Not included in Economy. Emerald Lounge access included in Emerald.
Immigration: Standard queue for Economy. Expedited clearance for Emerald.
Boarding: Standard for Economy. Priority boarding and disembarkation for Emerald.

Check-In and Baggage

Economy passengers check in at the regular counter, with a 20 kg baggage allowance. Emerald Class passengers use a dedicated, combined check-in and baggage counter, with a 30 kg allowance.

The higher allowance suits travelers with golf clubs, extra luggage, or family trips.

Onboard Comfort

Emerald Class seats are wider and pre-assigned, so groups do not need to find seats together on board. Drinks and snacks are complimentary, and Wi-Fi is included for the crossing.

Economy Class covers the essentials: standard seating, with snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Lounge Access

Emerald Class ticket holders get access to the Emerald Lounge at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal before departure. The lounge has seating, charging points, and refreshments.

On the Bintan side, Emerald passengers also get a separate, faster path through immigration and baggage screening. Economy Class does not include lounge access.

Who Should Choose Which Class?

Economy suits short, budget-focused day trips, or travelers packing light.
Emerald Class suits families or groups wanting guaranteed seats together, travelers who prefer to skip queues at check-in and immigration, or trips for a special occasion.

Emerald Class Price vs Economy

Fares vary by season, based on official rates from the ferry operator. Child fares apply to travelers aged 11 and under on the day of departure, including infants.

Adult, round trip, regular season: Economy SGD 100, Emerald SGD 154
Child, round trip, regular season: Economy SGD 88, Emerald SGD 134
Adult, round trip, peak season: Economy SGD 110, Emerald SGD 164
Child, round trip, peak season: Economy SGD 98, Emerald SGD 144
Adult, round trip, regular + peak: Economy SGD 105, Emerald SGD 159
Child, round trip, regular + peak: Economy SGD 93, Emerald SGD 139

The price gap between the two classes is often smaller than expected.

On weekends, during peak season, or when traveling with children and extra luggage, the added comfort, lounge access, and priority handling can make Emerald Class worth the difference.

Current fares can change by season. Check Latest Ferry Prices and Book Tickets for up-to-date rates and availability.