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How to get from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is a quaint village in North Sumatra, Indonesia, 136 km west of Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), which many know as Medan Airport. As the home of over 5,000 Sumatran orangutans and the expansive Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is a buzzing tourist hotspot.

You can take a taxi or a bus from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang. Taking an airport taxi is the fastest and most convenient option. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey will take around 3 hours and 10 minutes. In total, you can expect to pay around €40 (IDR 687,500) for a local taxi, but this can differ depending on the number of passengers and the type of vehicle you take.

The bus is a more budget-friendly option. This can take around 5 hours, depending on the traffic and the number of stops, and will generally cost about €4.70 (IDR 80,000) per person.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Medan at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €120 190min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €40 190min 24/7
Bus €9.40 335min 05:00–17:00

How to get from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang by taxi

The quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang is by taxi. You can travel directly to your accommodation from the Arrivals Hall, and the journey will take approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Taxi fare from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang

A taxi from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang will set you back around €40 (IDR 687,500). Your final fare will depend on the number of passengers, vehicle type, traffic conditions, and your specific destination. Taxis in Medan are usually equipped with taximeters, and fares are based on regional regulations.

Take the stress out of getting to Bukit Lawang from Medan Airport by arranging a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. With Welcome, you won’t need to worry about uncertain fares and possible waiting times. You can enjoy extra perks like travelling with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide who can offer you advice and local recommendations.

Cost

€40

Trip Duration

190 Min.

*Taxi prices aren't fixed unless you book your ride in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Medan Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building at Medan Airport at any time of day. When you exit the Arrivals Hall, you find a taxi rank. For a trip out of the city like this one, however, it’s wise to book ahead of time to ensure there’s a driver who can take you to Bukit Lawang.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang will ensure you arrive at your accommodation as efficiently and quickly as possible. Depending on the traffic conditions, you should reach your final destination within 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Editor’s Note

Although taxis in Medan generally operate using taximeters, double-check this with your driver before departing to avoid overcharging.

Useful Tips

If you're travelling during peak traffic times, this can add a significant amount of time to your journey.
In most cases, payments must be made in cash, so ensure you have Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), the local currency, on hand before leaving Medan Airport.
Standard taxis may not be able to carry 4 passengers if you're travelling with a lot of luggage, so you might need to consider a larger vehicle in this case.

How to get from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang by bus

Getting the bus from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang is a cost-effective option and takes around 5 hours. Direct buses are available from Medan Airport each day and depart fairly regularly. Tickets can be purchased as you board the bus.

In some cases, you may need to switch buses in Medan city centre unless enough passengers travelling to Bukit Lawang are on board.

How much is the bus from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang?

The bus from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang will cost you €4.70 (IDR 80,000) on average per person.

Cost

€4.70

Trip Duration

335 Min.

Buses run from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang every 30 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The bus service from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang between 05:00 to 17:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

As you exit the Arrivals Hall at Medan Airport, make a right, and you’ll find a selection of buses parked up. The destination may be displayed at the front of the bus, but staff members should be on-site to guide you in the right direction if you need help.

Convenience

The bus is generally a convenient option, but the journey may take noticeably longer if you need to switch vehicles in Medan city centre or the bus makes multiple stops along the way. Due to this unpredictable travel time coupled with waiting for the bus to depart and the need to navigate to your final destination after disembarking, this option rates somewhat lower for convenience.

Editor’s Note

If you arrive in the evening, you may need to stay overnight in Medan and take the bus the following morning.

Useful Tips

Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver in cash, using the local currency, Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
From where the bus drops you off, you'll likely need to take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your accommodation, as it's a little out of town.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Medan. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€120.0
NIGHTTIME
€144.0
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang?

When it comes to getting from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang, you can take either a taxi or a bus. A taxi is the fastest option, taking around 3 hours and 10 minutes and costing approximately €40 (IDR 687,500). The bus is a cheaper way to travel, with tickets costing €4.70 (IDR 80,000) for a 5-hour journey.

Make your way from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang with ease by taking an airport taxi with Welcome Pickups. You’ll be guaranteed on-time pickups, convenient online payment, and fixed, low-cost fares.

What is the distance from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang?

Bukit Lawang is about 136 km from Medan Airport. By taxi, this trip takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.

What's the cost of a taxi from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang?

A taxi from Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang will cost around €40 (IDR 687,500). However, your final fare can vary depending on traffic conditions, the number of passengers, the type of vehicle, and your specific destination.

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