Although Kualanamu International Airport is approximately 30 km east of the city center, the two locations are well-connected. You have four main transportation options to get from Medan Airport to the city; a Medan Airport taxi, a Medan Airport transfer, the train, or the bus.
An airport taxi or a private transfer are the fastest and most reliable options. They are also the only options offering direct transportation to your hotel or apartment and they are available around the clock. For the ultimate hassle-free experience, go with a private transfer; it’s a bit more expensive but it’s worth it if you want to enjoy peace of mind on the day of your arrival.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose the train or the bus. The train is perhaps the best overall value for money as it’s a cheap and faster choice during peak hours when there’s usually heavy traffic. The Damri bus, although cheap, takes much longer and it’s less comfortable than the train.
Avoid individuals offering "cheap" rides to tourists in the parking lot and only take a taxi from the official taxi rank or by booking one at the taxi booths.
While the train is a great value for money for solo travelers and small groups, it's not worth it if you're in a party of 4 or more passengers; the total ticket price will be the same as taking an airport taxi.
If you want to leave the airport using public transport, the train is a much better choice; it's faster and more comfortable and the ticket is only slightly more expensive.
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How to get from Medan Airport to the city center by taxi
Taking a Medan Airport taxi is surely one of the most convenient options to get from Medan Airport to the city. Taxi service is available around the clock and you will find different types of taxis, on-demand and pre-booked.
Multiple operators, like Grab, Bluebird, and Gojek have booths outside the terminal where you can book taxi service on the spot for a fixed fare. Otherwise, you can head to the rank and get a metered taxi.
What's the cost of a taxi from Medan Airport to the city?
The average fare for a standard sedan taxi from Medan Airport to the city center is around €12 (IDR 205,000) but this can vary depending on the type of service you choose. If you decide to go with pre-booked services, you will get a fixed quote upfront so you can compare the prices of each operator and choose the cheapest option.
On-demand airport taxis that are available at the taxi rank don’t have fixed rates so the total fare depends on your destination and your negotiating skills. It’s important to agree on the total fare with the driver before getting in the taxi to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of the ride.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Medan Airport is small and easy to navigate. After clearing passport control and baggage claim, follow the signs pointing you to public transport. After exiting the Arrivals Hall, cross the road, and enter the airport train station. You will find the airport taxi rank is on your left towards Parking Area B, whereas booths for pre-booked services are available right in front of the exit.
Convenience
Although taking a taxi is a convenient choice if you don’t want to deal with public transport, during peak hours there can be a queue for an available taxi. Also, if you decide to go with a taxi from the rank, you need to be prepared to negotiate the price, otherwise, you will end up overpaying. To avoid that, you can pre-book a private transfer instead and secure a fixed fare.
Useful Tips
Most sedan taxis can usually accommodate up to 4 passengers and 4 pieces of medium luggage.
As not all taxi drivers speak English, communication might be challenging. Having your destination written down may help things go smoothly.
Taxis that you take from the rank rarely accept card payments; make sure to carry Indonesian Rupiahs in a variety of notes as drivers usually can't break large notes.
Tipping isn't mandatory but if the driver helps with your luggage, you can round up the total fare to the nearest thousand.
How to get from Medan Airport to the city center by train
The Airport Rail Link is a great choice to get from Medan Airport to the city. It offers a direct connection from the airport to Medan City Railway Station in about 45 minutes and it makes only a few stops along the way.
Medan City Railway Station is right downtown so you should be able to reach your accommodation on foot or by taking a local taxi for only a few rupees.
What's the cost of the Medan Airport to city train?
A single ticket for the Medan Airport to city train costs €2.50 (IDR 40,000). You can purchase your ticket from the vending machines at the train station, via the official website, or the KA Bandara app. There is staff at the train station to assist you if needed.
Note that prices may change from time to time so it’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Cost
€2.50
Trip Duration
45 Min.
The average waiting time between train departures is around 90 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Trains operate from Medan Airport from 06:45 to 20:25 daily.
Where do I take the train from?
The train station at Medan Airport is located on the Ground Floor. After clearing passport control and baggage claim, follow the signs pointing to ‘Public Transportation’. After exiting the terminal, cross the road and you will find yourself inside the train station. Continue straight to purchase a ticket from the vending machines or head directly to the platform if you already have a ticket.
Convenience
Getting from Medan Airport to Medan City by train is the best value-for-money option. The travel time is the same as driving there but during peak hours, the train can be faster. The main drawback is that there is a long wait between scheduled departures and that there is no train service available late at night so you need to check the timetable and plan accordingly. Also, luggage space is limited so it’s not the best choice if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage.
Timetables
Airport Rail Link
Ticket reservation
Airport Rail Link
Train schedule
Useful Tips
Keep hold of your ticket as you will need to scan it both when entering and exiting the station.
Children under 3 years old or 90 cm can travel on the train free of charge.
Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of luggage with dimensions 70x48x30 cm and up to 20 kg free of charge You can place your luggage on the dedicated racks found in most carriages.
Trains are air-conditioned and have free WiFi and toilets.
If you plan to take the train from Medan back to the airport, it's best to pre-book your ticket to secure a seat onboard.
How to get from Medan Airport to the city center by bus
A Damri bus is another budget choice to get from Medan Airport to the city. The Damri Medan route connects the airport to the city, making multiple stops along the way. This increases the travel duration significantly, which combined with heavy traffic during peak hours makes the bus the slowest option.
Depending on your end destination, you can disembark at Amplas, Carrefour, or Stabat and continue on foot or by taxi if you carry multiple luggage.
What's the cost of the Medan Airport to city bus?
The fare for a Damri bus depends on the distance traveled. A ticket from Medan Airport to Amplas Bus Terminal costs €0.90 (IDR 15,000), to Carrefour €1.20 (IDR 20,000), and to Stabat €3.10 (IDR 50,000).
You can purchase your ticket from the Damri ticket counter located inside the airport terminal.
Cost
€0.90
Trip Duration
1 Hr. 30 Min.
The average waiting time for the bus is 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Buses operate daily from 04:30 to 22:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
Buses at Medan Airport depart from the Ground Floor. After exiting the Arrivals Hall, follow the ‘Public Transportation’ signs and head to the train station. Then exit on your right toward Parking Area A.
Convenience
Although the bus is the cheapest option to get from Medan Airport to the city, it’s also the slowest, especially during peak hours. Moreover, buses can get crowded, making the trip unpleasant if you’re traveling with children and need to keep a close eye on your belongings. Furthermore, once you reach the city center, you may need to take another form of transportation to reach your end destination.
Timetables
Damri bus information
Damri Medan route
Useful Tips
Damri buses aren't wheelchair accessible.
Bus timings aren't always accurate and you may have to wait longer at the bus stop for the next departure.
Damri buses are air-conditioned.
How to get from Medan Airport to the city center by private transfer
A Medan Airport transfer is perhaps the most convenient way to reach your accommodation quickly and comfortably. Despite the slightly higher cost, choosing Welcome Pickups allows you to arrange everything in advance and ensures a hassle-free start to your trip.
Through tailored services and perks like personalized meet and greets, trained English-speaking drivers, flight monitoring, 24/7 customer support, and a flexible cancellation policy, peace of mind is guaranteed.
During the ride to your hotel or apartment, don’t miss the chance to chat with your driver; they can share valuable tips on the local culture and recommend places to visit to help you make your stay even more memorable.
What's the cost of a transfer from Medan Airport to Medan City?
Instead of worrying about the fare after landing, Welcome transfers from Medan Airport to downtown come with a fixed fare that you will know and pay upfront. Once you fill in your drop-off location, the number of passengers, and luggage in the booking form, you will get a final quote that includes all airport charges; that way you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees.
Paying online in advance saves you the trouble of carrying cash on the day of your arrival. This ensures a much smoother experience compared to taking a taxi from the rank and having to check the fares on the spot or wondering if you overpaid.
That being said, a transfer from Medan Airport to the city costs €29 (IDR 498,000) with a sedan. If you’re in a larger group, you can book a minivan or minibus from €90 (IDR 1,545,455) to €180 (IDR 3,090,910) depending on the number of passengers and luggage. These rates are fixed throughout the day regardless of traffic conditions and all fees and tolls are included.
Cost
€29
Trip Duration
55 Min.
*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Kualanamu International Airport (KNO).
Where do I get a transfer from?
Instead of looking for a taxi outside, you can enjoy a personalized meet and greet inside the Arrivals Hall. After clearing baggage claim, head toward the exit and you’ll see your driver waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. Following a friendly introduction, your driver will help with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle in the airport parking.
Convenience
If you value speed and comfort, a private transfer from Medan Airport to the city center is the best choice. A professional driver will be waiting for you as soon as you land, which is a great relief if it’s your first time in Medan and you feel a bit overwhelmed. You’ll enjoy reliable door-to-door service at a competitive price and secure a hassle-free experience for you and your travel party.
Useful Tips
Sedans can accommodate up to 4 passengers with one piece of luggage each. For larger groups, you will be assigned a minivan or minibus.
You can fit your own baby/child seat on all vehicles or request one during the booking and your driver will provide one for you.
You can safely store a foldable wheelchair in any type of vehicle but make sure to add it in the notes during the booking to ensure enough room for all your luggage too.
Before your transfer, you will receive an email with your driver's name, photo, and contact information.
Make sure to download the Welcome Pickups App to keep all your transfer details handy or contact your driver if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Medan Airport to the city center?
There are four main transportation options to get from Medan Airport to the city; a taxi, a private transfer, the train, or the bus. Taxis and private transfers are more expensive but they’re the most comfortable choice for door-to-door service. The train and the bus are cheaper options so you may want to consider them if you’re a solo traveler or on a tight budget.
How far is Medan Airport to the city?
The distance from Medan Airport to Medan City is approximately 30 km west. Driving there takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Medan to the city?
The fare of a taxi from Medan Airport to the city center depends on various factors, including whether you choose an on-demand or pre-booked taxi. On-demand taxis are usually cheaper but in general, you can expect to pay around €12 (IDR 205,000) for a taxi from Medan Airport to Medan city.
Taking a Medan Airport taxi is surely one of the most convenient options to get from Medan Airport to the city. Taxi service is available around the clock and you will find different types of taxis, on-demand and pre-booked.
Multiple operators, like Grab, Bluebird, and Gojek have booths outside the terminal where you can book taxi service on the spot for a fixed fare. Otherwise, you can head to the rank and get a metered taxi.
What's the cost of a taxi from Medan Airport to the city?
The average fare for a standard sedan taxi from Medan Airport to the city center is around €12 (IDR 205,000) but this can vary depending on the type of service you choose. If you decide to go with pre-booked services, you will get a fixed quote upfront so you can compare the prices of each operator and choose the cheapest option.
On-demand airport taxis that are available at the taxi rank don’t have fixed rates so the total fare depends on your destination and your negotiating skills. It’s important to agree on the total fare with the driver before getting in the taxi to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of the ride.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Medan Airport is small and easy to navigate. After clearing passport control and baggage claim, follow the signs pointing you to public transport. After exiting the Arrivals Hall, cross the road, and enter the airport train station. You will find the airport taxi rank is on your left towards Parking Area B, whereas booths for pre-booked services are available right in front of the exit.
Convenience
Although taking a taxi is a convenient choice if you don’t want to deal with public transport, during peak hours there can be a queue for an available taxi. Also, if you decide to go with a taxi from the rank, you need to be prepared to negotiate the price, otherwise, you will end up overpaying. To avoid that, you can pre-book a private transfer instead and secure a fixed fare.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe Airport Rail Link is a great choice to get from Medan Airport to the city. It offers a direct connection from the airport to Medan City Railway Station in about 45 minutes and it makes only a few stops along the way.
Medan City Railway Station is right downtown so you should be able to reach your accommodation on foot or by taking a local taxi for only a few rupees.
What's the cost of the Medan Airport to city train?
A single ticket for the Medan Airport to city train costs €2.50 (IDR 40,000). You can purchase your ticket from the vending machines at the train station, via the official website, or the KA Bandara app. There is staff at the train station to assist you if needed.
Note that prices may change from time to time so it’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Trains operate from Medan Airport from 06:45 to 20:25 daily.
Where do I take the train from?
The train station at Medan Airport is located on the Ground Floor. After clearing passport control and baggage claim, follow the signs pointing to ‘Public Transportation’. After exiting the terminal, cross the road and you will find yourself inside the train station. Continue straight to purchase a ticket from the vending machines or head directly to the platform if you already have a ticket.
Convenience
Getting from Medan Airport to Medan City by train is the best value-for-money option. The travel time is the same as driving there but during peak hours, the train can be faster. The main drawback is that there is a long wait between scheduled departures and that there is no train service available late at night so you need to check the timetable and plan accordingly. Also, luggage space is limited so it’s not the best choice if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage.
Timetables
Airport Rail Link
Ticket reservation
Airport Rail Link
Train schedule
Useful Tips
A Damri bus is another budget choice to get from Medan Airport to the city. The Damri Medan route connects the airport to the city, making multiple stops along the way. This increases the travel duration significantly, which combined with heavy traffic during peak hours makes the bus the slowest option.
Depending on your end destination, you can disembark at Amplas, Carrefour, or Stabat and continue on foot or by taxi if you carry multiple luggage.
What's the cost of the Medan Airport to city bus?
The fare for a Damri bus depends on the distance traveled. A ticket from Medan Airport to Amplas Bus Terminal costs €0.90 (IDR 15,000), to Carrefour €1.20 (IDR 20,000), and to Stabat €3.10 (IDR 50,000).
You can purchase your ticket from the Damri ticket counter located inside the airport terminal.
Buses operate daily from 04:30 to 22:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
Buses at Medan Airport depart from the Ground Floor. After exiting the Arrivals Hall, follow the ‘Public Transportation’ signs and head to the train station. Then exit on your right toward Parking Area A.
Convenience
Although the bus is the cheapest option to get from Medan Airport to the city, it’s also the slowest, especially during peak hours. Moreover, buses can get crowded, making the trip unpleasant if you’re traveling with children and need to keep a close eye on your belongings. Furthermore, once you reach the city center, you may need to take another form of transportation to reach your end destination.
Timetables
Damri bus information
Damri Medan route
Useful Tips
A Medan Airport transfer is perhaps the most convenient way to reach your accommodation quickly and comfortably. Despite the slightly higher cost, choosing Welcome Pickups allows you to arrange everything in advance and ensures a hassle-free start to your trip.
Through tailored services and perks like personalized meet and greets, trained English-speaking drivers, flight monitoring, 24/7 customer support, and a flexible cancellation policy, peace of mind is guaranteed.
During the ride to your hotel or apartment, don’t miss the chance to chat with your driver; they can share valuable tips on the local culture and recommend places to visit to help you make your stay even more memorable.
What's the cost of a transfer from Medan Airport to Medan City?
Instead of worrying about the fare after landing, Welcome transfers from Medan Airport to downtown come with a fixed fare that you will know and pay upfront. Once you fill in your drop-off location, the number of passengers, and luggage in the booking form, you will get a final quote that includes all airport charges; that way you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees.
Paying online in advance saves you the trouble of carrying cash on the day of your arrival. This ensures a much smoother experience compared to taking a taxi from the rank and having to check the fares on the spot or wondering if you overpaid.
That being said, a transfer from Medan Airport to the city costs €29 (IDR 498,000) with a sedan. If you’re in a larger group, you can book a minivan or minibus from €90 (IDR 1,545,455) to €180 (IDR 3,090,910) depending on the number of passengers and luggage. These rates are fixed throughout the day regardless of traffic conditions and all fees and tolls are included.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Kualanamu International Airport (KNO).
Where do I get a transfer from?
Instead of looking for a taxi outside, you can enjoy a personalized meet and greet inside the Arrivals Hall. After clearing baggage claim, head toward the exit and you’ll see your driver waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. Following a friendly introduction, your driver will help with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle in the airport parking.
Convenience
If you value speed and comfort, a private transfer from Medan Airport to the city center is the best choice. A professional driver will be waiting for you as soon as you land, which is a great relief if it’s your first time in Medan and you feel a bit overwhelmed. You’ll enjoy reliable door-to-door service at a competitive price and secure a hassle-free experience for you and your travel party.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Medan Airport to the city center?
There are four main transportation options to get from Medan Airport to the city; a taxi, a private transfer, the train, or the bus. Taxis and private transfers are more expensive but they’re the most comfortable choice for door-to-door service. The train and the bus are cheaper options so you may want to consider them if you’re a solo traveler or on a tight budget.
How far is Medan Airport to the city?
The distance from Medan Airport to Medan City is approximately 30 km west. Driving there takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
How much is a taxi from Medan to the city?
The fare of a taxi from Medan Airport to the city center depends on various factors, including whether you choose an on-demand or pre-booked taxi. On-demand taxis are usually cheaper but in general, you can expect to pay around €12 (IDR 205,000) for a taxi from Medan Airport to Medan city.
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