How to Get to Bukit Lawang from Medan & Kualanamu Airport

You can reach Bukit Lawang from either Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) or Medan city. These are different starting points, with different pickup locations and public transport connections.

From Kualanamu Airport, one public transport option is to take an ALS bus to Binjai, then change to a minibus for Bukit Lawang.

From Medan city, you can board a Bukit Lawang minibus near Mawar Bakery on Jalan Pinang Baris.

Private cars and shared taxis can also be arranged. Confirm the fare, pickup point and departure time for your chosen starting location.

Below, we explain the airport and Medan routes separately, including transfers, luggage and how to reach your guest house.

Before choosing public transport from Kualanamu Airport to Bukit Lawang, consider your arrival time and whether you are comfortable travelling in a crowded local minibus.

The last minibus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang leaves around 4 pm. Aim to reach its boarding point well before then. Allow time for immigration, baggage collection, buying your ticket and travelling from the airport to Binjai.

The route involves two separate vehicles: an ALS airport bus to Binjai, followed by a local minibus to Bukit Lawang. Each journey takes around two hours. Allow approximately four hours of travelling, plus waiting time and transfers.

Public transport is not a flexible option if your flight arrives in the late afternoon. If you cannot make the connection, arrange a private transfer or stay overnight near the airport or in Medan and continue the following morning.

Finding the ALS Bus at Kualanamu Airport

After collecting your luggage, leave the arrivals area and follow the signs for “Transportasi Umum / Public Transportation” directly in front of the airport terminal. The public transport area is easy to find.

Go to the counter marked “PT. A.L.S.” and buy a ticket to Binjai. The fare is Rp60,000 per person. The counter staff can direct you to the bus.

The journey to Binjai takes around two hours, depending on traffic and stops. In the morning, buses usually depart about every 15 minutes. Ask at the counter about the next departure, especially if you arrive later in the day.

Ask to Get Off at Binjai Supermall

When buying your ticket, explain that you are continuing to Bukit Lawang and want to get off in front of Binjai Supermall, also called BSM.

Once on the bus, remind the driver to stop there. You can say:

“Tolong berhenti di depan Binjai Supermall. Saya mau lanjut ke Bukit Lawang.”

This means:

“Please stop in front of Binjai Supermall. I want to continue to Bukit Lawang.”

Getting off at BSM makes the connection easier because you can catch an onward minibus to Bukit Lawang there.

Taking the Minibus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang

At BSM, ask where to wait for the Bukit Lawang minibus. Look for “Bukit Lawang” or “B. Lawang” on the windscreen and confirm the destination with the driver before boarding.

The fare is around Rp50,000 per person, and the journey takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic and stops. Ask whether a large backpack or other luggage costs extra.

When services are running regularly, you may wait around 10–15 minutes, but the wait can be longer. This is not a guaranteed timetable, so leave enough time before the last departure.

The minibus can become crowded, with passengers sitting close together and limited legroom and luggage space. People may also smoke inside. This is basic local transport and may feel cramped, especially if you have a large backpack or suitcase.

Keep your passport, money, phone and other valuables with you. Ask the driver where your main luggage will be stored.

If the ALS Bus Does Not Stop at BSM

If you do not get off at BSM, the ALS bus will continue to Binjai bus station. You can still continue to Bukit Lawang, but you will need an additional transfer.

From Binjai bus station, take a becak, a local motorised rickshaw, to the boarding point for minibuses to Bukit Lawang.

Tell the becak driver:

“Saya mau naik minibus ke Bukit Lawang.”

This means:

“I want to catch a minibus to Bukit Lawang.”

The becak transfer costs around Rp10,000, with a possible additional Rp10,000 for a large backpack. Agree on the total fare, including luggage, before leaving.

This transfer adds time and cost. If it is close to 4 pm, check whether an onward minibus is still available before taking the becak.

Agree on the Fare and Pay the Driver Directly

For both the becak and the Bukit Lawang minibus, agree on the total fare directly with the driver before travelling. Ask whether the price includes your luggage.

Payment is usually made directly to the driver after reaching your destination. Pay the becak driver when you reach the minibus boarding point. Pay the minibus driver when you arrive at Gotong Royong bus station in Bukit Lawang.

Avoid paying another person who approaches you to collect the fare. Confirm the payment arrangement with the driver.

The ALS airport bus is different: buy its ticket at the ALS counter before boarding.

Total Cost

The two main bus journeys cost approximately Rp110,000 per person:

• ALS airport bus to Binjai: Rp60,000.
• Minibus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang: around Rp50,000.

If you need the becak transfer in Binjai, allow approximately Rp120,000, or Rp130,000 with the stated large-backpack charge.

These estimates exclude other luggage charges and the final transfer from the Bukit Lawang bus station to your guest house. Confirm fares before travelling.

Arriving in Bukit Lawang and Reaching Your Guest House

Public minibuses finish at Gotong Royong bus station, outside the main Bukit Lawang village. Once you arrive, contact your guest house to ask for directions or whether they can arrange a pickup. You can also take another becak from the bus station.

The final journey depends on where your guest house is located. A becak may be able to take you directly to some properties. For others, it can only take you to the nearest access point, and you will need to walk the remaining distance. Some guest houses are reached by steps or a bridge crossing.

Show the becak driver your guest house name and confirm the drop-off point and total fare, including luggage, before leaving. Payment is usually made directly to the driver after reaching the agreed destination.

If you have heavy bags or difficulty walking, ask your guest house about access, pickup and luggage assistance before travelling.

Start early and leave a comfortable margin before the 4 pm last minibus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang. Do not plan a tight connection based only on your flight’s scheduled arrival time.

If you are staying in Medan city, you can take a public minibus to Bukit Lawang from the boarding point in front of Mawar Bakery, near Pinang Baris bus station.

The boarding point is in front of the bakery, not inside Pinang Baris bus station. This route starts in Medan city, not at Kualanamu Airport.

Getting to the Boarding Point

From your accommodation, take a local taxi or use a ride-hailing service to reach the Mawar Bakery where the Bukit Lawang minibuses stop.

Confirm the correct bakery before setting off, as there are several Mawar Bakery branches. Explain that you want to catch a minibus to Bukit Lawang, rather than simply asking to go to Pinang Baris bus station.

The journey from your accommodation to the boarding point is a separate cost. Allow extra time for Medan traffic.

Be Careful About Overcharging

Overcharging happens frequently at this boarding area. Several people may approach you, offer to help you find a bus, or quote a fare higher than the usual price.

The minibus fare to Bukit Lawang is Rp50,000 per person. Speak directly with the driver and confirm this fare before boarding. Ask separately whether your luggage costs extra.

Do not assume that someone approaching you is the driver or an official ticket seller. Avoid handing your fare to an intermediary or accepting a higher price without checking with the driver.

Payment is usually made directly to the driver after arriving at Gotong Royong bus station in Bukit Lawang. Confirm this arrangement with the driver before travelling.

You can say:

“Ke Bukit Lawang lima puluh ribu per orang, ya? Bayar langsung ke sopir setelah sampai?”

This means:

“To Bukit Lawang, fifty thousand rupiah per person, right? Do I pay the driver directly when we arrive?”

Finding the Bukit Lawang Minibus

Look for a minibus displaying “Bukit Lawang” or “B. Lawang” on the windscreen. Confirm the destination directly with the driver before boarding.

If someone pressures you to pay immediately or quotes a much higher fare, take your time and speak to the driver. You do not need to accept the first offer.

Journey Time and Conditions

Allow around four to five hours for the journey from Medan, depending on traffic and stops. Add time for reaching the boarding point and waiting for departure.

The minibus picks up and drops off passengers along the route. It can become crowded, with passengers sitting close together and limited space for legs and luggage. People may also smoke inside.

This is basic local transport. It suits travellers who are comfortable with a potentially cramped journey and have time to spare. If you need more space or are travelling with several large suitcases, consider an arranged private car or shared taxi.

Keep your passport, money, phone and other valuables with you. Ask the driver where your main luggage will be stored.

Travel Early

Plan to leave Medan in the morning rather than relying on a late-afternoon departure. Confirm the last departure from the Medan boarding point locally.

The last minibus from Binjai to Bukit Lawang leaves around 4 pm. This is the Binjai departure time, so do not use it as the departure time from Medan.

Arriving in Bukit Lawang

Public minibuses finish at Gotong Royong bus station, outside the main Bukit Lawang village. Pay your agreed minibus fare directly to the driver when you arrive.

Contact your guest house for directions or ask whether they can arrange a pickup. You can also take a becak, a local motorised rickshaw, from the bus station.

The final journey depends on where your guest house is located. A becak may take you directly to some properties. For others, it can only take you to the nearest access point, and you will need to walk the remaining distance. Some guest houses are reached by steps or a bridge crossing.

Show the becak driver your guest house name. Agree on the drop-off point and total fare, including luggage, before leaving. Payment is usually made directly to the driver after reaching the agreed destination.

If you have heavy bags or difficulty walking, ask your guest house about access, pickup and luggage assistance before travelling.

A shared taxi is an arranged journey to Bukit Lawang with other passengers. You pay per person instead of hiring the whole vehicle. It is a useful option for solo travellers and couples who want to share transport costs.

From Medan to Bukit Lawang

The shared taxi fare from Medan to Bukit Lawang is Rp210,000 per person.

Pickup can be arranged from your accommodation in Medan. When booking, provide your accommodation name and address, travel date, number of passengers and luggage details.

Confirm your pickup time and whether collection from your address is included in the fare. Be ready at the agreed time, as the vehicle may also collect other passengers.

From Accommodation Near Kualanamu Airport

Shared taxi pickup can also be arranged from accommodation near Kualanamu Airport. Give the organiser the exact name and address of your accommodation, and confirm the fare and pickup arrangements before booking.

If you are arriving by plane, arrange your meeting point in advance. Airport terminal pickup must be agreed separately; your meeting point may instead be accommodation near the airport.

Allow time for immigration, baggage collection and travelling to the meeting point. Ask whether any transfer to that location costs extra.

Last Departure: 5 PM

The last shared taxi departure to Bukit Lawang is at around 5 pm. Your pickup may be earlier because the vehicle needs to collect passengers from different locations.

Confirm the departure available for your travel date and be ready at the agreed pickup time.

Landing before 5 pm does not guarantee that you can catch the service. You still need time to leave the airport and reach your meeting point.

If your flight arrives late in the afternoon, a private transfer or an overnight stay near the airport may be more practical. If your flight is delayed, contact the organiser as soon as possible.

Journey Time: Around Four to Five Hours

Allow around four to five hours for the journey to Bukit Lawang, depending on your starting point, passenger pickups, traffic and stops.

You may need to wait for other passengers before departure. The vehicle may stop along the way to collect or drop off passengers.

Ask when booking whether you will travel in the same vehicle throughout or need to change vehicles.

A shared taxi follows arrangements for several passengers, so pickup times and stops are less flexible than with a private car.

Seating and Luggage

Vehicle type, seating space and air-conditioning can vary. Ask about these when booking, especially if comfort is important to you.

Tell the organiser if you have a large backpack, suitcase or several bags so that luggage space can be arranged.

Confirm whether luggage is included in the fare and whether any additional charge applies. Keep your passport, money, phone and other valuables with you.

Booking and Payment

Arrange your journey in advance through your guest house or transport organiser.

Before confirming, agree on the total fare per person, pickup location, pickup time, luggage arrangements and drop-off point.

Confirm how and when to pay, and keep the organiser’s contact details available in case your plans change.

The Rp210,000 fare described here is for a shared taxi from Medan. It is a different service from the Rp50,000 public minibus.

Arriving in Bukit Lawang

Confirm the exact drop-off point before travelling. Depending on the service and road access, you may be dropped at your guest house or at the nearest accessible meeting point.

Some guest houses cannot be reached directly by car. The final part of the journey may involve walking, steps or crossing a bridge.

Send your guest house name to the transport organiser in advance. Contact your guest house about directions, meeting you on arrival or helping with luggage if needed.

If a separate becak ride is required, agree on the fare and any luggage charge directly with the driver before starting. Payment is usually made directly to the driver after arrival.

A private transfer gives you a vehicle and driver for your own group. Pickup can be arranged from accommodation in Medan, Kualanamu Airport or accommodation near the airport.

You travel directly to Bukit Lawang without collecting other passengers or changing between public buses.

Vehicle Size and Price

A small private car for one to four passengers costs Rp700,000 per vehicle for a one-way journey.

For groups of more than four passengers, a larger vehicle such as the minivan shown above costs Rp1,200,000 per vehicle for a one-way journey.

These prices are per vehicle, not per person. Confirm the total price for your exact pickup location before booking.

Tell the organiser how many people are travelling and how much luggage you have. Large backpacks and suitcases take up space, so the vehicle should be chosen for both passengers and luggage.

For a larger group, confirm the vehicle’s passenger capacity before booking.

Pickup from Medan

Your driver can collect you from your accommodation in Medan at an agreed time.

Send the accommodation name, full address and your contact number when booking. Confirm the meeting point and be ready with your luggage.

Airport Pickup

For pickup at Kualanamu Airport, provide your flight number, arrival date, scheduled arrival time and number of passengers.

Agree on the exact meeting point and how to contact your driver after collecting your luggage. Allow time for immigration and baggage collection.

If your flight changes or is delayed, inform the organiser as soon as possible. Confirm the waiting arrangements and whether any additional waiting charge applies.

Pickup can also be arranged from accommodation near the airport. Provide the property’s name and address when booking.

Journey Time and Stops

Allow around four to five hours for the journey, depending on your pickup location, traffic and stops.

You can ask your driver for a toilet break or a stop for food along the way. Longer stops will add to the journey time.

Keep drinking water and any personal items you need within easy reach.

Departure Time

Private transfers can be arranged around your arrival or preferred departure time. They do not follow the public minibus or shared taxi departure schedule.

This makes a private transfer a practical option for afternoon or evening arrivals, families and travellers with more luggage.

Arrange late pickup in advance and tell your guest house your expected arrival time so that someone can meet you.

Arriving at Your Guest House

Provide the name and location of your Bukit Lawang guest house before departure.

Your driver can take you to the nearest point accessible by road. Some guest houses cannot be reached directly by car, so the final part may involve walking, steps or crossing a bridge.

Contact your guest house beforehand if you need directions, someone to meet you or help carrying luggage.

Booking and Payment

Before confirming your transfer, agree on the vehicle size, total price, pickup time, meeting point and drop-off location.

Ask whether fuel, tolls and parking are included, and confirm how and when payment should be made.

A private transfer suits travellers who want a flexible departure time, fewer transport changes and a vehicle reserved for their own group.

Need help arranging your journey to Bukit Lawang? Tell us your travel date, pickup location, arrival time and number of travellers. We can help arrange private or shared transport, guest house accommodation and jungle trekking.