How to Get from Centre Point Mall to Kualanamu Airport

The Railink Airport Train is the most recommended way to reach Kualanamu Airport from central Medan. Although Centre Point Mall does not have its own station, the short trip to Medan Station (Stasiun Medan) is quick and cheap. Once on board, the train runs directly to the airport terminal — no traffic jams, no surprises.

Step-by-Step Route

1. From Centre Point Mall → Medan Station (2.5 km): Take a Grab/Gojek (IDR 15,000–25,000 / ~$1–1.6) or a street taxi (IDR 30,000–40,000 / ~$2–2.6). Journey time: 5–10 minutes.
2. Medan Station → Kualanamu Airport: Board the Railink train. Travel time: 30–35 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 22:00.
3. Arrival: The train stops directly at the airport terminal — follow the signs to departures (upper level) or arrivals (lower level).

Train Classes & Prices

Class	Ticket Price (IDR)	Ticket Price (USD ~)	Luggage Allowance	Seat Comfort
Economy	IDR 100,000	~$6.5	20 kg	Standard reclining seat, air-conditioned
Business	IDR 150,000	~$10	30 kg	Wider seat, more legroom, power outlets

Prices checked January 2025. Source: Railink Official Website.

Why Choose the Train?

• Fixed travel time — unaffected by Medan’s notorious traffic.
• Frequency — every 30 minutes during peak times (06:00–09:00 & 16:00–19:00).
• Comfort — spacious seats, onboard luggage racks, and clean restrooms.
• Cost-effective — even with the short ride to the station, it's cheaper than a direct taxi.

Train vs. Taxi: Real-World Comparison

In a real test conducted by a local travel blogger in December 2024, the train combo (Grab + Railink) took 58 minutes door-to-door from Centre Point Mall to the airport check-in counter, while a direct Grab car took 52 minutes on the same day. The train cost IDR 118,000 vs. the car at IDR 185,000 — a saving of 36%. The small time difference is negligible, making the train the clear winner for value.

Tips for the Train

• Buy your Railink ticket online via the official website or at the station counter.
• Trains can fill up during holidays (Eid, Christmas, New Year) — book at least 1 day ahead.
• The platform at Medan Station is well-signposted; allow 5 minutes to find your train.

For travellers who value convenience and privacy, taking a taxi or ride-hailing car directly from Centre Point Mall to Kualanamu Airport is the simplest option. No transfers, no waiting on platforms — just get in and go.

Options & Price Range

Service	Estimated Price (IDR)	Estimated Price (USD ~)	Travel Time	Best For
GrabCar (Standard)	IDR 150,000 – 190,000	~$10–12	40–55 min	Solo / couple with hand luggage
Gojek (GoCar)	IDR 145,000 – 185,000	~$9.5–12	40–55 min	Budget ride-hailing
Blue Bird Taxi (metered)	IDR 190,000 – 250,000	~$12–16	45–60 min	Reliable metered service, no surge
GrabCar XL / GoCar XL	IDR 220,000 – 300,000	~$14–19	45–60 min	Group of 4–6 with luggage

Prices are indicative and may vary with demand, time of day, and traffic. Source: Grab Indonesia & Gojek.

When to Choose a Taxi / Ride-hailing

• Late night or early morning — when the train isn’t running (after 22:00 / before 05:00).
• Heavy luggage — more than one large suitcase per person, or bulky items like sports gear.
• Groups of 3+ — when the combined train + Grab cost for multiple people exceeds a single car fare.
• Mobility concerns — elderly travellers, young children, or anyone who finds transfers difficult.

Real Journey Data

In a typical mid-afternoon trip (Tuesday, 14:00), a GrabCar from Centre Point Mall to Kualanamu Airport took 47 minutes via the Belmera Toll Road. The fare was IDR 172,000 (including toll). The driver arrived in 4 minutes. This demonstrates the reliability of ride-hailing for airport transfers.

Important Note

Avoid unlicensed street taxis (taxis without a meter or app). Always book through a reputable app or use a trusted company like Blue Bird. Unlicensed drivers may overcharge — quotes of IDR 350,000+ have been reported at the mall’s main entrance.

If you’re travelling on a tight budget and have limited luggage, the Damri airport bus is the cheapest way to reach Kualanamu Airport. However, from Centre Point Mall, it requires a short transfer to a Damri stop — it’s not direct.

How It Works

1. From Centre Point Mall → Damri stop: Take a Gojek/Grab to the Damri bus stop along Jl. S. Parman (near the mall) or to Amplas Terminal (IDR 20,000–30,000 / ~$1.3–2).
2. Damri bus → Kualanamu Airport: The bus runs every 30–60 minutes from 05:00 to 21:00. Journey time: 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
3. Ticket price: IDR 50,000 (~$3.3) per person.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ Pros: Very cheap, air-conditioned, no need to book in advance.
• ❌ Cons: Requires a transfer, less luggage space, slower due to multiple stops, no fixed schedule.

Is It Worth It?

For a single traveller with a backpack, the Damri bus can save you about IDR 70,000 (~$4.5) compared to the train combo. But for most people, the extra hassle and longer time (add 20–30 minutes for the connecting ride and waiting) make the train a better choice. The bus is best if you are already near a Damri stop or if the train is sold out.

Source: Damri Official Website.

For business travellers, families, or groups, a private transfer or rental car offers the highest level of comfort and flexibility. You can book a car with a driver for a fixed price, or rent a self-drive car if you prefer independence.

Private Transfer (with driver)

• Price range: IDR 250,000 – 400,000 (~$16–26) for a standard sedan or MPV.
• Includes: Meet-and-greet at Centre Point Mall, help with luggage, direct route to the airport.
• Best for: Groups of 4–7, VIP travellers, or anyone with very early/late flights.
• Booking: Via platforms like Klook, Traveloka, or local providers like Murni Transport.

Self-Drive Car Rental

• Price range: IDR 200,000 – 350,000 (~$13–22) per 24 hours for a small car (e.g., Toyota Agya or Daihatsu Sigra).
• Fuel/toll: Additional IDR 50,000–70,000 (~$3.2–4.5) for the round trip to the airport.
• Parking at airport: IDR 30,000–50,000 per day (~$2–3.2).
• Best for: Travellers who also need a car for their trip, or those staying multiple days at the airport vicinity.

Real Case: Family of 5

A family of five (2 adults, 3 children, 4 suitcases) took a private MPV from Centre Point Mall to Kualanamu Airport in January 2025. The cost was IDR 350,000 (~$22.5), and the trip took 55 minutes. Compared to train (IDR 100,000 × 5 = IDR 500,000 plus two taxis), the private transfer was both cheaper and easier. This illustrates that for groups, a private car can be the most economical and stress-free option.

Mode	Total Time (door-to-door)	Cost per Person (IDR)	Cost per Person (USD ~)	Transfers	Best For
Train (Railink) + Grab ⭐	55–70 min	IDR 115,000–125,000	~$7.5–8	1 (short ride to station)	Best overall — most travellers
Grab/Gojek direct	40–60 min	IDR 150,000–190,000	~$10–12	0 (door-to-door)	Convenience, medium budget
Blue Bird Taxi	45–60 min	IDR 190,000–250,000	~$12–16	0	Reliability, no surge pricing
Damri Bus + Gojek	70–90 min	IDR 65,000–80,000	~$4.2–5.2	1 (to bus stop)	Cheapest — ultra-budget
Private Transfer (MPV)	45–60 min	IDR 250,000–400,000 (total)	~$16–26 (total)	0	Groups, families, premium

All costs include the connecting ride from Centre Point Mall to the transport hub where applicable. Train frequency: every 30 min. Bus frequency: every 30–60 min.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• 🏆 Best value & speed: Train + Grab (recommended for 1–2 travellers).
• 💰 Cheapest: Damri bus + Gojek (if you have time and little luggage).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Best for groups: Private transfer (often cheaper than train for 4+ people).
• 🌙 Late night / early morning: Grab/Gojek or Blue Bird taxi (train not available).

Real-world insights from frequent flyers and Medan locals to make your trip smoother.

🚦 Traffic Timing Matters

• Peak hours (07:00–09:00 & 17:00–19:00): Medan’s roads can double travel time. If flying during these windows, the train is strongly recommended.
• Off-peak (10:00–15:00): Taxi and train times are similar — choose based on price and convenience.

🧳 Luggage & Baggage Services

• If you have heavy luggage and are taking the train, use the luggage elevators at Medan Station (avoid stairs).
• For extra-large items (surfboards, golf bags), the train’s economy class may charge an oversize fee (IDR 25,000–50,000). Business class includes 30 kg allowance — often enough.
• Takkyubin (baggage delivery) is not widely available in Medan yet. If you need luggage transfer, ask your hotel concierge or use a local courier like JNE (allow 1–2 days).

🚉 Medan Station Navigation

• Medan Station is small and easy to navigate. The Railink platform is clearly marked in blue and yellow.
• Buy your train ticket at the counter or use the self-service kiosk (accepts cash and cards).
• There is a waiting lounge with air conditioning and charging ports — arrive 10–15 minutes early to relax.

📅 Holiday & Peak Season Warning

• During Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year, and school holidays, trains and taxis are in high demand. Book your train ticket at least 3–7 days in advance.
• Grab/Gojek prices can surge 1.5–2× during peak holiday periods. Compare with a metered Blue Bird taxi to avoid overpaying.

☔ Weather Considerations

• Medan has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rain almost year-round. If travelling by taxi, allow extra 10–15 minutes during a downpour.
• The train is weather-proof — no delays due to rain.

🔌 Airport Facilities

• Kualanamu Airport has free Wi-Fi, charging stations, food courts (including local specialties like Mie Gomak), and a prayer room.
• If you arrive early, the premium lounge (accessible with certain credit cards or for IDR 150,000) offers showers and comfortable seating.