Quick Answer
Best overall option: Take a Grab car or metered taxi from Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG). Total journey: 30–45 minutes (25 km). Cost: 150,000–250,000 IDR (≈10–17 USD). For budget travelers, the Damri airport bus costs only 50,000 IDR (≈3.5 USD) and takes 45–60 minutes. The fastest option is a Gojek motorcycle (25–35 min, 50,000–80,000 IDR), but luggage is limited.
Train / Railway: Not Available for This Route (But Here's What You Should Know)
Important: There is no direct train service between Daya Bus Terminal and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Makassar's railway network currently serves intercity routes — primarily the Makassar–Parepare line (about 145 km north) — and does not connect to the airport. The nearest railway station is Stasiun Makassar (Makassar Station), located approximately 12 km southwest of Daya Bus Terminal, but it offers no airport-bound services.
Why Trains Don't Serve This Route
- Distance too short: Only 25 km — trains require longer corridors to be economically viable.
- Infrastructure gap: No rail spur connects the main line to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.
- Future plans: The Indonesian government has proposed a Makassar airport rail link (part of the Trans-Sulawesi Railway), but construction has not begun. Earliest operational estimate: 2030+.
If You Really Want to Ride a Train in Makassar
For enthusiasts, the Makassar–Parepare train departs from Stasiun Makassar. It's a scenic 3.5-hour journey through South Sulawesi's countryside. Ticket price: 100,000–200,000 IDR (≈7–14 USD) depending on class. However, this does not get you to the airport — you'd still need a 40-minute taxi from Makassar Station.
| Option | Route | Time | Cost | To Airport? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makassar–Parepare train | Stasiun Makassar → Parepare | 3.5 h | 100,000–200,000 IDR | ❌ No |
| Taxi from Stasiun Makassar | Stasiun Makassar → Airport | 30–40 min | 120,000–180,000 IDR | ✅ Yes |
Bottom line: Skip the train for this route. Use a taxi or bus instead. Check KAI official site for future rail updates.
Flight: Not Applicable (But Here's the Logic)
No commercial flights operate between Daya Bus Terminal and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. The straight-line distance is only 25 km — well below the minimum viable route for aviation (typically 150+ km). Even if you could fly, the "door-to-door" time would be absurd:
- Check-in + security: 30–45 min (hypothetical)
- Flight time: ~10 min
- Baggage claim + taxi to airport: 20 min
- Total hypothetical: 60–75 min — slower than a taxi (30–45 min)
What About Helicopter or Charter?
Private helicopter charters are available in Makassar from operators like Whitesky Aviation or Travel Express Air. Cost: 3,000,000–5,000,000 IDR (≈200–340 USD) per one-way trip — about 20× the cost of a taxi. This is only practical for VIPs or urgent medical evacuations. No scheduled service exists.
| Mode | Total Time (door-to-door) | Cost | Practical? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothetical flight | 60–75 min | — | ❌ No |
| Helicopter charter | 20–30 min | 3,000,000–5,000,000 IDR | ⚠️ Extreme budget only |
| Taxi / Grab car | 30–45 min | 150,000–250,000 IDR | ✅ Yes |
Verdict: Don't fly. Take a car or bus. For reference, see Whitesky Aviation charter rates.
Bus & Airport Shuttle (Damri & Public Buses)
The Damri airport bus is the most popular budget option from Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. It's reliable, air-conditioned, and runs on a fixed schedule. For ultra-budget travelers, local Trans Mamminasata buses offer a cheaper but more complex alternative.
Damri Airport Bus (Recommended Budget Option)
- Route: Daya Bus Terminal → Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (direct, limited stops)
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes, 05:00–21:00
- Travel time: 45–60 minutes (traffic-dependent)
- Fare: 50,000 IDR (≈3.5 USD) per person
- Where to board: Look for the blue Damri counter near Gate 3 at Daya Terminal. Buses park adjacent.
- Tickets: Buy at the counter or on the bus (cash only). No advance booking needed.
- Luggage: Free under-floor storage. Max 2 bags per person.
Trans Mamminasata (Ultra-Budget, Requires Transfer)
- Route: Daya Bus Terminal → (transfer at Mall Ratu Indah) → Airport
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes, 05:30–20:00
- Travel time: 60–90 minutes (including wait for transfer)
- Fare: 10,000–20,000 IDR (≈0.7–1.4 USD) total
- Note: Buses are non-air-conditioned, can be crowded, and routes are in Indonesian only. Not recommended for first-time visitors with luggage.
| Service | Time | Cost | Direct? | Air-Con? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damri airport bus | 45–60 min | 50,000 IDR | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Budget travelers with luggage |
| Trans Mamminasata | 60–90 min | 10,000–20,000 IDR | ❌ 1 transfer | ❌ No | Local commuters, no luggage |
Pro tip: Damri buses can fill up during peak hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00). Arrive 10–15 minutes early to secure a seat. Damri official schedule.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Grab / Gojek / Bluebird)
For comfort, speed, and door-to-door convenience, a taxi or ride-hailing car is the best choice. Three main options exist:
1. Grab / Gojek Car (App-Based)
- Cost: 120,000–180,000 IDR (≈8–12 USD) depending on surge pricing
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- How to book: Download Grab or Gojek app. Set pickup: "Terminal Daya" and drop-off: "Bandara Sultan Hasanuddin."
- Payment: Cash or credit card. Gojek also accepts GoPay.
- Luggage: Standard sedan/SUV fits 2–3 suitcases.
2. Bluebird Taxi (Metered)
- Cost: 150,000–200,000 IDR (≈10–14 USD) on meter. Toll extra (~15,000 IDR).
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- How to hail: Find the Bluebird taxi stand at the main entrance of Daya Bus Terminal. Or call +62 411 123456.
- Note: Bluebird is the most trusted taxi brand in Makassar — meters are reliable.
3. Fixed-Price Airport Taxi
- Cost: 200,000–250,000 IDR (≈14–17 USD) — flat rate, no meter
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Where to find: Designated airport taxi counter inside the terminal. Pay upfront.
- Best for: Late-night arrivals (22:00–05:00) when apps and buses are scarce.
| Service | Cost | Time | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab/Gojek car | 120,000–180,000 IDR | 30–45 min | Best value & convenience | 24/7 (surge possible) |
| Bluebird metered taxi | 150,000–200,000 IDR | 30–45 min | Trusted metered service | 24/7 |
| Fixed-price airport taxi | 200,000–250,000 IDR | 30–45 min | Late-night / no app users | 24/7 |
Important: Traffic on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan (the main road to the airport) can add 15–20 minutes during peak hours. Depart at least 2.5 hours before your flight to be safe. Download Grab here.
Motorcycle Taxi (Ojek) — Fastest but Limited Luggage
For solo travelers with minimal baggage, a Gojek or Grab motorcycle (ojek) is the fastest way to reach Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. It weaves through traffic, cutting travel time significantly.
Key Details
- Cost: 50,000–80,000 IDR (≈3.5–5.5 USD)
- Time: 25–35 minutes — fastest option available
- How to book: Via Gojek or Grab app. Select "GoRide" or "GrabBike."
- Luggage limit: One backpack or small duffel. No suitcases or large bags.
- Safety: Helmets provided. Driving can be aggressive — hold on tight.
When to Choose Ojek
- ✅ You're traveling alone with only a backpack
- ✅ You're in a rush (tight flight connection)
- ✅ Traffic is heavy (ojek cuts through jams)
- ❌ Not suitable for: families, groups, business travelers with luggage, elderly passengers
| Mode | Time | Cost | Luggage | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gojek (motorcycle) | 25–35 min | 50,000–80,000 IDR | 1 backpack only | Low |
| Grab car | 30–45 min | 120,000–180,000 IDR | 2–3 suitcases | High |
Pro tip: If you have a suitcase, don't choose ojek. Drivers may refuse, or you'll have to hold the bag on your lap — uncomfortable and unsafe. Gojek official site.
Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use this table to compare every transport mode from Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Bold rows indicate recommended options.
| Mode | Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Luggage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Grab car | 30–45 min | 120,000–180,000 | 8–12 | 0 | ✅ 2–3 bags | ⭐ Best overall |
| 🚕 Bluebird taxi | 30–45 min | 150,000–200,000 | 10–14 | 0 | ✅ 2–3 bags | Trusted metered |
| 🚌 Damri bus | 45–60 min | 50,000 | 3.5 | 0 | ✅ 2 bags | 💰 Best budget |
| 🏍️ Gojek (motorcycle) | 25–35 min | 50,000–80,000 | 3.5–5.5 | 0 | ⚠️ 1 backpack | Fastest (no bags) |
| 🚐 Fixed-price airport taxi | 30–45 min | 200,000–250,000 | 14–17 | 0 | ✅ 2–3 bags | Late-night |
| 🚍 Trans Mamminasata | 60–90 min | 10,000–20,000 | 0.7–1.4 | 1–2 | ⚠️ Limited | Ultra-budget |
| 🚄 Train (not applicable) | — | — | — | — | — | ❌ No service |
| ✈️ Flight (not applicable) | — | — | — | — | — | ❌ No service |
💰 Cheapest: Trans Mamminasata (10,000–20,000 IDR) — but requires transfers and patience.
⭐ Best value: Grab car (120,000–180,000 IDR) — fast, comfortable, affordable.
⏱️ Fastest: Gojek motorcycle (25–35 min) — only if you travel light.
For ticket bookings: Traveloka offers some airport transport deals. Damri tickets are sold at the terminal only.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights — Real Advice from Makassar
After hundreds of trips between Daya Bus Terminal and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, here's what experienced travelers wish they'd known:
1. Traffic Timing Is Everything
- Peak hours: 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00 — Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan gets clogged. Add 15–20 min.
- Best times: 10:00–15:00 or after 19:00 — smooth sailing.
- Friday prayer: 11:30–13:00 on Fridays, traffic lightens as many attend mosque.
2. Luggage Hack — Use Takkyubin (Luggage Delivery)
If you have heavy bags, consider Takkyubin (baggage delivery) via JNE or Tiki. They deliver your suitcase directly to the airport for pickup. Cost: 50,000–100,000 IDR (≈3.5–7 USD) per bag. This lets you travel light on a Gojek or public bus. Drop off at any JNE counter near Daya Terminal. Allow 4–6 hours for delivery.
3. The Damri Bus "Hidden" Stop
The Damri bus stop at Daya Bus Terminal is not always obvious. Look for the small blue sign near Gate 3 (the eastern side of the terminal). If you can't find it, ask locals: "Damri ke bandara di mana?" (Where is Damri to the airport?). Most staff know.
4. Grab/Gojek Pickup Point
Ride-hailing apps often have trouble locating the exact spot inside the terminal. Set your pickup pin to "Terminal Daya — Pintu Utama" (Main Gate). Drivers typically wait outside the main entrance, not inside the bus bay area. Message your driver in Indonesian: "Saya di pintu utama, dekat pos satpam" (I'm at the main gate, near the security post).
5. What to Do If You Miss Your Damri Bus
Damri buses run every 30–60 minutes. If you just missed one, don't panic. Grab a coffee at the terminal's Warung Kopi Daya (near Gate 2). The next bus will come. Alternatively, switch to a Grab car — it's only 120,000–180,000 IDR.
6. Solo Female Travelers — Safety Note
Makassar is generally safe, but for solo female travelers, stick to Grab/Gojek cars (not motorcycles) for airport transfers at night. Share your trip status with a friend via the app. Damri buses are safe but can be crowded — keep valuables close.
7. Ramadan & Holiday Impacts
During Ramadan, traffic patterns shift: lighter during the day, busier after 16:00 (people heading home for iftar). During Lebaran (Eid) and New Year, the airport is extremely busy. Arrive 3 hours early for your flight. Damri schedules may be reduced on public holidays.
Pro tip: Download Google Maps offline for Makassar before you go. Cellular data can be spotty inside the terminal. JNE luggage delivery info.
FAQs: Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport
Is there a direct train from Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
No, there is no direct train. Makassar's railway only serves intercity routes (e.g., Makassar–Parepare). For the airport, take a taxi (30–45 min) or Damri bus (45–60 min). A future airport rail link is proposed but not yet built (earliest estimate: 2030+).
Can I fly from Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
No commercial flights operate on this 25 km route — it's far too short. Even a hypothetical flight would take longer than a taxi due to check-in and security. Helicopter charters exist but cost 3,000,000–5,000,000 IDR (≈200–340 USD) — not practical for regular travelers.
What is the cheapest way to get from Daya Bus Terminal to the airport?
The Damri airport bus costs 50,000 IDR (≈3.5 USD) and is the cheapest direct option. For even less, Trans Mamminasata public buses cost 10,000–20,000 IDR (≈0.7–1.4 USD) but require 1–2 transfers and take 60–90 minutes. They operate 05:30–20:00 only.
How much does a taxi cost from Daya Bus Terminal to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
A metered Bluebird taxi costs 150,000–200,000 IDR (≈10–14 USD). Grab/Gojek car-hailing ranges 120,000–180,000 IDR (≈8–12 USD). Fixed-price airport taxis charge 200,000–250,000 IDR (≈14–17 USD). Toll fees (≈15,000 IDR) may be extra if using the ring road.
Is the Damri bus from Daya Bus Terminal to the airport reliable?
Yes, Damri buses are generally reliable, running every 30–60 minutes from 05:00–21:00. The journey takes 45–60 minutes. Buses depart from the blue Damri counter near Gate 3. No advance booking — buy tickets on-site (cash only). Luggage storage is available under the bus.
What is the fastest way to get from Daya Bus Terminal to the airport?
A Gojek/Grab motorcycle (ojek) is fastest at 25–35 minutes, costing 50,000–80,000 IDR (≈3.5–5.5 USD). However, luggage is limited to one backpack. For comfort with bags, a Grab car (30–45 min) is the best balance of speed and practicality.
How do I get from Daya Bus Terminal to the airport late at night or early morning?
Between 22:00–05:00, Damri buses and public transit do not operate. Your only options are: (1) pre-booked taxi/Grab (24/7, 180,000–250,000 IDR), (2) Gojek motorcycle (minimal luggage only), or (3) hotel shuttle if staying near the terminal. Always book ahead for late-night travel.
Is it easy to navigate the transfer from Daya Bus Terminal to the airport for first-time visitors?
The transfer is moderately straightforward. Daya Bus Terminal is well-signed in Indonesian. For taxis, head to the main entrance. For Damri buses, look for the blue counter near Gate 3. The main challenge is language — drivers rarely speak English. Use Grab/Gojek apps with GPS to avoid miscommunication. Download Google Maps offline before you arrive.