Balikpapan Airport (BPN) to City Center

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Sepinggan Airport (BPN) to Balikpapan city center is not a single answer, but a choice based on your situation. For daytime arrivals on a budget: The DAMRI airport bus (20-40 minutes, 2 USD / 30,000 IDR) is unbeatable. For late-night arrivals, families, or those with heavy luggage: A metered Blue Bird taxi (15-30 minutes, 8-12 USD / 120,000-180,000 IDR) is simplest. For solo travelers with a backpack: Grab or Gojek motorbike (15-25 minutes, $3-5 USD / 45,000-75,000 IDR). The single most critical factor is Balikpapan's evening traffic (4:30-7:00 PM), which can double any travel time estimate.

Taxi from Balikpapan Airport (BPN) to City Center

Taking a taxi from Sepinggan International Airport to Balikpapan city is the most convenient door-to-door option, operating 24/7. The distance is short (8-10 km), but travel time is entirely dictated by traffic on the main artery, Jalan Sudirman. During off-peak hours, it's a 15-minute ride. During the evening rush (4:30-7:00 PM), it can take 40-60 minutes. Outside the arrivals hall, you'll find the official taxi counter. Always use the meter. The fare includes a standard airport surcharge.

Transport Option	Travel Time (No Traffic)	Approximate Cost	Best For	Critical Note
Official Taxi (Metered, e.g., Blue Bird)	15-25 minutes	$8-12 USD (120,000-180,000 IDR)	Families, late-night, first-timers, heavy luggage, business travelers	Only option 24/7. Insist on meter.
Grab/Gojek Car	15-25 minutes	$6-10 USD (90,000-150,000 IDR)	Solo/couples, tech-savvy, have local SIM, off-peak hours	Surge pricing during rush hour/rain can exceed taxi cost.
Private Transfer (pre-booked)	15-25 minutes	$15-25 USD (230,000-380,000 IDR)	Groups 4+, premium service, corporate travel, large families	Fixed price, driver meets you, no queue.
DAMRI Airport Bus	20-40 minutes	$2 USD (30,000 IDR)	Budget travelers, daytime arrivals, light/medium luggage	Unbeatable value. Stops at main terminal. Not 24/7.

How to Get a Taxi at Balikpapan Airport

After exiting baggage claim, walk straight out of the terminal. Ignore any individuals offering transport inside. The official taxi counter is directly outside, to your left. Tell the staff your destination (e.g., "Kawasan City Center" or your hotel name). They will give you a ticket with a taxi number. Proceed to the numbered taxi bay. The driver will start the meter. The total fare will be the meter reading plus a fixed airport surcharge (typically 10,000-15,000 IDR). Payment is cash to the driver upon arrival.

Late Night & Early Morning Taxi at BPN

For late-night arrivals (after 10:00 PM) or flights before 6:00 AM, the taxi counter is your only guaranteed option. The DAMRI bus does not run, and Grab/Gojek drivers may be scarce. The process is the same. Expect to pay a late-night surcharge of 30-40% on the meter fare. The ride is quick at this time due to no traffic. While the internet says taxis are always available, I've seen the queue be 4-5 groups long after a late international flight—be patient.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

Your flight lands at 5:15 PM. You read online that Grab is cheaper, so you book a GrabCar. The app shows a 20-minute wait and a fare of 140,000 IDR due to surge pricing. You wait, the driver gets stuck in traffic approaching the airport, and cancels. You re-book, facing the same issue. Meanwhile, the person who went straight to the taxi counter is already in a cab, paying a metered fare of 135,000 IDR, and is on the move, albeit in slow traffic. You've wasted 30 minutes and are still at the airport. Sometimes, the oldest solution is the most efficient.

Grab & Gojek (Ride-Hailing) from Balikpapan Airport

Grab and Gojek are deeply integrated into Balikpapan's transport network. The airport has a well-organized, covered pickup zone just a 1-minute walk from the arrivals exit. Prices are generally lower than taxis, but surge pricing during evening rush hour (4:30-7:00 PM) and rain can temporarily make them more expensive. Car availability is excellent; motorbike (ojek) availability is even better.

Grab/Gojek Experience: The Reality

Many travel blogs present Grab as the universal cheap solution. The reality at BPN: It's excellent if you arrive outside peak hours. The pickup zone is efficient. However, during the evening rush, the dynamic pricing algorithm can be brutal. I've seen fares to the city center hit 200,000+ IDR, far above the taxi meter rate. The internet says it's always cheaper, but that's only true if you avoid the city's two daily traffic peaks. For a motorbike, it's almost always a good deal if you travel light.

Using Grab/Gojek for Airport Pickup

1. Get a local SIM card with data (Telkomsel or XL). 2. Open the app. 3. The pickup point is pre-set to "Bandara Sepinggan - Penjemputan" (Airport Pickup). 4. Walk to the clearly signed, covered waiting area. 5. Confirm the driver's vehicle details. 6. The price is fixed in the app at the time of booking—no negotiation. Expected fare range: GrabCar 90,000-150,000 IDR; GrabBike 45,000-75,000 IDR.

Private Transfer & Hotel Shuttle from Balikpapan Airport

Private Airport Transfer Service

Private transfers can be pre-booked online or through tour operators. A standard car costs $15-25 USD (230,000-380,000 IDR). The driver meets you in arrivals with a sign, assists with luggage, and provides bottled water. This is the premium choice for families, groups, or those wanting zero hassle. While it costs more, the certainty and comfort are worth it for many, especially after a long international flight.

Hotel Pickup Services

Many hotels in Balikpapan, especially 4-star and above, offer complimentary or paid airport pickup. Always inquire when booking. Paid pickup typically costs 150,000-250,000 IDR. This is highly recommended for first-time visitors, as the driver knows the hotel location intimately and communication is seamless.

When Private Transfer Makes Sense Despite the Cost

Despite the higher cost, a private transfer is worth it when: 1) You are a group of 3-4 people with luggage (splitting the cost makes it comparable to 2 taxis). 2) You have very young children and need car seats. 3) You're arriving on a late international flight and are exhausted. 4) Your company is paying. 5) You want a guaranteed English-speaking driver. The internet often says "just get a taxi," but for a seamless, curated arrival experience, a pre-booked car is superior.

DAMRI Airport Bus to Balikpapan City Center (Best Budget Option)

The DAMRI airport shuttle bus is the best-kept secret for budget-conscious travelers arriving during the day. For a flat 30,000 IDR ($2), it provides a comfortable, air-conditioned ride directly to the main DAMRI bus terminal in the heart of Balikpapan city (Jl. MT Haryono). Buses run frequently from approximately 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The journey takes 20-40 minutes. It has dedicated luggage compartments under the bus. From the DAMRI terminal, you can easily get a local taxi or Gojek to your final hotel.

DAMRI Bus Experience: What to Really Expect

The bus stop is directly outside the arrivals hall, to the right of the taxi counter. Look for the blue and yellow DAMRI buses and the ticket booth. Purchase your ticket (30,000 IDR) at the booth or sometimes directly from the driver. The buses are modern, clean, and cold (bring a sweater). They are used by locals and informed tourists. The internet rarely highlights this service, focusing on taxis and Grab, but it's a reliable and incredibly economical way to travel.

Who Should Take the DAMRI Bus?

The bus is suitable for: 1) Solo travelers or couples with one suitcase or backpack per person. 2) Those on a strict budget. 3) Daytime arrivals (before 7:00 PM). 4) Travelers whose hotel is near the DAMRI terminal or who don't mind a short final leg via taxi/bike. Not suitable for: Families with multiple young children and strollers, those with more than one large suitcase per person, late-night arrivals, or anyone with mobility issues.

Bus vs Taxi: A Reality Check for Different Travelers

For a solo backpacker: Bus (30,000 IDR) + Gojek bike to hotel (15,000 IDR) = 45,000 IDR total. Taxi = 120,000+ IDR. You save 75,000 IDR (5). For a couple with one suitcase: Bus (60,000 IDR for two) + GrabCar to hotel (25,000 IDR) = 85,000 IDR. Taxi = 120,000+ IDR. You save 35,000 IDR (2.5). For a family of four with lots of luggage: The convenience of a direct taxi or large private car outweighs the savings. The bus becomes a logistical challenge with bags and kids in a new city.

Angkot (Local Minivan) - The Option I Don't Actually Recommend

For completeness, Angkot (public minivans with route codes like "T") run between the airport area and the city. The cost is 8,000-15,000 IDR ($0.5-1). However, I don't actually recommend this for any tourist arriving at the airport. Here's why: You need to walk out to the main road (Jalan Marsma Iswahyudi) to catch one. There is no schedule. They are often overcrowded. There is zero space for luggage—you'll hold it on your lap in a packed van. You'll need to know exactly where to get off and likely transfer to another angkot to reach your final destination. It's confusing, hot, and time-consuming. This is an option only for locals with no luggage. For a visitor, the 20,000 IDR you save versus the comfortable, direct DAMRI bus is not worth the immense hassle.

DAMRI Bus Route: Detailed Stops from Balikpapan Airport to City

The DAMRI bus follows a fixed, non-stop route from Sepinggan Airport (BPN) directly to the DAMRI Balikpapan Main Terminal downtown. It does not make intermediate stops for passengers, ensuring a quick trip. The route passes key city landmarks, which is useful for orientation.

DAMRI Bus Route: Airport to Main Terminal

1. Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) - Departure point.
2. Jalan Marsma Iswahyudi - Airport access road.
3. Jalan MT Haryono - One of the city's main thoroughfares.
4. Passing key landmarks: Balikpapan Superblock, Balikpapan Plaza, and the waterfront area.
5. DAMRI Balikpapan Main Terminal (Jl. MT Haryono) - Final stop. Disembark here.

What to Do When You Get Off at the DAMRI Terminal

You are now in central Balikpapan. The terminal is a hub for local taxis and online bike drivers. To reach your final hotel: Nearby hotels (walking distance 5-15 mins): Many budget and mid-range hotels are in this area. Use Google Maps. Hotels further away (e.g., in Gunung Sari Ulu, Karang Rejo): Take a local blue 'P' taxi from the rank or book a Grab/Gojek (car: 20,000-40,000 IDR, bike: 10,000-20,000 IDR). The terminal area is safe and busy.

Return Trip: From Balikpapan City to the Airport by DAMRI Bus

To catch the DAMRI bus from the city to the airport, go to the DAMRI Balikpapan Main Terminal on Jl. MT Haryono. Buses depart approximately every 30-60 minutes from around 5:30 AM, with the last bus to the airport around 6:00-6:30 PM. Allow at least 45-60 minutes for the journey. For early morning flights (before 7:30 AM), the first bus may be too late—you must take a taxi.

Balikpapan Airport to City Center Route Map

The map below shows the primary route from Sepinggan Airport (BPN) to Balikpapan city center. The main road is Jalan MT Haryono (which becomes Jalan Sudirman), the city's commercial and traffic spine.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Balikpapan Airport to DAMRI Terminal on Google Maps

The distance from Balikpapan Airport to the DAMRI Terminal is approximately 8 km. The distance from the DAMRI Terminal to other city points (like Beruang Beach or Manggar Segara) varies from 2 to 10 km further.

Balikpapan Airport to City: Fare Comparison & Costs 2025

Money Exchange & ATMs at Balikpapan Airport

ATMs are plentiful in the arrivals hall (BCA, Mandiri, BRI, etc.). Money exchange counters (like PT. Central Karya) offer competitive rates for USD, EUR, SGD, AUD, etc. It's perfectly fine to exchange a small amount (50-100) at the airport for immediate expenses. Withdraw or exchange enough to have 200,000 IDR in mixed denominations (some 50,000 notes for the bus/taxi, and smaller notes for snacks).

Cost Comparison: What Savvy Travelers Really Pay

Informed travelers pay: DAMRI Bus 30,000 IDR. GrabBike 50,000 IDR. Metered Taxi 130,000-150,000 IDR. As a tourist, you will pay the same if you use the official services. Price inflation only happens if you agree to a non-metered taxi from a tout or get caught in extreme Grab surge pricing. Stick to the meter, the bus, or book a GrabBike, and you'll pay local prices.

Traveler Experience & Scenarios: Getting to Balikpapan City

Arriving at Sepinggan Airport (BPN) is straightforward. The terminal is modern and well-organized. After immigration and baggage claim, you enter the public arrivals hall. The transport options are clearly laid out in front of you: the DAMRI bus booth to the right, the official taxi counter to the left, and signs for the Grab pickup zone straight ahead. The most common mistake is not seeing the DAMRI bus and automatically heading to the taxi queue, spending 4-5x more than necessary.

Scenario 1: The Budget Backpacker (Daytime Arrival)

You: Solo, one 40L backpack, flight lands at 2:00 PM.
Best Option: DAMRI Bus (30,000 IDR). Walk out, buy ticket, load bag under bus, enjoy the A/C. At the DAMRI terminal, your hostel is a 10-minute walk away.
Total Cost: 30,000 IDR ($2).
Why not a taxi/Grab? You'd spend 120,000+ IDR. The bus is just as fast at this time of day and saves you $6-7.

Scenario 2: The Family Arrival (Late Evening)

You: Family of 4, 2 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, flight lands at 9:30 PM.
Best Option: Official airport taxi (need a large car or two standard taxis). The bus has stopped. Pre-book a large private transfer if you want guaranteed space. Walk to the taxi counter, request a large car (e.g., Toyota Avanza) or two taxis. Expect 180,000-220,000 IDR for a large car or 120,000-150,000 IDR per standard taxi.
Total Cost: 240,000-300,000 IDR (16-20) for two taxis.
Peace of Mind: Direct to hotel. No transfers. Worth it.

Scenario 3: The Business Traveler (Early Morning, Peak Traffic Departure)

You: Solo, one rolling suitcase, laptop bag, need to be in city for a 9:00 AM meeting. Flight lands at 7:00 AM.
Best Options: 1) Metered taxi for door-to-door convenience (120,000 IDR, 20 mins). 2) DAMRI Bus (30,000 IDR) + short walk/taxi to meeting (could work).
Critical Factor: Your return trip to the airport in the evening will be during peak traffic. Allow 60+ minutes for that.
Recommendation: Take the taxi to the meeting. Use a taxi or GrabCar for the return, but leave 90 minutes before your flight time.

The Reality of Balikpapan Traffic: Your #1 Planning Factor

Balikpapan's traffic, concentrated on Jalan Sudirman and MT Haryono, is infamous locally. Peak hours are 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM. During these windows, the 8 km airport road can become a parking lot. A taxi, GrabCar, or DAMRI bus will all be equally stuck. This doesn't make one option better than another; it just means you must add 30-50 minutes to any travel time estimate. If you land at 5:00 PM, accept that you'll be in transit for an hour.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You have a domestic flight at 7:00 PM. You think, "The airport is only 8 km away, I'll leave my hotel at 5:30 PM, that's 1.5 hours, plenty of time." You get a GrabCar at 5:40 PM. By 6:00 PM, you've moved 2 km and are gridlocked on Jalan Sudirman. Panic sets in. You abandon the car, try to find a motorbike taxi to lane-split through traffic, but with your suitcase, it's impossible. You arrive at the airport at 7:10 PM, having missed your flight. The person who knew about the traffic left at 4:30 PM, took the DAMRI bus, and was at the airport by 5:15, relaxed. Always, always factor in Balikpapan's rush hour.

Practical Tips & Advice for Balikpapan Airport Transfers

• With large luggage: Taxi or private transfer. The DAMRI bus can take one suitcase per person, but it's less convenient for multiple heavy bags.
• First-time visitor tip: If arriving during daylight, try the DAMRI bus. It's a safe, easy, and incredibly cheap introduction to the city.
• Late-night travel (after 8:00 PM): The bus has stopped. Your only reliable options are the official airport taxi counter or a pre-booked transfer. Grab availability is less guaranteed.
• Early morning flights (before 7:30 AM): The first DAMRI bus won't get you to the airport in time. You must take a taxi. Book it via your hotel the night before.
• With kids: Taxi or private transfer. Motorbikes are not safe for children. The bus is possible but cumbersome with strollers and car seats.
• Cost-saving tip: DAMRI bus + short Gojek/Grab ride from the terminal. This combo beats any other option on price.
• Time-saving tip (outside rush hour): Metered taxi or GrabCar directly to your hotel. No transfers.
• Group travel (3-4 people): One taxi might be tight. Two taxis or a pre-booked larger car (Avanza/Innova) is best.
• Buying tickets: DAMRI bus: Pay cash at booth or to driver. Taxi: Pay cash to driver based on meter. Grab/Gojek: Card or cash via app.
• Peak traffic hours (4:30 PM - 7:00 PM): Add at least 30-50 minutes to any travel time estimate. All ground transport is affected equally.
• Hotel location: Most business hotels are along Jalan Sudirman/MT Haryono. Many budget hotels are near the DAMRI terminal. Know which area you're in.
• Return trip to airport: From city to airport, your hotel can call a taxi. For a late afternoon/evening flight, leave 2-2.5 hours before departure due to traffic.
• Mobile apps: Download Grab and Gojek before you arrive. Google Maps for navigation. WhatsApp is widely used for communication.
• Rainy season (October-April): Traffic worsens. GrabCar demand soars, causing high surge pricing. A metered taxi is often more reliable and cheaper in heavy rain.
• SIM cards: Buy a Telkomsel or XL Axiata SIM at the airport or in the city. A 5-10GB data package is cheap and essential.
• Language: Basic English is understood at the airport and by taxi drivers. Have your hotel address written in Indonesian or saved on your phone.
• Safety: Balikpapan is very safe. Use official taxis or apps. The airport and bus terminal are secure, well-lit areas.
• Tipping: Not expected. Rounding up the fare is appreciated (e.g., pay 150,000 for a 142,000 fare).

Frequently Asked Questions: Balikpapan Airport to City Center