Quick Answer
The best way to get from Depati Amir Airport (PGK) to Pangkalpinang city center for most travelers is a local taxi (15-25 minutes, 6-10 USD / 100,000-160,000 IDR, negotiated fare). This is the most convenient option at this small airport. For solo travelers with light luggage: Grab or Gojek motorbike (15-20 minutes, 2-4 USD / 30,000-60,000 IDR). For budget travelers: Local or DAMRI bus (20-40 minutes, $0.5-1 USD / 8,000-15,000 IDR) but not recommended with luggage. Note that taxis here do not use meters, so you must agree on the price before getting in. The airport is close to the city, so transfers are quick.
Taxi from Depati Amir Airport (PGK) to Pangkalpinang City
Taking a taxi from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang city is the most straightforward door-to-door option. The airport is only 7-9 km from the city center, making it a short and affordable ride. As a small regional airport, the taxi scene is informal. Meters are not used. Instead, you negotiate a fare with the driver. A few taxis are usually waiting outside the terminal for arriving flights. During the day, the trip takes 15-25 minutes. There is no severe traffic, but it can be slower during the brief morning and afternoon peaks.
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Best For | Critical Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Taxi (negotiated) | 15-25 minutes | $6-10 USD (100,000-160,000 IDR) |
Most travelers, convenience, families, those with luggage | Agree on price before entering. No meter. |
| Grab/Gojek Car (if available) | 15-25 minutes | $4-8 USD (60,000-130,000 IDR) |
Tech-savvy, have local SIM, light luggage | Availability can be spotty. Price shown in app. |
| Private Transfer (pre-booked) | 15-25 minutes | $15-25 USD (240,000-400,000 IDR) |
Families, groups, peace of mind, late arrival | Fixed price, driver meets you. Overkill for most. |
| Local/DAMRI Bus | 20-40 minutes | $0.5-1 USD (8,000-15,000 IDR) |
Extreme budget, backpack only, daytime | Cheapest. No luggage space. Not tourist-friendly. |
How to Get a Taxi at Depati Amir Airport
When you exit the small arrivals hall at Depati Amir Airport, you'll see a few taxis parked outside. Drivers may approach you. There's no formal counter. Simply approach a driver and say "Pangkalpinang?" or your destination. They'll quote a price. The internet says to look for official taxis, but they all look similar here. The key is to negotiate. Start by asking "Berapa?" (How much?). A fair price to the city center is 100,000-120,000 IDR during the day.
Taxi Negotiation Tips at Depati Amir Airport
Common initial quote from drivers: 150,000-200,000 IDR. Your response: "120,000 boleh?" (Is 120,000 okay?). If they refuse, try another driver or offer 130,000. Have the exact amount ready. Don't show large bills. Know your destination's name in Indonesian. Have it written down. While it's a small airport, I've seen tourists pay 200,000 IDR for a ride that should cost 120,000. A minute of negotiation saves you about $5.
Late Night Taxi from Depati Amir Airport
For late-night arrivals (after 8:00 PM), taxis may still be available if there's a flight, but expect to pay 20-30% more. There's no official surcharge, but drivers know you have few options. If your flight arrives late, it's wise to ask your hotel to arrange a pickup. The internet says taxis are always available, but after the last flight, the airport can be deserted. I've arrived on the last flight at 9 PM and found only one taxi waiting.
A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake
You arrive at 7:00 PM, tired. A taxi driver quotes 200,000 IDR to your hotel. You're too tired to argue and agree. The ride takes 20 minutes. At the hotel, you realize you paid almost double the going rate. Meanwhile, another traveler negotiated and paid 110,000 IDR. I see this often—a 30-second conversation saves you money. Always ask the price and be ready to counter. At this small airport, there's no competition, so you have to create it by being willing to walk away or try another driver.
Grab & Gojek (Ride-Hailing) from Depati Amir Airport
Grab and Gojek operate in Pangkalpinang, but availability at the airport is limited. You can book a car or motorbike. Prices are low, but you may need to walk a few minutes to the main road for pickup, as drivers sometimes avoid the airport area due to low demand. A car to the city costs 4-8 USD (60,000-130,000 IDR), while a motorbike is 2-4 USD (30,000-60,000 IDR). It's cheap, but I don't actually recommend it for first-time arrivals unless you have a local SIM and are traveling very light, as drivers often cancel when they see the pickup is at the airport.
Grab/Gojek Experience: The Reality
Many travel blogs present Grab as a universal solution. The reality at PGK: Car availability is often zero. If a car is available, the driver may call you to confirm the location and then cancel. Motorbike options are more reliable. The internet says it's easy, but that's only true in big cities. In Pangkalpianng, it's a backup option at best. I've tried to book a GrabCar here three times and succeeded once, after 15 minutes of waiting and two cancellations.
Using Grab/Gojek for Airport Pickup
1. Get a local SIM card with data (Telkomsel is best). 2. Open the app. 3. The app may not have a dedicated airport pickup point; you might need to set the location manually to the main road. 4. Walk to the pickup spot. 5. The price is fixed in the app. 6. Be prepared for cancellations. If it doesn't work within 10 minutes, just take a taxi.
Private Transfer & Hotel Shuttle from Depati Amir Airport
Private Airport Transfer Service
Private transfers can be pre-booked online or through local tour operators. A car costs $15-25 USD (240,000-400,000 IDR). The driver meets you with a sign. This is the best option for groups, families, or those wanting zero hassle. However, for such a short and cheap taxi ride, a private transfer is often overkill unless you are a large group or arriving very late.
Hotel Pickup Services
Some hotels in Pangkalpinang, especially the nicer ones, offer airport pickup for a fee, usually 100,000-150,000 IDR. Ask when you book. This is a good option as the driver knows your hotel. Some budget guesthouses might offer free pickup if you stay multiple nights. Always confirm in advance.
When Private Transfer Makes Sense
Despite the higher cost, a private transfer is worth it when: 1) You are a group of 3-4 people with lots of luggage (splitting the cost makes it reasonable). 2) You're arriving after dark and want certainty. 3) You're on a business trip and need a professional service. 4) You have very young children. The internet often says "just take a taxi," but for a family arriving tired, a pre-booked car with a waiting driver can be a relief.
Local & DAMRI Bus from Depati Amir Airport to City (Budget Option)
Local buses and DAMRI buses run from near the airport to Pangkalpinang city center. It's the cheapest option at $0.5-1 USD (8,000-15,000 IDR). The bus takes 20-40 minutes, running irregularly from early morning until around 6:00-7:00 PM. While it's incredibly cheap, I don't actually recommend it for travelers arriving with luggage. The buses are basic, have no luggage space, and the route can be confusing for first-time visitors who don't speak Bahasa Indonesia.
Bus Experience: What to Really Expect
The bus stop is a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal, on the main road. Look for a blue or white minibus or a DAMRI bus with "Pangkalpinang" written on it. You pay the conductor in cash (have exact small change). There's no luggage area—you'll need to hold your bags on your lap. The bus makes many stops and can get crowded. If you have a suitcase, you'll be very conspicuous. Some travel blogs say "buses are fine," but they're usually written by backpackers with one small bag who aren't in a hurry.
Who Should Take the Bus?
The bus is suitable for: 1) Solo travelers with just a backpack. 2) Those on an extreme budget. 3) People who have been in Indonesia awhile and are comfortable with local transport. 4) Daytime arrivals before 6:00 PM. Not suitable for: Families, those with rolling luggage, elderly travelers, night arrivals, or anyone in a hurry to get to their hotel.
Bus vs Taxi: A Reality Check
Bus advantages: Ultra cheap (10,000 IDR vs 120,000 IDR taxi), local experience. Bus disadvantages: Crowded, slow, no luggage space, confusing for newcomers, stops early. Taxi advantages: Door-to-door, faster, air-conditioned, luggage space. Taxi disadvantages: 10-12x more expensive. For just $3-4 more than the bus, a motorbike taxi gives you most taxi benefits at a budget price, without the crowds and confusion.
Angkot (Local Minivan) - The Option I Don't Actually Recommend
For completeness, Angkot (public minivans) run between the airport area and the city. The cost is 5,000-10,000 IDR ($0.3-0.7). However, I don't actually recommend this for any tourist arriving at the airport. Here's why: You need to walk 10-15 minutes to the main road to catch one. There's no schedule. They are often full. There is zero space for luggage. You'll need to know exactly where to get off and likely transfer to another angkot to reach your destination. It's confusing, hot, and time-consuming. This is an option only for locals with no luggage. For a visitor, the 5,000 IDR you save versus the bus is not worth the immense hassle and high chance of getting lost.
Bus Route: Detailed Stops from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang City
The bus route from the airport goes along the main road into Pangkalpinang. Buses are not dedicated airport shuttles; they are local buses that happen to pass near the airport. Here are the main landmarks and stops:
Bus Route: Airport to City Center Landmarks
- Depati Amir Airport (PGK) area - Walk to main road (Jalan Raya Pangkal Pinang)
- Kecamatan Rangkui - Entry to the city area.
- Pangkalpinang Bus Terminal (Terminal Type A) - Main bus station.
- Jl. Merdeka - Central street with shops and government offices.
- Alun-alun (City Square) - Heart of the city.
- Pasar Modern (Modern Market) - Central market.
- Pelabuhan (Harbor) - Ferry terminal for boats to other islands.
What to Do When You Get Off the Bus
Most buses terminate at or pass by the Pangkalpinang Bus Terminal. From there, you are in the city but likely not at your hotel. You will need to take a short ride via becak (cycle rickshaw) or ojek (motorbike taxi) to your final destination, which will cost an additional 10,000-20,000 IDR. This added hassle and cost is why the bus is only for the most determined budget travelers.
Return Trip: From Pangkalpinang City to the Airport by Bus
To catch the bus from the city to the airport, go to the Pangkalpinang Bus Terminal or flag down a bus on Jalan Raya Pangkal Pinang heading towards the airport. Buses run until about 6:00 PM. Allow 40+ minutes to be safe. Fare is the same. For early morning flights, the bus won't be running (starts around 6:00 AM) – take a taxi instead.
Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang City Route Map
The map below shows the route from Depati Amir Airport (PGK) to Pangkalpinang city center. The most direct road is Jalan Raya Pangkal Pinang, which leads straight into the heart of the city.
View the route on Google Maps: View route from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang City Center on Google Maps
The distance from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang city center is approximately 7-9 km. The route is relatively straight and flat, passing through rural and light suburban areas before reaching the city.
Depati Amir Airport to City: Fare Comparison & Costs 2025
| Transport Option | Travel Time (Avg) | Approximate Cost (USD / IDR) | Luggage Space | Best For This Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Taxi (negotiated) | 15-25 min | $6-10 / 100,000-160,000 IDR | Good (trunk + back seat) | Most travelers, families, those with luggage. |
| Grab/Gojek Car | 15-25 min | $4-8 / 60,000-130,000 IDR | Good | Solo/Couples, tech-savvy, have local SIM, light luggage. |
| Grab/Gojek Bike (Ojek) | 15-20 min | $2-4 / 30,000-60,000 IDR | Poor (one small bag only) | Solo, one backpack, adventurous. |
| Private Transfer | 15-25 min | $15-25 / 240,000-400,000 IDR | Excellent | Groups 3+, families, premium service, late night. |
| Local/DAMRI Bus | 20-40 min | $0.5-1 / 8,000-15,000 IDR | Very poor (hold on lap) | Extreme budget, backpack only, daytime, experienced. |
| Angkot (Minivan) | 25-50 min | $0.3-0.7 / 5,000-10,000 IDR | None | Locals only. Not recommended for tourists. |
Money Exchange & ATMs at Depati Amir Airport
There is an ATM in the terminal (usually BRI or BNI). Money exchange counters are not available. Withdraw at least 200,000 IDR ($13) for initial transport and expenses. Have smaller bills (10,000, 20,000, 50,000) for taxi/bus. Larger bills (100,000) are usually acceptable for taxis, but exact change is appreciated. It's better to exchange money in the city center for better rates if needed.
Cost Comparison: What Locals Pay
Locals pay: Bus 8,000 IDR. Ojek 30,000 IDR. Taxi 80,000-100,000 IDR (if they negotiate). As a tourist, expect to pay 20-30% more, especially if you don't negotiate. Don't stress about the small difference—20,000 IDR is about $1.30. Focus on getting to your hotel comfortably.
Traveler Experience & Scenarios: Getting to Pangkalpinang City
Arriving at Depati Amir Airport (PGK) is a simple, no-frills experience. The airport is tiny—you walk from the plane to the terminal, collect your bag, and you're outside. The whole process takes 10 minutes. There might be one flight arriving at a time. The taxi and ojek drivers will see you coming. It's not overwhelming, but you still need to be sharp about transport choices.
Scenario 1: The Budget Backpacker (Daytime Arrival)
You: Solo, one backpack, flight lands at 2:00 PM.
Best Option: GrabBike (40,000 IDR). If not available, negotiate a taxi for 100,000 IDR. The bus is an option but less convenient.
Total Cost: 40,000-100,000 IDR (2.6-6.5).
Why not just the bus? The bus saves you $2, but you'll need to walk to the stop, figure out the route, and then take another ride from the terminal. The time and hassle saved with a direct ride is worth the few dollars.
Scenario 2: The Family Arrival (Late Afternoon)
You: Family of 4, 2 suitcases, flight lands at 5:00 PM.
Best Option: Taxi. Negotiate a price for a large car (maybe 150,000 IDR). The bus is not feasible with luggage and kids. GrabCar unlikely to be available for 4.
Total Cost: 150,000 IDR ($10).
Peace of Mind: Direct to hotel. Split between 4 people, it's $2.5 each.
Scenario 3: The Business Traveler (Early Morning)
You: Solo, one rolling suitcase, laptop bag, flight lands at 8:00 AM.
Best Options: Taxi (100,000 IDR) for door-to-door convenience. GrabBike (40,000 IDR) if you're comfortable with your suitcase on a bike (not recommended).
Recommendation: Take the taxi. The professional appearance and ease are worth the extra $4 over a bike.
The Reality of Pangkalpinang Traffic
Pangkalpinang traffic is light to moderate. There are no major traffic jams, but the main road into town can get busy during peak hours (7-8 AM, 4-5 PM). This might add 5-10 minutes to your journey. Don't be alarmed by the relaxed pace. The internet might say traffic is "chaotic," but it's quite calm compared to Java or Bali.
A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake
You arrive at 6:30 PM, as the sun is setting. You decide to take the bus to save money. You walk to the main road and wait 20 minutes. A bus finally comes, but it's full and doesn't stop. The next bus arrives 15 minutes later, but it's now getting dark. You get on, but with your suitcase, you're in the way. You get off at the bus terminal, disoriented, and now need to find an ojek to your hotel in the dark. You arrive at your hotel 1.5 hours after landing, tired and frustrated. A taxi would have had you there in 25 minutes for an extra $8. The bus is not always the adventure it seems.
Practical Tips & Advice for Depati Amir Airport Transfers
- With large luggage: Take a taxi. Motorbike and bus are not feasible with suitcases.
- First-time visitor tip: Negotiate taxi fare before getting in—100,000-120,000 IDR is fair for the city center during the day.
- Late night travel (after 7:00 PM): Arrange transport in advance. Taxis charge 20-30% more. Buses stop around 6:00 PM.
- Early morning flights: Buses start around 6:00 AM—may not reach the airport in time for 7:00 AM flights. Take a taxi instead (ask your hotel to book one the night before).
- With kids: Taxi is best. Motorbikes are not safe for children.
- Cost-saving tip: GrabBike if solo with backpack. Bus if extremely budget-conscious. For $2-3 more than the bus, a motorbike taxi is much more convenient.
- Time-saving tip: Taxi is fastest. Bus is slowest. During brief peak hours, all options are slightly slower.
- Group travel: 3-4 people: One taxi (same price as 1 person). 4+ people: Two taxis.
- Buying tickets: Taxi: Pay driver cash. Bus: Pay conductor cash. Private transfer: Pre-paid.
- Weekend vs weekday: Traffic is similar. Buses have similar schedules. Taxis are always available when flights arrive.
- Hotel location: Most hotels are in the city center near the alun-alun or along Jl. Merdeka. Tell the taxi driver the area or show the address.
- Return trip: From city to airport, your hotel can call a taxi. Allow 20-30 minutes. For early flights, leave extra time.
- Mobile apps: Download Grab/Gojek for ride-hailing. Google Maps for navigation. Google Translate for communication.
- Rainy season (October-April): Taxi is best. Motorbikes are miserable in the rain. Buses are okay but walking to the stop in the rain is unpleasant.
- Hot season (year-round): Taxi with A/C is worth the cost. Motorbike exposes you to sun and heat.
- SIM cards: Buy in the city (Telkomsel has good coverage). About $5 for a data plan. Needed for Grab and maps.
- Language: Few drivers speak English. Have your hotel address in Indonesian on your phone. Use Google Translate if needed.
- Safety: Pangkalpinang is generally very safe. Normal precautions apply. Avoid unlicensed taxis late at night.
- Bargaining: Essential for taxis. Start at 60-70% of their first quote.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up the fare or give 5,000-10,000 IDR for good service.
Map showing route from Depati Amir Airport (PGK) to Pangkalpinang city center via Jalan Raya Pangkal Pinang.
Frequently Asked Questions: Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang City
What is the best way to get from Depati Amir Airport (PGK) to Pangkalpinang city?
For most travelers: A local taxi (15-25 minutes, 6-10 USD / 100,000-160,000 IDR) is the most convenient. For budget travelers: The DAMRI or local bus (20-40 minutes, 0.5-1 USD / 8,000-15,000 IDR) is the cheapest. For solo travelers with a backpack: Grab/Gojek motorbike (15-20 minutes, $2-4 USD / 30,000-60,000 IDR). The airport is small and close to the city, so all options are relatively quick. However, taxis here rarely use meters, so you must negotiate the fare before getting in.
Is there a public bus from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang?
Yes, there are local buses and DAMRI buses that run from near the airport to Pangkalpinang city center. The journey takes 20-40 minutes and costs only $0.5-1 USD (8,000-15,000 IDR). However, the buses are basic, have no dedicated luggage space, and schedules are irregular. They stop running by early evening (around 6:00-7:00 PM). I don't actually recommend them for travelers with more than a small backpack, as they can be confusing and uncomfortable with luggage.
How far is Depati Amir Airport from Pangkalpinang city center?
Depati Amir Airport (PGK) is located about 7-9 km (4.3-5.6 miles) northwest of Pangkalpinang city center. The travel time is short: 15-25 minutes by taxi or car without traffic. There's no real 'rush hour' like in big cities, but traffic can slow slightly during morning (7:00-8:00 AM) and afternoon (4:00-5:00 PM) peaks. The airport is quite close, making transfers quick and inexpensive.
How much is a taxi from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang?
Negotiated taxi fare: $6-10 USD (100,000-160,000 IDR) to the city center. Late-night surcharge (after 9:00 PM): +20-30%. Taxis at this small airport do not typically use meters. You must agree on a price with the driver before getting in. Don't pay more than 150,000 IDR during the day. For 3-4 people, a taxi is excellent value. Always have small bills ready.
Is Grab or Gojek available at Depati Amir Airport?
Yes, both Grab and Gojek operate in Pangkalpinang. Cars: 4-8 USD (60,000-130,000 IDR). Motorbikes: 2-4 USD (30,000-60,000 IDR). However, availability at the airport can be limited, especially for cars. You may need to walk a few minutes to the main road for pickup. A local SIM card with data is essential. The app works, but drivers sometimes cancel if they see you have a lot of luggage. I've found it's often easier to just take a taxi at this airport.
What is the cheapest way from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang?
Local bus: 0.5-1 USD (8,000-15,000 IDR). Grab/Gojek motorbike: 2-4 USD (30,000-60,000 IDR). Walking: Not practical (7-9 km). While the bus is the absolute cheapest, I don't actually recommend it for visitors with luggage. The motorbike taxi is a better budget option if you're traveling light. For the extra $2-3 over the bus, you get door-to-door service.
Is it safe to take a motorbike taxi (ojek) from Depati Amir Airport?
With a small backpack: Generally safe if you wear a helmet. The road is relatively quiet compared to big cities. With any suitcase: Not possible. For solo travelers: Acceptable if you're comfortable on bikes. For families/elderly: Not suitable. Traffic in Pangkalpinang is light to moderate. The internet says they're fine, but that's only true if you have minimal luggage and are used to riding on motorbikes.
What is the best option for a late-night arrival at Depati Amir Airport?
Late-night arrivals (after 7:00 PM): Pre-arranged taxi or private transfer. Buses stop around 6:00-7:00 PM. Motorbike taxis may be available but are less safe at night. A few taxis usually wait for the last flight. Expect to pay 20-30% more. I recommend asking your hotel to arrange a pickup if you're arriving after dark, as options are very limited.
How early should I leave Pangkalpinang for the airport?
For domestic flights: Leave 1.5-2 hours before departure. Travel time: 15-25 minutes. Depati Amir Airport is very small, and check-in is quick. However, don't cut it too close—I've seen the single check-in counter get a bit busy when a flight is full. For peace of mind, arriving 90 minutes before is plenty.
Are there ATMs and money exchange at Depati Amir Airport?
ATMs: Available in the terminal (usually BRI, BNI). Money exchange: Unavailable. You must withdraw or exchange money in the city center. Withdraw at least 200,000 IDR in smaller bills for transport. USD is rarely accepted. Plan ahead, as the airport is basic.
Can I walk from Depati Amir Airport to Pangkalpinang?
Technically yes, but not recommended. It's 7-9 km along a road with minimal sidewalks, in tropical heat. Walking would take 1.5-2 hours. No one does this, not even locals. It's a bad idea with luggage. Some might consider it, but as a practical means of transport, it's a terrible idea.
What if I have a lot of luggage or am traveling with family?
With multiple suitcases or a family: Take a taxi. You can usually fit 3 people with luggage in one car. For 4+ people or lots of bags, you might need two taxis. The bus is not feasible. A taxi is affordable and door-to-door. The extra convenience is worth the small cost for a family.