How to Get from Kendari to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport

Flying is by far the fastest and most popular way to travel from Kendari to Makassar. Haluoleo Airport (KDI) in Kendari is served by several airlines offering direct flights to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG), which is located about 22 km northeast of Makassar city center.

Flight Overview

Airline	Flight Time	Frequency	One-Way Fare (Economy)
Lion Air	55–60 min	3–4 daily	IDR 490,000–850,000 (USD 32–56)
Garuda Indonesia	60–65 min	1–2 daily	IDR 950,000–1,500,000 (USD 62–98)
Batik Air	55–60 min	2–3 daily	IDR 550,000–900,000 (USD 36–59)
Citilink	60–65 min	1–2 daily	IDR 490,000–750,000 (USD 32–49)

Door-to-Door Time Breakdown

Many travelers underestimate the total time. Here's a realistic door-to-door estimate:

• Kendari city center → Haluoleo Airport (KDI): 25–35 minutes by taxi (18 km)
• Check-in & security: 45–60 minutes (recommend arriving 1.5 hours early)
• Flight time: 55–65 minutes
• Baggage claim & exit UPG: 15–25 minutes
• Total: 2.5–3.5 hours

Which Airline Should You Choose?

Lion Air offers the best balance of price and frequency. Garuda Indonesia provides fuller-service (meal, checked baggage included) but at a premium. Batik Air and Citilink are solid budget options with decent schedules. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for the best fares — last-minute prices can double.

Important: Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) is the destination airport. From UPG, you can take a taxi or ride-hailing to Makassar city center (30–45 minutes, IDR 100,000–150,000 / USD 7–10) if your final destination is the city. But if you're catching a connecting flight, UPG is a well-connected hub with domestic and international terminals.

Reference: Lion Air official schedule • Garuda Indonesia route map

If you have time and want to save money — or enjoy the Sulawesi coastline — the ferry is a great alternative. Two main options exist: the regular Pelni ferry (slow, cheap) and speed boats (faster, pricier).

Option 1: Pelni Regular Ferry (Kendari → Makassar)

Item	Details
Route	Pelabuhan Nusantara (Kendari) → Pelabuhan Makassar
Duration	10–14 hours (overnight sailings common)
Frequency	3–4 sailings per week (schedule varies by month)
Fare (Economy)	IDR 185,000–250,000 (USD 12–16)
Fare (Cabin)	IDR 350,000–500,000 (USD 23–33)
Booking	Via Pelni website or at the port

Best for: Backpackers, budget travelers, and those who enjoy sea journeys. Economy class is basic (shared bench seating). Cabin class offers a bed and more privacy. Bring snacks and water, as onboard options are limited.

Option 2: Speed Boat (Kendari → Makassar)

Item	Details
Route	Kendari Harbor → Makassar Harbor (direct)
Duration	4–6 hours
Frequency	1–2 daily (morning departures typical)
Fare	IDR 400,000–700,000 (USD 26–46)
Booking	Through local agents or at the harbor

Best for: Travelers who missed the morning flight or want a faster sea option. Speed boats are comfortable and air-conditioned, but can be rough in choppy seas. Book at least 1 day in advance during high season.

From Makassar Port to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport

Both Pelni and speed boats arrive at Makassar Harbor (Pelabuhan Makassar), which is about 25–35 minutes from UPG airport by taxi. A metered taxi costs around IDR 80,000–120,000 (USD 5–8). Ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab) is also available.

Reference: Pelni ferry schedule • Seat61 – Indonesia ferry guide

For the most adventurous and budget-conscious travelers, combining a bus with a ferry can be the cheapest way from Kendari to Makassar. This option is less straightforward but can cost as little as IDR 220,000 (USD 14) total.

Typical Bus + Ferry Route

1. Bus from Kendari to Kolaka (4–5 hours, IDR 80,000–120,000 / USD 5–8) – Kolaka is a port town southeast of Kendari.
2. Ferry from Kolaka to Makassar (8–10 hours, IDR 120,000–180,000 / USD 8–12) – Pelni or local ferries.
3. Taxi from Makassar Port to UPG Airport (25–35 minutes, IDR 80,000–120,000 / USD 5–8).

Total time: 13–17 hours (including waiting). Total cost: IDR 280,000–420,000 (USD 18–28).

Important Warnings

• Limited comfort: Buses in Sulawesi are often non-air-conditioned and can be crowded.
• Schedule coordination: Bus and ferry timetables may not align — plan for overnight waits.
• Luggage: Porters may charge extra for large bags. Keep valuables with you.
• Safety: Night bus travel in some parts of Sulawesi is not recommended for solo female travelers. Check recent traveler reports on TripAdvisor.

Best for: Extreme budget travelers with flexible schedules. Not recommended for families, elderly, or anyone with a tight timeline.

Reference: Rome2Rio – Kendari to Makassar bus routes

Taking a taxi or private car from Kendari all the way to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport is possible, but it's an expensive and time-consuming option. Since the route involves crossing the sea, you'll need to combine road travel with a ferry crossing.

Typical Taxi / Private Car Route

1. Taxi from Kendari to Kolaka Port: 4–5 hours, ~IDR 500,000–800,000 (USD 33–53)
2. Vehicle ferry from Kolaka to Makassar: 8–10 hours, ~IDR 600,000–1,000,000 (USD 39–66) including vehicle
3. Taxi from Makassar Port to UPG Airport: 25–35 minutes, ~IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD 7–10)

Total time: 13–17 hours. Total cost: IDR 1,200,000–1,950,000 (USD 79–129) — more expensive than a flight.

When Does This Make Sense?

• Group of 4+ people – splitting the cost can be comparable to flying.
• Traveling with large equipment (surfboards, diving gear, medical equipment).
• Late-night or early-morning departure when flights are unavailable.
• Mobility issues – door-to-door service avoids port crowds and multiple transfers.

Ride-Hailing Options

Gojek and Grab operate in Kendari, but only for local trips (city to KDI airport, or city to port). For long-distance private cars, you'll need to negotiate with local drivers or use a rental service. Expect to pay IDR 800,000–1,200,000 (USD 53–79) for a one-way rental (including driver) from Kendari to Kolaka.

Reference: Grab Indonesia • Gojek Indonesia

Use this table to quickly compare every available way to get from Kendari to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG).

Mode	Total Time	Cost (IDR)	Cost (USD)	Comfort	Best For
✈️ Flight (KDI→UPG)	2.5–3.5 hrs	490K–1.5M	$32–98	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Everyone – fastest & easiest
🚢 Speed Boat	5–7 hrs	400K–700K	$26–46	⭐⭐⭐	Budget + scenic
🚢 Pelni Ferry (Economy)	11–15 hrs	185K–250K	$12–16	⭐⭐	Backpackers, night travel
🚢 Pelni Ferry (Cabin)	11–15 hrs	350K–500K	$23–33	⭐⭐⭐	Budget + some privacy
🚌 Bus + Ferry Combo	13–17 hrs	280K–420K	$18–28	⭐	Ultra-budget, flexible
🚕 Private Car + Ferry	13–17 hrs	1.2M–1.95M	$79–129	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Groups, special needs

🟢 Best overall: Flight – unbeatable speed and convenience.
🟡 Cheapest: Pelni ferry economy – IDR 185,000 (USD 12).
🔴 Most expensive: Private car + ferry – only for special cases.

Where to Book Tickets

• Flights: Traveloka • Tiket.com • Skyscanner
• Pelni ferries: Pelni.co.id (official) • Traveloka
• Speed boats: Local agents at Kendari harbor or via hotel concierge
• Buses: At Kendari bus terminal (Terminal Mandonga) or through local travel agents

Real advice from travelers who have made this trip — avoid common pitfalls and travel like a pro.

🚀 Tip 1: Book Flights Early — Prices Surge

Fares on the Kendari–Makassar route can double within a week of departure. Book at least 14 days in advance for the best rates. Use price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights.

🎒 Tip 2: Pack Light for Ferry Travel

Pelni ferries have limited luggage storage in economy class. Use a backpack rather than a hard-shell suitcase. If you have large bags, consider shipping them via Takkyubin (行李快递) — though in Indonesia, services like JNE or SiCepat can send luggage from Kendari to Makassar for around IDR 100,000–200,000 (USD 7–13).

🌊 Tip 3: Ferry Seasickness – Come Prepared

The waters between Kendari and Makassar can be rough, especially from November to March (wet season). Bring motion sickness tablets (available at any pharmacy for IDR 10,000–20,000) and avoid heavy meals before boarding.

⏰ Tip 4: Factor in Transit Time at UPG

Sultan Hasanuddin Airport has two terminals: Terminal A (domestic) and Terminal B (international). If you're catching a connecting flight, allow at least 1.5 hours between flights. The airport has free Wi-Fi, food courts, and duty-free shops.

📅 Tip 5: Avoid Peak Seasons If Possible

Idul Fitri (Lebaran), Christmas–New Year, and school holidays see massive demand. Flights sell out weeks in advance, and ferry tickets get snapped up. Book 3–4 weeks ahead if traveling during these periods. Consider traveling a few days before or after the peak window.

🔁 Tip 6: Check for Multi-Segment Flight Deals

Sometimes booking Kendari→Makassar→(your next destination) as a single itinerary is cheaper than booking Kendari→Makassar alone. Use the "multi-city" feature on booking sites to compare.

Reference: JNE Express • SiCepat — luggage shipping services.