Quick Answer
Best way: Take a train from Stasiun Kotabumi to Stasiun Tanjung Karang (Bandar Lampung), then continue by taxi or airport bus to Radin Inten II Airport (TKG). Total time: 3–4 hours | Total cost: 150,000–250,000 IDR (10–16 USD) per person. For those seeking maximum convenience, a direct taxi from Kotabumi to the airport costs 400,000–600,000 IDR (25–38 USD) and takes 2–3 hours. The cheapest option (economy train + airport bus) costs as little as 80,000–130,000 IDR (5–8 USD).
Train from Kotabumi to Bandar Lampung + Transfer to Airport
The train is the most recommended way to travel from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport because it balances cost, comfort, and reliability. You will take a train from Stasiun Kotabumi (Kotabumi Station) to Stasiun Tanjung Karang in the heart of Bandar Lampung, then transfer to the airport by taxi or bus. The entire door-to-door journey takes 3 to 4 hours and costs between 150,000 and 250,000 IDR (10–16 USD) per person.
Below we compare the available train types, discuss the transfer options from Tanjung Karang station to the airport, and provide tips for booking.
Train Types from Kotabumi to Tanjung Karang
Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) operates several train services on the Kotabumi–Tanjung Karang corridor. The most common are:
| Train Name | Class | Duration | Price Range (IDR) | Price Range (USD) | Seat Comfort | AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajabasa | Economy (Ekonomi) | 2.5 hours | 50,000 – 80,000 | 3 – 5 | Standard hard seat, 3-2 layout | Yes |
| Sriwijaya | Business (Bisnis) | 2 hours | 80,000 – 120,000 | 5 – 8 | Reclining seat, 2-2 layout | Yes |
| Sriwijaya | Executive (Eksekutif) | 2 hours | 100,000 – 150,000 | 6 – 9 | Wide reclining seat, 2-2 layout, more legroom | Yes |
Source: PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) – Official Schedule (accessed 2025).
Step-by-Step: Train + Transfer to Airport
- Board at Stasiun Kotabumi – Located on Jalan Stasiun, Kotabumi. Arrive 30 minutes early for ticket checks.
- Travel to Stasiun Tanjung Karang – The train runs through scenic countryside and small stations. Bring water and snacks.
- Exit at Tanjung Karang Station – The station is in central Bandar Lampung. Follow signs to the taxi/bus area.
- Choose your onward transport:
- Taxi (recommended): 100,000–150,000 IDR (6–9 USD), 30–40 minutes directly to the airport terminal.
- Airport Bus (DAMRI or similar): 30,000–50,000 IDR (2–3 USD), 45–60 minutes, departs from the station area.
- Ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab): 90,000–140,000 IDR (6–9 USD), book via app.
Tip: The executive class offers power outlets, more spacious seats, and a quieter environment – ideal if you plan to work or rest during the 2-hour ride.
Booking & Schedule
Trains depart 5 to 7 times daily between 05:00 and 18:00. Morning departures (05:30–07:00) are popular for airport connections. Book tickets through the KAI Access app, Traveloka, or at the station counter. During peak season (Lebaran, Christmas, school holidays), advance booking is essential.
Luggage: Economy class has limited overhead space – large suitcases may need to be stored at the end of the carriage. Executive class offers more room. There are no strict weight limits for personal luggage, but keep bags manageable.
Flight Options – Why Flying Is Not a Practical Choice
There are no direct commercial flights from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport (TKG) because the distance is only about 110–130 km (68–81 miles). Flying would require first traveling to a major hub like Jakarta (CGK) or Palembang (PLM), then taking a connecting flight back to TKG. This is neither time-efficient nor cost-effective.
Below we break down why ground transport wins, and what the "flight option" would actually look like in terms of time and cost.
Hypothetical Flight Route: Kotabumi → Jakarta → Radin Inten II Airport
| Segment | Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kotabumi to Jakarta (bus/train + taxi to airport) | 4–6 hours | 150,000 – 250,000 | 10 – 16 |
| Jakarta (CGK) to Bandar Lampung (TKG) – flight | 1 hour (plus 2–3 h at airport) | 400,000 – 900,000 | 26 – 58 |
| Arrival at TKG – baggage & exit | 20–30 min | — | — |
| Total (if flying via CGK) | 7–10 hours | 550,000 – 1,150,000 | 36 – 74 |
| Direct train + taxi (recommended) | 3–4 hours | 150,000 – 250,000 | 10 – 16 |
As the table shows, flying via Jakarta takes more than double the time and costs 2 to 4 times more than the direct ground route. The same logic applies if you transit through Palembang – it adds unnecessary detours.
Verdict: For the Kotabumi → Radin Inten II Airport route, ground transport is always superior. Reserve flights for longer domestic or international journeys.
Source: Flight schedule data from Lion Air and Garuda Indonesia (accessed 2025).
Bus & Coach – Most Economical Ground Option
Buses are the cheapest way to travel from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport, though they require a transfer in Bandar Lampung. This option is ideal for budget travelers who are not in a hurry and want to save money.
Route Overview
You will take a bus from Pasar Induk Kotabumi (the main bus terminal) to Rajabasa Bus Terminal in Bandar Lampung. From Rajabasa, you can take a local taxi, ride-hailing service, or DAMRI airport bus to Radin Inten II Airport.
| Bus Type | Operator Example | Duration | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-AC (Ekonomi) | PO Putra Jaya, PO Sinar Jaya | 3–4 hours | 40,000 – 60,000 | 2.5 – 4 | Every 30–60 min (06:00–18:00) |
| AC (Patas/Aircon) | PO Damri, PO ALS | 2.5–3.5 hours | 60,000 – 90,000 | 4 – 6 | Every 1–2 hours (05:00–20:00) |
| Night Bus (AC) | PO Damri, PO Hiba Putra | 3–4 hours | 50,000 – 80,000 | 3 – 5 | 22:00, 23:00, 00:00, 01:00 |
Source: DAMRI – Official Bus Services and local terminal schedules (accessed 2025).
Step-by-Step: Bus + Transfer to Airport
- Go to Pasar Induk Kotabumi – The terminal is on Jalan Pasar Induk, easily reachable by becak (rickshaw) or ojek (motorcycle taxi) from anywhere in Kotabumi.
- Take a bus to Rajabasa Terminal – Board any bus heading to Bandar Lampung. Tell the conductor you need Rajabasa Terminal.
- Arrive at Rajabasa Terminal – This is the main bus hub in Bandar Lampung. Follow signs to the taxi/angkot area.
- Transfer to the airport:
- DAMRI Airport Bus: 30,000–50,000 IDR (2–3 USD), 45–60 minutes, departs from Rajabasa.
- Taxi: 100,000–150,000 IDR (6–9 USD), 30–40 minutes.
- Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek): 90,000–130,000 IDR (6–8 USD).
Night Bus – For Early Morning Flights
If your flight departs early from Radin Inten II Airport, the night bus is a practical budget option. Buses leave Kotabumi around 22:00–01:00 and arrive at Rajabasa Terminal between 01:00 and 04:00. From Rajabasa, you can take a taxi or ojek to the airport (traffic is minimal at night, so the transfer takes about 25–30 minutes). Total cost: 80,000–130,000 IDR (5–8 USD).
Comfort note: Non-AC buses can be hot and crowded. AC buses offer a more pleasant ride, especially at night. Bring a jacket as AC can be strong.
Baggage & Booking
Buses generally allow 1–2 bags per person in the luggage compartment. No advance booking is needed for economy buses – just show up and buy a ticket. For night AC buses, it's advisable to reserve a seat a day in advance through the operator's office or via Traveloka.
Taxi & Private Transfer – Maximum Convenience, Higher Cost
A direct taxi or private car from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport is the most convenient but most expensive option. It is best suited for groups, families, travelers with heavy luggage, or those arriving/ departing at odd hours when public transport is not running.
Price & Journey Details
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Price (IDR) | Estimated Price (USD) | Duration | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard taxi (e.g. Blue Bird, Express) | 400,000 – 500,000 | 26 – 32 | 2–2.5 hours | 4 passengers + luggage |
| Ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab Car) | 450,000 – 550,000 | 29 – 35 | 2–2.5 hours | 4 passengers + luggage |
| Private transfer (premium, e.g. Silver Bird) | 500,000 – 600,000 | 32 – 38 | 2 hours | 4–6 passengers + luggage |
| MPV / Family car (e.g. Toyota Avanza, Innova) | 450,000 – 600,000 | 29 – 38 | 2–2.5 hours | 6–7 passengers + luggage |
Source: Price estimates based on Blue Bird Group and Gojek fare calculator (accessed 2025).
When to Choose a Taxi / Private Transfer
- Late-night or early-morning travel (22:00–05:00) when trains and buses are not operating.
- Traveling in a group of 3 or more – the per-person cost becomes comparable to train + taxi.
- Carrying bulky luggage (sports equipment, musical instruments, multiple suitcases).
- Traveling with elderly passengers or young children – door-to-door service minimizes walking and waiting.
- Business travelers who value time and convenience over cost.
- Emergency or urgent travel when you need to reach the airport as quickly as possible.
How to Book a Reliable Taxi
- App-based: Use Gojek or Grab – transparent pricing, trackable, and generally safe. Select "GoCar" or "GrabCar" and set destination to "Radin Inten II Airport (TKG)".
- Taxi stand: At Pasar Induk Kotabumi, you can find local taxis. Negotiate the price before starting the journey.
- Hotel concierge: If staying at a hotel in Kotabumi, ask the front desk to arrange a trusted driver.
- Private transfer services: Companies like Silver Bird or Transport Lampung offer pre-booked airport transfers.
Warning: Avoid unlicensed street taxis. Always use a reputable company or app to avoid scams and ensure safety.
Cost Comparison & Ticket Information – All Options at a Glance
Use the table below to compare all available transport modes from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport. The "Best Value" and "Cheapest" options are marked for quick decision-making.
| Mode | Door-to-Door Time | Total Cost (IDR) per person | Total Cost (USD) per person | Transfers | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Economy) + Airport Bus ⭐ Cheapest | 3.5–4 hours | 80,000 – 130,000 | 5 – 8 | 1 (Tanjung Karang) | Medium | Budget travelers, solo backpackers |
| Train (Executive) + Taxi | 3–3.5 hours | 200,000 – 300,000 | 13 – 19 | 1 (Tanjung Karang) | High | Comfort seekers, families |
| Train (Business) + Taxi ⭐ Best Value | 3–3.5 hours | 180,000 – 270,000 | 12 – 17 | 1 (Tanjung Karang) | High | Best balance of cost & comfort |
| Bus (AC) + Airport Bus | 3.5–4.5 hours | 90,000 – 140,000 | 6 – 9 | 1 (Rajabasa Terminal) | Low–Medium | Budget travelers, no rush |
| Night Bus + Taxi | 3–4 hours | 150,000 – 230,000 | 10 – 15 | 1 (Rajabasa Terminal) | Low–Medium | Early morning flights |
| Taxi / Private Transfer (direct) | 2–3 hours | 400,000 – 600,000 | 26 – 38 | 0 (direct) | Very high | Groups, families, convenience |
Note: Prices are per person for shared modes (train/bus) and per vehicle for taxi/private transfer. Prices may vary by season and booking time.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Train tickets: KAI Official Website, KAI Access app, Traveloka, or at Stasiun Kotabumi counter.
- Bus tickets: Purchase at Pasar Induk Kotabumi terminal or via Traveloka for AC buses.
- Taxi / Private transfer: Book via Gojek, Grab, Blue Bird app, or contact local transport services directly.
- Airport bus (DAMRI): Tickets available at Tanjung Karang station or Rajabasa Terminal.
Money-Saving Tips
- Book train tickets 7–14 days in advance for the best prices (especially for executive class).
- Travel in a group of 4 – a private taxi becomes cheaper per person than train + taxi.
- Avoid peak travel dates (Lebaran, Christmas, New Year) when prices can increase by 20–50%.
- Use the KAI Access app for exclusive online discounts and promo codes.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights – Real Advice for a Smooth Journey
After traveling this route ourselves and talking to locals, here are practical tips that will save you time, money, and hassle when getting from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport.
🚆 Station Navigation & Timing
- Stasiun Kotabumi is small – it has only 2 platforms. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to find your train and seat.
- Stasiun Tanjung Karang is much larger – it can be confusing for first-timers. Follow signs to "Exit / Taxi / Bus" and use Google Maps to locate the DAMRI bus stop.
- Peak hour traffic in Bandar Lampung (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00) can add 20–30 minutes to your taxi ride to the airport. Plan accordingly.
🧳 Luggage – Use "Takkyubin"-Style Services
If you have heavy luggage and want to travel light, consider using baggage delivery services available at Stasiun Tanjung Karang. PT KAI's "KAI Logistik" and third-party services like Kargo or Lalamove can ship your bags directly to the airport for pickup (cost: 50,000–100,000 IDR / 3–6 USD). This is especially useful if you plan to explore Bandar Lampung before your flight.
📱 Apps & Connectivity
- KAI Access – essential for train booking and real-time schedule updates.
- Gojek / Grab – for taxis and ride-hailing. Works well in Bandar Lampung.
- Google Maps – reliable for navigation. Download offline maps of Lampung in advance.
- WiFi at Radin Inten II Airport – free and decent speed. But don't rely on it for critical tasks.
🌦️ Weather & Road Conditions
- Rainy season (November–March) can cause delays on the road. The train is less affected by weather.
- Fog in the morning (May–August) can reduce visibility on the Kotabumi–Bandar Lampung road. Taxi drivers may drive slower.
- Landslide risk on the mountain section near Kotabumi during heavy rain. Train services are occasionally rerouted or delayed.
🍜 Food & Drinks
- Bring snacks – the train has a snack cart, but selection is limited. Stasiun Kotabumi has small food stalls selling nasi goreng, gorengan, and coffee.
- At Tanjung Karang station, there are several decent warungs (food stalls) and a KFC near the station exit.
- Radin Inten II Airport has a few cafes and a food court on the second floor – prices are moderate.
💡 Insider Tips
- Sit on the left side of the train (from Kotabumi to Tanjung Karang) for the best views of the mountains and rice fields.
- If your flight is after 15:00, take the early morning train and spend a few hours exploring Bandar Lampung – visit the Lampung Museum or the Pantai Mutun beach.
- Beware of unofficial taxi touts at Tanjung Karang station. Always use the official taxi counter or book via app.
- Cash is still king for local buses and small eateries. Bring small denominations of IDR (20,000, 50,000).
Source: Personal travel experience and conversations with local drivers and station staff (2024–2025).
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport
1. Is there a direct train from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport?
No, there is no direct train from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport. You must take a train from Stasiun Kotabumi to Stasiun Tanjung Karang (Bandar Lampung), then transfer to a taxi or airport bus for the final 20–30 km to the airport. The combined journey takes 3–4 hours.
2. What is the cheapest way to get from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport?
The cheapest option is economy train (Rajabasa class) from Kotabumi to Tanjung Karang (50,000–80,000 IDR / 3–5 USD) followed by the DAMRI airport bus (30,000–50,000 IDR / 2–3 USD). Total cost: 80,000–130,000 IDR (5–8 USD). Travel time: 3.5–4 hours.
3. How long does the train journey from Kotabumi to Bandar Lampung take?
The train from Stasiun Kotabumi to Stasiun Tanjung Karang takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Economy trains (Rajabasa) take longer (2.5 hours), while business and executive trains (Sriwijaya) take about 2 hours. The distance is roughly 100 km (62 miles).
4. Can I take a taxi directly from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport?
Yes, direct taxis are available and take 2–3 hours. The cost is 400,000–600,000 IDR (25–38 USD) for the entire vehicle. This is the most convenient option, especially for groups, families, or those traveling at night. Book via Gojek, Grab, or a reputable taxi company.
5. Are there overnight buses from Kotabumi to Bandar Lampung?
Yes, night buses operate from Kotabumi to Bandar Lampung between 22:00 and 01:00. They arrive at Rajabasa Terminal in 3–4 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or ojek to the airport (25–30 minutes at night). Total cost: 80,000–130,000 IDR (5–8 USD).
6. How much does a taxi from Kotabumi to Radin Inten II Airport cost?
A direct taxi costs 400,000–600,000 IDR (25–38 USD) depending on the provider, vehicle type, and time of day. App-based rides (Gojek/Grab) are typically 450,000–550,000 IDR (29–35 USD). Always agree on the price beforehand if using a non-app taxi.
7. What is the best transportation option for families traveling from Kotabumi to the airport?
For families, a direct private taxi or pre-booked car is best for comfort and ease (400,000–600,000 IDR / 25–38 USD). Alternatively, the executive train (Sriwijaya) from Kotabumi to Tanjung Karang (100,000–150,000 IDR / 6–9 USD per person) followed by a taxi (100,000–150,000 IDR / 6–9 USD) offers a good mix of comfort and cost. Bring snacks and entertainment for children.
8. Do I need to book train tickets in advance from Kotabumi to Tanjung Karang?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during Indonesian holidays (Lebaran, Christmas, New Year, school breaks). Tickets can be booked up to 30 days in advance via the KAI Access app or Traveloka. On regular days, walk-up tickets are usually available, but morning and evening departures sell out fast.
Disclaimer: Prices and schedules are approximate and may change. Always verify with official providers before traveling. This guide was last updated in 2025.
Official resources: PT KAI (Trains) | DAMRI (Buses) | Blue Bird Taxi | Gojek