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Makassar Airport (UPG) to City Center

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) to Makassar city center depends heavily on traffic and your budget. For daytime arrivals on a budget: The DAMRI airport bus (35-60 minutes, 2-3 USD / 30,000-45,000 IDR) is the smart choice. For late-night arrivals, families, or those with heavy luggage: A metered Blue Bird or Express taxi (25-50 minutes, 10-15 USD / 150,000-230,000 IDR) is simplest. For solo travelers with a backpack: Grab or Gojek motorbike (25-40 minutes, $4-7 USD / 60,000-110,000 IDR). The critical factor is Makassar's severe traffic congestion, which can double or triple travel times during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM).

Quick Navigation

Taxi from Makassar Airport (UPG) to City Center

Taking a taxi from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport to Makassar city is the most convenient 24/7 door-to-door option. The 20-25 km journey's duration is entirely dictated by traffic on the main artery, Jalan Poros Makassar–Maros. Outside rush hour, it's a 25-40 minute ride. During morning (7:00-9:00 AM) or evening (4:00-7:00 PM) rush, it can take 60-90 minutes. Outside the arrivals hall, you'll find the official taxi counter. Always insist on the meter ('argo'). 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, Express) 25-40 minutes $10-15 USD
(150,000-230,000 IDR)
Families, late-night, first-timers, heavy luggage, business travelers Only guaranteed 24/7 option. Refuse fixed price offers.
Grab/Gojek Car 25-40 minutes 8-12 USD
(120,000-180,000 IDR)
Surge: up to 20+
Solo/couples, tech-savvy, have local SIM, off-peak hours Surge pricing during rush hour/rain can double the fare.
Private Transfer (pre-booked) 25-40 minutes $20-35 USD
(300,000-530,000 IDR)
Groups 4+, premium service, corporate travel, large families Fixed price, driver meets you, no queue, English-speaking driver possible.
DAMRI Airport Bus 35-60 minutes $2-3 USD
(30,000-45,000 IDR)
Budget travelers, daytime arrivals, light/medium luggage Unbeatable value. Multiple city stops. Not 24/7.
Official taxi queue and counter outside Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) arrivals hall in Makassar

How to Get a Taxi at Makassar Airport

After collecting your bags, exit the terminal. Ignore individuals offering "taxi" inside. The official taxi counter is directly outside, clearly signed. Tell the staff your destination (e.g., "Losari Beach area" or your hotel name). You will receive a ticket with a taxi number and estimated fare range. Proceed to the numbered taxi bay. The driver should start the meter. The total fare will be the meter reading plus a fixed airport surcharge (usually 15,000-25,000 IDR). Payment is cash to the driver upon arrival.

Late Night & Early Morning Taxi at UPG

For late-night arrivals (after 10:00 PM) or flights before 5:00 AM, the official taxi counter is your only reliable option. The DAMRI bus does not run, and Grab/Gojek availability can be unpredictable. The process is the same. Expect a late-night surcharge of 30-50% on the meter fare. The ride is quicker at night due to no traffic. While the internet says taxis are always available, after the last international flight arrives (often around midnight), the queue can be long—patience is required.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

Your flight lands at 5:30 PM. You read that Grab is cheaper, so you book a GrabCar. The app shows a 25-minute wait and a fare of 250,000 IDR due to evening rush hour surge pricing. You wait, the driver gets stuck in traffic approaching the airport, and cancels. You re-book, the fare is now 280,000 IDR. Meanwhile, the person who went straight to the taxi counter is already in a cab, paying a metered fare of 185,000 IDR, and is inching towards the city. You've wasted 40 minutes and paid more. During peak times, the meter often beats dynamic pricing.

Grab & Gojek (Ride-Hailing) from Makassar Airport

Grab and Gojek are ubiquitous in Makassar. The airport has a designated pickup zone, a 2-3 minute walk from the arrivals exit, following signs. Prices are generally competitive, but surge pricing during the two daily rush hours and rainstorms can make them more expensive than metered taxis. Car availability is good; motorbike (ojek) availability is excellent and can lane-split through traffic.

Grab/Gojek Experience: The Reality

Many travel blogs present Grab as the universal cheap solution. The reality at UPG: It's excellent if you arrive outside the two major traffic peaks. The pickup zone is efficient. However, during the morning and evening rush, the dynamic pricing algorithm reacts severely to demand. I've seen fares to the city center hit 300,000+ IDR, significantly above the taxi meter rate. The internet says it's always cheaper, but that's only true if you avoid the city's intense traffic peaks. For a motorbike, it's often faster in traffic and 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 usually set to "Bandara Sultan Hasanuddin - Penjemputan" (Airport Pickup). 4. Walk to the clearly signed waiting area (often a covered parking zone). 5. Confirm the driver's vehicle details. 6. The price is fixed in the app at booking—no negotiation. Expected fare range: GrabCar 120,000-180,000 IDR; GrabBike 60,000-110,000 IDR.

Private Transfer & Hotel Shuttle from Makassar Airport

Private Airport Transfer Service

Private transfers can be pre-booked online or through local tour operators. A standard car for 1-3 people costs $20-35 USD (300,000-530,000 IDR). The driver meets you in arrivals with a sign, assists with luggage, and often 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 into East Indonesia's hub.

Hotel Pickup Services

Many hotels in Makassar, especially 4-star and above in the Losari or Panakkukang areas, offer complimentary or paid airport pickup. Always inquire when booking. Paid pickup typically costs 200,000-350,000 IDR. This is highly recommended for first-time visitors, as the driver knows the hotel and can provide local tips. Some budget guesthouses can also arrange a pickup for a fee.

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 reasonable). 2) You have very young children. 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 for a business trip. The internet often says "just get a taxi," but for a seamless, curated arrival experience at a busy airport, a pre-booked car is superior.

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

The DAMRI airport shuttle bus is the best-kept secret for budget-conscious travelers arriving during the day. For only 30,000-45,000 IDR ($2-3), it provides a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to multiple stops in central Makassar, including the main Damri Office on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo and Makassar Mall. Buses run from approximately 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, departing every 30-45 minutes. The journey takes 35-60 minutes. It has dedicated luggage compartments. From the final stop, you can easily get a local taxi or Gojek to your final hotel.

DAMRI Bus Experience: What to Really Expect

The bus ticket counter and stop are directly outside the arrivals hall, to the left. Look for the blue and yellow DAMRI buses. Purchase your ticket (30,000-45,000 IDR depending on the exact stop) at the booth. Buses are modern, clean, and cold. They are used by locals, students, and informed tourists. The internet rarely highlights this service, but it's a reliable and incredibly economical way to travel. It's not a scenic tour—it's a functional bus that gets you to the city for the price of a coffee.

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 8:00 PM). 4) Travelers whose hotel is near one of the stops 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 (40,000 IDR) + Gojek bike to hotel (15,000 IDR) = 55,000 IDR total. Taxi = 170,000+ IDR. You save 115,000 IDR (7.5). For a couple with one suitcase: Bus (80,000 IDR for two) + GrabCar to hotel (30,000 IDR) = 110,000 IDR. Taxi = 170,000+ IDR. You save 60,000 IDR (4). For a family of four with lots of luggage: The convenience and space of a direct taxi or large private car outweigh the savings. The bus becomes a logistical challenge with bags and kids in a new, busy city.

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

For the sake of completeness, Pete-pete (public minivans with specific route codes) 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 Poros Makassar–Maros) 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 pete-pete to reach your final destination. It's confusing, hot, and time-consuming. This is an option only for locals with no luggage and intimate route knowledge. For a visitor, the 25,000 IDR you save versus the comfortable, direct DAMRI bus is not worth the immense hassle and high probability of getting lost.

DAMRI Bus Route: Detailed Stops from Makassar Airport to City

The DAMRI bus follows a fixed route from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) to multiple stops in central Makassar. It makes several key stops, which is useful if your hotel is nearby.

DAMRI Bus Route: Airport to City Center Stops

  1. Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) - Departure point.
  2. Jalan Poros Makassar–Maros - Main highway towards the city.
  3. Bandara Baru Intersection - Entry to the airport toll road area.
  4. Tamalanrea Area - Near Hasanuddin University.
  5. Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan - Major city thoroughfare.
  6. Makassar Mall (MM) - Major shopping mall stop. Good for hotels in Panakkukang.
  7. Jl. Urip Sumoharjo - Passes many government offices and businesses.
  8. Damri Office Makassar (Jl. Urip Sumoharjo) - Final and main stop. Disembark here for connections.

What to Do When You Get Off at the Damri Office (Final Stop)

You are now on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo, a central artery. The area is busy with taxis and online bike drivers. To reach your final hotel: For Losari Beach/Fort Rotterdam area: Take a local blue 'P' taxi or GrabCar (approx. 25,000-40,000 IDR, 10-15 mins depending on traffic). For Panakkukang/Makassar Mall area: You might have gotten off at the earlier MM stop. If not, it's a short GrabBike ride (10,000 IDR). The area is safe and well-lit.

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

To catch the DAMRI bus from the city to the airport, go to the Damri Office on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo or the Makassar Mall (MM) bus stop. Buses depart approximately every 30-45 minutes from around 5:30 AM, with the last bus to the airport around 7:00-7:30 PM. Allow at least 60-90 minutes for the journey to account for traffic. For early morning flights (before 7:30 AM) or late-night flights, the bus will not work—you must take a taxi.

Makassar Airport to City Center Route Map

The map below shows the primary route from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) to Makassar city center. The main road is Jalan Poros Makassar–Maros, connecting to Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan and then into the heart of the city along Jalan Urip Sumoharjo.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Makassar Airport to Damri Office on Google Maps

The distance from Makassar Airport to the Damri Office is approximately 22 km. The distance from the Damri Office to Losari Beach is an additional 3-4 km.

Makassar Airport to City: Fare Comparison & Costs 2025

Transport Option Travel Time (Avg) Approximate Cost (USD / IDR) Luggage Space Best For This Traveler
DAMRI Airport Bus 35-60 min
(up to 90+ in traffic)
$2-3 / 30,000-45,000 IDR Good (under-bus storage) Budget traveler, daytime arrival, one suitcase/backpack.
Blue Bird/Express Taxi (Metered) 25-50 min
(up to 90 in traffic)
$10-15 / 150,000-230,000 IDR Good (trunk + back seat) Families, first-timers, late-night, heavy luggage, business.
Grab/Gojek Car 25-50 min
(up to 90 in traffic)
8-12 / 120,000-180,000 IDR
Surge: up to 20+
Good Solo/Couples, tech-savvy, have local SIM, off-peak.
Grab/Gojek Bike (Ojek) 25-40 min $4-7 / 60,000-110,000 IDR Poor (one small bag only) Solo, one backpack, adventurous, want to lane-split in traffic.
Private Transfer 25-50 min $20-35 / 300,000-530,000 IDR Excellent Groups 3+, families, premium service, corporate.
Pete-pete (Minivan) 50-80 min $0.5-1 / 8,000-15,000 IDR None Locals only. Not recommended for tourists.

Money Exchange & ATMs at Makassar 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, AUD, SGD, etc. It's perfectly fine to exchange a small amount (50-100) at the airport for immediate expenses. Withdraw or exchange enough to have 300,000 IDR in mixed denominations (some 50,000 notes for the bus/taxi, and smaller notes).

Cost Comparison: What Savvy Travelers Really Pay

Informed travelers pay: DAMRI Bus 40,000 IDR. GrabBike 80,000 IDR. Metered Taxi 170,000 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, get caught in extreme Grab surge pricing, or don't know about the DAMRI bus. Stick to the meter, the bus, or book a GrabBike, and you'll pay local prices.

Traveler Experience & Scenarios: Getting to Makassar City

Arriving at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) can be busy, as it's the main gateway to Eastern Indonesia. The terminal is modern. After immigration and baggage claim, you enter the public arrivals hall. The transport options are in front of you: the DAMRI bus booth to the left, the official taxi counter straight ahead, and signs for the Grab pickup zone to the right. The most common mistake is not seeing the DAMRI bus and automatically joining the long taxi queue, spending 4-5x more than necessary.

Scenario 1: The Budget Backpacker (Daytime Arrival)

You: Solo, one 50L backpack, flight lands at 11:00 AM.
Best Option: DAMRI Bus (40,000 IDR). Walk out, buy ticket, load bag under bus. Get off at Damri Office, your hostel in Losari is a 20-minute walk or 10,000 IDR Gojek ride away.
Total Cost: 50,000 IDR ($3.2).
Why not a taxi/Grab? You'd spend 170,000+ IDR. The bus is just as fast at this time of day and saves you $8+.

Scenario 2: The Family Arrival (Late Evening)

You: Family of 4, 3 large suitcases, flight lands at 10:30 PM.
Best Option: Official airport taxi (need a large car or two 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 (Toyota Innova) or two taxis. Expect 250,000-300,000 IDR for a large car or 170,000 IDR per standard taxi.
Total Cost: 340,000-500,000 IDR (22-33).
Peace of Mind: Direct to hotel. No transfers with tired kids. Worth it.

Scenario 3: The Business Traveler (Morning Rush Hour)

You: Solo, one rolling suitcase, laptop bag, need to be in city for a 10:00 AM meeting. Flight lands at 7:30 AM.
Reality: You are landing at the start of peak traffic. All options will be slow.
Best Option: Metered taxi or pre-booked car. A GrabCar will have surge pricing. A motorbike is fastest but not professional with a suitcase.
Travel Time: Allow 70-90 minutes. You might just make your meeting if you leave the airport by 8:00 AM.
Recommendation: Take the taxi. Use the time in traffic to prepare.

The Reality of Makassar Traffic: Your #1 Planning Factor

Makassar's traffic is some of the worst in Indonesia outside Java. Peak hours are 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM, every day. The single highway from the airport becomes a parking lot. A taxi, GrabCar, or DAMRI bus will all be equally stuck. This doesn't make one option better than another; it means you must add 40-60 minutes to any travel time estimate. If you land at 5:00 PM, accept that you'll be in transit for 1.5 hours. This traffic is non-negotiable and affects everyone.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You have a domestic flight at 6:00 PM. You think, "It's 20 km, I'll leave my Losari hotel at 4:00 PM, that's 2 hours, plenty." You get a GrabCar at 4:10 PM. By 4:45 PM, you've moved 5 km and are gridlocked on Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan. Your driver suggests a back route, but it's also jammed. At 5:30 PM, you're still 10 km from the airport, panicking. You arrive at 6:15 PM, having missed your flight. The person who knew about the traffic left at 2:30 PM, took the DAMRI bus, and was at the airport by 3:45, relaxed. Underestimating Makassar traffic is the single biggest mistake travelers make.

Practical Tips & Advice for Makassar Airport Transfers

Map showing the primary route from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) to downtown Makassar via Jalan Poros Makassar–Maros and Jalan Urip Sumoharjo.

Frequently Asked Questions: Makassar Airport to City Center

What is the best way to get from Makassar Airport (UPG) to the city center?

It depends entirely on your arrival time and luggage. For most daytime arrivals: The DAMRI airport bus (35-60 minutes, 2-3 USD / 30,000-45,000 IDR) offers the best value. For late-night arrivals or families: A metered Blue Bird or Express taxi (25-50 minutes, 10-15 USD / 150,000-230,000 IDR) is most reliable. For solo travelers with a backpack: Grab/Gojek motorbike (25-40 minutes, $4-7 USD / 60,000-110,000 IDR). The internet often says taxis are the only option, but that's not true—the DAMRI bus is comfortable, cheap, and runs until evening.

Is there an airport bus from Makassar Airport to the city?

Yes, the DAMRI airport shuttle bus operates from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) to Makassar city center, with multiple drop-off points including the main Damri Office on Jl. Urip Sumoharjo and Makassar Mall. The journey takes 35-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs $2-3 USD (30,000-45,000 IDR). Buses run from approximately 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, departing every 30-45 minutes. It's air-conditioned, has luggage space, and is the best budget option.

How far is Makassar Airport from the city center?

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) is located about 20-25 km (12.5-15.5 miles) northeast of Makassar's city center. The travel time varies dramatically: 25-40 minutes by taxi or car without traffic, but can take 60-90 minutes during Makassar's notorious morning (7:00-9:00 AM) and evening (4:00-7:00 PM) rush hours. The DAMRI bus follows the same route and is subject to the same traffic delays.

How much is a taxi from Makassar Airport to the city?

A metered taxi from the official counter (Blue Bird, Express, or others) costs $10-15 USD (150,000-230,000 IDR) to most city center hotels. There is a fixed airport surcharge. Late-night surcharge (after 10:00 PM): +30-50%. Always insist on using the meter ('argo'). Avoid touts inside the terminal offering fixed prices of 300,000 IDR or more. For the 20-25 km journey, 150,000-200,000 IDR is a fair metered price.

Is Grab or Gojek available at Makassar Airport?

Yes, both Grab and Gojek operate widely in Makassar. Pickup is at the designated area outside the terminal. Cars: 8-12 USD (120,000-180,000 IDR). Motorbikes: 4-7 USD (60,000-110,000 IDR). You need a local SIM card with data. While convenient, I don't actually recommend booking a car during peak rush hours, as surge pricing can make it more expensive than a metered taxi. The pickup process is smooth, but drivers sometimes cancel during high traffic.

What is the cheapest way from Makassar Airport to the city?

DAMRI airport bus: 2-3 USD (30,000-45,000 IDR). Angkot/Pete-pete (public minivan): 0.5-1 USD (8,000-15,000 IDR) but involves complex transfers and is not tourist-friendly. Grab/Gojek motorbike: $4-7 USD (60,000-110,000 IDR). The DAMRI bus is unequivocally the best and easiest cheap option. The absolute cheapest (pete-pete) is a false economy for visitors with luggage.

Is it safe to take a motorbike taxi (ojek) from Makassar Airport?

With a small backpack: Generally safe if you wear a helmet. With any suitcase: Not practical. For solo, experienced travelers: Acceptable during daylight. For families, elderly, or at night: Not recommended. The 20+ km journey is on a busy highway with heavy truck traffic. Many locals do it, but that's only true if you're very comfortable on motorbikes in chaotic Indonesian traffic.

What is the best option for a late-night arrival at Makassar Airport?

Late-night arrivals (after 8:00 PM): Official airport taxi or pre-booked private transfer. The DAMRI bus stops around 8:00 PM. Grab/Gojek cars are available but may have surge pricing. The official taxi counter operates 24/7. I recommend going straight to the taxi counter for a guaranteed ride. Trying to save money with ride-hail apps after a long flight when you're tired can lead to cancellations and unnecessary stress.

How early should I leave Makassar city for the airport?

For domestic flights: Leave at least 2.5 hours before departure. Travel time: 30-90 minutes (extremely traffic-dependent). For international flights: 3 hours. Sultan Hasanuddin Airport is the largest in eastern Indonesia and can have long check-in and security lines. If your flight is during morning or evening rush hour, add an extra 60-90 minutes buffer. I've seen people miss flights because they thought 'it's only 20 km.'

Are there ATMs and money exchange at Makassar Airport?

ATMs: Multiple ATMs are available in the arrivals hall (BCA, Mandiri, BRI, etc.). Money exchange: There are several licensed counters with decent rates for major currencies. It's fine to exchange a small amount at the airport for transport. Withdraw or exchange enough to have 200,000-300,000 IDR in smaller bills for taxis or the bus.

Can I walk from Makassar Airport to the city?

No. It's 20-25 km along a busy highway with no pedestrian infrastructure, in intense heat and humidity. Walking would take 4-5 hours and is extremely dangerous. This is not a realistic option for anyone. Some ultra-budget travelers might consider it, but as a practical means of transport, it's a terrible and dangerous idea.

What if I have a lot of luggage or am traveling with family?

With multiple suitcases or a family: Book a private transfer with a large car (e.g., Toyota Avanza) or take two metered taxis. The DAMRI bus can handle a suitcase or backpack per person, but managing kids and multiple bags on a bus, then finding another ride to your hotel, is complicated. The door-to-door convenience of a taxi or private car is worth the extra $10-20 for a stress-free start, especially after a long flight.