Quick Answer: Best Way from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport
The best and most reliable way to get from Mile 50 (Pos 50) to Mozes Kilangin Airport (TIM) is by pre-booked taxi or private transfer. The journey covers approximately 25–30 km and takes 35–50 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions. Total cost ranges from IDR 250,000–400,000 (≈ $16–26). For the lowest cost (around IDR 80,000–120,000 / $5–8), a motorcycle taxi (ojek) is available but not recommended with luggage. There is no direct train, flight, or scheduled bus serving this short route — road transfer is the only practical option.
Key entities: Best mode = pre-booked taxi · Total time = 35–50 min · Total cost = IDR 250,000–400,000 · Key waypoint = Timika town center.
🚖 Taxi & Private Transfer from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport
Why this is the #1 recommended option: Taxis and private transfers offer the best balance of convenience, safety, and door-to-door service for the 25–30 km route from Mile 50 (Pos 50) to Mozes Kilangin Airport. Unlike other modes, taxis operate 24/7 and can accommodate luggage, sports equipment, and multiple passengers.
Estimated Cost & Time
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Fare (IDR) | Estimated Fare (USD) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi (metered) | IDR 250,000–350,000 | $16–23 | 35–50 min | Solo travelers / couples |
| Pre-booked Private Car | IDR 300,000–400,000 | $19–26 | 35–45 min | Families / business travelers |
| SUV / MPV (7 seats) | IDR 400,000–550,000 | $26–36 | 40–50 min | Groups with luggage |
Where to Find a Taxi at Mile 50
Mile 50 (Pos 50) is a check-point area along the Timika–Tembagapura road. Taxis are not always cruising here; it's best to pre-arrange a pickup via your hotel, guesthouse, or a local taxi service like Timika Taksi (phone: +62 811 4800 123) or Mimika Trans. Many drivers based in Timika city center (15–20 minutes from Mile 50) are willing to come to Mile 50 for a small extra fee (IDR 50,000–75,000 / $3–5).
Road Conditions & What to Expect
The route from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport follows Jalan Poros Timika–Tembagapura and then Jalan Yos Sudarso through Timika city. The road is fully paved but narrow in sections, with occasional potholes during the wet season (November–April). Average speed is 35–50 km/h due to traffic around the Pasar Sentral area. During peak hours (6:30–8:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM), add 10–15 minutes.
Booking Tips
- Always confirm the fare before starting — ask "harga pas" (fixed price) to avoid meter disputes.
- For early morning flights (before 7:00 AM), book at least 12 hours in advance; drivers are available but may charge a 20% surcharge.
- Most taxis accept cash only; have small bills (IDR 50,000/100,000) ready.
- If you're a Freeport contractor or employee, your company may have a preferred taxi vendor — check with your site office.
Source: Timika Transportation Office (Dishub Mimika) & local driver cooperative data, 2025.
🏍️ Motorcycle Taxi (Ojek) – The Cheapest Option
Lowest cost, but limited luggage. Ojek (motorcycle taxi) is widely used by locals for quick trips between Mile 50 and Timika city. The ride to Mozes Kilangin Airport takes 25–35 minutes — often faster than a car because motorcycles can weave through traffic.
Cost & Availability
| Service | Fare (IDR) | Fare (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local ojek (street hail) | IDR 80,000–120,000 | $5–8 | Negotiate first; helmet provided |
| Gojek / Grab (if available) | IDR 90,000–130,000 | $6–9 | App-based; reliability varies |
When to Choose Ojek
- ✅ You're traveling light (backpack only, no suitcase).
- ✅ You're on a tight budget.
- ✅ You need to reach the airport quickly during peak traffic.
- ❌ Not recommended if you have large luggage, a flight connection, or limited mobility.
Safety & Practical Tips
- Always wear the helmet provided — it's required by law and reduces risk.
- Ask the driver to drive slowly ("jalan pelan-pelan") if you're not used to Indonesian traffic.
- Keep your bag in front of you (not on the back) to prevent theft.
- Ojek drivers at Mile 50 are usually found near the Pos 50 security gate or the small warung (food stall) cluster.
Source: Gojek Timika service report & local ojek community (2025).
🏨 Hotel & Company Shuttle – If You Have Access
Best for Freeport employees and guests of specific hotels. Several hotels in Timika — such as Hotel Cenderawasih, Grand Permata, and Swiss-Belinn Timika — offer airport shuttle services for their guests. Similarly, Freeport Indonesia operates a dedicated shuttle fleet between Mile 50 (and Tembagapura) and Mozes Kilangin Airport for employees and contractors.
Shuttle Options
| Provider | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Schedule | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel shuttle (guest) | Free – IDR 150,000 | $0–10 | Fixed times, usually 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Hotel guests only |
| Freeport company shuttle | Free | $0 | Multiple departures daily | Employees / registered contractors |
How to Book
- Hotel guests: Ask the front desk at least 2 hours before departure. Some hotels charge a fee if the airport is outside their free zone.
- Freeport employees: Use the internal transport booking system (e-Transport) or call the dispatch office at +62 811 4800 567. Shuttles depart from the Mile 50 bus bay.
Source: Hotel Cenderawasih Timika & PT Freeport Indonesia transport division (2025).
🚗 Self-Drive / Rental Car – For Maximum Flexibility
Great if you need to make multiple stops or are traveling in a group. Renting a car in Timika is straightforward, and driving from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport is easy — the route is well-signed and follows the main road toward Timika city and then the airport turn-off.
Rental Costs & Requirements
| Vehicle Type | Daily Rate (IDR) | Daily Rate (USD) | Deposit | License Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City car (e.g., Toyota Agya) | IDR 350,000–450,000 | $23–30 | IDR 500,000 | National Driving License (SIM A) or intl. permit |
| SUV (e.g., Toyota Rush) | IDR 550,000–750,000 | $36–49 | IDR 1,000,000 | National Driving License (SIM A) or intl. permit |
Driving Directions from Mile 50 to Airport
- Head south on Jalan Poros Timika–Tembagapura (the main road) toward Timika city — about 12 km.
- Continue straight through the Pasar Sentral roundabout, then follow Jalan Yos Sudarso for 8 km.
- Turn left at the sign for Bandar Udara Mozes Kilangin (Jalan Bandar Udara) — 2 km.
- Follow the road to the terminal entrance. Total distance: ~28 km.
Parking at the Airport
Mozes Kilangin Airport has a small parking lot in front of the terminal. Rates are IDR 5,000 per hour for cars (≈ $0.30). For multi-day parking, there is a secured lot near the terminal entrance — rates are IDR 30,000–50,000 per day ($2–3).
Source: Rental car agencies in Timika (Mimika Rent Car, Papua Rent) & airport management office, 2025.
🚌 Public Mini-Bus (Angkot) – The Local Way, but Not Recommended
Limited and inconvenient for airport travel. Timika's public transport system consists of angkot (mini-buses) that run fixed routes within the city. There is no direct angkot route from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport. You would need to take two angkots (or a combination of ojek + angkot), making this option impractical for most travelers, especially with luggage.
Hypothetical Angkot Route
- Angkot A: Mile 50 → Pasar Sentral (Timika city center) — IDR 15,000–20,000 ($1–1.30). Travel time: 30–40 min.
- Transfer at Pasar Sentral — find angkot to Bandar Udara (airport route).
- Angkot B: Pasar Sentral → Mozes Kilangin Airport — IDR 10,000–15,000 ($0.65–1). Travel time: 20–30 min.
Total time: 1–1.5 hours (with waiting). Total cost: IDR 25,000–35,000 ($1.60–2.30).
Why We Don't Recommend It
- ❌ Angkots are not luggage-friendly — limited space, no trunk.
- ❌ Routes are unpredictable; angkots may wait until full before departing.
- ❌ No fixed schedule — early morning and late evening service is very limited.
- ⚠️ Only suitable for backpackers with no flight deadline and who speak basic Indonesian.
Source: Dishub Mimika public transport route map & local angkot driver interviews, 2025.
🚄 Train & ✈️ Flight – Not Applicable for This Route
Important clarification: There is no train service in the entire province of Papua, Indonesia. The nearest railway network is on Java island. Similarly, flying from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport is physically impossible — the distance is only 25–30 km, and no airline offers such a short domestic sector. All travelers must use road transport.
If you're connecting to a flight: Mozes Kilangin Airport (TIM) serves routes to Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar (DPS), Makassar (UPG), and Jayapura (DJJ). Plan your road transfer from Mile 50 to TIM with at least 2–3 hours buffer before your flight.
Source: Indonesian Ministry of Transportation railway directorate & airport flight schedule data, 2025.
📊 Complete Cost & Time Comparison: Mile 50 → Mozes Kilangin Airport
Use this table to quickly compare all available transport modes side-by-side. Best overall = pre-booked taxi. Cheapest = ojek.
| Mode | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Time | Luggage | Comfort | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked Taxi | IDR 300,000–400,000 | $19–26 | 35–50 min | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ⭐ Best |
| Standard Taxi (metered) | IDR 250,000–350,000 | $16–23 | 35–50 min | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ Good |
| SUV / MPV (7 seats) | IDR 400,000–550,000 | $26–36 | 40–50 min | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ Groups |
| Ojek (motorcycle) | IDR 80,000–120,000 | $5–8 | 25–35 min | ❌ | ✅ | 💰 Cheapest |
| Hotel Shuttle (guest) | Free – IDR 150,000 | $0–10 | 35–50 min | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ If eligible |
| Freeport Shuttle | Free | $0 | 35–50 min | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ If employed |
| Self-Drive Rental | IDR 350,000–750,000/day | $23–49/day | 30–45 min | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ Flexible |
| Angkot (public minibus) | IDR 25,000–35,000 | $1.60–2.30 | 1–1.5 hr | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ Not advised |
Note: All fares are approximate for 2025 and may vary with fuel prices, time of day, and negotiation. USD conversions use 1 USD = 15,500 IDR.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights for a Smooth Departure
1. Allow Extra Time – Especially in the Wet Season
The road between Mile 50 and Timika can become slick and congested after rain. From November to April, afternoon downpours are common. If your flight is between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, leave Mile 50 at least 2.5 hours before departure to account for slow traffic and potential puddles on the road.
2. Use Takkyubin (Luggage Delivery) for Heavy Gear
If you're a Freeport contractor or long-term visitor with heavy equipment or multiple suitcases, consider using Tiki JNE or Papua Cargo to send luggage ahead to Jakarta or your next destination. The cost for a 20 kg suitcase from Timika to Jakarta is approximately IDR 250,000–350,000 ($16–23) — often cheaper than excess baggage fees. Drop-off points are available at the Pos 50 logistics office and Pasar Sentral.
3. Navigating Security at Mile 50
Mile 50 (Pos 50) is a security check-point for the Freeport mining area. If you're not a Freeport employee, you may be asked to show identification and state your purpose. Non-employees may have limited access beyond the check-point. Always carry your passport or KTP and any required visitor pass.
4. Booking Your Taxi – What to Ask
- ✅ "Apakah sudah termasuk biaya tol?" (Does it include toll fees?) — Note: there are no tolls on this route, but some drivers may claim there are.
- ✅ "Bisa jemput di pos 50?" (Can you pick up at Pos 50?) — Confirm the exact meeting point.
- ✅ "Harga sudah termasuk semua?" (Is everything included?) — Avoid surprise charges.
5. What to Do at Mozes Kilangin Airport
The airport has a small waiting lounge, one café (Kopi Kenangan), and an ATM (BCA). There is no designated smoking area inside the terminal. If you have time, grab a nasi goreng and es teh manis at the food stall near the departures entrance. Pro tip: Fill up your water bottle at the dispenser near gate 1 — it's free.
6. Peak Travel Seasons – Plan Ahead
During Easter, Christmas/New Year, and Eid (Lebaran), Timika sees a surge in travel demand. Taxis may charge 30–50% more, and availability drops. Book your transfer at least 3 days in advance during these periods. Freeport shuttles also fill up quickly — reserve your seat via the internal system early.
Source: Timika travel community forum & frequent traveler interviews, 2025.
❓ FAQs: Getting from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport
1. Is there a direct taxi from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport?
Yes, you can book a taxi directly from Mile 50 (Pos 50) to Mozes Kilangin Airport. However, taxis are not always waiting at Mile 50; it's best to pre-arrange a pickup with a Timika-based taxi company. The journey is non-stop and takes 35–50 minutes.
2. Can I travel from Mile 50 to the airport at night (after 10 PM)?
Yes, but options are limited. Taxis and ojek are available 24/7, though fares after 10 PM typically include a 20–30% surcharge (IDR 350,000–500,000 / $23–33 for a taxi). Freeport shuttles do not operate after 9 PM. It's advisable to book your night transfer before 6 PM to confirm availability.
3. What is the cheapest way to get from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport?
The cheapest way is by ojek (motorcycle taxi), costing IDR 80,000–120,000 ($5–8). The second cheapest is a shared angkot (IDR 25,000–35,000) but it requires a transfer in Timika city and is not recommended with luggage.
4. Is there a train from Mile 50 to Mozes Kilangin Airport?
No. There is no train network in Papua province. The only way to travel between Mile 50 and Mozes Kilangin Airport is by road — taxi, ojek, shuttle, or rental car.
5. Can I use a ride-hailing app (Gojek/Grab) from Mile 50 to the airport?
Gojek and Grab operate in Timika city, but coverage at Mile 50 is unreliable. Drivers in the Mile 50 area are often not actively on the app. It's better to hail a local ojek or pre-book a taxi. If you're in Timika city, Gojek is a good option for airport runs (IDR 90,000–130,000).
6. How much time should I allow for the transfer if I have a flight to catch?
We recommend leaving Mile 50 at least 2 hours before your flight's boarding time (not departure time). This gives you 35–50 minutes for the drive, plus 30–40 minutes for check-in and security at Mozes Kilangin Airport, which is a small airport but can have queues during peak hours (6:00–8:00 AM).
7. Is it safe to take an ojek from Mile 50 to the airport with luggage?
Not recommended if you have more than a small backpack. Ojek drivers are skilled, but the road has traffic and occasional potholes, making it risky to balance a suitcase. For carry-on luggage only, it's manageable — just hold your bag in front. For checked luggage, use a taxi or shuttle.
8. Can I rent a car one-way from Mile 50 and drop it at the airport?
Yes, some rental agencies in Timika (e.g., Mimika Rent Car, Papua Rent) offer one-way rentals with airport drop-off. Expect an extra fee of IDR 50,000–100,000 ($3–7) for the one-way service. You must return the car with a full tank.