Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Kualanamu Airport (KNO) to Centre Point Mall is by pre-booked private transfer or official taxi, balancing convenience, speed, and predictable cost. The fastest option is also a taxi, taking ~60-80 minutes depending on traffic. The cheapest way is the public bus (DAMRI) to Amplas Terminal + local taxi, with a total cost under IDR 60,000 (under $4 USD). The key transit point for train users is Medan Station (Titi Papan), from which you'll need a short taxi ride to the mall.
Taxi & Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Most Convenient)
For direct, hassle-free, door-to-door service, taxis and private transfers are the top choice, especially for families, groups, or those with lots of luggage. While not the cheapest, they offer comfort and time efficiency.
Official Airport Taxis (Fixed Fare)
Upon exiting the arrivals hall, you'll find official taxi counters (like Blue Bird or other licensed operators). You pay a fixed fare at the counter based on your destination zone and receive a coupon to give to the driver. This system prevents overcharging.
| Service | Estimated Fare to Centre Point Mall | Travel Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Airport Taxi (Coupon) | IDR 220,000 - 280,000 (≈ $14-$18 USD) | 60-80 mins | Fixed price, reliable, available 24/7, meet at arrival. | Most expensive taxi option. |
| Pre-Booked Private Car | IDR 300,000 - 450,000 (≈ $19-$29 USD) | 60-80 mins | Driver meets you with a sign, helps with luggage, guaranteed car quality, stress-free. | Higher cost, requires online booking in advance. |
Tip: Always use the official counter. Avoid drivers soliciting inside the terminal, as they often charge inflated rates. You can book reliable private transfers in advance via platforms like Klook or Traveloka.
Online Ride-Hailing: Grab & Gojek (Budget-Friendly & Convenient)
This is the preferred method for tech-savvy travelers seeking a balance of cost and convenience. Both Grab and Gojek operate at Kualanamu.
How to Use Grab/Gojek at Kualanamu Airport
- Connect to Airport Wi-Fi: Get online to use the app.
- Set Pickup Location: Use the designated "Ride-Hailing Pickup Zone" (signs are clear). Do not set pickup as the main terminal door.
- Enter Destination: Type "Centre Point Mall Medan".
- Choose Service: Select GrabCar/GoCar (car) or GrabBike/GoRide (motorcycle for solo travelers with light bags).
- Confirm & Wait: The app shows the fare and driver details. Meet your driver at the zone.
Cost & Considerations
- Fare Range: IDR 180,000 - 250,000 for a car. Often cheaper than official taxis but subject to surge pricing during peak hours (weekday rush hours, holidays, late night).
- Wait Time: Can be 5-15 minutes. Longer during surges.
- Best For: Solo travelers, couples, small groups without excessive luggage.
Important: Ensure your phone has a local data SIM or you have international roaming. The pickup zone can be a 5-7 minute walk from arrivals.
Airport Train (Railink) + Taxi Combo (Scenic & Efficient)
The Railink train is a modern, air-conditioned service connecting Kualanamu Airport directly to downtown Medan's Medan Station (Stasiun Medan or Titi Papan). It's reliable and avoids road traffic, but does not go to Centre Point Mall directly.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Buy a Ticket: Follow signs to "Railink" in the terminal. Buy a ticket at the counter or automated machine. Destination: Medan.
- Board the Train: Trains depart approximately every 30-60 minutes. Journey time to Medan Station is about 45 minutes.
- Arrive at Medan Station: Disembark at the final stop.
- Final Leg to Mall: From Medan Station, take a taxi, Grab, or Gojek for the remaining 4-5 km (15-20 minute) drive to Centre Point Mall.
| Leg of Journey | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNO Airport → Medan Station (Railink) | IDR 100,000 (≈ $6.50 USD) | ~45 mins | Comfortable, fixed schedule. Check latest schedule on Railink's official website. |
| Medan Station → Centre Point Mall (Taxi/Grab) | IDR 25,000 - 40,000 | ~15-20 mins | Metered taxi or app-based ride readily available outside station. |
| Total (Approx.) | IDR 125,000 - 140,000 | ~60-70 mins | Excludes waiting/transfer time. |
Verdict: A good option if you enjoy train travel, want to avoid potential road congestion, or are staying near Medan Station. Less ideal with heavy luggage due to the transfer.
Public Bus (DAMRI) + Local Transport (The Budget Champion)
This is the most economical method, ideal for backpackers and extremely budget-conscious travelers willing to navigate local transfers.
The DAMRI Airport Bus
DAMRI buses depart from a clearly marked shelter outside the terminal. The relevant route is to Amplas Bus Terminal.
- Fare: IDR 20,000 - 35,000 (pay cash to driver or conductor).
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes.
- Travel Time to Amplas: 60-90 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic.
From Amplas Terminal to Centre Point Mall
Amplas Terminal is a major local transport hub. Centre Point Mall is about 3 km away. Options:
- Online Taxi (Grab/Gojek): Most convenient. Cost: ~IDR 15,000-25,000.
- Local Taxi/Bajaj (Auto-rickshaw): Negotiate fare before boarding. Expect IDR 20,000-30,000.
- Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi): For solo travelers. Cheapest (~IDR 10,000).
Total Cost & Time Estimate
Total Cost: IDR 35,000 - 60,000 (under $4 USD).
Total Time: 90 - 120+ minutes (highly variable).
Considerations: Buses can be crowded, luggage space is limited, and the journey is slow during rush hours. Only recommended for adventurous travelers with light luggage.
Renting a Car at Kualanamu Airport
Multiple international (Avis, Hertz) and local rental agencies have desks in the arrivals hall. Renting a car for a simple airport-to-mall transfer is inefficient and expensive due to daily rental rates, fuel, tolls, and the challenge of navigating Medan's traffic and finding parking at the mall.
When it makes sense:
- You plan to immediately embark on a multi-day road trip around Lake Toba, Berastagi, or other parts of North Sumatra.
- You are a large group (4+ people) where splitting the cost of a multi-day rental becomes economical compared to multiple taxis.
Estimated Cost: Starting from IDR 400,000 - 600,000+ per day, excluding fuel and tolls. Compare prices on aggregator sites like Rentalcars.com. You will need a valid international driver's permit (IDP) along with your home license.
Ticket, Cost & Time Comparison: Best Way from KNO to Centre Point Mall
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (IDR) | Approx. Cost (USD) | Travel Time | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (Official Airport) | 220,000 - 280,000 | $14 - $18 | 60-80 min | 0 (Direct) | First-time visitors, families, those with heavy luggage, convenience seekers. |
| Grab / Gojek (Car) | 180,000 - 250,000 | $12 - $16 | 60-80 min | 0 (Direct) | Tech-savvy travelers, couples, small groups, budget-conscious but wanting convenience. |
| Railink Train + Taxi | 125,000 - 140,000 | $8 - $9 | 60-90 min | 1 (Train to Taxi) | Solo travelers, those avoiding road traffic, train enthusiasts, light packers. |
| DAMRI Bus + Local Taxi (Cheapest) | 35,000 - 60,000 | $2.50 - $4 | 90-120+ min | 1 (Bus to Taxi) | Backpackers, extreme budget travelers, adventurers comfortable with local transport. |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 300,000 - 450,000 | $19 - $29 | 60-80 min | 0 (Direct) | Business travelers, groups, those prioritizing seamless arrival with a meet & greet. |
Key Takeaway: For most tourists, Grab/Gojek offers the best value, while the official taxi is the most straightforward. The bus+taxi combo is the undeniable price leader for those pinching pennies.
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Money & SIM Card First
Before arranging transport, withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) from ATMs in the baggage claim/arrivals area. For ride-hailing apps, purchase a local SIM card with data at the counters in the arrivals hall (Telkomsel, XL Axiata). This is crucial for using Grab/Gojek and Google Maps.
Luggage Considerations
If you have very large or heavy bags, taxis/private cars are strongly recommended. Buses and trains have limited luggage space. Motorcycle taxis (ojek) are only suitable for a small backpack.
Navigating Traffic & Time of Day
Peak traffic hours in Medan are weekdays 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. During these times, road travel (taxi, bus, Grab) can be 20-40 minutes slower. The Railink train's timing remains consistent, making it a smart choice during rush hour.
Late Night or Early Morning Arrivals
For flights arriving between 11 PM and 5 AM, pre-booking a private transfer is highly advisable. While official taxis operate 24/7, availability of Grab/Gojek drivers can be sparse, and public transport options (train/bus) will not be running.
Safety & Scam Avoidance
- Politely but firmly ignore touts inside the terminal offering "cheap transport".
- Only use the official taxi coupon counter or your pre-booked transfer details.
- When using Grab/Gojek, double-check the license plate and car model before getting in.
For official airport information, refer to the Kualanamu International Airport official website.
FAQs: Getting from Kualanamu Airport to Centre Point Mall
What is the fastest way to get from Kualanamu Airport to Centre Point Mall?
Taking a taxi or pre-booked private car is the fastest direct option, taking approximately 60-80 minutes depending on traffic, as it provides door-to-door service without transfers.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Kualanamu Airport to Centre Point Mall?
The cheapest option is the public bus (DAMRI) to Amplas Station, costing around IDR 20,000 - 35,000, followed by a local taxi or online ride-hailing (like Grab/Gojek) for the short trip to the mall (approx. IDR 15,000-25,000). Total cost is under IDR 60,000.
Is there a direct train from Kualanamu Airport to Centre Point Mall?
No, there is no direct train to Centre Point Mall. You can take the Railink airport train from Kualanamu to Medan Station (Titi Papan). From there, you need to take a taxi or ride-hailing app for the remaining 4-5 km to the mall, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
How much does a taxi cost from Kualanamu Airport to Centre Point Mall?
An official airport taxi (with fixed coupons) costs approximately IDR 220,000 - 280,000 (USD $14-$18). Using ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek from the designated pickup zone can be slightly cheaper, ranging from IDR 180,000 - 240,000, but prices surge during peak hours.
Can I use Grab or Gojek at Kualanamu Airport?
Yes, you can. Ride-hailing services have a designated pickup zone at the airport. After collecting your luggage, proceed to the pickup area (usually well-signed). Booking via the app is straightforward, but expect potential wait times and price surges during busy periods.
Is it easy to find a taxi at Kualanamu Airport late at night?
Yes, official airport taxis operate 24/7. However, for late-night arrivals (after 11 PM), pre-booking a private transfer is highly recommended to guarantee availability, ensure safety, and avoid potential price gouging from unofficial drivers.
Is there a bus from Kualanamu Airport to Centre Point Mall?
There is no direct bus to Centre Point Mall. The DAMRI airport bus goes to Amplas Bus Terminal. From Amplas, you must take another mode of transport (taxi/bajaj/ojek) to reach the mall, which is about 3 km away. This option is best for very budget-conscious travelers comfortable with local transfers.
Should I rent a car at Kualanamu Airport to get to Centre Point Mall?
For a simple transfer to one location in Medan, renting a car is generally not cost-effective or necessary due to traffic and parking challenges. It's only recommended if you plan extensive self-driving tours around North Sumatra immediately after arrival.