How to Get from Lubuklinggau to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport

The train is the most popular and balanced way to travel from Lubuklinggau to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport. Operated by PT Kereta Api Indonesia, the Bukit Serelo economy-class service runs daily between Lubuklinggau Station and Kertapati Station in Palembang. From Kertapati, the airport is a short taxi ride away.

Train Details & Schedule

• Train name: Bukit Serelo (Economy class)
• Route: Lubuklinggau → Kertapati (Palembang)
• Distance: ~290 km
• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Departure: Usually once daily, around 07:00–08:00 AM (check KAI官网 for current schedule)
• Ticket price: Rp 100,000–150,000 (~$7–10 USD)
• Seat types: Economy (standard bench seats, 3-2 configuration, AC)

Step-by-Step Journey

1. Lubuklinggau Station — Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Board the Bukit Serelo train.
2. Scenic ride: The route passes through the Bukit Barisan mountain range with views of tea plantations and tropical rainforest.
3. Arrive at Kertapati Station — This historic station is located in southern Palembang.
4. Taxi to airport: Use Grab, Gojek, or a station taxi. The ride takes 20–30 minutes and costs Rp 50,000–80,000 (~$3–5 USD).

Train vs. Other Modes — Why We Recommend It

Train vs. Other Ground Transport

Factor	Train + Taxi	Bus + Taxi	Private Taxi
Total cost (IDR)	Rp 150,000–230,000	Rp 130,000–200,000	Rp 1,000,000–1,500,000
Total time	~8 hours	~9–11 hours	~5–7 hours
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (AC, reclining seats)	⭐⭐⭐ (AC, standard seats)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (private, flexible)
Reliability	High (less affected by traffic)	Moderate (traffic prone)	High (direct route)

Important Notes

• No dining car, but vendors board at major stops. Bring snacks and water.
• Toilets available on board (basic).
• Book tickets via KAI Access app or at the station. Advance booking recommended, especially on weekends.
• From Kertapati Station, use GrabCar or GoCar for a fixed-price ride to the airport — avoid unregistered touts.

While Silampari Airport (LLG) in Lubuklinggau offers flights to Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, there is no direct flight from Lubuklinggau to Palembang. The only air route involves a connection via Jakarta, which is costly, time-consuming, and impractical for most travelers.

Why Flying Doesn't Make Sense

• No direct route: Lubuklinggau → Jakarta → Palembang is the only air option.
• Total time: 6–8 hours minimum (including layover), often longer than ground transport.
• Total cost: Rp 1,500,000–2,500,000 (~$100–170 USD) — 10x the train price.
• Carbon footprint: Significantly higher than train or bus.

If You Absolutely Must Fly (Example Itinerary)

1. Lubuklinggau (LLG) → Jakarta (CGK) — Sriwijaya Air or Citilink, ~1 hour, ~Rp 600,000–1,000,000.
2. Jakarta (CGK) → Palembang (PLM) — Multiple airlines, ~1 hour, ~Rp 500,000–800,000.
3. PLM airport — You're already at the destination airport.

Verdict: Only consider this option if you have a compelling reason to visit Jakarta en route, or if you have a tight connection from an international flight. For most travelers, train or bus is cheaper, faster, and more straightforward.

Silampari Airport (LLG) Quick Facts

Airport	Silampari Airport (LLG)
Location	~7 km north of Lubuklinggau city center
Destinations	Jakarta (CGK) only
Airlines	Sriwijaya Air, Citilink

Source: Sriwijaya Air | Citilink

The bus is the most economical way to reach Palembang from Lubuklinggau. Several companies operate both day and night services along the Trans-Sumatra route. The bus drops you at Ampera Bus Terminal in Palembang, from which the airport is a short taxi ride away.

Bus Options & Schedule

• Day buses: Depart between 6:00–10:00 AM, arrive Palembang 3:00–7:00 PM.
• Night buses: Depart between 8:00–11:00 PM, arrive Palembang 4:00–7:00 AM.
• Duration: 8–10 hours (depending on road conditions and stops).
• Ticket price: Rp 80,000–120,000 (~$5–8 USD).
• Companies: ALS, Putra Rafflesia, Sinar Jaya (check ALS官网 for routes).

Step-by-Step Bus Journey

1. Lubuklinggau Bus Terminal — Located on Jl. Soekarno-Hatta. Buy ticket from counter.
2. Boarding: Buses have AC, reclining seats and a toilet. Economy class is standard.
3. Route: Follows the Trans-Sumatra Highway through Lahat, Prabumulih, and into Palembang.
4. Arrive at Ampera Bus Terminal — Located near the Ampera Bridge in central Palembang.
5. Taxi to airport: 25–35 minutes, Rp 50,000–80,000 (~$3–5 USD) by ride-hailing.

Bus Travel Tips

• Book in advance for night buses, especially during holiday periods (Lebaran, Christmas).
• Bring a jacket — AC can be very cold.
• Pack light — overhead storage is limited. Large suitcases go in the cargo hold.
• Night bus saves accommodation — you arrive early morning and can go straight to the airport.
• Food stops: Buses stop at designated rest areas (rest area) for meals.

Sample Bus Schedule (Illustrative)

Company	Departure	Arrival	Price (IDR)
ALS	08:00	17:00	Rp 100,000
Putra Rafflesia	09:00	18:00	Rp 90,000
Sinar Jaya (Night)	22:00	06:00	Rp 110,000

* Schedule subject to change. Confirm with operator.

For travelers who value speed, privacy, and door-to-door convenience, hiring a private taxi or rental car from Lubuklinggau directly to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is the fastest option. It is also the most expensive.

What to Expect

• Duration: 5–7 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions).
• Cost: Rp 1,000,000–1,500,000 (~$65–100 USD) for a standard sedan or MPV.
• Route: Via Trans-Sumatra Highway (Jalan Lintas Sumatera), passing through Lahat, Prabumulih.
• Booking: Arrange through hotel reception, local taxi cooperative, or ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek cross-city service is limited; better to use a local operator).

When to Choose This Option

• You are traveling in a group of 3–4 people (cost per person becomes reasonable).
• You have lots of luggage or sports equipment.
• You need to catch a flight and cannot risk delays.
• You are traveling late at night or early morning when trains/buses are not running.
• You have a business or comfort preference and are willing to pay more.

Cost Breakdown

Vehicle Type	Estimated Price (IDR)	USD Equivalent	Seats
Sedan (e.g. Toyota Vios)	Rp 1,000,000–1,200,000	~$65–80	3–4 pax
MPV (e.g. Toyota Innova)	Rp 1,200,000–1,500,000	~$80–100	5–6 pax
Minibus (e.g. HiAce)	Rp 1,800,000–2,200,000	~$120–150	7–10 pax

Safety & Reliability

• Use registered taxi operators or book through your hotel.
• Agree on the price before departure (fixed price recommended).
• The road condition is generally good, but some sections are winding — ask the driver to drive cautiously.
• Most drivers include fuel and tolls in the price, but confirm in advance.

Source: Grab Indonesia | Gojek (ride-hailing estimates).

Use the table below to compare every transport mode side-by-side. Prices are indicative and may vary by season and availability.

Comprehensive Cost & Time Comparison: Lubuklinggau → PLM Airport

Mode	Total Time	Cost (IDR)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Comfort	Best For
Train + Taxi	~8 hours	Rp 150,000–230,000	~$10–15	1 (station→airport)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐ Best overall
Bus + Taxi	~9–11 hours	Rp 130,000–200,000	~$8–13	1 (terminal→airport)	⭐⭐⭐	💰 Cheapest
Private Taxi	~5–7 hours	Rp 1,000,000–1,500,000	~$65–100	0 (direct)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⚡ Fastest
Flight (via Jakarta)	~6–8 hours	Rp 1,500,000–2,500,000	~$100–170	2 (transit, then to airport)	⭐⭐⭐	❌ Not recommended

Where to Buy Tickets

• Train: KAI Access app or at Lubuklinggau Station counter.
• Bus: At Lubuklinggau Bus Terminal counters or via ALS / Putra Rafflesia (if available).
• Taxi: Book through your hotel or local taxi cooperative.
• Flight: Sriwijaya Air or Citilink for the LLG→CGK leg.

💡 Tip: For the best value, book train tickets 3–7 days in advance. Bus tickets can usually be bought on the day, but night buses fill quickly.

After traveling this route many times, here are insider tips that will make your journey smoother.

🚆 Train Travel Tips

• Seat selection: Choose a window seat (A or D) for the best views of the Bukit Barisan mountains.
• Food: The train has a snack cart, but it's limited. Bring nasi bungkus (wrapped rice) or sandwiches.
• Charging: Some carriages have USB ports, but bring a power bank just in case.
• Arriving at Kertapati: The station area can be chaotic. Pre-book a Grab/Gojek before you arrive to avoid waiting.

🚌 Bus Travel Tips

• Overnight bus: If you take the night bus, bring a neck pillow and eye mask. The AC is strong.
• Rest stops: Buses stop at Prabumulih for a 20-minute meal break. The fried fish here is famous!
• Security: Keep your valuables in a small bag on your person, not in the cargo hold.

🚕 Taxi / Road Trip Tips

• Road condition: The Trans-Sumatra Highway is mostly two-lane. Overtaking can be risky. Ask your driver to drive defensively.
• Toll roads: There are no tolls on this route until you approach Palembang. Factor in ~Rp 20,000–40,000 for tolls.
• Language: English is not widely spoken. Have your destination written in Indonesian: "Ke Bandara Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, Palembang".

🎒 General Tips

• Luggage: If you have large suitcases, the train's overhead rack may not fit. Use the luggage area at the end of the carriage.
• Takkyubin (baggage delivery): Not widely available in Sumatra. Plan to carry your luggage with you.
• Peak seasons: Avoid traveling during Lebaran (Eid) or Christmas/New Year — all transport is packed and prices surge.
• Airport arrival: If you have a flight from PLM, aim to arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.

Pro tip from local travelers: The train journey during sunrise (departing around 6:00–7:00 AM) offers spectacular misty views over the Sumatran highlands.