How to Get from Palembang City Center to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport

The Palembang LRT is the most convenient, affordable, and reliable transport mode connecting the city center to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport. It began full operations in 2018 and has since become the backbone of airport transit for locals and travelers alike.

📍 Key Stations in the City Center

• Bandar Lampung Station — central location, near Pasar 16 and Kuto Besak Fort.
• Ampera Station — close to Ampera Bridge and Jakabaring Sport City.
• Polresta Station — near the police headquarters and business district.

Trains run every 10–15 minutes from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily.

⏱ Journey Time & Cost

From Station	Travel Time	Cost (IDR)	Cost (≈ USD)
Bandar Lampung	30–35 min	IDR 12,000	≈ USD 0.78
Ampera	32–38 min	IDR 10,000	≈ USD 0.65
Polresta	28–33 min	IDR 10,000	≈ USD 0.65

Source: PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) — Palembang LRT tariff 2025.

🧳 Luggage & Comfort

The LRT is fully air-conditioned, with dedicated luggage racks at each end of the carriage. It is safe, well-lit, and accessible for passengers with strollers or wheelchairs. Security personnel patrol each train, and stations have electronic gates and CCTV.

✅ Pros & Cons

• Pros: Cheap, fast, avoids traffic, safe, comfortable.
• Cons: Limited operating hours (5:30 AM–9:30 PM); not door-to-door; can be crowded during peak hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM).

Verdict: For most travelers, the LRT is the #1 recommended option. It balances cost, speed, and reliability perfectly. Official KAI LRT schedule & fares →

If you value convenience and have luggage, or if you're traveling in a group of 2–4 people, a taxi or ride-hailing car is an excellent choice. Both Grab and Gojek operate extensively in Palembang, along with traditional metered taxis (e.g., Blue Bird, Express).

💰 Estimated Fares

Service	Estimated Cost (IDR)	Cost (≈ USD)	Travel Time
Metered Taxi (Blue Bird)	IDR 90,000–120,000	≈ USD 5.85–7.80	25–40 min
GrabCar (Standard)	IDR 70,000–100,000	≈ USD 4.55–6.50	25–40 min
GoCar (Standard)	IDR 65,000–95,000	≈ USD 4.20–6.20	25–40 min

Fares as of April 2025, based on typical city center (e.g., Pasar 16) to PLM Airport route. Surge pricing may apply during peak hours or bad weather.

🕒 When to Choose a Taxi / Ride-Hailing

• Late night or early morning (before 5:30 AM or after 9:30 PM) — LRT is not running.
• Heavy luggage — more than one large suitcase per person.
• Group of 3–4 people — cheaper per person than LRT for door-to-door service.
• Rainy season (Nov–Feb) — avoid getting wet at LRT stations.

⚠️ Important Tips

• Always use the app (Grab/Gojek) or book through a reputable taxi company counter at the airport.
• Avoid unlicensed “taxis” that approach you outside the terminal — they may overcharge.
• Check the plate number and driver identity before boarding.
• Toll road? The fastest route uses the Palembang–Indralaya Toll Road, which adds a small toll fee (≈ IDR 10,000 / USD 0.65) — usually included in the fare if the driver takes it.

Verdict: Best for comfort, privacy, and off-hours travel. Download Grab app → Download Gojek app →

The Trans Musi bus system is the most economical way to reach the airport, but it requires at least one transfer. It's ideal for budget travelers who are familiar with the city and have minimal luggage.

🗺 Typical Route

• Step 1: Take a Trans Musi bus from any city center stop (e.g., Pasar 16 or Kertapati) heading to Bus Station PIM (Palembang Indah Mall).
• Step 2: Transfer at PIM to the airport shuttle bus (Koridor 6 or feeder bus, depending on schedule).
• Total time: 50–70 minutes (including waiting time).

💰 Cost Breakdown

Segment	Cost (IDR)	Cost (≈ USD)
City center → PIM transfer hub	IDR 3,500–5,000	≈ USD 0.23–0.33
PIM → Airport shuttle	IDR 3,500–5,000	≈ USD 0.23–0.33
Total	IDR 7,000–10,000	≈ USD 0.46–0.65

Source: Dinas Perhubungan Kota Palembang (Transportation Agency), 2025 tariff.

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Limited luggage space — only small backpacks or one small suitcase allowed.
• No air conditioning on some older buses (though newer units are AC-equipped).
• Requires navigating the transfer point — not recommended for first-time visitors.
• Buses run from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM with varying frequency (every 15–30 minutes).

Verdict: Only recommended for ultra-budget travelers with minimal luggage and local knowledge. Trans Musi official route info →

Ojek (motorcycle taxis) are available through GrabBike, GoRide, or by flagging down a driver on the street. They are extremely fast in traffic but come with significant drawbacks for airport travel.

💰 Cost & Time

• Cost: IDR 30,000–50,000 (≈ USD 1.95–3.25)
• Time: 20–30 minutes (faster than cars in traffic)

🚫 Why It's Not Recommended for Airport Trips

• Limited luggage: only a small backpack fits — no suitcases.
• Safety concerns: no helmet for luggage, exposure to weather, higher accident risk.
• Comfort: not suitable for elderly, children, or passengers with mobility issues.
• Drivers may refuse airport trips if they cannot carry your luggage.

Verdict: Only consider if you have a single small backpack and are in a hurry during heavy traffic. Otherwise, choose the LRT or a taxi.

Renting a car with a driver or self-driving is an option for those who want maximum flexibility. Several car rental agencies operate in Palembang, including local and international brands.

💰 Typical Costs

• Rental with driver (one-way): IDR 150,000–250,000 (≈ USD 9.75–16.25)
• Self-drive rental (per day): IDR 250,000–400,000 (≈ USD 16.25–26.00)
• Parking at airport: IDR 5,000–10,000 per day (≈ USD 0.33–0.65)

🅿 Parking at the Airport

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport has a 24-hour parking lot with security. Rates are IDR 5,000 for the first hour and IDR 3,000 per subsequent hour. Maximum daily rate: IDR 50,000 (≈ USD 3.25).

✅ When to Choose This Option

• Traveling in a group of 4–5 people (cost-effective per person).
• Need to make multiple stops before the airport (e.g., pick up others).
• Prefer your own car seat for children or have special mobility needs.

Verdict: Best for groups or those needing extra flexibility. Example local rental agency →

Transport Mode	Time (min)	Cost (IDR)	Cost (≈ USD)	Luggage	Best For
LRT ⭐	30–40	10,000–15,000	0.65–1.00	✅ Up to 2 suitcases	Best overall
Taxi / Grab / Gojek	25–40	65,000–120,000	4.20–7.80	✅ Unlimited	Door-to-door comfort
Public Bus (Trans Musi)	50–70	7,000–10,000	0.46–0.65	⚠️ Limited	Cheapest (budget)
Ojek (GrabBike/GoRide)	20–30	30,000–50,000	1.95–3.25	❌ Small bag only	Quick solo trip
Private Car / Rental	25–40	150,000–400,000	9.75–26.00	✅ Unlimited	Groups & flexibility

All data verified as of April 2025. Prices may vary slightly based on traffic, time of day, and service provider.

🧳 Luggage Strategy: Use “Takkyubin” (Luggage Delivery)

If you have heavy suitcases, use luggage delivery services available at major hotels and the airport. For around IDR 50,000–80,000 (≈ USD 3.25–5.20) per bag, your luggage can be sent directly from your hotel to the airport (or vice versa). This frees you to travel light on the LRT or by ojek. Ask your hotel front desk about “Kirim Bagasi” services.

🕐 Peak Hour Avoidance

• Morning rush: 7:00–9:00 AM — LRT and roads are crowded. Leave 15–20 minutes earlier.
• Evening rush: 4:30–6:30 PM — taxis get stuck on Jl. Kol. H. Burlian and Jl. Jend. Sudirman.
• Friday prayers: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM — some roads near mosques are congested.

🌧 Rainy Season (November–February)

Palembang experiences heavy rainfall, often causing flash floods on low-lying roads. During this season, the LRT is the most reliable option as it operates on an elevated track. If taking a taxi, allow an extra 15–20 minutes for weather delays.

🏧 ATMs & Currency

The airport has several ATMs (BCA, Mandiri, BRI) and money changers in the arrival hall. However, exchange rates at the airport are about 3–5% less favorable than in the city center. Withdraw IDR from city center ATMs before heading to the airport for better rates.

📱 Useful Apps

• Grab / Gojek — for ride-hailing and food delivery.
• KAI Access — for LRT schedules and ticket purchases (available in English).
• Google Maps — reliable for navigation and real-time traffic.

Pro tip: If you're departing from the airport on an international flight, arrive 3 hours early. The check-in and immigration queues can be slow during peak departure times (6:00–8:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM).