How to Get from Palembang Railway Station to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport

Palembang Railway Station — officially Stasiun Kertapati — is the city’s main rail hub, serving trains from across Sumatra. However, there is no direct train or light-rail connection to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport. The Palembang LRT (Light Rail Transit) line runs from the airport to the city center (Depati Amir station), but it does not connect to Kertapati station. All passengers arriving by train must transfer to a road-based option to reach the airport.

Below is a comparison of what rail-adjacent options exist, along with the necessary road transfer.

Table 1: Rail-adjacent travel options from Palembang Railway Station to the airport. Sources: KAI (Kereta Api Indonesia), KAI Info.

Option	Description	Travel Time (station → airport)	Estimated Cost (IDR / USD)	Notes
LRT + Taxi	Walk to nearby LRT stop (≈1 km from station), ride to Depati Amir, then taxi to airport	55–75 min (LRT 20 min + transfer 10 min + taxi 25–40 min)	20,000–25,000 IDR LRT + 40,000–60,000 IDR taxi = 60,000–85,000 IDR (4.10–5.80 USD)	Not recommended — indirect and costly; better to take direct taxi or bus
KAI Feeder Bus	KAI-operated feeder bus from station to airport (limited schedule)	40–55 min	25,000–35,000 IDR (1.70–2.40 USD)	Check availability at station information desk; not always running
Taxi from Station	Metered taxi or ride-hailing directly from station forecourt	30–40 min	50,000–80,000 IDR (3.50–5.50 USD)	Most practical rail-to-airport option

Why no direct train to the airport?

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport is located about 12 km southeast of the city center, while Stasiun Kertapati lies to the south. The Palembang LRT was built primarily for the 2018 Asian Games and connects the airport with the city center (Ampera area), but it does not extend to Kertapati. Future expansion plans (as of 2025) have been discussed but not confirmed by the Ministry of Transportation.

Bottom line: If you’re arriving by train, your most efficient option is to walk out of the station and take a GrabCar, GoCar, or a metered taxi directly to the airport. Avoid the LRT detour unless you have time to explore the city.

While you don’t need a flight to travel the short distance from Palembang Railway Station to the airport, this section explains how the airport serves as a hub for domestic flights across Indonesia — useful if you are connecting to another city after arriving by train.

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (PLM) handles flights to Jakarta (CGK), Batam, Pangkal Pinang, Tanjung Pandan, Bandar Lampung, and other Sumatran destinations. Airlines include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air, and Wings Air.

Table 2: Top domestic routes from PLM Airport. Sources: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Angkasa Pura II.

Destination	Flight Time	Airlines	Typical Fare (IDR / USD)	Frequency (per day)
Jakarta (CGK / HLP)	60–75 min	Garuda, Lion, Citilink, Batik, Sriwijaya	350,000–800,000 IDR (24–55 USD)	12–18 flights
Batam (BTH)	55–65 min	Lion, Citilink, Batik	400,000–750,000 IDR (27–51 USD)	3–5 flights
Pangkal Pinang (PGK)	35–45 min	Wings Air, Lion	300,000–550,000 IDR (20–38 USD)	4–6 flights
Tanjung Pandan (TJQ)	40–50 min	Wings Air, Citilink	320,000–600,000 IDR (22–41 USD)	2–3 flights
Bandar Lampung (TKG)	40–50 min	Lion, Wings	280,000–500,000 IDR (19–34 USD)	2–3 flights

Important: Door-to-door time perspective

If you are taking a train to Palembang and then flying onward, your total door-to-door time includes: train arrival + exit time (5–10 min) + transfer to airport (30–40 min by taxi) + check-in (30–45 min) + security (15–25 min). Budget at least 2.5 hours between train arrival and flight departure for domestic connections.

For international flights from PLM (only to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as of 2025), arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure to allow for customs and immigration.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Damri airport bus and Trans Musi city bus provide affordable connections between Palembang Railway Station and the airport. These are the most economical options, though they require a short walk from the station to the bus stop.

Option 1: Damri Airport Bus (Recommended Budget Choice)

Damri operates a dedicated airport route from Pasar Cinde / Pusri (near Kertapati station area) to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport. The bus is air-conditioned, has luggage space, and runs every 30–60 minutes from 05:00 to 21:00.

• Pick-up point: Damri shelter at Jalan Kolonel H. Barlian (≈800 m walk from station exit). Follow signs or ask station staff.
• Travel time: 45–60 minutes (depending on traffic).
• Cost: 20,000–30,000 IDR (1.40–2.00 USD) — pay on board (cash or QR code).
• Schedule: First bus ≈ 05:00, last bus ≈ 21:00. Confirm at Damri counter near the station.

Option 2: Trans Musi City Bus (Cheapest Option)

Palembang’s Trans Musi bus rapid transit system operates routes that connect to the airport via Koridor 4 (Pusri – Bandara). The bus stop is about 600 m from Stasiun Kertapati, near the Pusri roundabout.

• Cost: 10,000–15,000 IDR (0.70–1.00 USD) — the cheapest possible option.
• Travel time: 50–70 minutes, with multiple stops.
• Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes during peak hours, every 30 minutes off-peak.
• Luggage: Limited space — small backpacks only. Not ideal for large suitcases.

Table 3: Bus options compared. Sources: Damri, Trans Musi.

Bus Type	Cost (IDR / USD)	Travel Time	Luggage Capacity	Comfort Level	Best For
Damri Airport Bus	20,000–30,000 (1.40–2.00)	45–60 min	Good (large luggage allowed)	Air-conditioned, seats guaranteed	Budget travelers with luggage
Trans Musi Koridor 4	10,000–15,000 (0.70–1.00)	50–70 min	Limited (small bags only)	No AC, standing room possible	Backpackers, no large luggage

Pro tip: If you have a heavy suitcase, choose Damri over Trans Musi. The walk from the station to the Damri shelter is shorter and the bus has a dedicated luggage compartment.

For most travelers, ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) and metered taxis offer the best balance of speed, comfort, and cost. They are particularly recommended for those with luggage, traveling in groups, or departing at night.

GrabCar / GoCar (Recommended)

• Cost: 45,000–70,000 IDR (3.00–4.80 USD) — usually cheaper than a metered taxi.
• Travel time: 30–40 minutes via Jalan Kolonel H. Barlian / Lintas Sumatra.
• Booking: Use the Grab or Gojek app from the station forecourt. Pick-up point is clearly marked.
• Payment: Cash or e-wallet (GoPay, OVO, Dana).

Metered Taxi (Blue Bird / Pusri Taxi)

• Cost: 50,000–80,000 IDR (3.50–5.50 USD) including station surcharge.
• Travel time: 30–40 minutes.
• Where to find: Official taxi queue at the station exit. Look for Blue Bird or Pusri Taxi counters.
• Caution: Avoid unlicensed touts offering fixed prices — always insist on the meter.

Gojek / GrabBike (Motorcycle — Fastest but Limited Luggage)

• Cost: 25,000–40,000 IDR (1.70–2.80 USD).
• Travel time: 20–30 minutes (can weave through traffic).
• Luggage: Only small backpacks or duffels — no suitcases. Driver may charge extra for large items.
• Best for: Solo travelers with minimal luggage who want the fastest door-to-door time.

Private Transfer / Car Rental with Driver

• Cost: 100,000–150,000 IDR (6.80–10.30 USD) — pre-booked via hotel or travel agent.
• Travel time: 30–40 minutes.
• When to use: Group of 3–4 people, late-night arrival, or special comfort requirements.

Table 4: Private transport options compared. Sources: Grab Indonesia, Gojek Indonesia, Blue Bird Group.

Option	Cost (IDR / USD)	Time	Luggage	Best For
GrabCar / GoCar	45,000–70,000 (3.00–4.80)	30–40 min	Good (sedan, up to 2 suitcases)	Most travelers — best all-round
Metered Taxi	50,000–80,000 (3.50–5.50)	30–40 min	Good	No smartphone / SIM card
Gojek / GrabBike	25,000–40,000 (1.70–2.80)	20–30 min	Very limited	Solo, light pack, need speed
Private Driver	100,000–150,000 (6.80–10.30)	30–40 min	Excellent (minivan available)	Groups, families, late-night

Important note for ride-hailing: The pick-up point at Stasiun Kertapati is on the main road outside the station plaza. Your driver may message via the app if they cannot find you. Make sure your phone has data — free WiFi at the station is limited.

The table below summarizes every available way to travel from Palembang Railway Station to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport. Use it to choose the option that best fits your budget, schedule, and luggage needs.

Table 5: Full comparison of all transport modes. Prices are indicative as of 2025. Sources: Damri, Trans Musi, Grab, Gojek, Blue Bird, KAI.

Mode	Sub-type	Time (min)	Cost (IDR)	Cost (USD)	Luggage	Comfort	★ Rating
🏆 Best All-Round	GrabCar / GoCar	30–40	45,000–70,000	3.00–4.80	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	9.5/10
🚀 Fastest	Gojek / GrabBike	20–30	25,000–40,000	1.70–2.80	⭐	⭐⭐	7.5/10
💰 Cheapest	Trans Musi Bus	50–70	10,000–15,000	0.70–1.00	⭐	⭐⭐	7.0/10
👍 Budget + Luggage	Damri Airport Bus	45–60	20,000–30,000	1.40–2.00	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	8.5/10
🚕 Traditional	Metered Taxi	30–40	50,000–80,000	3.50–5.50	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	8.0/10
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group / Family	Private Driver	30–40	100,000–150,000	6.80–10.30	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	8.5/10
🚆 Rail Detour	LRT + Taxi	55–75	60,000–85,000	4.10–5.80	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	5.0/10

Verdict: For best value, choose GrabCar/GoCar. For lowest cost, take the Trans Musi bus (if luggage permits) or Damri bus (if you have suitcases). For speed, use a motorcycle taxi. Avoid the LRT detour unless you have a specific reason.

Based on frequent traveler reports and local knowledge, here are practical tips to make your journey from Palembang Railway Station to the airport smoother.

🚶 Station to Transport: What to Expect

• Exit the station properly: Use the main gate on Jalan Kolonel H. Barlian. Touts may approach you — politely decline and head to the official taxi queue or ride-hailing pick-up point.
• Ride-hailing pick-up: Grab and Gojek drivers usually wait at the parking area near the station plaza (about 50 m from the main exit). Look for the green Grab sign.
• Bus stops: The Damri shelter is about 800 m west of the station (5–10 min walk). The Trans Musi stop is about 600 m south at the Pusri roundabout.

🧳 Luggage Strategy

• Large suitcases: Choose Damri bus, GrabCar, or taxi. Avoid Trans Musi and motorcycle taxis.
• Baggage storage at station: Stasiun Kertapati has a luggage storage counter (titip barang) — about 15,000–25,000 IDR per bag per day. Useful if you want to explore the city before your flight.
• Takkyubin-style services: Not available in Palembang. You must carry your luggage yourself.

⏰ Timing & Traffic

• Peak traffic hours: 07:00–09:00 and 16:30–19:00. Add 15–20 minutes to travel time. The worst bottleneck is the Pusri roundabout.
• Rainy season (November–March): Heavy rain can cause flooding on Jalan Kolonel H. Barlian. Allow extra 30 minutes. Check weather before departure.
• Friday prayers: Between 11:30 and 13:30 on Fridays, roads near the station may be busier.

💰 Money & Payment Tips

• Cash is king: Damri and Trans Musi buses accept cash only (small denominations preferred). Ride-hailing apps accept cash or e-wallet.
• ATM at station: There is an ATM (Bank Mandiri, BNI) inside Stasiun Kertapati. Withdraw cash before heading to the bus stop.
• E-wallet: GoPay, OVO, and Dana are widely accepted by Grab and Gojek. Make sure your app is topped up.

🔒 Safety for Solo Travelers

• Night arrivals: The area around Kertapati station is generally safe, but stick to well-lit areas. Use Grab/Gojek with GPS tracking and share your trip with a contact.
• Unlicensed taxis: Avoid drivers who approach you inside the station or on the platform. Always use the official queue or an app.
• Scam alert: Some touts claim the bus is "not running" to push you into expensive taxis. Check Damri schedule online or at the counter.

Local tip from Palembang residents: If you have time, try the famous Pempek (fishcake) at a stall near the station before you leave. The best ones are at Pempek Ujung on Jalan Merdeka (5 min walk from the station).