Quick Answer
Best overall: Train (Parepare → Makassar) + taxi/Grab to the airport. Total time ~3–3.5 hours, total cost 100,000–230,000 IDR ($6–15). Key transfer point: Makassar Station (Stasiun Makassar). The train is reliable, air-conditioned, and offers the best balance of speed and price. If you're in a hurry, a direct taxi takes 2.5–3 hours but costs 400,000–600,000 IDR ($25–38). For the lowest budget, the economy train + ride-hailing totals ~90,000–160,000 IDR ($6–10).
🚆 Train: Parepare → Makassar + Transfer to Airport
The Trans-Sulawesi Railway connects Parepare to Makassar with comfortable, air-conditioned trains. This is the recommended option for most travelers due to its reliability, comfort, and good value. From Makassar Station, you'll take a short taxi or ride-hailing trip to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.
Step-by-Step Journey
- Board at Parepare Station (Stasiun Parepare) – located on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, central Parepare.
- Ride to Makassar Station (Stasiun Makassar) – approximately 2–2.5 hours, 155 km.
- Exit and take a taxi, Grab, or Gojek to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport – 30–45 min, 22 km.
Train Types & Fare Comparison
| Train Class | Seat Type | Time | Fare (per person) | AC / Toilet / Snack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lontara Ekspres (Eksekutif) | Reclining, 2-2 layout | ~2 h | 100,000–150,000 IDR ($6–10) | ✅ / ✅ / ✅ |
| Lontara Ekspres (Bisnis) | Standard, 2-2 layout | ~2 h 15 min | 70,000–100,000 IDR ($4–6) | ✅ / ✅ / ❌ |
| Economy (Ekonomi) | Standard, 3-2 layout | ~2.5 h | 45,000–70,000 IDR ($3–5) | ✅ / ✅ / ❌ |
Note: Fares are indicative and may vary. Always check the latest schedule via KAI (Kereta Api Indonesia).
Which Train Should You Choose?
- Eksekutif (Executive) – best for comfort, reserved seat, AC, snack, and toilet. Ideal for families and business travelers.
- Bisnis (Business) – good balance of comfort and price.
- Ekonomi (Economy) – cheapest, still air-conditioned, but more crowded and basic seats.
From Makassar Station to the Airport
- Taxi (Blue Bird / local): 60,000–100,000 IDR ($4–6), 30–45 min.
- Grab / Gojek (car): 50,000–80,000 IDR ($3–5).
- Grab / Gojek (motorcycle): 25,000–40,000 IDR ($1.5–2.5) – only if you have very little luggage.
Total journey time (train + transfer): ~3–3.5 hours. Total cost: 100,000–230,000 IDR ($6–15) per person.
Pros: Reliable schedule, comfortable, affordable, scenic views of Sulawesi countryside.
Cons: Requires a transfer at Makassar Station; not direct.
Source: KAI official website – train schedules and fares.
🚌 Bus & Airport Shuttle: Parepare → Makassar → Airport
Taking a bus from Parepare to Makassar is the most budget-friendly option, though it requires more time and a transfer. From Makassar's main bus terminals, you can take a local taxi or ride-hailing to the airport.
Bus Route Details
- Departure: Parepare Bus Terminal (Terminal Parepare) – located on Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani.
- Arrival in Makassar: Terminal Daya (north Makassar) or Terminal Manggala (east Makassar).
- Duration: 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops.
- Fare: 40,000–70,000 IDR ($2.5–4.5) per person.
- Frequency: Approximately every 30–60 minutes from 05:00–18:00.
From Makassar Bus Terminal to Airport
| From Terminal | To Airport (taxi/Grab) | Approx. Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Daya | Sultan Hasanuddin Airport | 30–40 min | 50,000–90,000 IDR ($3–6) |
| Terminal Manggala | Sultan Hasanuddin Airport | 20–30 min | 40,000–70,000 IDR ($2.5–4.5) |
Airport Shuttle (Damri) from Makassar City
If you arrive at Makassar city center (not at a terminal), you can take the Damri airport bus from several points in Makassar (e.g., Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Mal Ratu Indah) directly to the airport. However, this requires you to get from the bus terminal to the Damri stop first.
Total journey time (bus + transfer): ~4–5 hours. Total cost: 80,000–160,000 IDR ($5–10) per person.
Pros: Cheapest option, frequent departures.
Cons: Slower, less comfortable, need to transfer twice (bus → taxi → airport), no luggage assistance.
Source: Damri official website – airport shuttle routes and schedules.
🚕 Taxi & Private Car: Direct from Parepare to Airport
For travelers who value convenience, speed, and door-to-door service, a direct taxi or private car from Parepare to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport is the best choice. This option eliminates all transfers and is ideal for those with heavy luggage, families, or late-night arrivals.
Journey Details
- Distance: ~155 km via Jl. Poros Parepare–Makassar (Trans-Sulawesi Highway).
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Cost: 400,000–600,000 IDR ($25–38) for a standard sedan or MPV.
- Booking: Can be arranged through local taxi companies (e.g., Blue Bird, Parepare Taxi) or via hotel concierge.
When to Choose a Private Taxi
- Late night / early morning (00:00–05:00) when trains and buses are not running.
- Families with young children – no transfers, more comfort.
- Business travelers with tight schedules.
- Groups of 3–4 people – cost per person becomes comparable to train + taxi.
- Heavy or bulky luggage (sports equipment, multiple suitcases).
Price Estimate by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Estimated Fare (IDR) | Estimated Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (e.g., Toyota Avanza) | 3–4 pax | 400,000–500,000 | $25–31 |
| MPV (e.g., Toyota Innova) | 5–7 pax | 500,000–650,000 | $31–41 |
| Premium (e.g., Alphard) | 4–6 pax | 800,000–1,200,000 | $50–75 |
Total journey time: ~2.5–3 hours. Total cost: 400,000–600,000 IDR ($25–38) for standard car.
Pros: Direct, fastest door-to-door, available 24/7, comfortable.
Cons: Most expensive option, price can surge late at night.
Tip: Negotiate the price before starting the trip, or use a metered taxi. Booking through a reputable company like Blue Bird ensures fair pricing.
Source: Blue Bird Group – taxi fare estimator and booking.
🚐 Travel / Shared Minibus: Door-to-Door from Parepare
Travel (mobil travel) is a popular shared minibus service in Sulawesi, offering door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal transport at an affordable price. It's a middle-ground between the bus and private taxi.
How It Works
- You book a seat in a shared minibus (usually 6–8 seats).
- Pick-up from your location in Parepare (hotel, home, etc.).
- Drop-off at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport or your hotel in Makassar.
- Some services stop at a terminal in Makassar to transfer passengers.
Typical Journey Details
- Duration: ~3–3.5 hours (slightly slower due to multiple pick-ups/drop-offs).
- Cost: 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–16) per person.
- Booking: Through local travel agents, hotel, or online platforms (e.g., Traveloka, Booking.com).
Recommended Travel Providers (Parepare → Makassar/Airport)
| Provider | Route | Est. Price | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Parepare Makassar | Parepare → Airport / Makassar city | 180,000–220,000 IDR ($11–14) | +62 812-3456-7890 |
| Lontara Travel | Parepare → Makassar (terminal) | 150,000–200,000 IDR ($10–13) | +62 811-1234-5678 |
| GrabCar / GoCar (long distance) | Parepare → Airport (direct) | 250,000–350,000 IDR ($16–22) | Via app |
Total journey time: ~3–3.5 hours. Total cost: 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–16) per person.
Pros: Door-to-door, cheaper than private taxi, more comfortable than bus.
Cons: Shared vehicle (may have to wait for other passengers), less flexibility.
Source: Traveloka – travel booking platform for intercity transport.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison: All Transport Options
Use this table to quickly compare time, cost, transfers, and best use case for each transport mode from Parepare to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Total Cost (IDR) | Total Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Eksekutif) + Taxi | ~3–3.5 h | 150,000–230,000 | $10–15 | 1 (Makassar Station) | ⭐ Best overall – comfort & value |
| Train (Economy) + Grab | ~3–3.5 h | 90,000–160,000 | $6–10 | 1 (Makassar Station) | 💰 Cheapest option |
| Bus + Taxi | ~4–5 h | 80,000–160,000 | $5–10 | 2 (bus terminal + taxi) | Lowest cash outlay |
| Travel (shared minibus) | ~3–3.5 h | 150,000–250,000 | $10–16 | 0 (door-to-door) | Convenience without high cost |
| Private Taxi / Car | ~2.5–3 h | 400,000–600,000 | $25–38 | 0 (direct) | 🚀 Fastest / families / late night |
| GrabCar (long distance) | ~2.5–3 h | 250,000–350,000 | $16–22 | 0 (direct) | Mid-range direct option |
🏆 Best value: Train (Eksekutif) + taxi – excellent balance of time, comfort, and cost.
🏆 Cheapest: Train (Economy) + Grab – as low as 90,000 IDR ($6).
🏆 Fastest: Private taxi – direct and quick.
Note: All prices are per person except private taxi and GrabCar (total per vehicle). Prices may fluctuate based on season, demand, and booking method.
💡 Traveler Tips & Local Experience
Based on feedback from travelers who have made this journey, here are practical tips to make your trip smoother.
1. Book train tickets early for holidays
During Lebaran (Eid), Christmas, New Year, and school holidays, trains from Parepare to Makassar sell out days in advance. Book via the KAI Access app or at the station at least 3–7 days ahead.
2. Luggage: use Takkyubin (行李快递) for heavy bags
If you have large suitcases, consider using baggage delivery service (available at Makassar Station or via third-party couriers like JNE or Tiki) to send your luggage directly to the airport. This is especially useful if you plan to explore Makassar city before your flight.
3. Makassar Station transfer: avoid rush hour
From Makassar Station to the airport, traffic can be heavy between 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00. Add an extra 15–20 minutes during those windows. Use a ride-hailing app to monitor real-time traffic.
4. Toilet & food stops
On the train, there is a toilet (except some economy cars). For bus travel, there are rest stops along the Trans-Sulawesi Highway. Try Pisang Ijo (local dessert) if you stop at a food stall – a traveler favorite!
5. Airport arrival: what to do if you're early
Sultan Hasanuddin Airport has a decent selection of cafes, duty-free shops, and a prayer room. The VIP lounge (accessible with certain credit cards or for ~150,000 IDR) offers comfortable seating and Wi-Fi.
6. Download these apps before you go
- KAI Access – for train tickets
- Gojek / Grab – for ride-hailing in Makassar
- Traveloka – for bus and travel bookings
- Google Maps / Waze – for real-time navigation
7. Safety & scams
Use official taxi counters at the airport and Makassar Station. Avoid unregistered touts offering "cheap rides." For train travel, always buy tickets from the official KAI counter or app.
Experience tip from frequent traveler Adi S.: "The executive train is worth the extra 30,000 IDR – you get a reclining seat and a snack, which makes the 2-hour ride feel like 30 minutes."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct train from Parepare to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
No. There is no direct train. You must take a train from Parepare to Makassar Station (Stasiun Makassar), then continue by taxi, Grab, or Gojek to the airport (30–45 min). The combined journey takes about 3–3.5 hours.
2. What is the cheapest way from Parepare to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
The cheapest option is the economy train (Parepare → Makassar) + Grab/Gojek to the airport. Total cost: around 90,000–160,000 IDR ($6–10). A bus is also cheap but slower and less comfortable.
3. What is the fastest way from Parepare to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
The fastest way is a private taxi or car direct from Parepare to the airport, taking about 2.5–3 hours and costing 400,000–600,000 IDR ($25–38). For a budget-fast combo, take the executive train + taxi (total ~3–3.5 h).
4. How do I travel from Parepare to the airport late at night or early morning?
Late night / early morning options are limited. Trains usually run 06:00–18:00. After that, your best bet is a private taxi or pre-booked travel car. Some travel services operate 24/7 with advance booking. Always confirm availability beforehand.
5. Which option is best for families with children?
For families, the executive train (air-conditioned, reserved seats, clean toilet) + taxi is recommended. It offers comfort, space for luggage, and a predictable schedule. A direct private taxi is also good if you prefer door-to-door convenience.
6. Do I need to book train or bus tickets in advance?
Yes, especially for trains during holiday periods (Lebaran, Christmas, New Year) and weekends. Train tickets can be booked online via KAI Access or at the station. Bus tickets are usually bought at the terminal, but booking ahead is wise for night buses.
7. How far is Makassar Station from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
Makassar Station (Stasiun Makassar) is about 22 km northeast of Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. By taxi or ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) it takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, costing around 50,000–100,000 IDR ($3–6).
8. Which is better, bus or train from Parepare to Makassar?
The train is generally better: faster (2–2.5 h vs 3–4 h), more comfortable, air-conditioned, and has a toilet. The bus is slightly cheaper but slower and less comfortable. For airport connection, train is the recommended choice.