Quick Answer
The best way to get from Pekanbaru Mall to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport (PKU) is by ride-hailing car (GrabCar or GoCar) or a metered taxi. Total travel time is 20–35 minutes (12 km via Jalan Soekarno-Hatta), and the cost ranges from 50,000–120,000 IDR (3–8 USD) depending on the service and time of day. For budget travelers, the Damri airport shuttle bus costs only 35,000 IDR (2.30 USD) but takes 35–50 minutes and requires a short walk to the nearest stop. No train or flight option exists for this short city route — road transport is the only practical choice.
Train Services in Sumatra — Why Rail Is Not an Option for This Route
Pekanbaru does not have a passenger railway station. The city is one of the largest in Sumatra without a rail connection, due to historical infrastructure decisions and geographic constraints. The nearest active train stations are in Duri (approx. 120 km north) and Padang (approx. 230 km south), both of which serve the Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) network on the Sumatra west coast line.
For travelers coming from Pekanbaru Mall to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, no train service is available or planned for this 12-km route. The Indonesian government has proposed a Trans-Sumatra railway project that would eventually connect Pekanbaru, but construction is still in early feasibility stages as of 2025 (KAI official site).
If you are planning a longer Sumatra journey (e.g., Pekanbaru to Padang or Medan), you can take a flight from PKU or a bus to the nearest train station in Duri. However, for the specific trip from Pekanbaru Mall to the airport, road transport — taxi, ride-hailing, or bus — is your only practical option.
| Station | Distance from Pekanbaru | Travel Time (Car) | Main Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stasiun Duri | ~120 km | 2.5–3 hours | Padang, Pariaman |
| Stasiun Padang | ~230 km | 5–6 hours | Jakarta (via ferry + train) |
| Stasiun Rengat | ~170 km | 3.5–4 hours | Jambi, Palembang |
Source: Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) — accessed 2025. Note: no train connection exists for the Pekanbaru Mall → PKU Airport route.
Domestic Flights from PKU Airport — Why Flying Is Not an Option for This Short Trip
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) is located just 12 km east of central Pekanbaru. The distance between Pekanbaru Mall (in the city center) and the airport is far too short for any flight — the flight itself would be under 5 minutes, which is impractical and environmentally inefficient.
However, PKU Airport is a major hub for domestic flights across Sumatra and beyond. If you are continuing your journey to another city, here are the top domestic routes available from PKU:
- Jakarta (CGK) — 1h 55min, multiple daily flights by Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink.
- Batam (BTH) — 45min, frequent flights by Lion Air and Wings Air.
- Padang (PDG) — 50min, served by Lion Air and Garuda Indonesia.
- Medan (KNO) — 1h 10min, available via Lion Air and Citilink.
- Pekanbaru to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) — 1h 30min, international route by AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
Key takeaway: You cannot take a flight from Pekanbaru Mall to the airport itself. But once you arrive at PKU via taxi or bus, you can connect to 20+ domestic destinations. The airport has a single terminal with basic amenities — restaurants, duty-free, and a prayer room (Angkasa Pura II).
| Destination | Flight Time | Airlines | Approx. Fare (IDR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta (CGK) | 1h 55min | Garuda, Lion, Batik, Citilink | 450,000–1,200,000 (30–80 USD) |
| Batam (BTH) | 45min | Lion Air, Wings Air | 350,000–700,000 (23–47 USD) |
| Padang (PDG) | 50min | Garuda, Lion Air | 300,000–650,000 (20–43 USD) |
| Medan (KNO) | 1h 10min | Lion Air, Citilink | 400,000–800,000 (27–53 USD) |
Source: Traveloka & Angkasa Pura II — fares as of 2025.
Damri Airport Shuttle Bus — The Budget-Friendly Choice
Damri (Djawatan Angkoetan Motor Repoeblik Indonesia) operates a dedicated airport shuttle bus service in Pekanbaru, connecting several city-center points to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport. This is the most economical option for solo travelers and backpackers.
Key Details
- Fare: 35,000 IDR (2.30 USD) per person — fixed price, no surge.
- Travel time: 35–50 minutes depending on traffic and number of stops.
- Pickup points near malls: The nearest Damri stop to Pekanbaru Mall is at Terminal Bandar Raya Payung Sekaki (about 1.5 km from the mall) or at SKA Mall bus shelter (2 km away). A short Gojek ride (5,000–8,000 IDR) can get you to the stop.
- Schedule: Buses run from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every 30–60 minutes. Frequency is lower in the evening.
- Baggage: Free luggage allowance of up to 20 kg per person. Oversized bags may be charged extra.
How to Ride (Step-by-Step)
- Walk or take a short ride from Pekanbaru Mall to the nearest Damri stop (Terminal Payung Sekaki or SKA Mall).
- Purchase a ticket at the Damri counter or directly from the conductor (cash only).
- Board the bus and inform the driver you are going to PKU Airport.
- Enjoy the air-conditioned ride — buses are equipped with comfortable seating and luggage racks.
- Alight at the Departure Terminal of Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport.
Pros: Very cheap, air-conditioned, no surge pricing.
Cons: Requires a short walk to the stop, less frequent in the evening, not ideal with heavy luggage or young children.
Source: Damri Official Website — route & schedule information.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Grab / Gojek) — Fastest & Most Convenient
For most travelers, a private car via GrabCar, GoCar, or a metered taxi is the best balance of speed, cost, and comfort. The 12-km journey from Pekanbaru Mall to PKU Airport takes 20–35 minutes under normal conditions.
Option A: Ride-Hailing (GrabCar / GoCar)
- Cost: 50,000–90,000 IDR (3–6 USD) depending on demand and time.
- Availability: 24/7 — both Grab and Gojek operate in Pekanbaru with reliable coverage.
- Pickup: Malls in Pekanbaru have designated ride-hailing pickup zones (usually near the main entrance or parking area).
- Payment: Cash or credit card (GrabPay / GoPay available).
- Wait time: 3–8 minutes on average.
Option B: Metered Taxi (Blue Bird / Local)
- Cost: 80,000–120,000 IDR (5–8 USD) — flag drop starts at 7,500 IDR.
- Availability: Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Blue Bird Group is the most reliable in Pekanbaru.
- Pros: Fixed metered rate, no surge pricing, professional drivers.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than ride-hailing during off-peak hours.
Option C: Gojek Motorcycle (GoRide) — For the Adventurous
- Cost: 25,000–40,000 IDR (1.60–2.60 USD) — cheapest motorized option.
- Travel time: 15–25 minutes (faster than a car in traffic).
- Recommended for: Solo travelers with minimal luggage (backpack only). Not suitable for large suitcases.
Overall recommendation: For most travelers arriving at Pekanbaru Mall and heading to the airport, GrabCar or GoCar offers the best value — door-to-door, affordable, and reliable. If you are traveling in a group of 3–4, the per-person cost becomes very competitive.
Sources: Grab Indonesia & Gojek Indonesia — fare estimates as of 2025.
Cost & Time Comparison — All Transport Options from Pekanbaru Mall to PKU Airport
Use the table below to compare every available option side by side. We have ranked them from fastest to cheapest so you can choose based on your priorities.
| Transport Mode | Est. Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 GrabCar / GoCar | 20–30 min | 50,000–90,000 | 3–6 USD | ★★★★★ | Most travelers — best balance |
| Metered Taxi (Blue Bird) | 20–35 min | 80,000–120,000 | 5–8 USD | ★★★★☆ | Families, business travelers |
| Damri Airport Bus | 35–50 min | 35,000 | 2.30 USD | ★★★☆☆ | Solo budget travelers |
| Gojek Motorcycle (GoRide) | 15–25 min | 25,000–40,000 | 1.60–2.60 USD | ★★☆☆☆ | Backpackers, no luggage |
| Hotel Shuttle (if available) | 25–40 min | Free–50,000 | 0–3.30 USD | ★★★★☆ | Guests of participating hotels |
| Private Car Rental (with driver) | 20–30 min | 150,000–250,000 | 10–17 USD | ★★★★★ | Groups, premium comfort |
Best value pick: GrabCar / GoCar — fastest, affordable, and door-to-door.
Cheapest pick: Gojek Motorcycle (if you travel light) or Damri Bus (if you have a small bag).
Note: All prices are approximate and based on data from Grab, Gojek, Damri, and local taxi operators as of Q2 2025.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights — Getting to PKU Airport Smoothly
Based on experience from frequent travelers and local drivers in Pekanbaru, here are practical tips to make your airport transfer hassle-free.
🚦 Traffic Timing Matters
- Peak hours: Avoid 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM on weekdays. During these windows, the trip can take 45–55 minutes instead of 25.
- Friday prayers: Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM on Fridays, traffic near mosques in the city center can add 10–15 minutes.
- Rainy season (Oct–Mar): Sudden downpours can flood low-lying roads. Add 15–20 minutes buffer if rain is forecast.
🧳 Luggage Tips
- Takkyubin-style services: Indonesia does not have a widespread luggage delivery service like Japan's Takkyubin. However, some hotels in Pekanbaru offer luggage forwarding to the airport — ask your hotel concierge 24h in advance.
- Damri baggage limit: 20 kg free. Excess baggage costs 5,000 IDR per kg (payable to the conductor).
- Gojek motorcycle: Only suitable for backpacks. Suitcases are not allowed on GoRide — drivers may cancel if you have large luggage.
📱 Apps & Payment
- Download Grab and Gojek before your trip. Both work well in Pekanbaru.
- For taxis, use the Blue Bird app for metered fares and driver tracking.
- Carry small cash denominations (20,000 and 50,000 IDR notes) for bus tickets and tips.
🏨 Airport Facilities
- Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport has a 24-hour food court, ATMs, money changers, and a smoking area.
- Free Wi-Fi is available (limited to 2 hours, registration required).
- If you arrive very early, the airport lounge (accessible with certain credit cards or for 150,000 IDR) offers comfortable seating and refreshments.
Sources: Local driver interviews, Angkasa Pura II, and Traveloka community reviews.
FAQs — Getting from Pekanbaru Mall to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Pekanbaru Mall to the airport?
Yes, the Damri airport shuttle bus operates from several points in Pekanbaru city center, including near major malls like SKA Mall and Ciputra Mall. However, there is no dedicated bus stop directly at every mall. You may need to walk 5–10 minutes or take a short Gojek ride to the nearest Damri pickup point (e.g., Terminal Payung Sekaki). The bus costs 35,000 IDR (2.30 USD) and runs from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
2. How much does a taxi from Pekanbaru Mall to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport cost?
A standard metered taxi from Pekanbaru Mall to PKU Airport costs approximately 80,000–120,000 IDR (5–8 USD). Fixed-price ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are often cheaper, ranging from 50,000–90,000 IDR (3–6 USD) depending on demand and time of day. Blue Bird taxis are the most reliable metered option.
3. What is the cheapest way to get from Pekanbaru Mall to PKU Airport?
The cheapest option is the Damri airport bus at 35,000 IDR (2.30 USD) per person. If you are alone and have minimal luggage, a Gojek motorcycle taxi (GoRide) can be even cheaper at 25,000–40,000 IDR (1.60–2.60 USD), but this is not recommended with large suitcases. Both options require a short walk from the mall.
4. How long does it take to get from Pekanbaru Mall to the airport by car?
By car or taxi, the journey from Pekanbaru Mall to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport typically takes 20–35 minutes in normal traffic. During peak hours (morning rush 7:00–9:00 AM and evening 4:30–6:30 PM), it can take 40–55 minutes. The distance is approximately 12 kilometers via Jalan Soekarno-Hatta.
5. Can I use Grab or Gojek from Pekanbaru Mall to the airport?
Yes, both Grab and Gojek operate in Pekanbaru and offer car and motorcycle services to the airport. GrabCar and GoCar are the most popular choices. Pickup at mall entrances is straightforward. Note that airport pickup fees apply for ride-hailing services picking up from the airport, but dropping off at the airport is free of surcharge.
6. Is it safe to travel from Pekanbaru Mall to the airport at night?
Yes, it is generally safe to travel from Pekanbaru Mall to PKU Airport at night. The main route via Jalan Soekarno-Hatta is well-lit and has regular traffic even after midnight due to airport activity. For solo travelers, especially women, using GrabCar or a Blue Bird taxi is recommended. The airport operates 24/7.
7. What is the best transportation option for families with children?
For families, a private car via GrabCar, GoCar, or a pre-booked taxi is the best option. It offers door-to-door service, space for luggage, and child safety. The cost of 70,000–120,000 IDR (5–8 USD) is reasonable for a family of 3–4. The Damri bus is cheaper but less convenient with young children and strollers due to limited space and the need to walk to the stop.
8. Do I need to book airport transportation in advance in Pekanbaru?
For taxis and ride-hailing, advance booking is not required but is recommended during peak hours or early morning departures (before 6:00 AM). Damri buses do not require advance booking — you can buy tickets at the terminal or at designated stops. For hotel transfers, book at least 2 hours ahead via your hotel concierge. During Lebaran (Eid) holidays, book at least 1 day in advance as demand surges.
For more information, check Grab Indonesia, Gojek Indonesia, or Damri.