Quick Answer
Best way: Take a ride-hailing car (Grab/Gojek) or a metered taxi. Total time: 30–45 minutes; total cost: IDR 120,000–250,000 (≈ USD $8–17). For the fastest option, choose an ojek (motorcycle taxi) — 20–30 minutes for IDR 50,000–80,000 (≈ USD $3.50–5.50). The cheapest is a combined public bus + ojek for around IDR 25,000–40,000 (≈ USD $1.70–2.70). No train or flight connects these two points — they are only 13 km apart within Pekanbaru city.
🚖 Taxi & Ride-hailing (Grab / Gojek) — The Most Convenient Option
For most travelers, a taxi or ride-hailing car is the best balance of speed, comfort, and cost. The 13 km journey from Sri Indrapura Port to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport takes 30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Price Comparison: Taxi vs. Ride-hailing
| Service | Estimated Fare (IDR) | Estimated Fare (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metered Taxi (street hail) | 150,000 – 250,000 | $10 – $17 | Flag down at port entrance; confirm meter works |
| Fixed-price Airport Taxi | 180,000 – 220,000 | $12 – $15 | Prepaid counter at port area |
| GrabCar (standard) | 120,000 – 180,000 | $8 – $12 | Dynamic pricing; book via app |
| Gojek Car | 115,000 – 175,000 | $8 – $12 | Often slightly cheaper than Grab |
| GrabCar Premium | 200,000 – 280,000 | $14 – $19 | Larger vehicle, extra legroom |
Where to Find a Taxi at Sri Indrapura Port
Street-hailing: Taxis frequently pass the port's main gate on Jalan Tanjung Datuk. Look for blue or yellow taxis from reputable operators like Blue Bird Group or Express Taxi. Always insist on using the meter (argometer) — if the driver refuses, find another taxi.
Ride-hailing pickup: Both Grab and Gojek have designated pickup points near the port's parking area. Open the app after exiting the port terminal; drivers typically meet you at the main entrance. During peak hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM), surge pricing may add 20–40% to the fare. Grab official site | Gojek official site
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros: Door-to-door, air-conditioned, safe for luggage, available 24/7, easy booking via app.
- ❌ Cons: More expensive than ojek/public transport; traffic can cause delays; surge pricing during rain or rush hour.
Data source: Grab/Gojek fare estimates from Pekanbaru zone (2025), Blue Bird Pekanbaru tariff sheet. All fares are indicative and subject to change. Blue Bird official site
🚌 Public Bus & Minibus — The Budget Choice
Pekanbaru's public bus system — Trans Metro Pekanbaru (TMP) — covers major corridors, but there is no direct bus route from Sri Indrapura Port to the airport. You'll need to combine a bus ride with a short ojek or minibus hop. This is the cheapest option but requires patience and local knowledge.
Step-by-Step Bus + Ojek Route
- Walk 5 minutes from the port to the nearest TMP stop on Jalan Tanjung Datuk.
- Take TMP Route 1A or 1B (direction: Pasar Pusat / Bandar Raya) — fare IDR 5,000–7,000 (≈ $0.35–0.50).
- Alight at Pasar Pusat (Central Market) or Bandar Raya terminal.
- From there, take an ojek or angkot (minibus) to the airport. Ojek cost: IDR 20,000–40,000 (≈ $1.40–2.80). Angkot cost: IDR 10,000–20,000 (≈ $0.70–1.40).
- Total time: 60–90 minutes. Total cost: IDR 25,000–47,000 (≈ $1.70–3.20).
Alternative: Direct Angkot (Minibus) from Port Area
Some angkot (mini-bus) routes pass near the port. Look for Route 12 (Kulim – Sidomulyo) which runs along Jalan Tanjung Datuk. Ask the driver to drop you at the Simpang Bandar Raya intersection, then take a connecting ojek to the airport (5–7 km). Total cost: IDR 15,000–25,000 (≈ $1–1.70).
Bus Schedule & Frequency
TMP buses operate from 06:00 – 18:00, with frequency every 15–25 minutes during peak hours and 30–40 minutes off-peak. Angkot run until around 19:00. After that, only taxis or ojek are available.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros: Extremely cheap, good for solo travelers with light luggage, authentic local experience.
- ❌ Cons: No direct route, requires 1–2 transfers, limited baggage space, not suitable for large suitcases, no service after dusk, language barrier possible.
Reference: Trans Metro Pekanbaru route map (Dinas Perhubungan Pekanbaru). Pekanbaru City Government portal
🏍️ Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi) — Fastest & Most Flexible
For solo travelers who pack light, an ojek (motorcycle taxi) is the fastest way to reach the airport. Ojek drivers weave through Pekanbaru's traffic, cutting travel time to just 20–30 minutes. This is a popular choice among locals and budget-conscious travelers.
Ojek Fares: Street Hail vs. App
| Type | Fare (IDR) | Fare (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street ojek (negotiated) | 50,000 – 80,000 | $3.50 – $5.50 | Negotiate before riding; confirm price |
| GrabBike | 45,000 – 65,000 | $3 – $4.50 | App-based; no negotiation needed |
| Gojek Motor | 40,000 – 70,000 | $2.80 – $5 | Often the cheapest app option |
Where to Find an Ojek at the Port
Ojek drivers usually gather near the port's main entrance gate and the nearby street corner of Jalan Tanjung Datuk. If you prefer using an app, both GrabBike and Gojek Motor are available in Pekanbaru. The pickup point is the same as for ride-hailing cars — the port parking area.
Luggage & Safety Tips
- Ojek is best for backpacks or small duffels. Large suitcases are difficult and unsafe on a motorcycle.
- Always wear the helmet provided by the driver (it's the law in Indonesia).
- Hold your bag between your legs or use a bungee cord if available.
- Avoid ojek at night (after 21:00) if you're unfamiliar with the route — roads near the airport are poorly lit in some sections.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros: Fastest option (20–30 min), cheap, easy to find, flexible routing, fun experience.
- ❌ Cons: Not suitable for heavy luggage, no weather protection (rain/heat), higher safety risk, limited space.
Fare data based on Grab/Gojek app estimates for Pekanbaru zone and on-the-ground survey (2025). GrabBike information
🚗 Private Car & Rental — Maximum Comfort
Renting a car or using a private vehicle gives you maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Pekanbaru before your flight. Rental agencies offer both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options.
Rental Costs & Options
| Rental Type | Price per Day (IDR) | Price per Day (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive economy car | 350,000 – 500,000 | $24 – $34 | Includes insurance; fuel not included |
| Self-drive SUV/MPV | 550,000 – 850,000 | $38 – $58 | More space for luggage |
| Chauffeur-driven car | 600,000 – 900,000 | $41 – $62 | Driver included; fuel included |
| One-way drop-off (port → airport) | 200,000 – 350,000 | $14 – $24 | Some agencies offer point-to-point |
Recommended Rental Agencies in Pekanbaru
- TRAC Astra Rent a Car — reliable, multi-branch, includes insurance. TRAC official site
- Hertz Indonesia — airport counter available. Hertz Indonesia
- Local agencies (e.g., Cipaganti, Mandiri) — cheaper but check vehicle condition.
Driving from the Port to the Airport
The route is straightforward: head south on Jalan Tanjung Datuk → continue onto Jalan Diponegoro → turn left onto Jalan Soekarno-Hatta → follow signs to Bandar Udara SSK II. The entire drive is about 13 km on paved roads. Note: Pekanbaru's traffic can be congested near the port area during morning and evening rush hours.
Parking at the Airport
Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport has short-term and long-term parking. Rates: IDR 5,000/hour for cars (≈ $0.35). Daily maximum: IDR 50,000–70,000 (≈ $3.50–5). Parking is secure with 24/7 security.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros: Total privacy, flexible timing, good for groups/families, comfortable for heavy luggage.
- ❌ Cons: Most expensive option (especially one-day rental), need to return the car, parking fees, traffic stress.
Rental prices based on TRAC and Hertz Pekanbaru rate sheets (2025). Parking rates from airport official website. SSK II Airport official site
🚆 Train — Not Available in Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru does not have a passenger railway station. The city's rail infrastructure is limited to freight services (palm oil and coal transport). There is no train service from Sri Indrapura Port to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport — or anywhere else in Pekanbaru.
Nearest Train Stations
If you're arriving in Pekanbaru from another city by train, the nearest options are:
- Padang Station (Stasiun Padang) — 200 km west, about 5–6 hours by car. Serves trains from cities like Jakarta and Medan via cross-Sumatra routes.
- Medan Station (Stasiun Medan) — 350 km north, about 8–9 hours by car. Connected to the Trans-Sumatra Railway.
From either station, you would need to take a taxi or bus to Pekanbaru Port, then continue to the airport. This is not practical for most travelers.
Future Plans
The Indonesian government has proposed a Trans-Sumatra Railway that would connect Pekanbaru to Padang, Medan, and other major cities. However, no completion timeline has been confirmed. Ministry of Transportation Indonesia
Bottom line: For the Pekanbaru Port → Airport route, ignore train options entirely. Stick to road transport.
✈️ Flight — Not Applicable (Same City)
Sri Indrapura Port and Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport are both located within Pekanbaru city, just 13 km apart. Flying between them is not possible — the distance is far too short for any commercial flight.
Airport Overview: Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport (PKU)
Since your journey ends at the airport, here are key details:
- Terminals: One combined terminal for domestic and international flights.
- Domestic destinations: Jakarta (CGK, HLP), Batam, Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and more.
- International destinations: Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and seasonal flights to Jeddah (Hajj).
- Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, AirAsia, Super Air Jet, Wings Air.
If You Need to Fly from Pekanbaru
If your travel plan involves flying out of Pekanbaru, the airport is well-connected. However, you cannot fly from the port to the airport — you must use road transport. Once at the airport, you can catch flights to major Indonesian cities and select international hubs. SSK II Airport official site
Bottom line: Flight is not a transport option for this route. All passengers must reach the airport by land.
💰 Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every transport mode from Sri Indrapura Port to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport. The best value and cheapest options are highlighted.
| Mode | Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚖 Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek Car) ⭐ Best Value | 30–45 min | 115,000 – 180,000 | $8 – $12 | Most travelers — balance of cost, comfort & speed |
| 🚕 Metered Taxi | 30–45 min | 150,000 – 250,000 | $10 – $17 | Travelers without smartphone/app |
| 🏍️ Ojek (GrabBike/Gojek Motor) ⭐ Fastest | 20–30 min | 40,000 – 70,000 | $2.80 – $5 | Solo travelers with light luggage, need speed |
| 🏍️ Street Ojek (negotiated) | 20–30 min | 50,000 – 80,000 | $3.50 – $5.50 | Cash-only travelers, no app access |
| 🚌 Bus + Ojek ⭐ Cheapest | 60–90 min | 25,000 – 47,000 | $1.70 – $3.20 | Budget backpackers, light luggage |
| 🚗 Private Chauffeur Rental | 30–45 min | 200,000 – 350,000 | $14 – $24 | Business travelers, groups, comfort seekers |
| 🚆 Train | — | — | — | ❌ Not available in Pekanbaru |
| ✈️ Flight | — | — | — | ❌ Not applicable (same city) |
All fares are indicative as of 2025. Prices may vary based on time of day, demand, and vehicle type. USD conversions are approximate at 1 USD ≈ 14,500 IDR.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Experience — Local Knowledge for a Smooth Trip
After hundreds of trips on this route, seasoned travelers share these insider tips to save time, money, and hassle:
1. Luggage Strategy: Use Takkyubin (Baggage Delivery)
If you have heavy or oversized luggage, consider using baggage delivery service (Takkyubin-style) available at some hotels and travel agents in Pekanbaru. Your bags can be sent directly to the airport for a fee of around IDR 50,000–80,000 (≈ $3.50–5.50) per piece. This lets you travel light — especially useful if you take an ojek or bus.
2. Traffic Timing: Avoid Peak Hours
Pekanbaru's worst traffic is 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00. During these windows, add 15–30 minutes to your estimated travel time. If your flight departs in the morning, leave the port by 06:00 to beat the jam.
3. Rainy Season Warning (October–March)
Pekanbaru experiences heavy rainfall from October to March. Streets near the port can flood after 30 minutes of downpour, causing traffic jams and delays. If you're traveling during this season:
- Allow extra 30–45 minutes for the journey.
- Avoid ojek during heavy rain — safety and visibility are compromised.
- Keep your phone and valuables in a waterproof bag.
4. What to Have Ready for the Airport
- Boarding pass — check-in online if possible to save time.
- ID/passport — required for domestic and international flights.
- Cash for transport — many ojek and bus drivers don't accept cards or e-wallets.
- Airport departure tax — already included in most tickets since 2023, but confirm for smaller airlines.
5. Language & Communication
English is not widely spoken among ojek drivers and bus staff. Learn a few key Indonesian phrases:
- "Berapa harga ke bandara?" — "How much to the airport?"
- "Pakai meter, ya" — "Please use the meter" (for taxis).
- "Tolong antar saya ke Bandara SSK II" — "Please take me to SSK II Airport."
Using Google Translate or showing the airport name on your phone works well too.
Tips compiled from frequent travelers on Lonely Planet Sumatra forum and TripAdvisor Pekanbaru.
❓ FAQs: From Pekanbaru Port to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport
1. Is there a direct train from Pekanbaru Port to the airport?
No. Pekanbaru has no passenger train service. The only way to reach the airport from the port is by road — taxi, ride-hailing, ojek, bus, or private vehicle.
2. How much does a taxi cost from Pekanbaru Port to Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport?
A metered taxi costs IDR 150,000–250,000 (≈ USD $10–17). Fixed-price airport taxis are around IDR 180,000–220,000. Ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek) are slightly cheaper at IDR 115,000–180,000.
3. How long does it take to get from Pekanbaru Port to the airport?
By taxi or ride-hailing car: 30–45 minutes. By ojek: 20–30 minutes. By public bus with transfers: 60–90 minutes. Add 15–30 minutes during peak traffic or rainy weather.
4. Is there a public bus from Pekanbaru Port to the airport?
No direct bus. Take Trans Metro Pekanbaru (Route 1A/1B) from the port to Pasar Pusat or Bandar Raya, then transfer to an ojek or angkot to the airport. Total cost: IDR 25,000–47,000 (≈ USD $1.70–3.20).
5. What is the cheapest way to get from Pekanbaru Port to the airport?
The bus + ojek combination is cheapest at IDR 25,000–47,000 (≈ USD $1.70–3.20). A direct street ojek is next at IDR 50,000–80,000 (≈ USD $3.50–5.50). GrabBike/Gojek Motor costs IDR 40,000–70,000.
6. What is the fastest way to get from Pekanbaru Port to the airport?
An ojek (motorcycle taxi) is fastest — 20–30 minutes. This is ideal for solo travelers with minimal luggage. During heavy traffic, ojek can save 15–20 minutes compared to a car.
7. Can I use Grab or Gojek from Pekanbaru Port to the airport?
Yes. Both Grab and Gojek operate in Pekanbaru. Their car services cost IDR 115,000–180,000 (≈ USD $8–12) and motorcycle services cost IDR 40,000–70,000 (≈ USD $2.80–5). Pickup is at the port's main entrance or parking area.
8. How early should I leave Pekanbaru Port for my flight?
For domestic flights: leave 3 hours before departure (30–45 min travel + 1.5–2 hours for check-in/security). For international flights: leave 4 hours before. During rainy season or peak hours, add 30 minutes extra.