How to Get from Penajam Paser Utara to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport

The ferry + taxi combination is the most popular and efficient way to get from Penajam Paser Utara to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. It takes advantage of the short sea crossing across Balikpapan Bay, avoiding the long land detour.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. From Penajam town center → take a local taxi or ojek (motorcycle taxi) to Penajam Ferry Terminal (5–10 minutes, ~10,000–20,000 IDR / ~$0.70–1.30).
2. Ferry crossing → board a public ferry from Penajam to Kariangau Dock or Semayang Dock in Balikpapan. Ferries run every 30–60 minutes, 24/7 (though less frequent at night). Crossing time: 30–45 minutes. Ticket: 15,000–25,000 IDR (~$1–1.70) per person.
3. From Balikpapan dock → take a taxi or ride-hailing car (Gojek/Grab) to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. Travel time: 15–25 minutes. Cost: 30,000–60,000 IDR (~$2–4).

Cost Breakdown

Segment	Time	Cost (IDR)	Cost (USD)
Penajam town → Ferry terminal	5–10 min	10,000–20,000	~$0.70–1.30
Ferry crossing	30–45 min	15,000–25,000	~$1–1.70
Balikpapan dock → Airport	15–25 min	30,000–60,000	~$2–4
Total	50–80 min	55,000–105,000	~$3.70–7

Why This Option is Best

• Fastest total time: 1–1.5 hours door-to-door.
• Low cost: Under 100,000 IDR per person (~$6.50).
• Scenic: The ferry ride offers views of Balikpapan Bay and the surrounding coastline.
• Flexible: Ferries run frequently; no booking required.

Pro tip: Use Gojek or Grab for the Balikpapan-side taxi — prices are transparent and drivers are reliable. If you have heavy luggage, book a GrabCar rather than a motorcycle taxi.

Source: Balikpapan City Transport Portal — ferry schedules and fare data.

For travelers who prefer a door-to-door service without the need to change transport modes, a private taxi or rental car is a viable alternative. This route goes entirely by land, circling Balikpapan Bay via the Kariangau Bridge and the coastal road.

Route Details

• Distance: Approximately 110–130 km (68–80 miles).
• Driving time: 2–3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Cost: 300,000–500,000 IDR (~$19–32) for a standard taxi or ride-hailing car.
• Fuel cost (if self-drive): Approximately 80,000–120,000 IDR (~$5–8) for a small car.

When to Choose This Option

Situation	Recommendation
Traveling in a group (3–4 people)	Cost per person becomes competitive with ferry+taxi.
Late-night arrival (after 9 PM)	Ferry services are limited; a private car is more reliable.
Heavy luggage or many bags	Door-to-door convenience without lifting bags onto ferries.
Business traveler needing comfort	Private car offers air conditioning, privacy, and flexibility.

Road Condition Notes

The land route from Penajam to Balikpapan is mostly paved but includes some segments of two-lane road. During the rainy season (November–March), certain sections may be slippery or experience minor flooding. Allow extra time if traveling during heavy rain.

Source: Google Maps route estimate — distance and time data.

If you're traveling on a tight budget, the public bus + ferry combination is the most economical way to reach Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. This option is widely used by local residents and offers a genuine local travel experience.

Route Options

Option A: Bus + Ferry + Local Bus

1. From Penajam bus terminal, take a local minibus (angkot) to Penajam Ferry Terminal — 10 minutes, ~5,000 IDR (~$0.30).
2. Ferry to Balikpapan (Kariangau Dock) — 30–45 minutes, 15,000–25,000 IDR (~$1–1.70).
3. From Kariangau Dock, take angkot or city bus to Balikpapan city center, then transfer to a bus heading to the airport — 40–60 minutes, ~10,000–20,000 IDR (~$0.70–1.30).

Total time: 1.5–2.5 hours. Total cost: 30,000–50,000 IDR (~$2–3.50).

Option B: Direct Bus (Limited)

Some long-distance buses traveling between Penajam and Balikpapan may pass near the airport. Ask the driver to drop you at the airport junction, then walk or take a short ojek ride to the terminal. This service is irregular and not recommended for first-time visitors.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Cheapest option available	Requires multiple transfers
Immersive local experience	Limited luggage space on buses
Runs throughout the day	Not ideal for tight flight schedules

Source: Dinas Perhubungan Kalimantan Timur — public transport route information.

There is no passenger railway service between Penajam Paser Utara and Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. East Kalimantan currently does not have an operational passenger train network. The closest railway stations are on the island of Java (e.g., Surabaya) — over 1,000 km away.

Future Railway Plans

In connection with the development of Indonesia's new capital city Nusantara (IKN) in Penajam Paser Utara, the government has proposed a rail link connecting IKN to Balikpapan and Samarinda. As of 2025, feasibility studies are ongoing, but no construction timeline has been confirmed. Read more on the IKN official portal.

Alternative Recommendations

• Ferry + taxi — the fastest and most practical alternative.
• Private car — convenient door-to-door service.
• Bus — the budget-friendly choice.

Source: IKN Authority — transportation master plan information.

Commercial flights are not available from Penajam Paser Utara to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport because the destination is the airport itself. The straight-line distance is only about 30–40 km (19–25 miles), which is far too short for commercial aviation.

Why Flying Doesn't Make Sense

Factor	Details
Distance	30–40 km — shorter than most airport runways.
Flight time	~5 minutes in the air, but check-in & security add 1–2 hours.
Cost	A hypothetical flight would cost 500,000+ IDR (~$32) — much more than ground transport.
Environmental impact	Extremely high carbon footprint for such a short journey.

What About Connecting Flights?

If you are continuing from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport to another destination (e.g., Jakarta, Surabaya, or Singapore), your journey from Penajam is simply the ground transfer to the airport. Use the ferry+taxi or private car options above to reach BPN, then catch your onward flight.

Source: Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport official website — flight route network.

Use this table to quickly compare every available way to get from Penajam Paser Utara to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport. Best option and cheapest option are highlighted.

Transport Mode	Total Time	Cost (IDR)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
⭐ Ferry + Taxi (Best Overall)	1–1.5 hr	55,000–105,000	~$3.70–7	2 (ferry + taxi)	Most travelers
Private Taxi (Full Land Route)	2–3 hr	300,000–500,000	~$19–32	0 (door-to-door)	Groups, late-night, heavy luggage
💰 Bus + Ferry (Cheapest)	1.5–2.5 hr	30,000–50,000	~$2–3.50	3+ (bus, ferry, bus)	Budget travelers, locals
Motorcycle Taxi (Ojek) + Ferry	1–1.5 hr	35,000–55,000	~$2.30–3.60	2 (ojek + ferry)	Solo travelers with small bags
Rental Car (Self-Drive)	2–3 hr	350,000–500,000 (incl. fuel)	~$23–32	0	Independent travelers

Key takeaway: For speed and value, nothing beats the ferry + taxi combo. If every penny counts, the bus + ferry route is your friend — just allow extra time.

Source: Fare data collected from Grab Indonesia and Gojek Indonesia fare estimates, verified with local transport operators.

Based on feedback from frequent travelers and local residents, here are essential tips to make your journey smoother and less stressful.

Luggage & Baggage

• Use Takkyubin (baggage delivery) if available: Some hotels in Penajam offer luggage forwarding to Balikpapan Airport. Ask your front desk about pengiriman bagasi — it costs around 50,000–100,000 IDR (~$3.20–6.50) and frees you to travel light.
• Ferry luggage limit: Public ferries allow reasonable luggage without extra charge, but very large suitcases may incur a small fee (5,000–10,000 IDR).

Timing & Schedules

• Ferry frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak hours (6–9 AM and 4–7 PM), every 60 minutes off-peak. Last ferry usually departs around 8:30–9 PM.
• Avoid rush hour: Balikpapan city traffic is heaviest from 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM. If your flight is during these windows, add 20–30 extra minutes.
• Early morning departures: If you have a flight before 7 AM, consider staying overnight in Balikpapan rather than relying on early ferries.

Navigation & Language

• Google Maps works well: Both Penajam and Balikpapan have good Google Maps coverage. Download offline maps before you go.
• Learn a few phrases: English is not widely spoken in Penajam. Basic Indonesian phrases like "Berapa ongkos ke dermaga?" (How much to the dock?) and "Saya mau ke bandara" (I want to go to the airport) can be very helpful.

Peak Season Warnings

• Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) and Christmas/New Year: Ferry terminals and roads are extremely congested. Book private transport weeks in advance and expect double fares.
• IKN-related construction traffic: Due to the new capital project, some roads around Penajam may have construction delays. Check local traffic updates.

Money & Payment

• Cash is king: Ferry tickets and local buses are cash-only. ATMs are available at Penajam town center and Balikpapan airport.
• Ride-hailing apps: Gojek and Grab accept both cash and digital payments (GoPay, OVO, etc.).

Source: Community tips compiled from TripAdvisor forums and local travel groups.