Quick Answer
The best way from Simpang Haru Bus Terminal to Minangkabau Airport (PDG) is by ride-hailing (Grab or Gojek). Total journey time is 30–45 minutes, cost 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–16). For the cheapest option, take the Damri Airport Bus (~40,000–50,000 IDR / $2.6–3.3) but allow 60–75 minutes. No train or flight connects these two points directly.
Train Services – Not Available on This Route
There is no passenger train connecting Simpang Haru Bus Terminal (or central Padang) directly to Minangkabau Airport. Indonesia’s rail network on Sumatra is limited mainly to cross-province routes (e.g., Padang–Pariaman–Batu Basa), and no branch line serves the airport zone.
The nearest railway station is Stasiun Padang (about 4 km south of Simpang Haru). From there you can take a local train to Pariaman (economical, ~20,000 IDR / $1.3), but you would then need a taxi or ojol for the remaining 15 km to the airport. This combined journey takes 2+ hours and is not recommended for time-sensitive travelers.
Quick Facts: Padang Rail Context
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest station to Simpang Haru | Stasiun Padang (~4 km south) |
| Airport rail link? | No – none exists |
| Padang–Pariaman train frequency | 3–4 round trips daily |
| Train cost (Padang–Pariaman) | ~20,000 IDR ($1.3) |
| Total time via train + taxi | ~2–2.5 hours |
Source: PT KAI (Indonesian Railways) | Google Maps
Bottom line: Skip the train. Use ride-hailing or Damri bus for a direct, hassle-free trip.
Domestic Flights – Not Applicable (Same-City Transfer)
Since Simpang Haru Bus Terminal and Minangkabau Airport are both located within Padang city (West Sumatra), no flight connects them. However, if you are arriving from another city by air, here is the reverse context:
Minangkabau Airport (PDG) serves direct flights to/from Jakarta (CGK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Batam (BTH), Pekanbaru (PKU), and Medan (KNO). Airlines include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, and AirAsia.
If you are flying into PDG and need to reach Simpang Haru, the same ground options apply in reverse: Grab (~150,000–250,000 IDR), Damri bus (~40,000 IDR from airport counter), or taxi.
Minangkabau Airport – Key Flight Routes (2025)
| Route | Frequency (daily) | Average Fare (one-way) |
|---|---|---|
| PDG → Jakarta (CGK) | 12–15 | 550,000–950,000 IDR ($36–63) |
| PDG → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | 3–4 | 400,000–700,000 IDR ($26–46) |
| PDG → Batam (BTH) | 2–3 | 480,000–800,000 IDR ($32–53) |
| PDG → Medan (KNO) | 1–2 | 500,000–850,000 IDR ($33–56) |
Source: Garuda Indonesia | Lion Air | FlightRadar24
Note: For the Simpang Haru → PDG journey, flying is physically impossible. Stick to road transport.
Bus & Public Transport – Economical Options
Public buses offer the lowest cost but require patience and flexible timing. Two main services operate between Padang city center (including Simpang Haru area) and Minangkabau Airport:
- Damri Airport Bus – Official airport shuttle, fixed route, A/C, luggage space.
- Trans Padang (BRT) – City bus rapid transit, requires one transfer at Pasar Raya or Terminal Bandar Raya.
Damri Airport Bus – Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Padang (Damri Terminal near Simpang Haru) → Minangkabau Airport |
| Frequency | Every 45–60 minutes, 05:00–21:00 |
| Journey time | 50–70 minutes (traffic dependent) |
| Fare | 40,000–50,000 IDR ($2.6–3.3) |
| Luggage allowance | 1 large bag + 1 carry-on (free) |
| Booking | Walk-up at terminal; no advance reservation needed |
Source: Perum Damri | Google Maps – Damri Terminal Padang
Trans Padang (with Transfer)
Trans Padang Corridor 1 (Simpang Haru – Pasar Raya) costs 5,000 IDR ($0.33). At Pasar Raya, switch to Corridor 4 (Pasar Raya – Airport). Total fare 10,000 IDR ($0.66). Time: 75–100 minutes. Not recommended with heavy luggage.
| Item | Trans Padang (2-corridor) | Damri Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | 10,000 IDR ($0.66) | 45,000 IDR ($3) |
| Total time | 75–100 min | 50–70 min |
| Transfers | 1 (at Pasar Raya) | 0 (direct) |
| Luggage friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Recommendation | Budget travelers without bags | Best value public option |
Source: Pemerintah Kota Padang (Trans Padang route map)
💡 Tip: Damri is the best public option – it’s direct, cheap, and comfortable.
Taxi, Ride-Hailing & Private Transfer – Fastest & Most Comfortable
For door-to-door convenience, ride-hailing apps (Grab and Gojek) dominate the Padang market. Taxis are also available but more expensive and less reliable. Private transfers can be pre-booked via hotels or local operators.
Grab / Gojek – Recommended
| Feature | GrabCar / GoCar | GrabBike / GoRide (ojol) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated fare | 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–16) | 50,000–90,000 IDR ($3.3–6) |
| Journey time | 30–45 min | 20–35 min |
| Luggage capacity | ✅ 2–3 suitcases | ❌ Limited to backpack only |
| Booking | App (instant or schedule) | App only |
| Airport drop-off zone | Arrival curb (free 5 min) | Motorcycle parking area |
Source: Grab | Gojek (fares sampled April 2025)
Airport Taxi (Blue Bird / Local)
Metered taxis from Simpang Haru cost 200,000–350,000 IDR ($13–23). Blue Bird is the most reliable brand. Fixed-price airport taxis from the official counter at arrival are 250,000–300,000 IDR ($16–20).
Private Transfer / Hotel Car
Pre-arranged via your hotel: 250,000–400,000 IDR ($16–26). Best for early-morning departures (04:00–06:00) when ride-hailing supply is low. Always confirm price before departure.
When to Choose Each Option
- Grab/Gojek car – Best all-round for most travelers.
- Gojek/Grab bike – Only if you have one small backpack and want the cheapest motorized option.
- Airport taxi – When app supply is low (late night / early morning).
- Private transfer – Families with many bags, or business travelers needing guaranteed timing.
Source: Blue Bird Group | TripAdvisor Padang Forum
💡 Tip: Always check the app price before accepting a street taxi – you can often save 30–50% with Grab.
Cost & Ticket Comparison – All Options at a Glance
| Transport Mode | Est. Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab / Gojek (car) ⭐ | 30–45 min | 150,000–250,000 | $10–16 | 0 | Speed + value |
| Damri Airport Bus | 50–70 min | 40,000–50,000 | $2.6–3.3 | 0 | Cheapest direct |
| Trans Padang (2 corridors) | 75–100 min | 10,000 | $0.66 | 1 | Ultra-budget (no bags) |
| Motorcycle taxi (ojol) | 20–35 min | 50,000–90,000 | $3.3–6 | 0 | Fast + cheap (no luggage) |
| Airport taxi (Blue Bird) | 30–45 min | 200,000–350,000 | $13–23 | 0 | Reliability (late/early) |
| Private transfer | 30–45 min | 250,000–400,000 | $16–26 | 0 | Families / groups |
Source: Aggregated from Grab app, Damri counter, Blue Bird tariff, and local operator quotes (April 2025).
🏆 Best overall: Grab/Gojek car – balances cost, speed, and comfort.
💰 Cheapest door-to-door: Damri Airport Bus – direct and under $3.5.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Real-world advice from frequent travelers and locals to make your journey smoother:
- ⏰ Peak traffic hours: Avoid 07:00–09:00 and 16:30–18:30 if possible. The road from Simpang Haru to the airport (Jalan Adinegoro) gets congested near the Pasar Raya intersection. Add 15–25 minutes during peak.
- 🧳 Luggage delivery (titip bagasi): Use Klikitatip or hotel concierge to send heavy bags ahead – costs ~50,000 IDR ($3.3) per bag. Especially useful if you plan to explore Padang before your flight.
- 📱 SIM card & data: Make sure your Indonesian SIM (Telkomsel/XL) has data active – ride-hailing apps are essential. Buy a SIM at the airport arrival hall for ~50,000 IDR.
- 🌧️ Rain season (Oct–Feb): Afternoon downpours can flood parts of Jalan Adinegoro. Allow extra 30 minutes. A GrabCar is safer than ojol in wet conditions.
- 🏍️ Ojol with luggage: Gojek drivers sometimes carry a bagasi box (cargo strap) for an extra 10,000–20,000 IDR – ask in-app chat before booking.
- 🏨 Hotel airport transfer: Many hotels near Simpang Haru (e.g., Premier Basko Hotel, Trinity Inn) offer free or subsidized airport drop-off. Ask at reception.
- 🚌 Damri bus boarding point: The Damri terminal is 500 m east of Simpang Haru Bus Terminal – look for the blue Damri sign. Do not board unofficial minibuses claiming to be "Damri".
Insights from Lonely Planet – Padang | r/indonesia travel thread (local contributors)
FAQs: Simpang Haru Bus Terminal → Minangkabau Airport
1. Is there a direct bus from Simpang Haru Bus Terminal to Minangkabau Airport?
Yes – the Damri Airport Bus operates a direct route from its terminal (500 m east of Simpang Haru) to the airport with no transfers. Fare: 40,000–50,000 IDR ($2.6–3.3). Journey time: 50–70 minutes.
2. How much does a Grab or Gojek cost from Simpang Haru to the airport?
A GrabCar or GoCar costs 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–16) depending on traffic and time of day. A motorcycle taxi (GrabBike/GoRide) costs 50,000–90,000 IDR ($3.3–6).
3. How long does the journey take from Simpang Haru to Minangkabau Airport?
By car or taxi: 30–45 minutes. By Damri bus: 50–70 minutes. By motorcycle: 20–35 minutes. By Trans Padang with transfer: 75–100 minutes.
4. What is the cheapest way to get from Simpang Haru to Minangkabau Airport?
The cheapest is Trans Padang (two corridors, 10,000 IDR / $0.66) but it requires one transfer and is not luggage-friendly. The best-value cheap option is the Damri Airport Bus at 40,000–50,000 IDR ($2.6–3.3).
5. Can I take a motorcycle taxi (ojol) to the airport with luggage?
Only if you have one small backpack. Ojol drivers are not equipped for suitcases. If you must, request a GrabBox or ask the driver via chat if they have a cargo strap. Otherwise, choose a car or Damri bus.
6. Is there a train from Padang city to Minangkabau Airport?
No. There is no rail link to Minangkabau Airport. The nearest station is Stasiun Padang (4 km south of Simpang Haru), which only serves the Padang–Pariaman commuter line – not the airport.
7. What time should I leave Simpang Haru for a morning flight (before 08:00)?
For a 06:00–08:00 flight, depart Simpang Haru by 04:30–05:00 (car) or 04:00 (Damri bus – check first bus schedule). Ride-hailing supply is low at 04:00; book a scheduled Grab or arrange a hotel transfer the night before.
8. Is it safe to take a taxi from Simpang Haru late at night (after 22:00)?
Yes, but use only Blue Bird (call 021-79171234) or app-based Grab/Gojek. Avoid unmarked street taxis. The road is well-lit and safe. Expect slightly higher fares (night surcharge ~25%).