How to Get from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport to Daya Bus Terminal

For direct, door-to-door service, especially with luggage or in a group, taxis and ride-hailing services are the top choice. This section breaks down the specifics, costs, and what to expect.

Official Airport Taxis

• Where to Find: Official taxi counters are inside the Arrivals hall. You pay a fixed fare at the counter based on your destination zone, then receive a voucher for the driver.
• Cost: Approximately Rp 120,000 - Rp 160,000 to Daya Terminal. This is a fixed, non-negotiable price.
• Pros: Guaranteed availability, regulated and safe, fixed price (no meter surprises), drivers know common destinations.
• Cons: The most expensive option besides private transfer; you may wait in a queue.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab & Gojek)

• How it Works: Use the Grab or Gojek app on your phone. Set your pickup to “UPG Airport Arrivals” and destination to “Terminal Daya” or “Daya Bus Terminal”.
• Pickup Point: The designated pickup zone for ride-hailing is a short walk from the terminal, usually in the parking area. Follow the signs for “Online Taxi” or ask airport staff.
• Cost: Typically Rp 80,000 - Rp 120,000, often cheaper than official taxis. The app shows the upfront price.
• Pros: Transparent pricing, cashless payment option, often cheaper, you can track your route.
• Cons: Requires a local SIM card or roaming data. During peak times or bad weather, prices can surge (check for “GrabPremium” or “GoCar” which have fixed fares).

Best For: Arrivals after 10 PM, families with children, travelers with heavy luggage, those prioritizing convenience and speed over cost.

The DAMRI bus offers an excellent balance of comfort, reliability, and low cost. It’s the recommended option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a short final walk.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Exit Arrivals: After collecting baggage, walk out of the main Arrivals doors.
2. Find the Counter: Look for the bright orange/red DAMRI ticket counter directly outside. You cannot miss it.
3. Purchase Ticket: Buy a ticket to “Mall Ratu Indah” (MRI). The fare is a fixed Rp 40,000. Pay in cash (Indonesian Rupiah).
4. Board & Travel: Board the air-conditioned bus, store your luggage underneath, and enjoy the ~45-60 minute ride into the city. The bus makes a few stops, but MRI is a major terminus.
5. Walk to Daya Terminal: Get off at the final stop, Mall Ratu Indah. Daya Bus Terminal is located directly behind the mall. Walk around the mall perimeter to the right (south side) for about 5-10 minutes to reach the terminal entrance.

Key Details & Advantages

• Frequency: Buses depart approximately every 30-60 minutes, from early morning until around 10:00 PM. Check the latest schedule on the official DAMRI website.
• Comfort: Modern, air-conditioned coaches with free (often intermittent) WiFi and adequate legroom.
• Luggage: Dedicated under-bus storage compartments, perfect for suitcases.
• Final Connection: If you don't want to walk, you can take a very cheap online motorcycle taxi (Gojek/Grab Bike) from MRI to Daya Terminal for around Rp 10,000.

Best For: Solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and anyone wanting a comfortable, affordable ride without the hassle of multiple public bus changes.

For the ultimate budget experience and a glimpse into local life, the public “Angkot” (city minibus) is your choice. It requires a bit more navigation but costs almost nothing.

The Route: ‘P’ Route Bus

The key bus is the ‘P’ (Pete-pete) route, which connects the airport area with Terminal Daya.

Detailed Journey:

1. Find the Bus Stop: From the airport terminal, you need to walk to the main public road (Jl. Sultan Alauddin). The nearest bus stop for Angkot heading towards the city is a 5-7 minute walk from the arrivals area. Ask a security guard for “halte angkot ke Daya”.
2. Board the ‘P’ Bus: Look for a blue or green minibus with a large letter ‘P’ on the windshield. Flag it down.
3. Pay Onboard: The fare is Rp 5,000 - Rp 7,000. Pay the driver or his assistant (kenek) with cash when you get off. Have small bills ready.
4. Important Transfer Point: The ‘P’ bus does not go *into* the Daya Terminal complex itself. You will get off at a major intersection or stop called “Pertigaan Daya” or near “RS Daya”.
5. Walk or Take Another Ojol: From the bus stop, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the actual bus platforms inside Terminal Daya. Alternatively, take an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) for the last stretch.

Public Bus (‘P’ Route) vs. DAMRI Airport Bus

Aspect	Public ‘P’ Bus	DAMRI Bus
Cost	Rp 5,000 - 7,000	Rp 40,000
Luggage Space	Very limited (on your lap)	Dedicated compartment
Comfort	Basic, can be crowded/hot	Air-conditioned, seated
Convenience	Walk + Bus + Walk	Direct bus + short walk
Best For	Ultra-budget, minimal luggage, adventurous	Budget with comfort, most travelers

Best For: Adventure seekers, extreme budget travelers, those with just a backpack, and anyone wanting an authentic local commute experience.

For maximum comfort, privacy, or for large groups, a pre-booked private transfer is the premium solution.

How to Book

• Online Platforms: Book in advance via international travel sites like Klook or Viator, or through local Makassar tour operators.
• Airport Counters: Some car rental companies (like Avis or local firms) have counters in Arrivals offering chauffeur-driven services.

Cost & Details

• Cost: Starts from around Rp 300,000 (≈$20 USD) for a standard car and can go up to Rp 600,000+ for vans.
• Inclusions: Typically includes a meet-and-greet with a name sign at Arrivals, help with luggage, and a direct, non-stop journey to your exact destination.
• Pros: Stress-free, guaranteed, ideal for groups (cost can be split), perfect for late-night arrivals or special needs.
• Cons: The most expensive option by far.

Best For: Families or groups of 4+, business travelers, those with special mobility requirements, or travelers arriving very late at night who want guaranteed, seamless transport.

Money & Connectivity

• Cash is King: For buses and small expenses, have plenty of Indonesian Rupiah in small denominations (Rp 5,000, 10,000, 20,000). ATMs are available at the airport before exiting Arrivals.
• Get a Local SIM/eSIM: Having data is crucial for using ride-hailing apps and maps. Telkomsel or XL Axiata are reliable providers. You can buy a SIM at the airport or arrange an eSIM before you travel.

Navigating the Journey

• Confirm “Terminal Daya”: When talking to drivers, use the full name “Terminal Daya” or “Terminal Bus Daya”. Just “Daya” could refer to the broader district.
• Traffic Awareness: Makassar traffic, especially during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), can be heavy. Add a 20-30 minute buffer to any estimated travel time during these periods.
• Luggage Strategy: If you have large bags and are taking the DAMRI bus, note that the walk from MRI to Daya Terminal is on flat pavement but can be hot. A small, wheeled carry-on is ideal for this connection.

Beyond Daya Terminal

• Your Final Destination: Daya Terminal is a hub for intercity buses and some intra-city routes. Know your next step: which bus company you need, or have the address ready for a taxi from Daya to your final hotel.
• Safety: Makassar is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings at the busy terminal, and use official transport services.