Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) to Martapura Diamond Market is by pre-booking a private car with a driver or using a ride-hailing app (Grab/Gojek). This provides a direct, door-to-door journey in about 1 to 1.5 hours for approximately IDR 180,000 to IDR 350,000. For the cheapest option, take the DAMRI airport bus to Banjarmasin (IDR 40k) and connect via public "angkot" minibus to Martapura (under IDR 60k total), though this takes over 2 hours and involves transfers.
Taxi & Private Car Transfer from BDJ Airport
For convenience, speed, and comfortâespecially after a long flight or with valuables like diamonds in mindâa taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the top choice. Syamsudin Noor Airport has an official taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. Prices to Martapura are fixed or metered with a premium.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Airport Taxi | 250,000 - 400,000 | 1 - 1.5 hours | Solo travelers or couples prioritizing immediate departure. |
| Pre-Booked Private Car (Online) | 300,000 - 500,000 | 1 - 1.5 hours | Families, groups (up to 6), or those with heavy luggage. Driver meets you at arrivals. |
| Hotel-Arranged Pickup | Varies (often higher) | 1 - 1.5 hours | Guests staying at hotels offering this service. |
深度åæï¼ While the most expensive, this option eliminates all stress. The driver handles the route (taking Jalan A. Yani or the Trans Kalimantan Highway), traffic, and your luggage. It's the only viable option for late-night arrivals when public transport has stopped. Always agree on the price before getting in an official taxi. For a guaranteed rate and English-speaking driver, booking online in advance is highly recommended.
Using Grab or Gojek from the Airport
The most cost-effective direct option is using ride-hailing apps, which are ubiquitous in Indonesia. Both Grab and Gojek operate at BDJ Airport.
How to Do It:
- Connect to the airport's free WiFi or use a local SIM card.
- Open the Grab or Gojek app and set your destination to "Martapura Diamond Market" or a specific address in Martapura.
- Select the car type (GrabCar, GoCar). For more luggage, choose GrabCar Plus or GoCar Premium.
- Proceed to the designated ride-hailing pick-up zone, typically located in the parking area. Follow the signs from arrivals.
Cost & Wait Time: Fares are dynamically priced but typically range from IDR 180,000 to IDR 300,000âoften 20-30% cheaper than the official taxi counter. Wait times can be 5-15 minutes. This is the best blend of price and convenience for tech-savvy travelers.
Public Bus & Angkot (The Budget Journey)
This is the authentic local experience and the absolute cheapest method, but it requires patience, some Indonesian language skill (or pointing), and light luggage.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- DAMRI Airport Bus to Banjarmasin: Exit the terminal and find the bright orange DAMRI buses. The fare to the city center (e.g., Terminal Km. 6) is a flat IDR 40,000. The journey takes 45-60 minutes. Check the bus front for its destination.
- Find an Angkot to Martapura: At Terminal Km. 6 or other central points, look for light blue or green minibuses (angkot) with "Martapura" written on the windshield or side.
- Ride to Martapura: Tell the driver or conductor "Pasar Intan" (Diamond Market). The fare is IDR 15,000 - IDR 20,000. This leg takes another 45-60 minutes, depending on stops.
- Final Walk/Taxi: You'll be dropped on a main road in Martapura. The market area is a short walk or a very cheap local becak (cycle rickshaw) ride away.
å ¨é¢æ§åæï¼ This trip costs under IDR 60,000 total but takes 2 to 2.5 hours. It's not air-conditioned, can be crowded, and offers no luggage space beyond your lap. There is no official schedule; they leave when full. Not recommended for first-time visitors with flight anxiety, during peak heat, or with more than a small backpack. However, it offers an unfiltered view of local life. There are no direct or long-distance buses from the airport to Martapura.
Cost, Time & Option Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your transportation options from Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) to Martapura Diamond Market.
| Transport Method | Total Travel Time | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Transfers | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car (Pre-booked) | 1 - 1.5 hours | 300,000 - 500,000 | None (Door-to-Door) | Maximum comfort, reliability, and space. | Highest cost. |
| Ride-Hailing (Grab/Gojek) | 1 - 1.5 hours + wait | 180,000 - 300,000 | None (Door-to-Door) | Best value for direct, convenient travel. | Requires app/smartphone and data. |
| Official Airport Taxi | 1 - 1.5 hours | 250,000 - 400,000 | None (Door-to-Door) | Immediately available at arrivals. | Most expensive on-demand option. |
| Public Bus + Angkot | 2 - 2.5+ hours | 55,000 - 60,000 | 1 (Bus to Angkot) | Cheapest option by far. | Slow, uncomfortable, confusing, no luggage space. |
Verdict: For 95% of visitors, especially international tourists, the pre-booked private car or ride-hailing app offers the optimal balance of cost, time, and hassle. The bus/angkot combo is only for extreme budget travelers or the adventurous.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Beyond the logistics, here are practical insights to make your journey smoother and your diamond market visit more successful.
Essential Tips for the Trip:
- Cash is King: Have ample Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in small denominations for taxis, angkot, and bus fares. Credit cards are not accepted for these transports.
- Traffic Considerations: Travel time can double during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) in Banjarmasin. Factor this in if you have a tight schedule or flight to catch on your return.
- Luggage Strategy: If you plan to buy diamonds or gems, travel light to the market. Consider leaving your main luggage at a left luggage facility at BDJ Airport or your Banjarmasin hotel if you're returning.
- Communication: Have the address "Pasar Intan Martapura, Jalan H. Misbah, Martapura" written in Indonesian on your phone to show drivers. A translation app is helpful.
- Return Journey: From Martapura back to BDJ Airport, you can book a Grab/Gojek or ask a shop owner to call a local taxi. Allow at least 2 hours before your flight for the return trip to account for traffic and check-in.
At the Martapura Diamond Market:
The market isn't a single building but a district. Be prepared to walk between small workshops ("toko intan"). Bargaining is expected. For high-value purchases, do your research, ask for certificates, and consider bringing a trusted local guide. The market is generally safe, but as with any crowded shopping area, keep your belongings secure.
FAQs: Getting from Syamsudin Noor Airport to Martapura
Is there a direct train from Syamsudin Noor Airport to Martapura?
No. There is no direct train. You must first travel from the airport to downtown Banjarmasin (e.g., by taxi or DAMRI bus), then take a taxi or local minibus ("angkot") to Martapura, which is about 35km away.
What is the cheapest way to get from BDJ Airport to Martapura Diamond Market?
The cheapest option is a combination of the DAMRI airport bus to Banjarmasin city center (IDR 40,000), followed by a public "angkot" (minibus) to Martapura (IDR 15,000-20,000). Total cost is under IDR 60,000 per person.
How much is a taxi from Syamsudin Noor Airport to Martapura?
An official airport taxi or pre-booked private car to Martapura typically costs between IDR 250,000 to IDR 400,000, depending on the vehicle type, time of day, and your negotiation skills. The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Can I use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek from the airport?
Yes, Grab and Gojek operate at Syamsudin Noor Airport. You must use the designated pick-up zone. A ride to Martapura via these apps is often 20-30% cheaper than official airport taxis, costing roughly IDR 180,000 to IDR 300,000.
What is the best way if I have a lot of luggage or am traveling in a group?
For groups (3-4 people) or travelers with significant luggage, booking a private car with a driver in advance is the best option. It offers door-to-door convenience, fixed pricing, and ample space for luggage and diamond-shopping finds.
How long does the journey from the airport to Martapura take?
Travel time varies:
- Private Taxi/Car: 1 - 1.5 hours
- Ride-Hailing App: 1 - 1.5 hours (plus wait time)
- Bus + Angkot Combo: 2 - 2.5 hours (depending on connections)
Are there any direct buses from the airport to Martapura?
No. There are no direct public buses. The DAMRI airport bus only goes to Banjarmasin city terminals (like Km. 6 Terminal). From there, you must transfer to a Martapura-bound angkot or taxi.
Where exactly is the Martapura Diamond Market located?
The main diamond trading area is centered around Jalan H. Misbah (formerly Jalan Martapura) in Martapura city. Tell your driver "Pasar Intan Martapura" or "Pasar Martapura." It's a district of many small workshops and shops, not a single building.