Quick Answer
Best way: Taxi or rideshare (Gojek/Grab). Total travel time: 30–60 minutes. Total cost: 80,000–150,000 IDR (≈5.50–10 USD). Distance: approximately 22 km (14 miles). For the lowest cost, take the Damri airport bus (50,000 IDR / ≈3.50 USD) but allow 45–60 minutes. No train or flight options exist on this short route.
🚆 Train & Rail Options (Not Available on This Route)
There is no train or rail connection between Trans Studio Mall Makassar and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, currently does not have an urban railway system that serves the airport or connects to the mall area. The city's public transport relies primarily on road-based modes.
For context, the Trans Studio Mall is located on Jalan Metro Tanjung Bunga, while Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) is about 22 km northeast, near the coast. No rail infrastructure exists along this corridor.
Why No Train?
- No airport rail link: Unlike some major Indonesian cities (e.g., Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train), Makassar has no airport rail service.
- No urban rail network: Makassar's public transport system is bus-based (Trans Mamminasata BRT) and does not include trains.
- Future plans: There have been discussions about a Makassar-Parepare railway and potential airport rail link, but no operational service exists as of 2025.
Best Alternatives to Trains
Since trains are not an option, choose from these reliable alternatives:
- Taxi / Rideshare: 30–60 min, 100,000–150,000 IDR (≈7–10 USD) — most convenient.
- Gojek / Grab: 30–60 min, 80,000–120,000 IDR (≈5.50–8 USD) — cheaper than taxi.
- Damri Airport Bus: 45–60 min, 50,000 IDR (≈3.50 USD) — most economical.
Source: Sultan Hasanuddin Airport official transport page — no rail option listed.
✈️ Flight Options (Not Applicable — Too Short)
Commercial flights are not available for the 22 km (14 mile) distance between Trans Studio Mall Makassar and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. This route is far too short for air travel. The airport itself is the destination, so you are already on the ground at the origin city.
Why Flights Don't Make Sense Here
- Distance: Only 22 km — a flight would last about 5 minutes in the air, but check-in, security, and taxiing would make it hours longer.
- No scheduled service: No airline offers flights between a shopping mall and an airport 22 km away.
- Environmental impact: Air travel for such a short distance would have a disproportionate carbon footprint.
If You Are Connecting to a Flight at UPG
If you're at Trans Studio Mall and need to catch a flight at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, your ground transport options are taxi, rideshare, or bus — all detailed in the sections below. Allow 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights from your departure time from the mall.
Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG) Overview
- Location: 22 km northeast of Makassar city center.
- Terminals: One main terminal serving domestic and international flights.
- Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, AirAsia, and others.
- Destinations: Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and more.
Source: Sultan Hasanuddin Airport official site — terminal and route information.
🚌 Airport Bus & Shuttle (Damri & Local Buses)
The Damri airport bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach Sultan Hasanuddin Airport from the Trans Studio Mall area. It is a reliable public transport option used by both locals and travelers.
Damri Airport Bus — Key Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Makassar City (via multiple stops) → Sultan Hasanuddin Airport |
| Nearest stop to Trans Studio Mall | Jalan Metro Tanjung Bunga (near the mall) or the main Damri terminal at Mall Panakkukang |
| Frequency | Every 30–60 minutes, 05:00–21:00 |
| Travel time | 45–60 minutes |
| Cost | 50,000 IDR (≈3.50 USD) per person |
| Luggage | Free, stored in the luggage compartment |
| Payment | Cash or digital payment (QRIS) |
How to Take the Damri Bus from Trans Studio Mall
- Walk or take a short rideshare (5,000–10,000 IDR) to the nearest Damri stop on Jalan Metro Tanjung Bunga or to Mall Panakkukang terminal.
- Flag down the bus or wait at the designated stop. Look for the "Damri Airport" sign.
- Pay the driver 50,000 IDR per person. Keep small bills.
- Stow your luggage in the compartment under the bus.
- Ride to the airport — the bus drops passengers at the departure terminal.
Local Public Buses (Trans Mamminasata)
The city's BRT system, Trans Mamminasata, does not directly serve the airport. However, you can take a Trans Mamminasata bus to the Panakkukang terminal and then transfer to Damri. This is the cheapest combo but requires 1–2 transfers and takes longer (60–90 minutes total). Cost: about 10,000 IDR for the BRT + 50,000 IDR for Damri.
Source: Damri official website — route and fare information.
🚕 Taxi & Rideshare (Gojek / Grab)
Taxis and rideshare services are the most convenient and recommended ways to travel from Trans Studio Mall Makassar to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. They offer door-to-door service, air conditioning, and flexibility with luggage.
Taxi — Detailed Breakdown
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Metered taxi (e.g., Blue Bird, Express) or fixed-price airport taxi |
| Travel time | 30–60 minutes (traffic dependent) |
| Cost (metered) | 100,000–150,000 IDR (≈7–10 USD) |
| Cost (fixed airport taxi) | 120,000–180,000 IDR (≈8–12 USD) |
| Where to find | Taxi stand at Trans Studio Mall main entrance |
| Luggage | No extra charge; stored in trunk |
Rideshare (Gojek / Grab) — Detailed Breakdown
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | GoCar (Gojek) or GrabCar (Grab) |
| Travel time | 30–60 minutes |
| Cost | 80,000–120,000 IDR (≈5.50–8 USD) |
| Booking | Via Gojek or Grab app (requires smartphone and internet) |
| Payment | Cash, GoPay, OVO, or credit card linked to app |
| Pickup point | Main entrance or basement parking of Trans Studio Mall |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Gojek/Grab is cheaper — save 20,000–40,000 IDR compared to a metered taxi.
- Taxi is more available — no need to wait for a driver to accept your booking; just hop in.
- For families/groups: A taxi or GrabCar with extra space is ideal. Both offer 4-seat and 6-seat options.
- Late night / early morning: Taxis are easier to find. Rideshare may have fewer drivers available after midnight.
Real-World Example
Case: Andi, a traveler from Jakarta, used GrabCar from Trans Studio Mall to the airport. He booked at 9:30 AM, the driver arrived in 4 minutes, and the trip took 40 minutes with light traffic. Cost: 95,000 IDR (≈6.50 USD). He paid with GoPay and rated the experience 5 stars.
Source: Gojek official site and Grab official site — service areas and pricing.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all available transport options from Trans Studio Mall Makassar to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Prices and times are approximate and can vary based on traffic, demand, and time of day.
| Transport Mode | Travel Time | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi (metered) | 30–60 min | 100,000–150,000 | ≈7–10 | 0 | Convenience, groups, late night |
| 🚗 Gojek/Grab | 30–60 min | 80,000–120,000 | ≈5.50–8 | 0 | Budget-conscious, digital payment |
| 🚌 Damri Airport Bus | 45–60 min | 50,000 | ≈3.50 | 0 (from stop) | Solo travelers, lowest cost |
| 🚌 Trans Mamminasata + Damri | 60–90 min | 10,000 + 50,000 | ≈0.70 + 3.50 | 1–2 | Adventure, ultra-budget |
| 🚐 Private car transfer | 30–50 min | 150,000–250,000 | ≈10–17 | 0 | Families, premium comfort |
🏆 Best overall value: Gojek/Grab — combines low cost, convenience, and door-to-door service.
💰 Cheapest option: Damri Airport Bus — only 50,000 IDR (≈3.50 USD).
Note: Prices are subject to change. Always check the latest fares on the respective apps or at the terminal.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Here are practical tips and local knowledge to make your trip from Trans Studio Mall to the airport smoother, safer, and more efficient.
⏰ Timing Advice
- Peak traffic hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM. During these times, add 20–30 minutes to your journey.
- Rainy season (December–February): Heavy rain can cause flooding on Jalan Metro Tanjung Bunga and Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan. Allow extra time.
- Friday prayers: Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, traffic around mosques may be heavier.
🧳 Luggage Tips
- Damri bus: Luggage is stored in the underfloor compartment. Keep valuables with you.
- Taxis & rideshare: No luggage surcharge. Ensure the trunk is empty before loading.
- Takkyubin (baggage delivery): Not widely available in Makassar, but some hotels offer luggage forwarding. Check with your hotel concierge.
📱 App & Payment Tips
- Download Gojek and Grab before your trip. Register with a local SIM or use roaming data.
- Cash is king for taxis and buses. Carry small denominations (20,000 and 50,000 IDR notes).
- Digital wallets: GoPay, OVO, and QRIS are accepted by many drivers and the Damri bus.
🌐 Local Knowledge
- Trans Studio Mall is a major landmark — all drivers know it. It is located in the Tanjung Bunga area, south of the city center.
- Airport code: UPG (Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport). Use this when booking rideshare.
- Food at the airport: Limited options after 9 PM. Eat at Trans Studio Mall before leaving if you have an evening flight.
- SIM card: Buy a Telkomsel or XL SIM at the mall or airport for reliable internet during your stay.
🚨 Emergency & Safety
- Emergency number: 112 (general emergency in Indonesia).
- Airport police: +62 411 555 555.
- Only use official taxis (Blue Bird, Express) or app-based rideshares. Avoid unregistered "taxis" at the mall.
Source: Lonely Planet — Makassar travel guide and local recommendations.
❓ FAQs: Trans Studio Mall Makassar to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport
Is there a direct train from Trans Studio Mall Makassar to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
No, there is no train connection between Trans Studio Mall Makassar and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Makassar does not have an urban rail system serving this route. The most practical options are taxi, rideshare (Gojek/Grab), or airport bus.
How long does it take to get from Trans Studio Mall to the airport by taxi?
A taxi ride from Trans Studio Mall Makassar to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The distance is about 22 km (14 miles). During peak hours or heavy rain, it can take up to 75 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Trans Studio Mall to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport?
The cheapest way is the Damri airport bus, costing around 50,000 IDR (≈3.50 USD) per person. Gojek/Grab rideshare is also affordable at 80,000–120,000 IDR (≈5.50–8 USD). Taxis are more expensive at 100,000–150,000 IDR (≈7–10 USD).
How much does a taxi cost from Trans Studio Mall to the airport?
A standard metered taxi from Trans Studio Mall to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport costs approximately 100,000–150,000 IDR (≈7–10 USD). Fixed-price airport taxis may charge 120,000–180,000 IDR (≈8–12 USD). Prices vary slightly depending on traffic and time of day.
Are there any shuttle buses from Trans Studio Mall to the airport?
Yes, Damri operates airport shuttle buses with a stop near Trans Studio Mall area. The bus costs 50,000 IDR (≈3.50 USD) per person and takes 45–60 minutes. Buses run every 30–60 minutes from early morning until late evening. Check the latest Damri schedule for exact times.
Is it better to take a taxi or a rideshare (Gojek/Grab) to the airport?
Both are reliable. Gojek/Grab is usually cheaper (80,000–120,000 IDR) and you can pay digitally. Taxis are more widely available at the mall's taxi stand and have fixed rates. For airport runs, Gojek/Grab is recommended for cost savings, but allow extra time for driver acceptance.
What time should I leave Trans Studio Mall to catch my flight?
For domestic flights, leave at least 3 hours before departure. For international flights, leave 4 hours before. This allows 30–60 minutes travel time, plus check-in and security. During Makassar's rainy season (Dec–Feb) or peak traffic (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM), add an extra 30 minutes.
Can I book a private car transfer from Trans Studio Mall to the airport?
Yes, private car transfers can be booked through local operators or apps like GrabCar and GoCar. Prices range from 150,000–250,000 IDR (≈10–17 USD) depending on vehicle type. This is ideal for families, groups, or travelers with heavy luggage.