How to Get from Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport

Quick Answer

Best overall option: Grab Car — door-to-door, reliable, and affordable.
Total time: 35–50 minutes (traffic-dependent).
Total cost: IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD 6–10).
Key transfer point: No transfer needed — direct ride from UNHAS to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG).
Runner-up: Gojek motorcycle (IDR 35,000–60,000 / USD 2–4, 20–35 min) for solo travelers with light luggage.

For a balance of speed, cost, and comfort, a Grab car is the recommended choice for most travelers. If you're on a tight budget and have only a backpack, Gojek or Damri bus are viable alternatives.

Train & Ground Transport Overview: Getting from UNHAS to the Airport

* Damri bus time includes a 10–20 min ride from UNHAS to the Damri terminal plus wait time.
Note: There is currently no train service between UNHAS and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. The Indonesian government has discussed future rail expansion to Makassar airport, but no timeline is confirmed. (Damri official site)

Ground Transport Recommendations

• Best overall: Grab Car — balance of cost, speed, and door-to-door convenience.
• Cheapest: Gojek motorcycle (if luggage is minimal) or Damri bus (if you have time).
• Most comfortable: Private transfer — fixed price, air-conditioned, no negotiating.

For travelers who would have preferred a train, the Grab car is the closest equivalent in terms of simplicity: you book, you ride, you arrive — no transfers, no waiting at terminals.

Ride-Hailing & Fast Options: Grab, Gojek & Motorcycle Taxis

You don't need a flight — UNHAS and Sultan Hasanuddin Airport are in the same city (Makassar). The fastest motorized options are ride-hailing services, which function as the "express" alternative to other ground transport.

Grab Car — The "Standard Express"

Cost: IDR 100,000–150,000 (USD 6–10) — fixed upfront price in the app.
Time: 35–50 minutes via Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan.
Availability: 24/7, with 3–7 min pickup at UNHAS.
Luggage: Sedan or AVanza-type cars fit 2–3 suitcases easily.

Grab is the most popular choice among students and faculty at UNHAS. The app provides GPS tracking, fixed pricing (no meter disputes), and cash or digital payment. During peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM), expect delays of 10–20 minutes. Always check the GrabPromo section for possible discounts.

Gojek Motorcycle — The "Budget Express"

Cost: IDR 35,000–60,000 (USD 2–4).
Time: 20–35 minutes — can weave through traffic.
Best for: Solo travelers with a backpack or small duffel.
Safety: Helmets are provided; drivers are verified. Not recommended for heavy luggage or non-confident riders.

Gojek is the cheapest motorized option and often the fastest. However, comfort and luggage space are limited. If you're carrying a laptop or camera, a Grab car is safer. (Gojek official site)

Total Time Comparison: Ride-Hailing vs. Other Modes

Key takeaway: Gojek is the fastest, but Grab car offers the best time-to-comfort ratio. If you're in a rush and traveling light, Gojek wins.

Damri Airport Bus: The Budget Choice

Damri is the state-owned airport bus operator serving Sultan Hasanuddin Airport from several points in Makassar. It is the cheapest wheeled option but requires a two-step journey from UNHAS.

How It Works

1. Step 1: From UNHAS, take a Grab car, Gojek, or angkot (public minibus) to Damri Terminal on Jalan Sultan Alauddin (about 4 km, 10–15 min, IDR 15,000–30,000).
2. Step 2: Board the Damri bus to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Buses depart every 30–60 minutes depending on demand.
3. Step 3: Ride to the airport (30–45 minutes, depending on traffic).

Total cost: IDR 30,000–50,000 (USD 2–3) for the bus + IDR 15,000–30,000 (USD 1–2) for the ride to the terminal = IDR 45,000–80,000 (USD 3–5).
Total time: 50–75 minutes, including waiting time.

Bus Schedule & Payment

• Operating hours: Approximately 05:00 – 21:00 daily.
• Payment: Cash or non-cash (e-money card).
• Luggage: Free luggage storage under the bus — suitcases and backpacks allowed.
• Comfort: Air-conditioned, but seats are basic. Not recommended during peak heat (12:00–14:00) if you have sensitive items.

Who should use Damri? Budget travelers, students, and anyone with a flexible schedule. Not ideal for those with tight flight connections or heavy luggage. (Damri official schedule)

Sample Cost Breakdown

Tip: If you're staying near Jalan Sultan Alauddin, you can skip the first ride and walk to the terminal — saving IDR 15,000–25,000.

Taxi & Private Transfer: Premium Door-to-Door Service

Taxis and private transfers are the most expensive options but offer maximum convenience, comfort, and reliability. They are recommended for groups, late-night arrivals, business travelers, or anyone with heavy luggage.

Metered Taxi (Blue Bird / Local)

• Cost: IDR 150,000–250,000 (USD 10–17) — meter fare from UNHAS to airport.
• Time: 40–55 minutes.
• Booking: Hail on street, or use Blue Bird app (most reliable in Makassar).
• Luggage: Fits 2–3 suitcases in the trunk.
• Payment: Cash or card (Blue Bird accepts debit/credit).

Caution: Unofficial taxis at UNHAS may quote inflated prices (IDR 300,000+). Always insist on metered fare or use a reputable app. (Blue Bird official site)

Airport Taxi Counter

At the airport arrival hall, you'll find fixed-rate taxi counters. From UNHAS to the airport, the counter rate is IDR 200,000–300,000 (USD 13–20). This is more expensive than a metered taxi but offers predictability — useful if you're not familiar with local fares.

Private Transfer (Pre-booked)

• Cost: IDR 250,000–400,000 (USD 16–26) — depending on vehicle type (sedan, MPV, premium).
• Time: 35–50 minutes — driver waits at your pickup point.
• Booking: Through GrabCar Premium, GoCar Luxury, or local transfer services (e.g., YourTransfer).
• Includes: Meet-and-greet, flight monitoring (if booking round-trip), fixed price, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water.

When to choose private transfer: If you have more than 2 suitcases, traveling with elderly passengers or children, arriving/departing between 10 PM and 5 AM, or simply want zero hassle.

Cost Comparison: Taxi vs. Private vs. Ride-hailing

Cost & Time Comparison: All Options at a Glance

This table summarises every transport mode from UNHAS to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, with total door-to-door time, cost, and number of transfers. Use it as your final decision tool.

Key Takeaways

• Fastest + Cheapest: Gojek Motor (IDR 35,000–60,000, 20–35 min).
• Best Value: Grab Car (IDR 100,000–150,000, 35–50 min).
• Cheapest Wheeled: Damri Bus (IDR 45,000–80,000 total, 50–75 min).
• Most Convenient: Private Transfer (IDR 250,000–400,000, 35–50 min).

Tip: If you're traveling with 3+ people, a Grab Car or taxi becomes more cost-effective per person than Gojek. For groups of 4–5, consider a GrabCar XL (IDR 180,000–250,000 / USD 12–17).

Traveler Tips & Local Insights for a Smooth Airport Transfer

Drawing from frequent UNHAS students and Makassar locals, here are practical tips to make your trip to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport seamless.

1. Luggage: Use GoSend or GrabExpress for Heavy Bags

If you have large or multiple suitcases, consider sending them ahead via GoSend (Gojek) or GrabExpress. This costs IDR 25,000–50,000 (USD 1.6–3) and frees you to travel light by Gojek or angkot. Your bags arrive at the airport within 1–2 hours.

2. Traffic Patterns: Avoid Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan at Peak

The main road to the airport — Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan — is notorious for congestion during morning rush (7–9 AM) and evening rush (4–7 PM). On Friday afternoons, traffic can be even heavier due to weekly prayers. Add 15–25 minutes buffer during these windows.

3. Payment: Go Cashless for Speed

Grab and Gojek accept GoPay, OVO, Dana, and bank transfers. Cashless payment speeds up pickup and avoids change issues. For Damri buses, bring small bills (IDR 20,000–50,000) as they often don't have change for large notes.

4. Early Morning Flights (Before 7 AM)

Grab and Gojek are available 24/7. For a 6 AM flight, depart UNHAS by 4:00–4:30 AM. Traffic is light at that hour — you'll reach the airport in 25–35 minutes. Pre-book your ride the night before in the app to ensure availability.

5. What to Do If Your Ride Is Cancelled

In the rare event a Grab/Gojek cancels (especially during rain), don't panic. Rebook immediately — another driver usually accepts within 2 minutes. Alternatively, walk to the UNHAS main gate on Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan, where taxis and angkots pass frequently.

6. Student Discounts & Promos

Grab and Gojek frequently offer promo codes for students. Check GrabPromo or Gojek's "GoClub" for discounts like "GOFLY" (airport rides). Damri also offers a student discount (IDR 25,000) with a valid student ID — ask at the terminal.

7. Simplicity: Download These Apps Before You Go

• Grab — for cars, motorcycles, and food.
• Gojek — for motorcycles, cars, and logistics.
• Blue Bird — for metered taxis (backup option).
• Transit — for real-time angkot and bus routes in Makassar.

Local wisdom: "If you're in a hurry, take Gojek. If you're not, take Grab. If you're really on a budget, take Damri — but leave early." — UNHAS student forum.

FAQs: UNHAS to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport