Medan Airport and Transportation Options to the City Center

Medan Airport – Traveling somewhere unfamiliar can feel overwhelming. Especially when you arrive at an airport for the first time and must figure out how to reach your destination.

If you are planning a trip to North Sumatra, Indonesia, chances are Medan will be your gateway. Medan is the capital of North Sumatra and the main starting point for exploring the magnificent Lake Toba and Samosir Island, two of the country’s most iconic natural attractions.

In this guide, you will understand which airport serves Medan, how to travel from the airport to the city center, and what to explore once you are there.

This article is written for international travelers who have never visited Medan before and wish to navigate their arrival smoothly.

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Traveling to Medan, Indonesia? This Is Your Destination Airport

Your destination airport is officially Kualanamu International Airport, commonly referred to as Medan Airport. Located in Deli Serdang, roughly 39 kilometers from downtown Medan, it replaced the old Polonia Airport and now serves as the primary international gateway to northern Sumatra.

This airport serves domestic and international flights, including connections from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and various cities across Indonesia. If you are flying into Medan from abroad, there is a good chance you will arrive here.

A Modern Airport Experience

Kualanamu International Airport stands out for being one of the most modern airports in Indonesia. It is spacious, well-structured, and significantly more organized compared to airports you may have encountered in other developing cities. Travelers often notice that the terminal is visually clean and neatly arranged, with ample signage in English.

Inside, you will find a selection of restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafés where you can unwind after your flight. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The design resembles newer Southeast Asian airports: open, bright, and comfortable, with a pleasant flow of movement from immigration to the arrival hall.

Navigating immigration and baggage claim is generally smooth, though queues can appear during peak hours. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available, so you can withdraw or exchange money before heading into the city.

Once you step outside into the arrival zone, you are greeted with a well-organized transportation system—something visitors appreciate. Thanks to its thoughtful structure, your next steps into town are easy to execute.

Transportation Options to the Medan City Center

After landing at Kualanamu International Airport (Medan Airport), you will find that getting into the city center is straightforward. The airport sits about 1.5 hours from Medan’s downtown area, although this can vary depending on traffic conditions. Unlike some Indonesian cities where airport access is chaotic, Medan Airport provides several reliable transportation options.

Below are the main ways to travel from the airport to Medan city center.

1. Airport Train (Recommended)

The Kualanamu Airport Rail Link is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to reach the city. This service was the first airport railway system in Indonesia and remains highly regarded for its speed, cleanliness, and efficiency.

The airport train travels directly from Kualanamu to the central station in Medan. The journey takes about 30–35 minutes, significantly faster than traveling by road. The cabins are air-conditioned, comfortable, and rarely overcrowded.

It is also generally cheaper than taking a taxi, making it an excellent value option for new visitors. Once you arrive at Medan Station, you are already in the central area, from which you can easily reach hotels, restaurants, and malls.

If you are someone who prioritizes comfort and reliability, this is the best choice.

2. DAMRI Bus

For budget travelers, the DAMRI bus is another option. DAMRI is a state-owned public transportation company that operates airport buses from Medan Airport to the city.

The ticket price has historically been around IDR 20,000 (roughly a little over one US dollar), though this may have changed slightly in recent years. The journey takes longer than the train—about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic—but remains a good option for those looking to save money.

The bus typically stops at Medan Fair, a mid-range shopping mall located near many urban facilities. From Medan Fair, you can walk or take a short ride to your accommodation.

This option is slower and might offer fewer comforts, but it is reliable and affordable.

3. Taxi or Grab

If you prioritize convenience over cost, taking a taxi or Grab (ride-hailing service) is a straightforward option.

The cost from the airport to downtown Medan is usually around IDR 150,000–200,000, depending on traffic and your destination. Grab is widely available in the city, and you can book your ride easily through the app.

This option offers the comfort of door-to-door service. While more expensive compared to the train or the DAMRI bus, it might be worth it if you are arriving late at night or carrying heavy bags.

4. Becak and Angkot

Once in the city, you will notice a large number of becak (motorized rickshaws) and angkot (minibuses). They are everywhere—an inseparable part of Medan’s urban landscape.

However, you should be cautious. Drivers sometimes maneuver aggressively, and both vehicles contribute significantly to traffic congestion. While they can offer an authentic local experience, they are less comfortable and often lack safety standards.

As a visitor, it is advisable to use these only for short distances and when you have a rough idea of the route and price.

Medan: A City Unlike Any Other

Medan may not be as clean or polished as cities like Singapore, Jakarta, or even Yogyakarta. Do not arrive expecting perfectly manicured streets. Instead, prepare yourself for a bold, dynamic city that thrives on contrast.

What makes visiting worthwhile is not spotless city planning—it is its spirit. One traveler once told me that Medan feels like a South Asian city, thanks to its lively streets, diverse communities, and layered culture.

Medan is undeniably different from other Indonesian cities. Here, you will find a mix of Malay, Chinese, Batak, and Indian influences expressed through food, language, and architecture. The result is a one-of-a-kind personality that leaves a strong impression.

If you can embrace that energy, Medan will reward you.

Arriving at Medan Airport? Explore These Must-See Places

Is Medan worth visiting? Yes—Medan is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. The city itself offers a distinct cultural experience, but its greatest treasure lies just outside the metropolis: Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

1. Lake Toba

Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world, and its scale alone is astonishing. Surrounded by lush mountains, the lake radiates serenity. The air is cool, the view calming, and the pace of life slower than in the city.

2. Samosir Island

In the middle of Lake Toba sits Samosir Island, home to Batak culture, traditional villages, and peaceful nature landscapes. One must-visit village is Ambarita, where you can learn about the history of Batak kings and ancient stone courts.

The journey from Medan to Lake Toba takes several hours, but it is worth every moment.

A Taste of Medan

Food is a big part of Medan’s charm. The culinary experience here is simply fantastic—bold flavors, rich spices, and soul-warming dishes.

If you want to sample a variety of local food in one place, head to Merdeka Walk, a lively food court in the city center. Here you will find everything from noodles and grilled meat to desserts and coffee.

Another must-try stop is Mie Ayam Jamur H. Mahmud, a legendary restaurant known for its signature Medan-style chicken mushroom noodles. While not every Medan dish is available here, the menu still spans traditional flavors and oriental influences, including soup, soto, satay, and Medan coffee—mostly at affordable prices.

Simply open Google Maps to find the restaurant, or follow the address link provided at the end of this section. (open link adress)

Traveling to Medan begins at Kualanamu International Airport

From Kualanamu International Airport, you can choose among several transportation options: take the efficient airport train, ride the inexpensive DAMRI bus, or enjoy the convenience of a taxi or Grab.

Medan may not be the cleanest or most orderly city, but its character, food, and cultural diversity are unmatched. Once you feel its rhythm, you will see why visiting was the right decision.

Whether you are here for a short trip or a longer adventure, Medan and its surroundings, especially Lake Toba and Samosir Island, offer profound memories and experiences.

Start your journey with an open heart, and let Medan surprise you!