Welcome to responsible travel in North Sumatra
How to get to Bukit Lawang
There are several ways to enjoy getting around Sumatra. Sometimes the fun & difficulties of public transport or the comfort and safetly of private transport
Transport
Public Transport
KualaNamu Airport to Bukit Lawang
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There are two choices how to get to Bukit Lawang from the airport. The cheapest option is to take public buses or a slightly more expensive and quicker option is to get on the train to Binjai.
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Option 1:
ALS bus to Binjai - buses are waiting on the right outside the arrivals.
Time: every 30 minutes Duration: 2 hours Cost IDR 80,000
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Option 2:
Train to Binjai (change in Medan)
Kuala Namu - Medan
Times: 40 min - Hourly Duration: 1 hour Cost: IDR 100,000
50,000 if pre-booked online here
Medan - Binjai
Times: every 90 minutes Duration: 30 minutes Cost: IDR 5,000
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Once in Binjai take a becak (local tuk-tuk) to Tanah Lapang to catch the bus to Bukit Lawang. Becak should no more than IDR 30,000.
Mini-van/small bus to Bukit Lawang
Time: every 20-30 minutes Duration: 2 hours Cost IDR 20,000 or IDR 50,000 with large backpack.
Note: Last bus to leave Binjai is 6pm. Pay only the driver at the end!
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From Medan to Bukit Lawang
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Pinang Baris to Bukit Lawang
Time: every 20-30 minutes Duration: 3 - 4 hours Cost: IDR 25,000 or 50,000 with large backpack
Note: The first bus from pinang baris leaves at 6.30am, the last at 6pm. The will pick people up on the way and get get very cramped especially in the afternoons. Pay only the driver when you arrive.
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Transport Options North Sumatra
There are several ways to travel in North Sumatra and to get to Bukit Lawang, where most our treks and tours start from.
If you are on a really tight budget, then you can travel like the locals on public transport. Although this is cheaper, it generally takes longer.
The next cheapest option is the tourist bus, which an air conditioned people carrier car. If you would like a hassle free journey, then hiring a private car would be the safest and comfort.
If you choose to take public transport, no problem we can give you all the details of how to get here and meet you when you arrive. If you decide you would prefer a little comfort, we can book the tourist bus or a private car to pick you up at the airport or anywhere in Medan.
Warning:
Over-charging tourists in Binjai and at Pinang Baris, Medan is common.
Street touts will usher you onto the buses and will demand money. At Pinang Baris, it has be known that tourists have been charged up to IDR 300,000 per person. In Binjai, generally they will ask for IDR 50,000. The fact is, you only pay the driver at the end of the journey. Just stand your ground. The prices we have given above are fair
Private Car
Looking for comfort, safety and hassle free travel? Hire a private car to pick you up. Its slightly more expensive if travelling solo, but for a couple, friends or family quite affordable. We use only reputable local people, some with English and some which can only speak a little English. Whatever, they will take good care of you!
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Kuala namu to Bukit Lawang
Time: Any time Duration: 3.5-4 hours Cost: IDR 700,000
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Medan to Bukit Lawang
Time: Any time Duration: 2.5-3 hours Cost: IDRIDR 650,000
Please let us know how you would like to come to Bukit Lawang and we can advise you on the best way to get here. Whatever you choose, we will be waiting to greet you in Bukit Lawang to take you to your guesthouse.
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If you need any more information about train times or bus times, or you would like to book the tourist bus or private car then you can contact us here.
Why Travel with Us?
