You will need to get to North Sumatra, Kualunamu international airport in Medan. Bukit Lawang is approximately 5-6 hours from the airport, and from Medan city around 4-5 hours depending on the traffic and your mode of transport. There are 3 transportation options to go to Bukit Lawang by: Public Bus, Tourist Bus and private car depending on your budget, time, and desired comfort levels.
From Medan Airport to Bukit Lawang
Option 1: Public Bus
A good option if you are on a budget and for backpackers looking to meet fellow travellers en route to Bukit Lawang. Get ready to experience a bumpy ride that can take a longer time depending on the route and number of people picked up on the way!
To reach Bukit Lawang, you’ll need to hop on two different buses:
·Begin by boarding the local ALS bus (Antar Lintas Sumatera), recognizable by its orange color, from Medan Airport to Binjai. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 50,000 IDR per person.
·Upon arrival at Binjai bus station, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk, priced at 5,000 IDR, to reach either Tanah Lapang Binjai terminal or Binjai Supermall. The buses run regularly but timings may vary. Ensure you arrive in Binjai before 4:30 pm, otherwise, consider taking the tourist bus or private car.
·Next, board either the L300 or PS bus from Tanah Lapang Binjai terminal or Binjai Supermall to Bukit Lawang. This leg of the journey lasts approximately 3 hours and costs 30,000 IDR per person.
·Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang, you can ask for a becak (tuk-tuk) ride to your accommodation, or alternatively, reach out to us via WhatsApp at +62 853 33016407 at least one hour in advance, and we’ll arrange a complimentary motorbike pick-up for you.
Note: This service is only available for Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys guests
Option 2: Tourist Bus/Shared Car
We can arrange pick-up and drop-off services to and from Medan Kualanamu airport or Medan City via a tourist bus (shared car with 6 seats)
The tourist bus operates pick-ups at the airport between 7am and 4 pm depending on availability. Please note, if other passengers arrive after you or require pick- up in Medan you will need to wait. There is a tourist bus operating from Bukit Lawang to return to Medan airport daily at 8 am and upon request we can arrange pick up from Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys.
The cost for the tourist bus is 250,000 IDR per person from the airport. Note: This service is only available for Sumatra Cheeky Monkeys guests
Option 3: Private Car
If you’re seeking a more comfortable and fast travel option, we offer a pick-up and drop-off service to and from Kuala Namu airport by private car.
Our cars offer comfort, air conditioning, and a licensed driver who can make stops at ATMs, convenience shops or to have a bite to eat.
The cost for the private car is 700,000 IDR per car, accommodating a maximum of 4 passengers with luggage. Depending on traffic the journey to Bukit Lawang typically takes between 3 to 5 hours.