Getting Around Medan. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Options

TransMetro Deli is a relatively new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. It features air-conditioned buses operating on several fixed routes across the city. TransMetro Deli has a modern and comfortable public bus option, with a more structured ride compared to traditional minibuses.

Angkot (Sudako/Minibus) are tiny, colorful minibuses that form the backbone of Medan's area public transit. They work on fixed routes but can be flagged down anywhere along their route. Angkots are low-cost but often crowded, lack air conditioning, and present a less comfortable ride. Each angkot typically has a driver and a "conductor" who hangs out the side door, calling out destinations.

Transit Features

TransMetro Deli uses e-money cards (TapCash, Flazz, Brizzi); fares IDR 4,000-6,000.
Angkot fares are cash-based, IDR 5,000-10,000. Negotiate Becak fares.
TransMetro Deli operates from all day long. Angkots and Becaks operate throughout the day and into the night.
Accessibility is a factor limited for travelers with mobility challenges.

TransMetro Deli

Modern, air-conditioned public bus option with fixed routes.

Angkot Minibus

Backbone of local public transport; inexpensive but less comfortable.

Becak Motorized Rickshaw

Three-wheeled automobile for short to medium distances; negotiate fares.

Route Maps and Important Hubs

TransMetro Deli

Route maps are on official transport apps or government websites.
Payment by e-money cards.
Operates from early morning to late evening.

Angkot and Becak

Angkot routes on vehicle sides; ask locals for direction.
Negotiate Becak fares upfront.
Merdeka Ambulate and traditional bazaars are informal hubs.

Tips for Navigating Public Transportation

E-money Card

Purchase for TransMetro Deli.

Ask Locals

For Angkot route guidance.

Agree Price

Negotiate Becak fares beforehand.

Use Apps

Grab/Gojek for fare estimates and navigation.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

Taxis and ride-car-sharing apps give convenient and often more comfortable alternatives to public buses in Medan.

Licensed Taxi Information

Look for reputable companies like Blue Bird Group, identifiable according to their blue cars.
You can hail a taxi on the street, find them at designated stands, or book over the phone.
Ensure the driver agrees to use the meter; if not, negotiate and agree on a fare upfront.
A 5km ride may cost IDR 30,000-50,000. Payment is almost always in cash.

Recommended Ride-Sharing Apps

Grab is widely used and reliable, offering ride-hailing, food delivery, and parcel services.
Gojek is also extremely popular, including GoRide (motorbike taxi), GoCar (car taxi), and GoFood.
Fares are fixed upfront via the app, offering transparency. You can pay cash or use in-app wallets.
Both riders and chauffeurs are rated within the app, promoting accountability.

Safety Considerations for Different Options

Licensed taxis are generally safe; stick to reputable companies.
Ride-sharing apps are generally safe due to SATELLITE tracking of your lift and fixed fares.
Always verify that the driver and vehicle match the information provided in the app prior to boarding.

Becaks and unlicensed taxis require more vigilance regarding fare negotiation and route.
Kualanamu International Airport has dedicated taxi counters offering fixed-rate services to the city.
Taxis and ride-ride-sharing services are easily accessible just outside the main train stations in Medan.

Rental Options

Car Rental

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is lawfully needed. Self-driving is not for unfamiliar drivers.

Motorcycle Rental

A valid international motorcycle license is needed. Helmets are mandatory.

Bicycle Rentals

Unusual and mainly for recreational use, not general transportation in the city.

Walking and Cycling in Medan

Exploring Medan on foot or by bicycle has challenges due to the city's facilities and traffic.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Medan's infrastructure is generally not very pedestrian-friendly outside of particular areas.
Sidewalks can be uneven, obstructed, or non-existent, and traffic is heavy.
More pleasant walking encounters are around Merdeka Walk and Maimun Palace.
Some local tour agencies offer walking tours focusing on historical or culinary aspects.

Cycling Infrastructure and Safety

Medan has minimal dedicated bicycle infrastructure.
Cycling on main roads is not recommended due to heavy traffic and aggressive driving.
Major arterial roads with heavy, fast-moving traffic are generally unsafe for walkers and cyclists.
Exercise extreme caution when crossing any busy street; use pedestrian bridges if available.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Services

Dedicated tour buses or hop-on-hop-hoho services are not available commonly available in Medan.

Most tours are private arrangements or small-group excursions.

Water Transport

Boat taxis are not for urban transport within Medan itself.

Mainly used for reaching islands in Lake Toba or for ferries from Belawan Port.

Local Unique Transport

The Becak, Medan's motorized rickshaw, is its most unique local transport option.

It possesses a real and charming ride for short distances.

Accessibility Services

General Accessibility

Accessibility services are very limited in Medan.
Public transport is generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
Becaks and Angkots are not designed for easy access for individuals using wheelchairs.

Arranging Assistance

If adapted services are needed, arrange private vehicles or specialized help with advance.
Dedicated tour operators who can cater to specific mobility needs are available.
Planning your itinerary with accessibility in mind is important.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Major arterial roads with heavy, fast-moving traffic are generally unsafe for pedestrians.
Cycling on these roads is dangerous for inexperienced riders.
Exercise extreme caution when crossing any busy street.
Use pedestrian bridges or designated crossings when available.

Sidewalks are often uneven or obstructed, making walking difficult.
Traffic often disregards pedestrians, asking for constant awareness.
Bicycle rentals are rare for general transportation in the city, mainly for recreation.
Focus on areas with walkways and less intense traffic for self-guided walks.

Walking and Cycling

Medan's facilities and traffic conditions impact pedestrian and cycling experiences.

Walking Environment

Sidewalks are often uneven, obstructed, or absent.
Traffic is heavy and often disregards pedestrians.
More enjoyable walking areas include Merdeka Walk and around Maimun Palace.
Self-guided walks need keen awareness of surroundings.

Cycling Environment

Medan has minimal dedicated bicycle infrastructure.
Cycling on main roads is not recommended because of dense traffic and aggressive driving.
No widespread public public bicycle systems.
Bicycle rentals are predominantly for recreational use within specific parks.