How to Get to Banjarmasin. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ) serves Banjarmasin, located approximately 25-30 km north of downtown in Banjarbaru. It is main air gateway to the region.

Flight Information

Domestic flights mainly connect BDJ to Jakarta (CGK), Surabaya (SUB), and Denpasar (DPS).
Indonesian domestic airlines include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, Sriwijaya Air, and Super Air Jet.
International travelers typically connect through Jakarta or Denpasar for flights to BDJ.

Flight Planning

Flight availability and prices fluctuate with demand. The dry season (May-September) and public holidays often see increased prices.

Booking & Deals

Book in advance, especially during peak periods, for better availability and pricing.
Look for flight deals with services like Dollar Flight Club.
Use flight finding engines like Skyscanner to compare options.

Airport Facilities

Syamsudin Noor Airport provides ATMs, money exchange, restaurants, cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi.

Seasonal Considerations

Low season (wet season, November-March) may offer better deals on airfares.

Airport Transfers

Alternatives include licensed airport taxis, ride-sharing apps (Gojek, Grab), DAMRI buses, and hotel transport.

Land Transportation

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-cross-country buses connect Banjarmasin to other Kalimantan cities like Palangkaraya or Balikpapan.
Road quality changes; main roads are generally paved, but rural roads might be less maintained.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home country's license is needed for self-driving.
Renting a car with a driver is often recommended due to local driving conditions.

Driving Safety & Rentals

Indonesia drives on the left side of the road; traffic can be chaotic.
Night driving outside urban areas has risks due to poor lighting.
Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
Explore car rental options via DiscoverCars.com.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Pelni, the national ferry company, connects Banjarmasin (via Trisakti Port) to other Indonesian islands like Surabaya, Jakarta, and Makassar.

River Transportation

"Klotok" (customary wooden boats) are utilized for local transport and tourist tours, especially to floating markets. Speedboats are available for speedier travel along the river.

Port Access

Trisakti Port is a few kilometers from Banjarmasin city center, accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. It is not usually an international entry point for international visitors.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

Syamsudin Noor Airport offers facilities for departing travelers, including waiting lounges, shops, and food services. Plan your arrival based on your flight type.

Departure Checklist

No particular exit fees or taxes are paid at Indonesian airports; they are included in the price of admission.
Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight departure, 2-3 hours for international (when obtainable).
Online check-in-in is often available and can save time.

Ensuring a Smooth Exit

Standard aviation security procedures apply. Be prepared for baggage checks and ensure all personal belongings comply with regulations.

Final Reminders

Confirm your passport's validity and any visa requirements for your next destination.
Check baggage allowances for your flight to avoid unexpected fees.
Collect any duty-free purchases before boarding.

Domestic Flights

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled departure.

Check-in Online

Utilize online check-in to expedite your airport process.

Airport Amenities

Enjoy lounges, duty-free shops, and dining prior to your flight.

Before You Fly Checklist

Documentation & Tickets

Verify all travel documents are in order for a seamless departure from Banjarmasin.

Pre-Departure Checks

Passport validity (6+ months to foreign travel).
Confirm flight itinerary and baggage allowance.
Ensure all required visas for your subsequent destination are secured.

Logistics & Comfort

Address final logistical details and prepare for a comfortable journey your residence or to your next destination.

Final Arrangements

Arrange airport transfer in advance (taxi, ride-sharing, hotel shuttle).
Check out of accommodation and settle any outstanding bills.
Power up all your electronics for your journey.

Post-Trip Considerations

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Plan Next Adventure

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Safe Travels

We hope you had an enriching and memorable journey through Banjarmasin, the City of a Thousand Rivers.

How to Get to Banjarmasin