How to Get to Makassar. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport UPG

UPG is Makassar's main airport, situated about 20 km northeast of downtown in Maros Regency. It is a primary hub for Eastern Indonesia.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, Sriwijaya Air, TransNusa.
International: AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur), Scoot (Singapore).
Direct global flights are limited, typically connect through Jakarta, Denpasar, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Flight prices and availability fluctuate based on season. Using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for booking can be helpful.

Seasonal Trends

Peak Season (June-September, December, public holidays): Higher prices, reduced availability. Book well in advance.
Low Season (January-March, excluding Lunar New Year): Lower prices, increased availability.
Consider flying during weekdays for potentially better rates.

Airport Facilities

ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfer Options

Authorized airport cabs (Blue Bird), ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek), DAMRI Airport Bus, accommodation shuttles.

Flight Connections

Domestic connections to Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Balikpapan. International usually involve layovers.

Arrival Procedures & Recommendations

Upon Arrival

Present your passport and any required visa to immigration.
Prepare for fingerprints and facial scans.
Customs: Ensure your Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) is submitted.
Retrieve luggage from the baggage claim area.

Getting to Your Accommodation

Airport Taxi: Utilize official counters for non-negotiable prices.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Go to designated pick-up points for Grab/Gojek.
DAMRI Airport Shuttle: Economical route to various city points.
Hotel Shuttles: Inquire about pre-arranged services with your booking.

Pro Tips for Air Travel

Check-in Times

Be THERE two-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights. This allows ample time for procedures.

Luggage Considerations

Confirm baggage allowances with your airline to avoid unexpected fees. Consider Nordace for modern travel bags and accessories.

Flight Trackers

Use flight tracking apps to stay updated on delays or gate changes. Always confirm directly with the airline.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Terminal Regional Daya (TRD) in Makassar is the main hub for long-intercity coaches connecting to other areas of Sulawesi.

Bus Routes & Operators

Routes connect to Parepare, Palopo, Tana Toraja, and Downtown Sulawesi.
Companies include Primadona, Bintang Timur, and Litha & Co.
Overnight buses featuring comfortable reclining seats are common for extended trips.

Self-Driving Considerations

While car hire is available, driving in Makassar and many parts of Sulawesi requires experience with local traffic conditions.

Requirements & Challenges

An International Driving Permit (IDP) with the license from your country is mandatory.
Traffic in Makassar can be chaotic and congested. Traffic laws are often loosely followed.
Navigation can be tough for those unaccustomed to local driving customs.

Car Rental with Driver

Opting for a car with a local driver is a popular and highly recommended option for comfort and safety.

Benefits

Relax and appreciate the scenery without navigating chaotic traffic.
Local drivers possess knowledge of routes and conditions.
Enhanced safety and convenience, especially for longer trips or excursions.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions vary across Sulawesi. Safety concerns include heavy motorcycle traffic and the need for pedestrian caution.

Safety Points

High risk of motorcycle accidents; pedestrians and cyclists should be very cautious.
Helmets are legally required for motorcycles, seatbelts for cars.
Main roads are paved but quality varies; potholes are common in rural areas.

Important Land Travel Alerts

Makassar does not have an extensive inter-city railway network; other transport methods are main.
Driving laws are often loosely followed; defensive driving is a must if self-driving.
Traffic jams severe during peak hours in the city.

Border crossing information is not relevant for Makassar, as it is an island city within Indonesia.
For car rentals, local agencies are more common than major international chains. DiscoverCars.com can help find options.
A few local train service may exist or be under development; not for general inter-city travel.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services: Port of Makassar

Makassar’s history as a harbor city means ocean travel is an option, especially for inter-island journeys.

PELNI & Connections

The Port of Makassar (Pelabuhan Makassar), also called Soekarno-Hatta Port, is a major domestic port.
PELNI (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia) operates services connecting Makassar to various archipelagos and ports.
Routes include Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Papua, and other Sulawesi ports.

Schedules & Procedures

Ferry timings can be infrequent and subject to delays; confirm in advance. International cruise arrivals handle immigration and customs at the port.

Important Information

Schedules are subject to change; verify directly with PELNI.
For domestic ferry arrivals, only ticket verification occurs, not passport control.
From Soekarno-Hatta Port, taxis, Grab/Gojek, and local angkots connect to the central area.

River Transport

River transport is not a significant option for tourist arrivals or inter-city travel in Makassar.

Cruise Ship Calls

Makassar occasionally serves as a port of call for international cruise ships, but not a major embarkation point.

Domestic vs. International

Immigration checks apply to international cruise arrivals, but not domestic ferry passengers.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Be aware of timing and airport procedures for a smooth departure from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG).

Timing & Steps

International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Complete check-in, security screening, and immigration (for international flights).

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

UPG has a selection of services for departing passengers to ensure comfort and convenience prior to their flight.

Available Amenities

Restaurants and cafes for meals and snacks.
Duty-free shops and other retail options.
Lounges with comfy seating and services.

Departure Checklist

Documents

Passport, boarding pass, any necessary health certificates.

Luggage

Ensure all bags are within weight/size limits. Check for things you can't bring.

Confirmation

Reconfirm flight status and gate number before heading to the airport.

Final Departure Reminder

No particular exit fees or taxes are typically charged separately at the airport; these are commonly in your air ticket price.

How to Get to Makassar