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Getting Around Medan

Getting Around Medan

Sumatra, Indonesia

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 small, colorful minibuses that form the backbone of Medan's local public transport. They operate on fixed routes but can be flagged down anywhere along their route. Angkots are inexpensive but often crowded, lack air conditioning, and give 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 early morning to late evening. Angkots and Becaks operate throughout the day and into the night.
  • Accessibility is 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 vehicle 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 guidance.
  • Negotiate Becak fares upfront.
  • Merdeka Walk and traditional markets 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-sharing apps offer convenient and often more comfortable alternatives to public buses in Medan.

Licensed Taxi Information

  • Look for reputable companies like Blue Bird Group, identifiable by their blue cars.
  • You can hail a taxi on the street, find them at designated stands, or book by 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 very 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 drivers 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 GPS tracking of your ride and fixed fares.
  • Always verify that the driver and vehicle match the information provided in the app before 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-sharing services are easily accessible just outside the main train stations in Medan.

Rental Options

Car Rental

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

Motorcycle Rental

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

Bicycle Rentals

Rare and mainly for recreational use, not general city transport.

Walking and Cycling in Medan

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

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Medan's infrastructure is generally not very pedestrian-friendly outside of specific areas.
  • Sidewalks can be uneven, obstructed, or non-existent, and traffic is heavy.
  • More pleasant walking experiences are around Merdeka Walk and Maimun Palace.
  • Some local tour operators 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 pedestrians 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-off services are not commonly available in Medan.

Most tours are private arrangements or small-group excursions.

Water Transport

Boat taxis are not for city 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 has an authentic 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 assistance in 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, calling for constant awareness.
  • Bicycle rentals are rare for general city transport, mainly for recreation.
  • Focus on areas with sidewalks and less intense traffic for self-guided walks.

Walking and Cycling

Medan's infrastructure 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 pleasant 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 due to heavy traffic and aggressive driving.
  • No widespread public bicycle sharing programs.
  • Bicycle rentals are mostly for recreational use within specific parks.

Angkot Experience

Angkots give a raw and authentic local transport experience.

Becak Charm

The Becak offers an unique local transport option for short distances.

Limited Accessibility

Public transportation generally has limited accessibility for mobility challenges.

Specialized Transportation and Services

Tour Services
  • Dedicated tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services are not commonly available.
  • Most tours are private arrangements or small-group excursions.
  • These private arrangements offer personalized experiences.
Other Transport Types
  • Boat taxis and other water transportation are not for city transport.
  • Medan does not have cable cars or funiculars.
  • Accessibility services are very limited for travelers with mobility needs.

Getting Around Tip

When moving around Medan, using Grab or Gojek apps provides fixed fares and navigation.

These applications overcome potential language barriers or overcharging.

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