Medan Sumatra, Indonesia Travel Guide
KNO is a modern airport approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) east of Medan city center.
Kualanamu International Airport has ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi.
Expect higher prices during peak travel seasons (June-August, Dec-Jan) and around major Indonesian public holidays.
Check Dollar Flight Club for flight deals and Skyscanner for comparisons.
Dense and chaotic, drivers often ignore traffic lights. Expect slow progress.
Main routes are asphalted but can be narrow and winding, especially in mountains.
Motorcycles weave through traffic, livestock may wander, potholes are common. Rainy season brings flooding/landslides.
Belawan Port, about 20 km north of Medan, mainly operates as a commercial port.
If you arrive by an international ferry at Belawan Port, you will undergo standard immigration procedures.
No separate exit fees or taxes are charged at airports for international departures from Indonesia; these are typically included in your airfare.
Kualanamu International Airport and Medan City Train Station amenities for departing travelers.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally needed in Indonesia along with your national driver's license.
You can find motorcycle and scooter rentals from small rental shops or guesthouses.
Medan's infrastructure is generally not very pedestrian-friendly outside of specific areas.
Medan has minimal dedicated bicycle infrastructure, and cycling on main roads is not recommended.
More pleasant walking experiences are around Merdeka Walk and Maimun Palace.
Dedicated tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services are not commonly available in Medan.
Boat taxis are not for city transport within Medan itself, but for Lake Toba or Belawan Port.
Accessibility services for travelers with mobility challenges are very limited.
Reconfirm your flight or train schedule 24-48 hours before departure. This keeps you informed of any last-minute changes.
