Transportation in Makassar

Getting to MakassarBy AirThe quickest and most preferred way to reach Makassar is by air. Makassar's Hasanuddin International Airport is just 20 km from the city centre and has regular flights from and to all parts of Indonesia. International carriers like Silk Air, Garuda and Air Asia connects Makassar to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Philippines. From other destinations, it is easier to reach Makassar after taking a stop at Jakarta or Bali. It is important to note that Makassar was called Ujung Pandang from 1971 to 2000 and the airport code for the Makassar is UPG. Many travellers have difficulties booking flights online for this reason since the city can still be referred to as Ujung Pandang. 

While there is an official taxi charge to the city from the airport, a bit of bargaining with the driver may get it lowered considerably.

By boat

Pelni ships connect Makassar to destinations throughout Indonesia.

Getting to Toraja

By Air

From the Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar you can fly to Toraja or vise versa via SMAC airlines (Sabang Merauke Air Charter).

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

By Bus

Toraja is a 8-10 hour drive from Makassar at a cost of around 80,000 Rupiah on an air-conditioned bus from Makassar to Rantepao. There is usually a morning or an overnight bus. Frequent mikrolets/bemos leave from Makassar to the bus terminal and take about 40 minutes. The bus from Makassar to Torajo is very clean and comfortable.

By Taxi

A chartered car usually costs about 800,000 Rupiah one-way from Makassar to Toraja.

Getting Around Makassar & Toraja

To travel around Makassar and throughout Toraja the transport options are taxi, pete-pete (minibus), becak (cycle rickshaw) and motorcycle. There are bus services to the bigger towns in the province of South Sulawesi.

By rented car

For somebody planning to do a lot of travelling around Makassar and nearby areas it is better to rent a car which will be cheaper than taxis.

By Bus

There are bus services from Makassar to destinations through out South Sulawesi and vice versa. For buses to destinations in the south, including Selayar Island, travellers need to go to the Mallengkeri terminal which handles buses to the south and those going northwards should head for the Daya terminal that takes care of buses going to places in the north. Daya terminal is located around 12 km to the north of the city and Mallengkeri terminal is situated around 10 km to the southeast.

Pete-pete or minibuses (they are actually large cars modified to take more passengers) are more suited for travelling shorter distances and around the city itself. They start off from Makassar Mall and their routes are denoted by the letter on the front of the vehicle. There are pete-pete services to the Mallengkeri and Daya terminals.

By Taxi

There are many taxi companies in Makassar that run metered taxi services.

By Motorcycle

A motorcycle is a handy option for transport in Makassar. It can be an enjoyable and cheaper option than the public Makassar transport or a rental car and is a lot easier to steer through the heavy traffic than any other vehicle. A driver's licence and a helmet would be required and a city map is quite useful. Some Makassar hotels rent out motorcycles, and tourists can also rent a motorcycle from a motorcycle rental. The cost of rental depends on the type and condition of the vehicle as well as for the time it is used.

By becak/rickshaw

The becak or cycle rickshaw is a cheap Makassar transportation device ideal for a relaxed ride through the city taking in all the sights. Though unique looking, there is nothing fancy about the becak. They are found all over the place and it is better to come to an agreement on the rates before getting in.