Rental Guide
How to Get to Bukit Lawang from Medan or Kualanamu Airport
Public bus, tourist shuttle or private car: how to get to Bukit Lawang from Medan city or straight from Kualanamu Airport, with tips for each option.
Contents
Most visitors arrive in North Sumatra at Kualanamu Airport, while Bukit Lawang sits north-west of Medan. Here is how to get to Bukit Lawang from Medan or directly from the airport.
From Medan city
Public bus. Buses to Bukit Lawang leave from the Pinang Baris terminal on the west side of Medan. It is the cheapest option, but expect a slow, crowded ride and a change of plan if the bus fills up.
Tourist shuttle. Some guesthouses and agents arrange shared minivans. More comfortable than the bus, with fixed departure times.
Private car. Leaves from your hotel whenever you choose, takes about 3–4 hours and drops you at the village parking area.
From Kualanamu Airport
Going straight from the airport saves a night in Medan. A private car takes the toll road around the city towards Binjai, then continues to Bukit Lawang, in about 3–4 hours.
Public transport from the airport means changing at least once in Medan, which is tiring after a long flight. Our guide on Kualanamu straight to Bukit Lawang has more detail.
Comparison
| Option | From | Time | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus | Pinang Baris terminal | 4+ hours | Limited |
| Shuttle | Medan pick-up points | 3.5–4 hours | Moderate |
| Private car | Hotel or airport | 3–4 hours | Plenty |
Tips for arriving
- Book your guide and guesthouse before you go
- Carry rupiah in cash; ATMs and card payments are limited
- Pack light: the walk from the car park to riverside guesthouses can take a while
After Bukit Lawang
The most popular next stops are Berastagi (about 4–5 hours) and Lake Toba (about 7–8 hours). A private car can link them without returning to Medan.
Need help choosing?
Check available vehicles on the reservation page, or read the complete Medan car rental guide for a comparison of rates and rental requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Where do buses to Bukit Lawang leave from in Medan?
From the Pinang Baris terminal on the west side of Medan.
Can I go from Kualanamu Airport directly to Bukit Lawang?
Yes, by private car in about 3–4 hours without stopping in Medan.
