Bukit Lawang is situated in North Sumatra, right next to the Gunung Leuser National Park, and can be reached within approximately 3 to 5 hours from Medan or Kuala Namu International Airport, depending on traffic conditions and travel time.

To reach Bukit Lawang, travelers must first arrive in Sumatra. The most convenient international gateways are Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta, followed by a short domestic flight (around one hour) to Kuala Namu International Airport in Medan.
For affordable and reliable flights, AirAsia is a popular choice among travelers.

From North Sumatra, there are three main transportation options to get to Bukit Lawang, depending on your budget, comfort level, and schedule:

• Public transportation

• Tourist bus (shared minivan)

• Private car

For those traveling on a Sumatra overland route, Bukit Lawang can also be accessed from Berastagi or Lake Toba via tourist bus or private transfer.

Please note: Transportation services arranged by us require a minimum of 72 hours advance booking. Kindly provide your flight details, arrival time, or pickup location and preferred pickup time.

ARRIVING IN NORTH SUMATRA

Bukit Lawang is a small riverside village located at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, famous for its rainforest and orangutan habitat.

• Travel time from Kuala Namu Airport to Bukit Lawang is usually 3–5 hours

• Early morning, midday, or late-night arrivals may reduce travel time to around 3 hours by private car

From Medan City or Kuala Namu Airport, travelers can choose between local public transport or pre-arranged tourist/private transfers.

If continuing your journey across Sumatra, connections are available from Bukit Lawang to Berastagi, Lake Toba, Singkil, or Banda Aceh by shared minivan or private vehicle.

Upon arrival in Bukit Lawang—either at Gotong Royong bus terminal or near the riverside entrance—our team will assist you.
As most accommodations are located along the river and accessible only on foot:

• We escort guests to their guesthouse (approximately 10–20 minutes walk)

• Luggage will be transported by motorbike

The same assistance is provided for departures.

OPTION 1 – PUBLIC BUS

This option is ideal for travelers seeking a low-cost and local experience.

Travel route:

1. Take the ALS local bus (orange) from Medan Airport to Binjai

• Travel time: ~2 hours

• Fare: ~50,000 IDR per person

2. From Binjai Bus Station, take a tuk-tuk (becak) to Tanah Lapang Binjai Terminal

• Cost: ~5,000 IDR

• Alternatively, board the bus near Binjai Supermall

⚠️ Bus departure times vary and are not fixed; the last service is usually between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

1. Continue by L300 or PS bus to Bukit Lawang

• Travel time: ~3 hours

• Fare: ~30,000 IDR per person

From the final stop, take a becak (10,000 IDR) or contact us for a complimentary motorbike pickup.

OPTION 2 – TOURIST BUS

• Air-conditioned shared minivan (6 seats)

• Airport pickup between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm

• One daily return departure from Bukit Lawang at 08:30 am

• Price: 210,000 IDR per person

• Solo travelers: minimum charge 420,000 IDR

• Travel duration: approximately 4–5 hours

Tourist Bus Berastagi, Lake Toba, Singkil, Even Banda Aceh

If you are traveling around North Sumatra, you may come from Berastagi, Lake Toba, Singkil, or even Banda Aceh to Bukit Lawang — or continue your journey from Bukit Lawang to those destinations.

The easiest and most affordable transportation option is the tourist bus.

This service uses a shared air-conditioned minivan, together with other travelers heading to the same destination. It is a popular choice among backpackers and independent travelers exploring Sumatra.

We can organize pick-up and drop-off service for you, including transportation from or to your guesthouse in Bukit Lawang, along with your luggage.

Tourist Bus to / from Berastagi

The tourist bus from/to Berastagi takes approximately 4 – 5 hours.

• Price: 230,000 IDR per person

• Departure from Bukit Lawang: 08:00 AM

Please contact us if you would like to know the departure time from Berastagi to Bukit Lawang.

1. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

• Go to Pinang Baris Bus Station (8 km from city center)

• Best access: Blue Bird Taxi

• Ask to stop at Mawar Bakery (direct buses to Bukit Lawang)

• Duration: 4–5 hours

• Cost: ~30,000 IDR

• Final stop: Gotong Royong Village

From there, take a becak or contact us for pickup.

2. TOURIST BUS FROM MEDAN CITY

• Pickup from your hotel/guesthouse

• Operating time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

• Cost: 150,000 IDR/person

• Solo traveler: 300,000 IDR

• Duration: 4–5 hours

3. PRIVATE CAR FROM MEDAN CITY

• Maximum 4 people

• Direct to your Bukit Lawang guesthouse

• Cost: 650,000 IDR per car

• Toll fee not included

From / To Berastagi & Lake Toba Only

If you are doing a round trip in North Sumatra and prefer a more comfortable and flexible transportation option, we can organize a private car pick-up or drop-off service from/to Berastagi and Lake Toba.

This service is suitable for families, couples, or small groups who want more privacy during the journey.

The private car can accommodate up to 4 people.
If your group is larger, please contact us to receive information about the fare for a bigger vehicle.

Private Car Service Details

This pick-up/drop-off service includes:

• Private car with air conditioning

• Pick up or drop off from/to your accommodation in Berastagi, Lake Toba, and Bukit Lawang

• Space for your luggage

• Stop on the way at ATM and/or money changer, if needed

Private Car to / from Berastagi

• Price: 850,000 IDR per car (maximum 2 Up 4 people)

• Travel time: approximately 5 hours

• Pick up or drop off at your accommodation in Berastagi or Bukit Lawang

Private Car to / from Lake Toba (Parapat Harbor)

• Price: 1,400,000 IDR per car (maximum 2 up 4 people)

• Travel time: approximately 8–9 hours

• Possibility to stop at Sipiso-Piso Waterfall and Berastagi Fruit Market along the way

Available Routes & Prices

1. Medan Kualanamu International Airport → Bukit Lawang
💰 IDR 1,400,000 / vehicle

2. Medan City → Bukit Lawang
💰 IDR 1,300,000 / vehicle

3. Bukit Lawang → Berastagi
💰 IDR 1,700,000 / vehicle

4. Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba (Parapat)
💰 IDR 2,800,000 / vehicle

5. Bukit Lawang → Singkil
💰 IDR 4,000,000 / vehicle

Private Minivan Transfer Service – North Sumatra

Travel comfortably and safely across North Sumatra with our private minivan transfer service, ideal for families, small groups, and travelers who prefer a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Service Includes

• Price per vehicle (not per person)

• Capacity: up to 6–7 passengers with luggage

• Private air-conditioned minivan

• Experienced and professional driver

• Fuel, driver, and parking fees included

• Hotel or airport pick-up & drop-off