Transportation in Makassar

Our Makassar transportation guide below will show you the options available for getting to Makassar and how you might like to get around to those Makassar tours. For travelling within Indonesia we recommend our Indonesia transportation guide. 

Makassar Transportation Guide

Getting to Makassar

By Air
The 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.

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 Around Makassar

To travel around the city itself, the Makassar transport options are taxi, pete-pete (minibus), becak (cycle rickshaw) and motorcycle. There are bus services to the bigger towns in 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.