Binjai is a city in North Sumatra that sits between the Mencirim, Bangkatan and Bingai rivers and functions as part of Greater Medan. It is a transit point for travellers heading to Bukit Lawang and the Gunung Leuser National Park, and it is connected to Medan by the Sumatra Highway and by a commuter train.
For a visitor, the city is compact and organised around a small number of named streets and districts. The commercial heart sits in the centre, the main shopping avenues are General Sudirman Street and Ahmad Yani Street, and the biggest food court is Bangkatan. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Binjai
1. Central Binjai
The commercial centre is located in the heart of the city, which makes this the most practical base for a short stay. You are within reach of the main shopping avenues, General Sudirman Street and Ahmad Yani Street, and the civic open space at Lapangan Merdeka in front of the Town Hall on General Sudirman Road.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants shops, services and transport within walking distance. The city's becak and Angkot minibuses serve the centre, and Trans Binjai connects the whole city.
2. Pekan Binjai
Binjai grew from a small village on the edge of the Bingai River, approximately where the Pekan Binjai village is today. It sits close to the historic core of Binjai rather than the commercial centre.
This area suits visitors who want a quieter base near the city's origins and the river. It is a reasonable choice if you are passing through rather than shopping, and you should expect to rely on becak or Angkot to reach the main avenues.
3. Kelurahan Cengkeh Turi
Kelurahan Cengkeh Turi contains a business park. It is a working area rather than a tourist quarter, so it suits travellers with business in Binjai or those who prefer to stay away from the commercial centre.
You will need transport to reach the shopping streets and the food court, as this area is not the commercial heart of the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect simple local accommodation, often in or near the commercial centre and the traditional market areas, where the Tavip, Kebun Lada, Brahrang and Rambung markets serve buyers and sellers from both Binjai and the surrounding regency.
- Mid-range: Look around the central commercial area and the main shopping avenues, General Sudirman Street and Ahmad Yani Street, where modern shopping centres such as Suzuya, Ramayana Mall, Asia King and Binjai Supermall are located.
- Splurge: Binjai is a commuter city for Medan rather than a resort destination, so the highest category here is limited. If you want a wider choice of upscale accommodation, Medan is about 22 km east by road and is reachable by the Sri Lelawangsa commuter train.
Best area for a first visit
Central Binjai is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the commercial heart of the city, close to the main shopping avenues and the civic space at Lapangan Merdeka, with becak, Angkot and Trans Binjai services to move around. From here you can reach the Bangkatan food court and the traditional markets without committing to a quieter residential area.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Binjai from Medan?
Binjai is connected to Medan by the Sumatra Highway, which runs on to Banda Aceh, and the effective road distance is about 22 km. There is also a commuter train, Sri Lelawangsa, connecting Binjai with Medan and continuing to Kuala Bingai in Langkat Regency.
Is Binjai a good base for visiting Bukit Lawang?
Binjai is an important transit point for visitors to Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park, which lies 68 km west of the city. If your main goal is the park, treat Binjai as a staging point rather than a destination in itself.
What is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Medan's Kuala Namu International Airport, and the nearest harbour is the Port of Belawan in Medan. Both are reached via Medan, so plan your transfer through the provincial capital.
Where can I find food in the evening?
The biggest food court in Binjai is at Bangkatan, with Chinese and Indonesian food as its specialties. The central commercial area and the main shopping avenues also have shopping centres and eating options.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself in Binjai.