Getting from the Airport to the City
The Achmad Yani International Airport is located near the city center and offers several ways to reach your destination. For a convenient public transport option, the TransSemarang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system operates a dedicated airport route (Koridor V). This service runs during the day with frequent departures, while a specific night service operates later into the evening. Tickets for this bus are affordable and include transfers to other lines within the city's network.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport. There is a dedicated taxi counter located outside the arrivals area. While these taxis have fixed prices per zone, they are notably more expensive than standard city taxis due to local regulations. To find a more economical option, you can walk to the nearby drop-off area where regular city taxis pick up passengers; these typically offer a lower rate for trips to central areas like Simpang Lima.
Public Transportation: Buses and TransSemarang
The most visitor-friendly way to navigate the city is via the TransSemarang BRT system. This network consists of several corridors serving various points of interest, including the port, local universities, and major transit hubs like the Mangkang Bus Terminal. While these buses do not run in dedicated lanes, they feature designated stops on raised platforms.
The ticketing system for TransSemarang is designed for convenience: a single ticket remains valid as long as you are traveling, allowing you to transfer between different lines without purchasing a new ticket at each stop. You can pay with electronic money or cash (cash payments incur a slightly higher fee). It is important to keep your physical ticket during transfers to ensure the conductor recognizes your active fare.
Additionally, the TransJateng service provides a regional bus route connecting the Tawang railway station to the southern outskirts of the city. This route passes through several notable landmarks and facilities in the heart of Semarang.
Rail and Local Transit
Semarang is served by two primary railway stations on the north coast mainline, which connects major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. Tawang Station, located in the historic Old Town area, is one of the oldest operational stations in Indonesia and primarily serves executive and business class trains. Poncol Station serves as a hub for economy-class trains traveling to nearby cities in Central Java.
For local travel outside of the formal BRT system, numerous minibuses (known locally as angkot) operate throughout the city. These vehicles serve various routes, with their specific paths typically indicated on the vehicle itself.
Walking and Regional Connectivity
While the city features a well-established public transport network, some areas like the Old Town are accessible via local transit links to the Tawang station. For those traveling from other regions of Java, Semarang is a major hub reachable by both car via the Trans-Java toll road and by long-distance trains. The city also serves as a maritime gateway, with the Tanjung Emas Port providing access to various destinations in Kalimantan.