Getting Around Samarinda

Getting Around Samarinda

Samarinda is a river city, split between the north and south banks of the lower Mahakam and joined by the Mahakam Bridge, the Mahakam Ulu Bridge, and the Achmad Amins Bridge. That geography shapes how you move: most of the practical transport is road-based, with the river itself serving as a secondary route for boats. There is no metro, tram, or extensive city bus network, so visitors generally rely on a mix of minibuses, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and their own two feet in the walkable pockets of town.

Rail, Metro and Tram

Samarinda has no metro, tram, or commuter rail network. There is no rail alternative to road transport, so plan your movements around road vehicles and, where useful, boats on the Mahakam.

Angkot: The Backbone of Public Transport

The main form of public transport in Samarinda is the angkot (angkutan kota), a fleet of blue minibuses running on fixed routes across the city. They are the cheapest and most local way to get around, though they are not designed with tourists in mind.

• How to spot them: routes are indicated by numbers or destination names displayed on the front window.
• Where to catch them: angkot gather at major markets such as Pasar Pagi, at bus terminals, and around business districts. You can also hail them from the roadside.
• How to stop one: call out "Kiri!" (Left!) or knock on the roof to signal the driver.
• Fares: paid directly to the driver when you get off. Bring small Rupiah denominations, as change may be limited.
• Hours: roughly early morning until around 9:00–10:00 PM. Service is frequent on main routes but thins out in the late evening.
• Route information: there is no comprehensive tourist route map. Ask locals or your accommodation staff for advice on which angkot to take.
• Accessibility: angkot are not wheelchair accessible, with high steps and crowded conditions.

Buses and Other Public Transport

Beyond the angkot minibuses, Samarinda does not have an extensive city bus network. For longer journeys, intercity buses connect Samarinda with other parts of East Kalimantan — notably Balikpapan, a journey of about two hours. Both non-air-conditioned and air-conditioned services are available, with the air-conditioned option costing a little more.

On the water, ketinting — traditional longboats — act as water taxis and tour boats on the Mahakam River. They can be chartered privately or used on public routes, and they provide access to settlements upstream. For visitors interested in the river, a ketinting trip is one of the more distinctive ways to see the city and its surroundings.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Metered taxis and app-based ride-hailing are both widely available and are generally the easiest option for visitors who want a straightforward, door-to-door trip.

• Blue Bird Group: the most dependable licensed metered taxi operator. Fares are metered, and cash is the main payment method. You can hail one on the street, find one at a taxi stand, or book through the Blue Bird app.
• Gojek and Grab: widely used for both car and motorcycle rides. Pricing is transparent, card payment is supported, and trips are tracked by GPS. Before boarding, verify that the driver's name, plate number, and photo match what the app shows, and use the app's trip-sharing feature.
• Motorcycle options: these may not suit travellers carrying large luggage. Expect surge pricing during peak hours and in bad weather.

At the airport, licensed taxis include GrabAirport, Yellow taxis (Aerocab), White taxis (Angkasa), Kilat taxi, Red taxis (Sentra), and Blue taxis (Primkopau). Avoid illegal taxis, which charge much more and are not licensed.

Walking and Cycling

Walking is pleasant in selected areas but not a practical way to cross the whole city. The Mahakam Riverfront is suitable for walking, as are the areas around the large malls and public parks. Elsewhere, sidewalks are inconsistent, and heavy traffic makes walking difficult on busy streets.

• Avoid main arterial roads with heavy traffic and no sidewalks.
• Take extra care in industrial zones or isolated areas at night.
• Dedicated cycling lanes are limited, and cycling is not a main tourist mode; mixed traffic raises safety concerns.

Renting a Car or Scooter

If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental requires an International Driving Permit, your national driver's licence, and your passport. Scooter and motorcycle rentals are also available and require a valid motorcycle licence. Be aware that riding in Samarinda traffic is challenging and risky for inexperienced riders.

• Indonesia drives on the left; seatbelts are mandatory, and helmets are required on motorcycles.
• Roads are generally good and paved in central areas but unpaved in outer districts.
• Parking is difficult in crowded business districts; use designated lots at malls.

For visitors with mobility challenges, note that angkot, ojek (motorcycle taxis), and riverboats are generally not accessible. Private transport with a driver is the recommended option. There are no hop-on-hop-off services, but private tour operators can arrange chartered buses.

Getting from the Airport into the City

APT Pranoto (Samarinda) International Airport, also known as Sungai Siring after the district it sits in, is in the north of Samarinda. A few options connect it to the city.

• Damri buses: one company, Damri, runs buses from the airport. They are cheap and convenient but slower than taxis. The route passes Samarinda Botanical Garden (Taman Borneo), one of the largest botanical gardens in East Borneo.
• Route 2: of the two bus routes into town, this is the most useful for most visitors. It runs down Bhayangkara Road to Sungai Kunjang Station, departing hourly during the day. Allow around 90 minutes for the trip.
• Taxis: licensed options at the airport include GrabAirport, Yellow taxis (Aerocab), White taxis (Angkasa), Kilat taxi, Red taxis (Sentra), and Blue taxis (Primkopau). Do not take illegal taxis, which charge much more and are not licensed.

While waiting, the airport has a cafe near Indomaret serving traditional Samarinda Roti Durian with distinctive Melak (West Kutai) durian flavour, along with Samarinda fish cracker snacks (amplang) — a good introduction to the city's signature foods before you head into town.