Getting Around Padang
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, and a common transit point for travellers heading onward to the Mentawai Islands, the Batu Islands, or the West Sumatran highlands. The city spreads along the coast and up into the surrounding hills, so getting between neighbourhoods usually means covering a fair bit of ground. Public transport is inexpensive but informal, and most visitors end up mixing shared minibuses, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and hired cars with a driver.
Angkots: the local shared minibus
The workhorse of Padang's streets is the angkot (angkutan kota), a small minibus that runs on fixed routes but without formal maps or designated stops. They are often crazily decorated, and they fill the shared-van role that tuk-tuks or jeepneys play in other Southeast Asian cities.
- Flag one down anywhere along its route and tell the driver your destination before you board.
- Fares are fixed by distance or route and paid in cash.
- They generally run from early morning until around 9–10 PM.
- Main hubs include Pasar Raya (the central market) and various street corners around town.
- To get off, call out "Kiri!" (left) or "Berhenti!" (stop).
- They can be crowded and are generally not wheelchair accessible.
Angkots run along the two main roads in particular, and an orange angkot is a handy way to reach the centre from outlying drop-off points. Expect to pay a few thousand rupiah for a trip.
Buses and city transport
Beyond the angkots, Padang has bus kota (city buses) and angkutan kota as the main public options. Most public transport is not safe or clean by international standards, and buses get overcrowded during rush hour. Keep an eye on your valuables, though pickpocketing is rare. There are no tour buses or hop-on-hop-off services in the city; tour operators arrange private vans or buses for groups instead.
Rail, metro and tram
Padang has no metro or tram network. Rail transport is limited: the only passenger train service runs from Pariaman several times per day, which can be useful if you are travelling overland from Jakarta. The main station, Stasiun Padang, sits just off Jl. Dalam Gadung road.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Metered taxis and app-based ride-hailing are the most straightforward options for visitors.
- Blue Bird is a licensed taxi operator — insist that the meter is used.
- Grab and Gojek are widely used ride-hailing apps with fixed fares shown upfront, so you know the cost before you ride.
- Download the apps before you arrive; they make getting around reliable and affordable.
- Taxis summoned through the apps typically arrive within a few minutes, and only qualified taxis and drivers can join.
If you speak some Indonesian, you can also negotiate airport taxis to town for a modest fare. As a general rule, Minang people are known as skilled business people, so as an obvious foreigner you may be quoted a few extra thousand rupiah — it is usually not worth squabbling over small change.
Car and motorcycle rental
If you are spending a few days in Padang, a rental car is a comfortable way to get around. Rentals almost always include a driver, who can double as a guide. Self-driving is not recommended for tourists: road signs are widely ignored by locals and courtesy while driving is virtually nonexistent.
- An International Driving Permit is legally required for cars and motorcycles, in addition to your national licence.
- Motorcycle and scooter rentals are widely available; helmets are usually included and are mandatory.
- Traffic is chaotic, with potholes and unpredictable local driving practices.
- Drive on the left, wear a seatbelt in cars, and expect congestion on main roads and rough surfaces on smaller ones.
- Formal parking is scarce in busy areas; street parking is common but hard to find.
Several local agencies offer cars with a chauffeur, and some also arrange tour buses. There is no bike-share scheme, and while a few hotels or guesthouses may lend bicycles, dedicated cycle lanes are rare and cycling in traffic is hazardous.
Walking
Walking works best in the city centre. You will find sidewalks around Pasar Raya and along Jalan Samudera, and informal self-guided walks through Kampung Cina or the Old City are a good way to take in Padang's history. Outside these areas, be cautious: major arterial roads at peak hours lack proper pedestrian crossings, and sidewalks are uneven. Accessibility infrastructure is highly restricted, so travellers with mobility needs should plan ahead, consider private transport, and confirm access with their accommodation.
Boats and island transfers
Padang is a gateway to offshore islands. Boats for transfers to the Mentawai Islands and for short excursions are arranged privately or through local tour operators rather than on a scheduled public network.
Getting from the airport into the city
Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) is the main gateway to West Sumatra, located north-west of Padang, with frequent flights to destinations across Sumatra and Java and international service from Kuala Lumpur. From the airport you have several options into the city:
- Minangkabau Express Airport Train — the cheapest option. It departs only a few times a day because the railway is single-track, so check times before you rely on it.
- Damri bus — connects the airport with the city, passing along the coast and by major hotels before ending at the Imam Bonjol terminal. Buses leave the city roughly hourly from early morning until early evening, and the trip takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxis and rental cars — available at the airport; app-based ride-hailing is another option if you have the apps installed.
Practical tips
- Download Grab and Gojek before arrival for reliable, affordable transport.
- Carry small cash for angkots and buses.
- Padang is one of Indonesia's wettest cities, with frequent rain year-round, so plan for wet conditions when walking or waiting for transport.
- If you are heading onward to Bukittinggi, Harau Valley, or the highlands, minibuses and luxury buses from Java also serve the city.