Getting Around Ternate
Ternate is the largest city in North Maluku and the economic and cultural hub of the province, spread across the main island of Ternate and several smaller islands including Moti, Hiri, Tifure and Mayau. For a visitor, the practical reality is that getting around relies on traditional, road-based transport rather than modern transit systems. The sections below cover what actually exists and how to use it.
How Tourists Move Around the City
There is no rail, metro or tram network on Ternate, and none is planned. Movement around the island is by road, using a mix of motorcycle taxis, minivans, taxis and private vehicles. Ride-hailing apps are not the norm here; transport remains traditional, so you should expect to flag down vehicles or arrange rides in advance rather than book through an app.
The most common and often quickest option for short-to-medium distances is the ojek (motorcycle taxi). Ojeks are available throughout the city and at major intersections. Fares must be negotiated before the journey, and the driver should provide a helmet. For many visitors, ojek is also the most flexible way to reach specific tourist attractions.
Buses and Public Transport
Public transport on Ternate is provided by angkot — brightly coloured public minivans that operate on fixed routes and are the cheapest way to travel. There is no clear route map, so visitors typically ask locals or their accommodation staff which angkot to take. To use one, flag it down, state your destination, and confirm it is on the route.
There is a central station, Terminal Gamalama, for all of the angkots, located near the tourist market. From there you can pick up services heading around the city. Angkots are generally not used for airport transfers.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available, and a taxi to the airport costs an average of around Rp50,000. Ride-hailing apps are not the norm, so you should not count on them as your main way of getting around.
For longer excursions, day trips, or travel with luggage, a private car with driver is the practical choice. These can be arranged through local tour operators and hotels, and prices vary by duration and distance and should be negotiated beforehand. A private car can also get you to the ferry terminals for trips to nearby islands such as Tidore.
Rental motorbikes are more common than rental cars; car rentals are less common and often include a driver. An international driving permit is advised. Local traffic, especially in the main city area, can be chaotic, so check the vehicle's condition and insurance before renting.
Walkability
Walking is feasible for short hops in the main city area, but the island's settlements climb the hillside of Mount Gamalama and the climate is tropical, so you should stay hydrated and plan on using ojek or angkot for anything beyond a short stroll. Carrying small cash denominations is useful, and downloading offline maps is a sensible precaution.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Sultan Babullah Airport (TTE) sits close to the main city area. Transfers from the airport are typically by taxi or a pre-arranged hotel shuttle, and arranging your transfer in advance is advised — especially for evening or late-night arrivals. Angkots are generally not used for airport transfers, and ride-hailing apps are not the norm, so a taxi or a hotel-arranged pickup is the reliable option.
Reaching the Islands and the Mainland
Ferries and boats connect Ternate with nearby destinations. A public ferry runs from Ternate to Sofifi on the Halmahera coast, departing from "Kota Baru". Getting to the departure point costs around Rp10,000–15,000 by ojek or Rp5,000 by angkot, and there is a port tax of Rp2,000. The crossing takes about two hours and costs Rp15,000.
Speedboats also operate between Ternate and Tidore, and between Ternate and Sofifi, throughout the day. They leave from Semut Harbour and only run when there are eight or more passengers making the trip. The trip to Tidore takes about 20 minutes, while Sofifi takes roughly 40–45 minutes.
For longer journeys to other parts of Indonesia, ships are serviced by PELNI. Schedules and reservations can be checked at the PELNI office or through the PELNI app.
Practical Tips
- Negotiate fares before departure for ojek and private cars.
- Carry small cash denominations for fares, port tax and ferry tickets.
- Download offline maps, since route information for angkots is not clearly posted.
- Learn a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases to help with directions and fares.
- Stay hydrated in the tropical climate.
- Local guides can be hired for historical or natural sites and often include transport.
- For evening or late-night airport arrivals, arrange your transfer in advance.