Getting Around Palembang: A Practical Guide
Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, offers several options for moving around the city. Whether you're arriving by air or using public transport, navigating this riverside city is relatively straightforward with a mix of modern and traditional transport modes available to visitors.
Arriving at the Airport
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport is the main entry point for visitors flying into Palembang. The airport is well connected to the city centre through multiple transport options.
The most affordable option is the light rail system, which connects directly to the airport. A special airport fare of Rp10,000 will take you into the city. Alternatively, you can use the TransMusi bus system—take a bus to Terminal AAL and transfer to other lines heading into the city proper, all for just Rp5,000.
Taxis are also available at the airport. A conventional taxi ride to the city centre typically costs around Rp100,000 and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Light Rail System
Palembang's light rail network was built to support the 2018 Asian Games and remains the city's most modern transport option. The single line features multiple stations connecting the airport, city centre, and the Jakabaring stadium complex from north to south.
Trains run regularly throughout the day, departing at intervals of at least every 17 minutes. Service begins early, with the first trains at 05:05 in the morning. The last train from DJKA Station departs at 19:01, while the final airport train leaves at 19:55. A complete journey from one end of the line to the other takes up to 49 minutes.
Fares are simple: a flat rate of Rp5,000 applies to most journeys, with the exception of trips to or from the airport, which cost Rp10,000 regardless of distance.
Public Buses and TransMusi
TransMusi is considered the best public bus system in Palembang and operates on a straightforward flat-rate fare system. For Rp5,500, you can travel on any of its routes throughout the city.
TransMusi operates multiple corridors connecting different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Key routes include connections between the Alang-Alang Lebar bus terminal and the airport, the city centre and shopping malls, and various residential and commercial districts. The system also extends to areas beyond the city proper, including service to Indralaya and Pangkalan Balai.
Angkots and Minibuses
Modified minivans known as angkots (Angkutan Kota) are a common sight throughout Palembang and offer an economical way to travel short distances. Fares for short trips are typically around Rp5,000. Be prepared for these vehicles to carry many passengers—it's normal for them to be quite full even when they appear crowded.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis in Palembang can be difficult to find and are scattered throughout the city. Many drivers are reluctant to use meters and prefer to negotiate fixed prices based on distance. Blue Bird is the most reliable and safest taxi service available in the city.
Motorcycle taxis, known as ojeks, are abundant and offer a quick and cheap alternative for getting around. They are widespread throughout the city and readily available on most streets.
Alternative Transport
For short distances within the city, becak (three-wheeled bicycle rickshaws) remain a viable option. Given Palembang's location on the Musi River, boats can also be hired for travel along the waterway.
Walkability
While the source material does not provide specific details about walkability in different areas of Palembang, the abundance of short-distance transport options like becak and angkots suggests that many areas may not be easily walkable or that visitors typically rely on these affordable local transport modes for getting around.
Rail Travel to Other Cities
For those wishing to travel beyond Palembang by train, Kertapati Station serves as the main railway hub, located roughly 2 km south of the city centre. However, rail service is limited. Train connections are available to Bandar Lampung in Lampung province and to Lubuklinggau in western South Sumatra. From Lampung, there are two daily trains: one daytime express economy service and one overnight executive class service. A railbus also operates to Sriwijaya University at Indralaya.