Getting Around Pekanbaru

Getting Around Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru is a sprawling, low-rise city on the banks of the Siak River, and getting around it is mostly a matter of road transport. There is no metro, tram, or light rail network in the city, and the historic railway built during the Second World War was never fully used and today stands unused. In practice, visitors choose between the Trans Metro Pekanbaru bus system, minivans, conventional taxis, and ride-hailing apps, with walking limited to specific districts.

Trans Metro Pekanbaru (Bus Rapid Transit)

The main public transit option is Trans Metro Pekanbaru (TMP), a bus rapid transit system modelled on Jakarta's Transjakarta. It is the closest thing the city has to a fixed, reliable network, though only part of the system is operational and other lines remain under construction.

• Tickets must be bought at the bus stop before boarding, from a ticket agent inside the stop.
• The fare is fixed and low, in the region of a few thousand rupiah per one-way trip; bring cash and, ideally, exact change.
• Buses generally run from early morning until early evening, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes on the busier routes; frequency varies by route and time of day.
• Useful stops and hubs include M. Ali, Pasar Bawah (the local market), and Ramayana.
• Routes serve shopping malls, government offices, and the airport.
• Buses often have steps, and accessibility for travellers with mobility challenges is limited.
• Route planning is easiest with a navigation app such as Google Maps; an official TMP app is also referenced.

Buses, Minivans and Other Public Transport

Beyond the BRT, the city has a patchwork of buses and minivans. Coverage is partial and frequencies can be limited, so relying entirely on public transport for a visitor's itinerary is difficult.

• Mikrolets are minivan share taxis that run along set routes and remain a common local mode of transport.
• Public buses connect the intercity bus terminal with the town centre, stopping at pre-determined stops; tickets are bought inside the bus stop from an agent.
• The intercity/interprovincial (AKAP) bus terminal sits outside the downtown area. Intercity schedules and tickets can be checked and bought through the Redbus app.
• There is no hop-on-hop-off tour bus; group tour buses must be arranged through travel agencies, usually with advance booking.
• Tuk-tuks and jeepneys are not available in Pekanbaru.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Metered taxis and app-based ride-hailing are the most straightforward options for visitors, particularly for point-to-point trips across the city.

• Licensed taxi companies include Blue Bird Group and Pusaka Group; vehicles are identified by company branding and use meters.
• Taxis can be hailed on the street, picked up at designated stands at malls and hotels, or booked by phone. Confirm that the meter will be used at the start of the journey, and be wary of unmetered taxis or drivers who refuse the meter.
• Fares start at a modest flagfall plus a per-kilometre charge; cash is standard.
• Ride-hailing is available through Grab and Gojek, offering both cars (GrabCar, GoCar) and motorcycle taxis (GrabBike, GoRide).
• App pricing is shown upfront before you confirm the trip, and payment can be made in cash or through in-app wallets such as OVO for Gojek and GrabPay for Grab.
• Trips are GPS-tracked and drivers are rated; sharing trip details with someone is a sensible precaution.
• Motorcycle taxis are faster through congestion but carry higher risk. A helmet is provided and is mandatory.
• For travellers with mobility challenges, taxis or private car hires are usually the most feasible option; specialised services should be booked early through reputable hotels or local tour operators.

Walkability and Cycling

Pekanbaru is moderately walkable in its central areas, but the city is sprawling and the climate works against long walks.

• Central streets such as Jalan Dagang are convenient on foot, with shops, cafes, and restaurants within reasonable distance of one another.
• Office-dominated districts are less convenient for walking, and pedestrian infrastructure is minimal in many areas, with uneven or absent sidewalks.
• Heat, humidity, and traffic make long-distance walking impractical.
• Self-guided walks are possible around markets such as Pasar Bawah; organised walking tours are not commonly advertised.
• The terrain is flat, which favours cycling, and cycling communities exist, with bicycle lanes provided on Car Free Days.
• Dedicated cycling infrastructure is not consistently available, and heavy motor traffic makes cycling less comfortable or safe during busy hours.
• There is no widespread public bike-share scheme, though some hotels and guesthouses may rent bicycles.

Renting a Car or Scooter

Self-driving is possible but demands care. Traffic is often congested, especially at urban peak hours, and driving at night on unlit roads should be avoided.

• Car rental requires a valid national driver's licence plus an International Driving Permit, with a minimum age typically in the early twenties. Local agencies and some national chains operate in the city.
• A chauffeured car is advisable if you are unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
• Motorcycle and scooter rental requires a home-country motorcycle licence plus a motorcycle-endorsed IDP; helmets are mandatory and are provided. Rentals are available from smaller shops and guesthouses.
• Traffic drives on the left, and seatbelts are mandatory for front passengers.
• Watch for motorcycles and unpredictable driving behaviour.

River Transport

The Siak River is central to Pekanbaru's identity, and traditional wooden boats known as pompong offer short crossings and river trips, connecting to riverine communities. Fares are negotiated directly with the operator before boarding.

Getting from the Airport into the City

Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU) is the city's main gateway, served by frequent domestic flights from major Indonesian cities and by some direct international flights. On arrival, you have several ways into town.

• The airport has designated taxi counters and dedicated ride-sharing pickup points, so arrange your ride at the appropriate point rather than accepting unsolicited offers.
• Trans Metro Pekanbaru routes serve the airport, but note that airport bus payment requires an e-payment card and wait times can be long.
• Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek are a convenient alternative, with fares shown upfront in the app.

Arriving by Boat or Intercity Bus

If you arrive by sea or by long-distance bus, plan the final leg into the city in advance.

• Sungai Duku Port on the Siak River handles ferries, including services to Selatpanjang and connections toward Batam in the Riau Islands. Travel between the Riau Islands and Pekanbaru involves a minivan ride plus a ferry; combination tickets can be purchased at the port, and the minivan service picks passengers up at their hotels before driving to the ferry dock. Note that no ferries currently run from Malacca in Malaysia; that route must be caught in Dumai.
• Payung Sekaki Terminal is the main bus station, located west of the town centre. Intercity schedules and tickets can be checked and bought through the Redbus app.
• From the bus terminal, public buses run into town and stop at pre-determined stops, with tickets bought inside the bus stop from an agent. Taxis and ride-hailing drivers are also available outside the terminal.