Transportation
Step-by-step guide for delegates: home → airport → hotel → venue → tours → home
Stage 1 — Before Departure
Preparation for international & domestic delegates
Visa & Immigration
Indonesia is visa-free for 169 countries up to 30 days, or e-VOA (USD 35) for 97 other countries. Check requirements at imigrasi.go.id before departure.
Check Visa RequirementsInternational eSIM (Active Before Landing)
Activate a data plan before departure — go online the moment you land, no airport SIM queue. Airalo & Holafly offer Indonesia plans starting at USD 4.50.
Currency Exchange & Multi-Currency Card
Wise multi-currency card offers better rates than conventional credit cards + free ATM withdrawals up to IDR 3M/month at Indonesian ATMs.
Open Wise CardStage 2 — Arrival at Kualanamu Airport (KNO)
Transport options from KNO to central Medan
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Airport Train (Railink)
Recommended
|
~30 min to Medan Station + 10 min Grab | IDR 60,000 + Grab ~IDR 30,000 | Comfortable and on-time. Alight at Medan Station, continue by Grab (~5–10 min). | Book |
|
Private Transfer (GetTransfer)
International Pick
|
~45 min direct to hotel | From USD 18 (fixed price) | Driver waits at Arrival Hall with name sign. Fixed price, no haggling. Ideal for international delegates. | Book |
|
Private Transfer (KiwiTaxi)
|
~45 min direct to hotel | From USD 22 | Alternative to GetTransfer with simpler booking. Driver ready at Arrival Hall, free 60 min waiting time. | Book |
|
Klook Airport Transfer
|
~45 min direct to hotel | From USD 25 (4-seater) | Pre-book via Klook, instant confirmation. 4–7 seater vehicles available. Pay with international credit card. | Book |
|
Grab / Gojek
|
~45–60 min via toll | IDR 120,000–200,000 | Available via app. Pick-up at designated airport zone (level 2). Accepts international credit cards. | Book |
|
Blue Bird Taxi
|
~45–60 min via toll | IDR 200,000–280,000 | Counter at Arrival Hall. Use only licensed metered taxis — avoid touts. | — |
|
DAMRI Airport Bus
Budget
|
60–90 minutes | IDR 20,000–30,000 | Most economical option. Multiple stops across the city. Check route toward Jl. Kapten Maulana Lubis before boarding. | — |
Stage 3 — Hotel ↔ Venue During the Congress
Quick ways to Santika Premiere Dyandra each day
On Foot
0–5 minOnly for Aryaduta (200 m, 2 min) and Santika guests (on-site). Wide pavements, safe in daytime & evening.
Grab / Gojek
5–15 minMost practical from hotels 1–3 km away. IDR 15,000–50,000, ~5–15 min. Order via app.
Download GrabHotel Taxi / Blue Bird
5–15 minConcierge can arrange. Fare ~1.5–2× Grab but more comfortable for senior delegates or heavy luggage.
| Hotel | Distance | Best Way | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santika Premiere Dyandra | 0 m | On Foot | — |
| Aryaduta Medan | ~200 m | On Foot | — |
| Grand Mercure Medan | ~1 km | Grab / Gojek | Rp 15.000–25.000 |
| Grand City Hall | ~1.5 km | Grab / Gojek | Rp 15.000–25.000 |
| JW Marriott Medan | ~1.5 km | Grab / Gojek | Rp 20.000–30.000 |
| Garuda Plaza Hotel | ~3 km | Grab / Gojek | Rp 30.000–50.000 |
Stage 4 — Post-Congress Excursions
North Sumatra has world-class destinations only hours from Medan
Lake Toba & Samosir Island
±180 km from MedanWorld's largest volcanic lake. UNESCO Global Geopark. ~2.5–3.5 hours from Medan via toll road. From Parapat, cross to Samosir Island by 50-minute ferry.
Berastagi Highland
±66 km from MedanCool mountain town at 1,300 masl. Active Mt. Sibayak, traditional fruit market, and spectacular scenery. ~2 hours from Medan.
Bukit Lawang & Sumatran Orangutans
±90 km from MedanTrekking in Gunung Leuser National Park to see Sumatran orangutans in their natural habitat. River tubing on Bohorok. ~3 hours from Medan.
Medan City Tour
10–20 min from venueMaimun Palace (1888), Tjong A Fie Mansion, Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, Merdeka Walk, Tip-Top Restaurant (1934). All within 2 km of venue.
Stage 5 — Practical Tips & Emergency
SIM card, ATM, must-have apps, and key contacts
Local SIM Card at the Airport
Official Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat counters at Arrival Hall ground floor. Data plans 10–30GB at IDR 100,000–200,000. Bring your passport for registration.
Open 24 hours following flight schedules
Klook eSIMATM & Currency Exchange
ATM Bersama, BCA, BNI, Mandiri available at KNO. Money changers in arrival area for USD/SGD/MYR/EUR. Indomaret/Alfamart in the city also accept international debit cards.
Wise CardMust-Install Apps
Grab, Gojek (transport + food delivery), Google Maps (offline map of Medan), Google Translate (camera mode for restaurant menus).
Grab / GojekMedan Signature Cuisine
Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok, Soto Kesawan, Bika Ambon, Bolu Meranti, Durian Ucok. Most within 2 km of the venue — Grab/Gojek or walking distance.
- Medan traffic is heavy 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00 WIB. Allow extra travel time, especially Mon–Fri.
- The Railink airport train is the most efficient and punctual option from Kualanamu Airport — unaffected by toll-road congestion.
- Install Google Maps & download the Medan offline map before arrival — works reliably citywide.
- The venue is near Sun Plaza and Cambridge City Square — recognizable landmarks if a driver is unsure of your hotel address.
- Always use the Share Trip feature in Grab/Gojek for added safety, especially at night.
- Carry IDR 200,000–500,000 cash for small transactions (street stalls, parking, tips). Major hotels & restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard.
