City Bus Route 1

IDR 20,000 gets you into town on City Bus Route 1

City Bus Route 1 runs from Terminal 1 at Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport into Samarinda city for about IDR 20,000 per person, making it the cheapest ground option if you don’t mind a slower ride.

Typical journey time sits around 45–50 minutes, but reviews mention it can stretch to 60–75 minutes when traffic backs up on the main road, so don’t use it with a tight connection or late-night meeting on the other end.

The bus is air conditioned and runs roughly every hour during the day, so you’re not getting city-bus frequency, but you are getting a seat and cold air in 30–35°C heat instead of standing in a minivan queue.

How to use City Bus Route 1 step by step

• 1. Find the bus poster in Terminal 1. After baggage claim in T1, look for the City Bus Route 1 information poster near the public exits with a QR code and phone numbers printed on it.
• 2. Reserve a seat via QR or phone. Scan the QR code to book online or message the listed numbers; regulars say this is essential because the bus works on seat bookings rather than pure walk-up space.
• 3. Confirm departure time. When booking, confirm which hourly departure you’re on (for example, 13:00 or 14:00) so you’re not guessing at the stop with luggage.
• 4. Head to the airport bus pick-up area. Leave Terminal 1 through the main arrivals exit and follow signs or staff directions to the bus stop used by Route 1 and other public buses.
• 5. Pay IDR 20,000 by cash or KHQR. Most riders pay the IDR 20,000 fare in cash on boarding, but KHQR payment is sometimes offered; carry small bills in case the driver has limited change.
• 6. Expect a 45–75 minute ride. In light traffic, you’ll be in town in about 45–50 minutes, but regulars report swings of 15 minutes or more depending on congestion, especially around peak commuting hours.

What regulars do

Frequent riders book ahead with the QR code or by WhatsApp using the phone numbers on the poster, then bring backup cash in IDR in case the KHQR option is offline that day.

Watch out for

Two things trip people up: assuming you can just walk up to any departure without a reservation, and underestimating traffic that can add 20–30 minutes beyond the stated 45–50 minute timetable.

Practical tip: if you need to be in Samarinda by a fixed time, pick a bus at least one full hour earlier than you think you need and treat the IDR 20,000 fare as cheap insurance against Kalimantan traffic.