Rp150,000–Rp200,000 gets you from AAP to Bontang by van
Intercity operator Travel Shuttle Bontang runs shared vans from Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport (airport code AAP) to the city of Bontang, about 120–130 km away by road. Vans are the middle ground between a private taxi and a crowded public bus, with fixed per-seat pricing typically in the Rp150,000–Rp200,000 range depending on time of day and demand.
Flights at AAP use a single terminal, Terminal 1, and Travel Shuttle Bontang usually boards from the public arrivals side, just outside the main exit doors, not in the departures hall. Plan on 10–15 minutes from aircraft door to curb if you have carry-on only, or closer to 25 minutes if you check bags and land during the evening wave of flights.
Most vans run roughly every 60–90 minutes during daytime, with thinner service after about 19:00, so late-night arrivals may find fewer seats. The drive from AAP to Bontang takes around 3–4 hours depending on traffic on the Samarinda–Bontang road and weather; add at least 30 minutes buffer if you’re catching a same-day boat or work transport from Bontang.
Tickets are normally sold in Indonesian rupiah in cash at a small counter or directly by the driver near the curb, usually next to other intercity vans heading toward Samarinda and surrounding towns. Expect basic minibuses with 8–12 seats, minimal luggage space in the back, and no onboard toilet, so hit the restroom inside the terminal before you pay and load up.
Step-by-step from plane to Travel Shuttle Bontang
- 1. Land at AAP Terminal 1 and follow the “Kedatangan / Arrivals” signs to baggage claim; this is usually a 5–10 minute walk.
- 2. Collect any checked bags from the single main carousel area; allow up to 15 minutes if several flights arrive together.
- 3. Exit through customs/security to the public arrivals hall and head toward the main curbside exit doors directly ahead; you’ll see other intercity vans and taxis lined up.
- 4. Look for vehicles or a small desk marked with “Travel Shuttle Bontang” and confirm the destination “Bontang” plus the fare in rupiah before you hand over luggage.
- 5. Pay the driver or counter staff, keep your ticket or receipt, then load bags into the rear compartment and choose a seat; vans usually depart when nearly full or at the stated departure time, whichever comes first.
One practical tip: buy water and snacks inside Terminal 1 before you walk out to the curb; on the 3–4 hour AAP–Bontang run, roadside stops can be infrequent and short.