There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Pekanbaru into a quick city adventure. From PKU, the Taxi / Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) can get you into town in around 50 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of PKU:
- Can you legally enter Indonesia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 50-minute journey each way by Taxi / Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek), you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the IDR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some IDR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Pekanbaru
From PKU, the Taxi / Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) gets you to Pekanbaru in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in Pekanbaru
Two recommendations for your time in Pekanbaru:
Start with City Center Walk. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe. Then, if time allows, make your way to Local Market. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’d rather stay inside PKU — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Lounge
- Duty Free Shopping
Where to Eat
For food in Pekanbaru, local travelers recommend Local Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Popular Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at PKU, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Pekanbaru might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$5 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$20 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Specific locker facilities at PKU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Pekanbaru itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at PKU for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Pekanbaru or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at PKU, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Pekanbaru is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Pekanbaru.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.