Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Ujung Pandang. Hasanuddin International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 80 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of UPG:
- 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 80-minute journey each way by Damri Bus, 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.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Hasanuddin International Airport into town:
- Damri Bus: About 80 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 100 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Ujung Pandang, budget roughly $20 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $5 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Storing Your Luggage at Hasanuddin International Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at UPG may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Ujung Pandang’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Exploring Ujung Pandang on a Layover
If you head into Ujung Pandang, here are two things worth checking out:
City Center Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Local Market is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside UPG, you can spend time at Airport Lounge or try Duty Free Shopping. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Ujung Pandang, local travelers recommend Local Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Popular Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at UPG, Airport Cafe is the go-to. Terminal Restaurant rounds out your in-terminal options.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at UPG.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and UPG is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Ujung Pandang and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Ujung Pandang exploring the streets or relaxing at UPG, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.