Transport Options in Getting around Medan

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As the capital of North Sumatra, Medan is the type of place where you’ll see the unique blend of different ethnic groups and cultures. The region has a large population along with its exotic tourist spots for people who love flora and fauna. It is also the gateway to other top destinations like Bukit Lawang or Lake Toba. With the sheer multitude of sights available for tourists, getting around Medan is surely a must. There are several public transportation options available in Medan and they can be seen in nearly all parts of the city.

For getting around Medan on land, numerous Becaks are available. They are the cheapest form of transport with price fare ranging from Rp 5,000 to 10,000 depending on the distance of your destination and can even be negotiated. Some becak drivers speak few common English phrase but bringing a map and pointing will lead you to the right place. You can always find plenty of becak-drivers lined outside the hotels that will be happy to take you around the city. If you will get the Becak-tour, you will ride along the tiny backstreets showing some city attractions with a convenient view from your seat.

Getting around Medan by taxi can be quite costly with the minimum charge of Rp 20,000 to 25,000, although the metered taxis will often score lower. Also, pick taxis from reliable public places such as in front of shopping malls or airport. Many taxi drivers in Medan will refuse to use a meter and won’t bargain much with visitors. Always prepare small change since they often don’t return the excess if you give them banknotes. While there are many taxi operators in Medan, the most reliable taxi companies are the Bluebird and Express taxis because they always use the meter.

Express taxi are white-colored taxis that can be found almost anywhere in Medan. The Bluebird taxi, on the other hand, is the newest taxi company operating in Medan and uses blue-colored taxis. If you wanted to get the best deal from non-metered taxis, the average cost in Central Medan should only be Rp 20,000 to 25,000. Any fare higher than this price range is only justifiable for distant places such as Pinang Baris bus station, which should cost less than Rp 50,000. It is best to ask a friend who happens to be a local to accompany you, so that no one tries to trick you into paying for more than you should.

For shorter trips to other adjacent places in Medan, you can catch the minivans locally known as angkot or sudako. These can be easily recognized with their yellow paint, besides the blue ones. There are also painted numbers from 1 to 267, and the number indicates their respective routes. Since Medan does not have particular bus stops for this type of transport, it drops off passengers wherever they want just as long as it is still in its route. If you speak a little Indonesian, ask the locals standing on the roadside about which bus number matches to your destination and the fare price beforehand. When the van corresponding to your location comes, flag them since they don’t have designated stops. For westerners, ask the price before getting inside. This transport option when getting around Medan is recommended for those knowledgeable in Medan so they can identify where to stop, unless you have a local guide with you.