Medan Kualanamu Airport (KNO) serves as the gateway to North Sumatra, welcoming travelers from around the globe to this diverse and vibrant region. Whether you’re heading to the bustling city of Medan, the serene Lake Toba, or the adventurous Gunung Leuser National Park, this guide will help you navigate through Medan Airport with ease.
Note: In this guide we refer to locations as landside and airside. Landside is the area of the terminal before the security zone, open to the public. Airside is the area of the terminal that you reach by going through security.
Overview of Medan Airport
Kualanamu International Airport, located about 39 kilometers from the city center of Medan, is one of Indonesia’s largest and most modern airports. Opened in 2013, it replaced the older Polonia Airport and has quickly become a key hub for both domestic and international flights. It connects Medan with domestic destinations within Sumatra and Java as well as international destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. The airport features modern facilities, efficient services, and a range of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience.
Note: All bags must be scanned when entering the building.
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Transport Options
Airport Rail Link
One of the most convenient ways to get to Medan city center is via the Kualanamu Airport Rail Link. This train service connects the airport directly to Medan’s main railway station, offering a fast and comfortable journey in about 30-45 minutes. The trains are clean, air-conditioned, and equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Read also: Medan airport train – everything you need to know
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at the airport. There are local companies as well as Grab (taxi app within South East Asia), Gojek or Blue Bird taxis. To find them, exit the airport building and enter the Airport Rail Link building vis-à-vis. Keep left and leave the building through the exit to at parking area B. Here you will find different boths.
Buses
Several bus services connect the airport to various parts of Medan and surrounding regions. These buses are a budget-friendly option, though they may take longer due to multiple stops. They depart next to the Airport Rail Link building at parking area A. To find them, exit the airport building and enter the Airport Rail Link building vis-à-vis. Keep right and leave the building through the exit on the left near Indomaret. Different signs state the directions of the busses, but you can also ask the staff there.
Facilities and Amenities
Food and Dining
Medan Airport offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some options:
Landside: Starbucks, Solaria restaurant, KFC, Serambi Deli Kualanamu, Wayang Indonesian Cuisine
Airside: Coffeebean Company, Roti’O, A&W Restoran
ATMs and Currency Exchange
ATMs are conveniently located throughout the airport, offering 24/7 access to cash withdrawals. You find these in the departure hall left and right behind the checkin counters as well as in the arrivals area on the right side before the exit. Currency exchange services are also available in the arrivals areas.
Shopping
The airport features a range of shops selling everything from travel essentials to local souvenirs. Local shops sell Indonesian handicrafts, textiles, and snacks. It’s a great place to pick up last-minute gifts or personal items. There are some souvenir shops in the departure area left and right of the checkin counters as well as in the international departure area airside. Indomaret and alpha mart also have shops throughout the building, landside and airside.
Operating Hours
Medan Kualanamu Airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most shops, restaurants, and services are open from early morning until late at night, ensuring that travelers can access amenities regardless of their flight schedule.
Airport Hotels
There is one hotel right inside the airport building: Anara Sky Kualanamu. It is located on the Mezzanine Floor between the departure and arrival levels.
Furthermore there are some hotels near the airport that also offer (free) airport shuttles, like d’primahotel Kuala Namu or Wings Hotel.
Airport Lounges
There are airport lounges that you can use through a lounge membership program, such as Priority Pass, or pay per use.
- Saphire Bluesky Executive Lounge – Location: Airside, International Boarding Area
- Saphire Mandai Executive Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic Boarding Area
General Tips for Navigating Medan Airport
When to arrive for your flight?
Medan airport is farely small with only 100 departures per day. However, we still advise to arrive at least two hours before your flight. This allows ample time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays.
Security and Customs
Ensure you are aware of the security regulations, especially regarding carry-on luggage and prohibited items. For international travelers, be prepared for customs checks, have your documents readily accessible and note, that your bags will be screened twice.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Charging stations are also provided in various locations, allowing you to keep your devices powered up while you wait.
Accessibility
Kualanamu International Airport is equipped with facilities to assist travelers with disabilities. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms ensure that all passengers can navigate the airport with ease.
Prayer Rooms
Since the mayority of people in Sumatra are muslims, there are various prayer rooms throughout the airport building.
Medan Kualanamu Airport is more than just a transit point; it’s a modern facility designed to provide a pleasant start or end to your journey in Sumatra. With a range of amenities, convenient transport options, and helpful services, navigating this airport is a breeze, setting the tone for an enjoyable travel experience in Indonesia.
