Getting There and Away

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
Stunning sunset view with palm trees on Teluk Ambon, capturing nature's tranquility and beauty.
Indonesia Nature, Pexels

Ambon's primary transport hub is Pattimura International Airport (AMQ). For sea travel, major ports include Slamet Riyadi Port and Gudang Arang Port, which facilitate inter-island ferry services.

By Air:

Pattimura International Airport (AMQ) serves as the main entry and exit point. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Citilink, Super Air Jet, Wings Air, Pelita Air, and Trigana Air offer daily flights.

  • Direct flights are available from major Indonesian cities including Jakarta, Makassar, Surabaya, Manado, Ternate, Sorong, Langgur, Namlea, Sanana, and Saumlaki.
  • Flight duration from Jakarta to Ambon is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Indicative one-way flight costs from other Indonesian cities can range from around Rp 909,396 to Rp 1,925,900. Return flights from locations further afield, like Bali, may range from Rp 2,200,000 to Rp 4,100,000.

By Sea (Ferries):

PELNI operates various ferry routes to and from Ambon, connecting it to other islands in Indonesia.

  • Routes include connections to Banda Neira and Tual, with prices varying by destination and class. For instance, a PELNI boat trip from Sorong to Ambon can cost around Rp 231,000.
  • Fast boat services, such as Cantika Inova, operate between Tulehu (Ambon) and Banda Neira, with a journey taking approximately 5 hours and tickets ranging from IDR 800,000 for VIP to IDR 1,050,000 for Premium.
  • For longer journeys, a ferry from Bali to Ambon can take about 4 days and 22 hours, with costs ranging from Rp 850,000 to Rp 1,100,000.

Airport Transfers (Pattimura International Airport to Ambon City Center):

  • DAMRI Bus:: A public bus service runs between the airport and Ambon city center, typically costing Rp 50,000. The journey takes approximately one hour.
  • Taxi:: Unmarked taxis are available outside the terminal, with fares to the city center ranging from Rp 150,000 to Rp 200,000. The travel time is about one hour.
  • Private Transfer:: Private car services with English-speaking drivers can be arranged for transfers to various destinations in Ambon and surrounding areas.
  • Angkot/Bemo:: Public minivans (locally called Angkot or Bemo) can be found outside the airport gates, offering a more economical option to the city center for less than Rp 15,000.
  • Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi):: For a faster trip, motorcycle taxis are available for around Rp 30,000 to the city.
  • Grab Car:: Ride-hailing services like Grab Car are available from the airport.

Check out our other pages on Ambon

Things to Do icon Things to Do Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays