Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
Kondephy, Wikimedia Commons
The primary transport hubs for reaching Tana Toraja are Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar, serving as the main gateway, and Tana Toraja Airport (TRT), also known as Bua Airport (LLO), located in Palopo, closer to the destination. Major bus terminals in Makassar include Terminal Regional Daya, with services arriving at terminals in Rantepao (Toraja Utara) or Makale (Tana Toraja).
By Air:
Flights are available from Makassar's Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) to Tana Toraja Airport (TRT/LLO) in Palopo, typically operated by Wings Air.
The flight duration is approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Indicative flight costs range from around IDR 1,500,000 to IDR 2,500,000, which often includes the taxi ride from Palopo airport to Tana Toraja.
From Tana Toraja Airport (TRT/LLO) to Rantepao, a taxi ride takes about 1 hour and costs approximately IDR 250,000.
By Bus from Makassar:
Several bus companies, including Metro Permai, Litha & Co, Bintang Prima, and Borlindo, operate daily services from Makassar to Rantepao or Makale.
Buses depart from Terminal Regional Daya in Makassar with both morning (8: 00 AM - 10:00 AM) and evening/night (7:00 PM - 9:30 PM) options.
The journey typically takes between 8 to 10 hours.
Ticket prices vary from approximately IDR 120,000 to IDR 310,000, depending on the bus type (e.g., Executive, VIP, Sleeper).
Booking bus tickets in advance is recommended due to limited availability.
By Private Car/Taxi from Makassar:
A private car or taxi from Makassar to Tana Toraja takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The cost for a drop-off service can range from IDR 1,500,000 to IDR 1,900,000.
Alternatively, renting a car with a driver can cost around IDR 750,000 per day, typically with a minimum rental period of 3 days. This option can be cost-effective for groups of three or more, comparable to VIP bus fares.
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