Is there a direct flight?

No, you must fly to Balikpapan first.

How long is the drive?

The drive from Balikpapan to Samarinda takes about 3 hours.

Yes, it is a safe city for travelers.

What is the best way to travel?

Flying to Balikpapan and taking a car is the most efficient.

Yes, Samarinda has many modern hotels.

Bitung

Samarinda

Flight

Bitung to Samarinda

Updated: 28 May 2026

To travel from Bitung to Samarinda, you must first fly to Balikpapan (Sepinggan Airport) via a connecting flight. From Balikpapan, you can take a shuttle bus or private car to Samarinda, which takes approximately 3 hours via the Balikpapan-Samarinda Toll Road. The total travel time is around 7 to 8 hours. Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan and is situated along the Mahakam River.

Total Distance: Straight-line air distance 800 km.

Fastest Way

Flight to Balikpapan followed by a private car rental to Samarinda.

Cheapest Way

Flight to Balikpapan followed by a shared shuttle bus to Samarinda.

Compare Bitung to Samarinda Routes

Flight

Connecting

Duration

7 hours

Avg Price

1,200,000 - 2,200,000 IDR

Operator

Lion Air / Super Air Jet

Route

MDC to BPN then road to Samarinda

The toll road has significantly reduced travel time between Balikpapan and Samarinda.

Travel Tips

Toll Road
The Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road is the fastest way to travel between the two cities.
Shuttle Services
Many shuttle services operate directly from the airport to Samarinda.
Local Food
Try Amplang, a traditional fish cracker snack from Samarinda.
Connectivity
Good 4G coverage throughout the city.
Transport
Use ride-hailing apps for convenient city travel.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Ensure your shuttle driver is professional and follows speed limits.
Health
Stay hydrated as the weather can be very humid.
Emergency
Keep the contact details of your hotel handy.
Security
Be mindful of your belongings in crowded markets.