Is there a direct flight?

No, you must connect through Jakarta.

How long is the ferry?

The ferry takes approximately 2 hours.

It is generally safe but requires caution during rainy seasons.

No, there is no continuous rail line from Aceh to Lampung.

What is the best bus?

PO ALS is the most experienced operator on this route.

Bandar Lampung

Bus Flight

Sabang to Bandar Lampung

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Sabang to Bandar Lampung spans the entire length of Sumatra. You must first take a ferry from Balohan Port to Ulee Lheue in Banda Aceh. From Banda Aceh, you fly to Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport to Soekarno-Hatta, then connect to Radin Inten II Airport. Alternatively, the Trans-Sumatra Highway offers a grueling multi-day bus journey. This route covers over 2,600 kilometers of diverse landscapes. Expect significant travel time due to the island's massive scale.

Total Distance: Driving distance 2,650 km, straight-line air distance 2,100 km.

Fastest Way

Flight via Banda Aceh to Jakarta to Bandar Lampung, taking 8 hours.

Cheapest Way

Bus via PO ALS, costing approximately 900,000 IDR.

Compare Sabang to Bandar Lampung Routes

	Bus Direct	Flight Connecting
Duration	60 hours	8 hours
Avg Price	800,000 - 1,200,000 IDR	2,500,000 - 4,000,000 IDR
Operator	PO ALS	Garuda Indonesia
Route	Trans-Sumatra Highway	BTJ to CGK to TKG
Tip	Prepare for extreme fatigue; this is one of the longest bus routes in Indonesia.	Book your connecting flight on a single ticket to protect against delays.

Travel Tips

Ferry Timing
Check the KMP BRR ferry schedule from Balohan to Banda Aceh daily.
Highway Conditions
Expect heavy truck traffic on the Trans-Sumatra Highway.
Airport Transfers
Use official airport taxis at Radin Inten II for fair pricing.
Packing
Bring a neck pillow for the long bus segments.
Currency
Carry cash for small shops along the highway.

Safety Tips

Bus Safety
Choose reputable bus companies like ALS for better maintenance.
Night Travel
Avoid night travel on the Trans-Sumatra Highway due to limited lighting.
Health
Carry basic motion sickness medication for the ferry and bus.
Emergency
Keep local police numbers saved in your phone.