If you’re landing at Minangkabau International Airport (BIM), the easiest and most relaxed way to reach Padang City is by taking the airport train.
The airport sits about 23 kilometers from the city center and serves both domestic and international flights, including routes to Kuala Lumpur. While it’s not a huge airport, it can get busy, so having a direct train connection really makes arrivals smoother.
Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, is known for its fiery cuisine, rich Minangkabau culture, and as the gateway to the legendary Mentawai surf islands. But first things first — let’s get you into the city. Here’s how the airport train works.
We’ve also included a full guide to exploring Padang in Padang Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in West Sumatra
About the Padang Airport Train
The Padang Airport Train, officially called the Minangkabau Express, connects Minangkabau International Airport (BIM) with Pulau Aie Station in Padang’s Old Town. It was originally part of the local rail network, but today it serves as a convenient airport transfer and commuter line.
The full journey covers eight stations in total:
- BIM (Airport) – the starting point at Minangkabau International Airport.
- Duku – the main hub where most regional trains meet.
- Tabing
- Air Tawar
- Alai – close to the Great Mosque of West Sumatra and Padang Beach.
- Padang (City Station) – located right in the city center.
- Tarandam
- Pulau Aie – the final stop, just a short walk from Padang Old Town and the Adityawarman Museum.
The trip from the airport to Padang takes about 45 minutes. It’s smooth, affordable, and offers a relaxed first look at the coastal scenery before you reach the city.
Where to Buy Tickets for the Padang Airport Train
Unlike airport trains in cities like Medan, Yogyakarta, or Jakarta, tickets for the Padang airport train are not available on the Railink website. You can book online through the KAI Access app by selecting the “local train” menu—but honestly, that can be a bit time-consuming, especially for short trips. Plus the app doesn’t accept international cards.
The easiest option? Just buy your ticket at the station counter. It’s quick and straightforward, and the fare is only IDR 10,000 (around 65 cents USD)—a great deal for a comfy ride into the city.
How to Get to the Airport Train Station
The Padang airport train station is outside the main terminal, and you’ll need to walk about 5 minutes to get there. Thankfully, there’s now a sky bridge (opened on June 1, 2025) that connects the airport terminal to the train station, so you can walk safely and easily, even with luggage.
Before the sky bridge opened, a shuttle service was available, but it had limited availability—so walking is now the best option.
Padang Airport Train Schedule
The Minangkabau Express runs six times a day, with just one train set available (capacity: 200 passengers). Here’s the current schedule as of October 2025:
07:40 AM, 10:20 AM, 12:55 PM, 04:05 PM, 06:05 PM, 08:30 PM
If your arrival time doesn’t match the train schedule, no worries—there are other transportation options at Minangkabau Airport, including DAMRI buses and airport taxis.
📍Download the Map of Padang 📍
All the places we mention in this article — plus a few extra tips and nearby trip ideas — are saved on a Google Map you can use right on your phone.
After purchase, you’ll get a private link and the map will show up in your Google Maps across all your devices.
Facilities on the Padang Airport Train
The Padang airport train station may not be as large as airport stations in other Indonesian cities, but it still offers all the essential services you’ll need. You’ll find a ticket counter, a waiting area, and clean restrooms, making it comfortable enough for short waits before your ride.
The train itself has 4 carriages, each with 50 seats, giving it a total capacity of 200 passengers. If you’ve taken airport trains in Yogyakarta or Solo, you’ll notice the interior is quite similar.
The seating layout is face-to-face, with enough legroom to stretch a bit. There’s also luggage storage at the ends of each carriage for large suitcases, and overhead racks above the seats for smaller bags or backpacks.
Where to Stay in Padang City
Most places to stay in Padang are near the city center or Padang Beach. If you’re arriving by airport train, Alai Station is the closest stop to the beach area.
For ocean views and comfort, try Mercure Padang or Pangeran Beach Hotel. Want to be in the heart of the city? ZHM Premier is modern, central, and known for its great breakfast.
If you’re exploring Padang Old Town or Muaro Port, check out Kokos Hostel Padang for a cozy backpacker vibe or Evergreen Lodge for something more relaxed and social — both are close to Pulau Aie Station.
Final Thoughts
The Padang Airport Train may not be as sleek as the ones in Jakarta or Yogyakarta, but it’s still a great choice — cheap, reliable, and convenient. It saves you time, avoids traffic, and gives you a smooth start to your journey in West Sumatra. Definitely worth taking.