Makassar moves to the rhythm of the sea breeze and the rumble of motorbikes. As the largest city in eastern Indonesia and the gateway to Sulawesi, this sprawling port town spreads along the Strait of Makassar, with the famous Losari Beach promenade forming its sunset-facing heart. Step out of your hotel and you will immediately notice that this is a city built for two wheels and minibuses rather than trains or grand metro systems.
There is no rail network here, no subway, no skytrain. Instead, the streets pulse with battered minibuses called pete-pete, swarms of motorbikes, three-wheeled becak pedicabs that survive in the older quarters, and a fast-growing fleet of ride-hailing drivers glued to their phones. The result is a city that can feel chaotic at first glance but is genuinely easy to navigate once you understand the handful of options available to you.
Distances matter in Makassar. The tourist core around Losari Beach, Fort Rotterdam and the central markets is compact and walkable, but anything beyond it, including the airport, the Trans Studio mall and the ferry terminals, demands wheels. The good news is that getting around is cheap, ride-hailing apps work brilliantly, and locals are warm and patient with confused visitors.
Getting Around Makassar by Ride-Hailing (Grab and Gojek)
For most travelers, ride-hailing apps are the single best way to get around Makassar. Both Grab and Gojek operate extensively here, and they have transformed how people move around the city. You can summon a car or, much more commonly, a motorbike taxi straight from your phone with the fare fixed in advance, removing any haggling or fear of being overcharged.
GrabBike and GoRide (Motorbike Taxis)
The two-wheeled option, called GrabBike or GoRide, is the fastest and cheapest way to cut through Makassar traffic. A driver in a green jacket will arrive, hand you a helmet, and weave you through the congestion to your destination. Short trips across the city center typically cost around 10,000 to 20,000 IDR (roughly $1 to $2), making this absurdly good value. It is perfect for solo travelers, short hops and beating the gridlock that builds up on Jalan Penghibur and around the markets.
GrabCar and GoCar (Cars)
If you are traveling with luggage, in a group, or simply want air conditioning and shelter from a tropical downpour, the car options are the way to go. A typical cross-town car ride costs roughly 25,000 to 60,000 IDR (around $2 to $4) depending on distance and demand. Cars are slower in heavy traffic but far more comfortable, and the fixed fare means you never argue at the end.
Both apps accept cash, but linking a card or topping up the in-app wallet (GrabPay or GoPay) makes everything smoother and sometimes cheaper. Download both apps before you arrive, because availability of drivers can vary by neighborhood and time of day, and having two options means you are rarely left stranded. You can also compare transport options on GoAsia.cc to get a sense of typical costs before you travel.
Getting Around Makassar by Pete-Pete (Minibus)
The pete-pete is the backbone of Makassar's traditional public transport, and riding one is a genuine local experience. These small minibuses, usually painted in bright colors and crammed with passengers, run fixed loops along the main roads. Each route is identified by a letter or code displayed on the windscreen, and they cover most of the city's arteries.
Fares are wonderfully cheap, typically around 5,000 IDR (well under $1) for a ride regardless of distance within the route. You pay the driver in cash when you get off, so keep small notes handy. To board, simply flag one down anywhere along its route, and to get off you call out or tap a coin against the metal frame to signal the driver to stop.
The catch is that pete-pete routes are not well signposted in English and there is no official map at most stops, so you need to ask locals which letter goes where, or confirm with the driver before boarding. They have no air conditioning, get hot and crowded, and are not ideal if you have heavy bags. But for the adventurous traveler on a tight budget, they are an authentic and dirt-cheap way to see the city move. Avoid them during the morning and evening rush when they become uncomfortably packed.
Getting Around Makassar by Becak (Pedicab)
The becak, a three-wheeled cycle rickshaw with the passenger seat at the front, is a charming holdover from an older Makassar. You will mostly find them lingering near markets, the older neighborhoods, and around Fort Rotterdam. They are best suited for short, slow journeys through areas where cars struggle, and for soaking up the streetscape at a gentle pace.
There is no meter, so you must agree on the fare before you climb in. Expect to pay roughly 15,000 to 30,000 IDR (around $1 to $2) for a short hop, though drivers will often quote tourists more, so a friendly negotiation is part of the deal. Becak are slow and offer no protection from sun or rain, but they make for a memorable, photogenic way to explore the old quarter. Treat the ride as an experience rather than efficient transport.
Getting Around Makassar by Taxi
Metered taxis still operate in Makassar, with Bosowa Taxi and Blue Bird among the more reliable names. Blue Bird in particular has a strong reputation across Indonesia for honest metering, so if you flag a taxi on the street, choosing a recognized company is wise. Fares start low and a typical city trip runs roughly 30,000 to 70,000 IDR (around $2 to $5).
The main pitfall is unmetered or independent taxis that quote inflated flat fares to tourists. Always insist the meter is running, or agree on a price beforehand if the driver refuses. Honestly, in most cases a GrabCar or GoCar will be cheaper, easier and free of negotiation, so taxis are mainly useful when you cannot get a ride-hailing car or when you find a trusted Blue Bird waiting at a hotel or mall.
Getting Around Makassar by Rental Scooter or Car
Renting a scooter gives you total freedom to explore Makassar and the surrounding coast at your own pace, and rentals are inexpensive, typically around 60,000 to 100,000 IDR per day (roughly $4 to $7). However, Makassar traffic is intense, road discipline is loose, and a valid international driving permit is technically required. Police checks do happen, and accidents are common, so only ride if you are confident in chaotic Asian traffic and always wear a helmet.
Self-drive car rental is less common for short visits, but hiring a car with a driver for a day is a popular and stress-free option, especially if you want to venture out to Bantimurung, Rammang-Rammang or other day-trip destinations. Expect to pay roughly 500,000 to 800,000 IDR (around $32 to $51) for a full day with driver and fuel, negotiable through your hotel or a local tour operator.
Getting Around Makassar on Foot
Makassar is not a pedestrian paradise, but the central tourist zone is genuinely walkable. The Losari Beach promenade is made for strolling, particularly in the late afternoon when families gather and food vendors set up for sunset. From here you can easily walk to Fort Rotterdam, the central business district and several hotels and restaurants.
Beyond this core, sidewalks become patchy or disappear entirely, motorbikes mount the pavements, and the tropical heat and humidity sap your energy quickly. For anything more than a few hundred meters outside the center, take a ride-hailing motorbike instead. Cross roads with care and follow the locals, as traffic rarely stops for pedestrians.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Typical Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabBike / GoRide | 10,000 to 20,000 IDR ($1 to $2) | 5 to 20 min | Fast solo trips, beating traffic |
| GrabCar / GoCar | 25,000 to 60,000 IDR ($2 to $4) | 10 to 30 min | Groups, luggage, comfort in the rain |
| Pete-pete (minibus) | around 5,000 IDR (under $1) | variable | Budget travel and local experience |
| Becak (pedicab) | 15,000 to 30,000 IDR ($1 to $2) | short hops | Old quarter sightseeing at a slow pace |
| Metered taxi | 30,000 to 70,000 IDR ($2 to $5) | 10 to 30 min | When no ride-hailing car is available |
| Rental scooter | 60,000 to 100,000 IDR/day ($4 to $7) | full day | Confident riders exploring freely |
| Car with driver | 500,000 to 800,000 IDR/day ($32 to $51) | full day | Day trips beyond the city |
| Walking | Free | varies | Losari Beach and the central core |
Practical Tips for Getting Around Makassar
A little preparation goes a long way in this city. The single most important step is installing the right apps before you arrive.
- Download both Grab and Gojek. Driver availability varies, and having two apps means you almost always find a ride quickly. Set up GrabPay or GoPay if you can to avoid fumbling for change.
- Use Google Maps for navigation, which works well in Makassar for car and walking directions, but be aware it cannot route pete-pete journeys.
- Carry plenty of small cash. Pete-pete, becak and some taxi drivers will not have change for large notes, so keep a stock of 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 IDR bills.
- For becak and unmetered taxis, always agree the price before you set off. A polite smile and a confident counter-offer usually settles things fairly.
- Save your destination in Indonesian or show it on a map. Many drivers speak limited English, and pointing to a pin on Google Maps avoids confusion. Learning a few words like kiri (left), kanan (right) and berhenti (stop) helps enormously.
Traffic peaks in the morning around 7 to 9 am and again in the evening from 5 to 7 pm, when the roads near the markets and along the coast clog up badly. If you can, plan major journeys outside these windows. During rain, which can be torrential in the wet season, motorbike availability drops and prices surge, so factor in extra time and budget.
Makassar is generally safe for travelers, including on public transport, but standard urban caution applies. Watch your belongings in crowded pete-pete and markets, keep your phone secure when riding a motorbike, and stick to recognized ride-hailing or taxi companies after dark. Female travelers should have no particular concerns beyond normal awareness, and most drivers are friendly and helpful.
Popular Routes and Destinations
From Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, located about 20 kilometers northeast of the city, the easiest options are a GrabCar or GoCar straight to your hotel, or an airport taxi from the official rank. The journey to the Losari Beach area takes roughly 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-hailing is usually the cheaper and more transparent choice, though note that some pickup points at the airport may require a short walk to a designated zone.
For sightseeing, Fort Rotterdam and the Losari Beach promenade are close enough to walk between in the central area. To reach further attractions like Trans Studio Makassar, Paotere Harbor or the ferry terminal at Soekarno-Hatta Port, a GrabCar or GoCar is the simplest choice. If you are heading out of town to natural sights such as Bantimurung waterfalls or the karst landscape of Rammang-Rammang, hiring a car with a driver for the day is by far the most practical and comfortable arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book trains, buses, taxis, and local transport in Makassar directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
For most travelers, ride-hailing apps Grab and Gojek are the best option. GrabBike and GoRide motorbike taxis are fast and cheap for short trips, while GrabCar and GoCar offer comfort for groups and luggage. They are affordable, fixed-price and remove any need to haggle.
Transport in Makassar is very cheap. A motorbike taxi ride costs roughly 10,000 to 20,000 IDR (about $1 to $2), a car ride around 25,000 to 60,000 IDR (about $2 to $4), and a pete-pete minibus just around 5,000 IDR. A full day with a private car and driver runs roughly 500,000 to 800,000 IDR (about $32 to $51).
Yes, Makassar is generally safe for travelers, including on pete-pete minibuses and ride-hailing services. Use standard urban caution, keep your belongings secure in crowds, and stick to recognized companies like Grab, Gojek or Blue Bird taxis, especially after dark.
Absolutely. Both Grab and Gojek operate extensively in Makassar and are the most popular way to get around. Download both apps before you arrive, as driver availability can vary by area and time, and set up in-app payment to avoid needing exact change.
The central tourist zone around Losari Beach and Fort Rotterdam is walkable and pleasant, especially at sunset. Beyond the center, sidewalks are patchy, traffic is heavy and the heat is intense, so a motorbike taxi is better for longer distances.
Yes, keep small cash on hand. Pete-pete minibuses, becak pedicabs and some taxis only take cash, often without change for large notes. Ride-hailing apps accept cash too, but linking GrabPay or GoPay makes payment smoother.
The easiest option is a GrabCar or GoCar booked through the app, or an official airport taxi. The trip to the Losari Beach area takes roughly 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, and ride-hailing is usually the cheaper, more transparent choice.