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How to Get from Makassar to Palu

How to get from Makassar to Palu: flights between Sultan Hasanuddin Airport and Palu's Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport, and what to know before you go.

Indonesia

Last updated: October 26, 2026

How to Get from Makassar to Palu
Contents

Sulawesi is an island of steep mountains and long coastlines. Makassar, the port city of South Sulawesi, lies at the southern end. Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi, sits on a bay far to the north. The road between them crosses some of the island's most demanding terrain, so most travelers choose to fly.

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Makassar to Palu by Flight

Flying is the practical way to travel between the two cities. Flights connect Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar[1] with Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport (PLW) in Palu.[2]

Batik Air flies the route: flight ID6554 leaves Makassar at 13:15 and flight ID6555 leaves Palu at 15:10 on the October 2026 schedule.[2] Take a window seat for views of the mountain spine of Sulawesi and the coast along the Makassar Strait.

The terminal of Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar
The terminal of Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in MakassarPhoto: Serenity / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Haze and strong winds can disrupt flights to Palu. Batik Air cancelled both flights on 17 October 2026 for this reason and planned to resume them on 18 October.[2]

Tips for Traveling from Makassar to Palu

  • Book Early for Holidays: Flights fill up quickly around religious holidays such as Idul Fitri and during the Christmas season.
  • Allow Time for the Airport: Traffic in Makassar can be unpredictable, so leave plenty of time to reach the terminal.
  • Check the Baggage Rules: Baggage allowances depend on the fare type, so check the rules for your fare before you fly.
  • Prepare for Heat: Both Makassar and Palu are hot and humid. Keep a bottle of water handy and dress in light, breathable fabrics.
  • Download Offline Maps: Having an offline map of Central Sulawesi helps if you plan to explore beyond Palu.

Timetable

South Sulawesi - Central Sulawesi More info / Tickets
Flight South Sulawesi - Central Sulawesi $ 67.12โ€“196.32 1h 10m โ€“ 1h 15m
  • โ†’ย  Economy 08:10, 11:05, 14:35, 15:35

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Makassar to Palu?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Makassar to Palu, including current prices and schedules.

What is the fastest way to get from Makassar to Palu?

Flying. Batik Air operates the route, with flight ID6554 leaving Makassar at 13:15 on the October 2026 schedule.

Can I travel from Makassar to Palu by road?

Yes, but the road crosses mountainous terrain through the interior of Sulawesi and takes far longer than a flight.

Which airports do the flights use?

Flights connect Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar with Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri Airport (PLW) in Palu.

Do weather conditions disrupt flights to Palu?

Sometimes. Haze and strong winds led Batik Air to cancel its Makassar-Palu flights on 17 October 2026, and the flights were planned to resume the next day.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Indonesia Travel (Ministry of Tourism): Tana Toraja destination overview. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  2. [2] Lion Air Group (Batik Air): Haze and Wind Speeds Affect Batik Air Flights in Palu (PLW). Retrieved October 26, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.