How To Get To Lake Toba From Medan: Transportation Guide 2024

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Are you looking at how to get to Lake Toba from Medan in North Sumatra, Indonesia? If so then you’re in the right place!

We enjoyed our time at Lake Toba and found its tranquillity, Batak culture and stunning landscapes wonderful. If we ever make it back to Sumatra (hopefully), it’s on the “return list”.

However, getting to Lake Toba from Medan on public transport was a challenge! We actually came straight from Bukit Lawang thinking we could make it in one day, we didn’t, but since we had to pass through Medan, we know exactly how it’s done! If you need a transport guide to Bukit Lawang, it’s here.

Since it took every type of transport for us to reach Lake Toba, we thought a comprehensive guide to walking you through the various methods of transport available would be helpful! 

This Lake Toba transportation guide is going to ensure you a smooth journey to this breathtaking destination.

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For the purpose of this how-to get to Lake Toba guide, I’ll provide explanations on how to get there from either Medan Airport or Medan Central.

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How To Get To Lake Toba: Exploring Your Options

If you’re heading for Sumatra, the most popular airport is in the city of Medan (Kualanamu International Airport). It’s a large(ish) airport and does have a number of international flights in and out.

Therefore, it’s possible to fly direct to North Sumatra, bypassing internal transfers through Java or Bali – depending on where you’re coming from.

There is also a smaller airport – Silangit Airport – located 2 hours from the port town of Parapat at Lake Toba, (this is where you’ll want to go to catch the ferry over to Samosir Island). You can fly from Medan to Silangit in 30 minutes. 

However, we came from Medan and so I’ll be taking you through our journey.

Whether you’re arriving at Medan Airport or from Medan city centre, there are multiple transport options to take you to Lake Toba. This guide covers the three main modes of travel: train, bus, and private car.

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How To Get To Lake Toba By Train

In total, you’re looking at a minimum of 6.5 hours to complete the journey from Medan Airport to Parapat, Lake Toba, plus any transfer/waiting time.

Amazingly, since it was the only time we experienced a railway line in Indonesia, Lake Toba is connected to Medan by train, or at least halfway. 

There’s a rail line running from Medan Airport to Medan Central Station. At Medan Central Station, you’ll need to jump onto another train to Pematang Siantar Station.

Since we came from Bukit Lawang we arrived at Medan Central Station but it was on our initial arrival we used the airport rail link. It’s pretty great and means travel is a lot more comfortable. 

I recommend you take the train too! However, the only train departing to Pematang Siantar Station is at 2 pm. This means you will miss the last ferry to Samosir Island and so you’ll need to arrange accommodation in Parapat for the night.

✔️The fare from Medan Airport to Medan Central Station is IDR 80,000 p/p, one-way. (£ / $)
✔️The fare from Medan Central Station to Pematang Siantar Station is IDR 22,000 p/p, one-way. (£ / )
✔️You’re looking at around 35-40 minutes of travel time to get from Medan Airport to Medan Central Station (these leave regularly enough) and then 4 hours to Pematang Siantar Station, traffic dependant – it’s quite a slow-moving train. 

Pemtang Siantar Station To Parapat

Once we arrived at Pematang Siantar Station there was supposed to be a bus outside to Parapat, however, no bus was to be found! Luckily we had met two Indonesian lads who were heading there too and together we managed to find the way.

If there is no bus when you step off the train, follow these instructions:

✔️Don’t jump in the first taxi/becak which comes running over, they always cost more!
✔️Instead, walk out of the station a little bit and jump in one on the main road. 
✔️The fare should be IDR 10.000 and you’re going to Intersection 2 (which is the bus stop to Parapat)
✔️The bus fee is IDR 25,000 and will take you to Parapat in about 2 hours, traffic depending. 

Remember, you’ll be reaching Parapat after dark and so it’s best to have your accommodation sorted before you arrive.  

It’s not really somewhere you’ll want to spend much time and the accommodations aren’t great, but for one night, these three will do:

These Are Our Suggested Hotels

📍Valencia Homestay Redpartner

Valencia Homestay Redpartner is a 1-star property located in Parapat. This 1-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also provides free WiFi and free private parking.

📍RedDoorz near Danau Toba Parapat

RedDoorz near Danau Toba Parapat is a 2-star property situated in Parapat. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. There is a restaurant serving Asian cuisine, and free private parking is available.

📍Khas Parapat

The Inna Parapat is located in the mountains near Lake Toba. This secluded resort is a 3-hour drive from the capital of Medan. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are available.

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How To Get To Lake Toba By Bus

In total, you’re looking at a minimum of 4.5 hours to complete the journey from Medan Airport to Parapat, Lake Toba, plus any transfer/waiting time.

If you want to get to Samosir Island on the same day, then you might want to consider taking the bus. We caught the bus back to Medan from Parapat and lucky for us it was practically empty, nevertheless, it was still hot. 

If you’re catching a local bus it’s unlikely it will have air-con and it is usually full. We just visited during a very quiet period post-pandemic.

We had a wild time trying to reach the airport after the bus had dropped us off at God knows where. Supposedly a bus station, but there was nothing and no one around. We had to walk in the sweaty heat with our hefty bags to the main road where we waited for hours for a bus that never came.

In the end, we jumped in a taxi only to have a dispute with them over the cost; it had been agreed before we got in but the driver decided to change his mind saying the cost was for one person!

Anyways, we caught that bus from the main road at Parapat and if you’re happy to pay for a taxi at the other end (it really wasn’t that much), then you’re journey won’t be as stressful as ours.

That said, it was at 10:40 AM on a weekday! We did wait on the side of the road, under the umbrella of a local’s food stall, who in the end was helping us to catch the correct bus.

Medan Central To Lake Toba

Moving on, if you’re catching the bus from central Medan to Lake Toba, you’ll want to get to Amplas Bus Terminal. 

If you’re coming from Bukit Lawang like us, you’ll get dropped off at Pingang Baris Bus Terminal (if you catch the bus all the way back to Medan – no train). From there, you’ll want the local bus going to Amplas Bus Station.

✔️The fare from Pingang Baris Bus Terminal to Amplas Bus Terminal is IDR 15,000 (£/$) p/p one-way.
✔️The fare from Amplas Bus Terminal to Parapat is IDR 50,000 (£/$) p/p one-way.
✔️From Amplas Bus Terminal to Parapat it should take around 4 hours travel time, traffic dependant. From Pingang Baris it’s about 40 minutes to Amplas.

Medan Airport To Lake Toba  

If you’re departing directly from the airport there are a few ways to reach Lake Toba. Exit the airport and turn right outside to find the buses.

From the airport, there is the Damri bus company which will take you to Amplas Bus Terminal, from there you can jump on another bus to Parapat.

✔️The fare from Medan Airport to Amplas Bus Terminal is IDR 15,000 (£/$) p/p one-way.
✔️You’re looking at around 20 minutes of travel time to get from Medan Airport to Amplas.

It’s also possible to take the Paradep bus company to Pematang Siantar and then another bus to Parapat. 

✔️The fare from Medan Airport to Pematang Siantar is IDR 55,000 (£/$) p/p one-way.
✔️The fare from Pematang Siantar to Parapat is IDR 25,000 (£/$) p/p one-way.
✔️In total, the journey should take around 4 hours but again, this depends on the traffic.

Or, I’ve also read you can take a coach directly to Parapat via Nice Trans bus company, it’s just more expensive however the information is not so clear on this one.

✔️The fare is IDR 450,000 (£/$). I’m not sure if this is for one person or a group but the takeaway is that there is a direct bus.

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How To Get To Lake Toba By Private Transfer

In total, you’re looking at a minimum of 4 hours to complete the journey from Medan Airport to Parapat, Lake Toba, plus any transfer/waiting time.

If you’ve got a spare buck then the most convenient way to reach Lake Toba is by private transfer. This mode of transport offers flexibility, comfort and stress-free travel. 

For a seamless experience, a bit of pre-planning is helpful as you’ll want to ensure you book with a reputable company.

If you’re looking to pre-book online, make sure you do your research and look for comfortable vehicles with air-con, experienced drivers and positive customer reviews. 

We like to use Viator to book our transfers and tours, they have a highly reviewed private car transfer service here.

Once you’ve made your booking I would contact them in advance and confirm the date and pick-up. Provide them with your flight details if you have them. I’d also reconfirm a couple of days before and then the day before, just to be sure!

Make sure you’re clear about where you’re getting picked up and at what time. If they can meet you at the arrival gate with a sign, all the better! Ensure that you have your luggage ready and communicate any special requirements you may have.

✔️You’re looking at around £95.00 / $120.00 for a pre-booked service through online platforms like Viator.
✔️If you pick up a private car from the airport the fee should be around IDR 500,000 to 800,000 (£25.00 / $32.00)

Shared Taxi

It’s possible to find a private car at the airport although rates are not set and you’re likely to get bombarded by drivers when you exit the airport. You can also get a shared taxi although I wouldn’t recommend this as in our experience it’s not comfortable and takes forever as it will make multiple stops. 

If you’re thinking to do that, better catch the local buses/train.

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How To Get To Lake Toba By Rental Car

In total, you’re looking at a minimum of 4 hours to complete the journey from Medan Airport to Parapat, Lake Toba, plus any transfer/waiting time.

Embarking on a road trip to Lake Toba by rental car offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover the hidden gems of Indonesia’s landscapes. Jack and I would absolutely love to do a road trip around Sumatra, we did one in Bali and it was epic!

That said, before setting out make sure to research and book a reliable rental car company that offers vehicles suitable for your travel group and needs. Ensure the rental car is equipped with GPS for easy navigation!

Keep in mind that driving in Indonesia is on the left-hand side, with the driver’s seat on the right-hand side. Familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and road signs before starting your journey.

In most cases, a driver’s license issued in your home country is valid for driving in Indonesia. However, it’s a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your local license for added convenience and compliance.

Consider breaking up your journey to Lake Toba with a stop in Berastagi. This charming town offers a chance to rest, explore local attractions, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings before continuing your drive to Lake Toba.

✔️Rental Price for a 7-day rental is estimated at £550.00 / $700.00.
✔️The journey direct can be done in 4 hours. 

Pro Tip: While Google Maps works well in most areas, be prepared for possible gaps in coverage, particularly in isolated or mountainous terrains. Remember to plan ahead, prioritise safety, and embrace the spontaneity of the open road.

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How To Get To Samosir Island

You’ve made it to Parapat, finally! Parapat is a popular port town of Lake Toba and the closest port to Medan. It’s where you’ll get dropped off and where you’ll catch the ferry over to Samosir Island.

Samosir Island is the main tourist hub of Lake Toba and is filled with Batak-style architecture, markets, tourist attractions and fantastic hiking opportunities. It’s a beautiful and tranquil island and somewhere you should absolutely be visiting!

To get to Samosir Island head to Port Tiga Raja in Parapat, which is the departure point for the ferry to Samosir Island. The ferry ride offers a picturesque experience of Lake Toba’s beauty.

Ferries from Parapat to Samosir Island are a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. Unlike buses, ferry timings are generally reliable although hiccups do occur and the last ferry is often cancelled. 

Apart from that, you can trust that the ferry will depart…eventually!

✔️The fare is IDR 15,000 per person. 
✔️The ferry should run every half hour on the hour starting from 8:30 am onwards. The last ferry departs from Parapat at 7 pm, giving you ample time to plan your trip.

The ferry journey across Lake Toba to and from Samosir Island typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your drop-off point. Use this time to soak in the breathtaking views and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.

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Conclusion: How To Get To Lake Toba

Whether you choose to reach Lake Toba on public transport or in the comfort and convenience of a private car transfer, your passage will eventually bring you to Parapat and the gorgeous Lake Toba. 

I hope with these practical insights on how to get to Lake Toba you’ll be able to plan your journey with ease, or at least have a better understanding of how to get there.

The journey can be an experience for even the most seasoned traveller so take advantage of modern technology, such as GPS, and brush up on your negotiating skills. 

A few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesian are going to help your journey go smoothly too and remember to embrace the journey itself!

Set forth with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, knowing that every step towards Lake Toba is a step towards a remarkable natural wonder!