Exploring Central Aceh not only offers the stunning Gayo panorama but also provides an authentic cultural experience in Tanoh Gayo. One of the best ways to reach this area is by using intercity buses, which offer easy access from various cities in Sumatra. With the increasing variety of bus operators and improved facilities to Central Aceh, traveling by land has become more comfortable, safe, and affordable for everyone. Here is a complete guide for booking bus tickets to Central Aceh via Traveloka, including transit options, departure times, popular routes, operator lists, and available terminal facilities.
Traveling to Central Aceh from major cities in Sumatra is increasingly popular. Tourists, business people, and locals returning home often choose this option. Here are some of the popular bus routes to Central Aceh:
Each departure city has different schedules. Always check the availability of routes and times via Traveloka to make your travel easier.
The bus departure schedule to Central Aceh depends heavily on the operator and the city of origin. Here are some main schedule options:
The average travel time for each route is 11–14 hours from Medan to Takengon and 8–9 hours from Banda Aceh to Takengon. It's recommended to book tickets early, especially during holiday seasons or weekends, as seats can sell out quickly and prices may vary.
To ensure a smooth journey, use Traveloka to check the availability of direct routes or transit to Central Aceh. If a direct route from your departure city isn't available, choose a transit option, for example in Medan or Banda Aceh, which have more departures to Takengon.
Here are the main bus operators serving routes to Central Aceh, along with detailed information on prices, facilities, and transit routes:
Putra Pelangi is one of the most popular and trusted bus operators for the Sumatra route, especially Medan to Takengon. Bus tickets from Putra Pelangi to Central Aceh start from IDR 280,000 per person. The journey takes about 9-14 hours depending on on-the-ground conditions.
Putra Pelangi is well-known for its executive class AC fleet, offering comfort with cushy seats and ample legroom. Each bus provides basic amenities such as gadget charging ports and spacious luggage compartments.
Putra Pelangi's main route is Medan – Takengon, departing from Jl. Gagak Hitam, Medan, and dropping off at Terminal Paya Ilang, Takengon. Tickets can be booked directly via Traveloka. It's recommended to reserve well in advance, particularly during the festive or year-end holiday seasons to avoid running out of seats.
Harapan Indah also serves the Medan to Takengon route with executive class facilities. Ticket prices range competitively from IDR 180,000 to IDR 250,000. The operator is known for its punctual departures and well-maintained fleet quality.
Harapan Indah departs in the evening, suitable for passengers looking to arrive in Takengon in the morning. The main transit is Medan, so passengers from other regions like Binjai or Lubuk Pakam can first head to Medan and continue to Takengon. With the ease of booking through Traveloka, the journey becomes more flexible and hassle-free.
PO Atlas is another choice with a loyal customer base across Sumatra. Ticket prices to Takengon also range between IDR 180,000–IDR 250,000. This operator emphasizes friendly service and well-maintained bus fleets.
Passengers from major cities like Medan can choose PO Atlas for regular departures to Central Aceh with travel times, schedules, and facilities comparable to other operators. The fleets are equipped with AC, reclining seats, and ample luggage space.
This operator serves the Medan to Takengon route with several departure time options, available for both night and day trips. Ticket prices range from IDR 180,000–IDR 230,000 per person.
For passengers seeking flexibility in departure times, Putra Paimaham Transport is a worthy option. If your departure city doesn't have a direct route to Central Aceh, transit in Medan is advisable. All these conveniences can be found through the search feature on Traveloka to ensure route, schedule, and seat availability.
For the Banda Aceh to Takengon route, Samudra Pusaka Jaya Travel is the main operator. Ticket prices start from IDR 200,000 per person, with executive facilities and flexible departure times from morning to night.
The fleets are quite comfortable and suitable for the long journey across Aceh. If you're traveling from outside Banda Aceh, transit in Banda Aceh before continuing your journey to Takengon. All operator options and schedules are consistently updated on Traveloka.
Sleeper bus fleets are very limited for routes to Central Aceh. In Sumatra, sleeper buses typically operate the Medan – Banda Aceh route, popular among passengers prioritizing extra comfort. However, for Medan or Banda Aceh to Central Aceh (Takengon), sleeper bus operators are not yet available.
If comfort is a priority, choose the executive type, which offers more comfortable seats and supporting facilities like AC, reading lights, and charging ports. Sleeper bus route information can be checked regularly on Traveloka as services continue to develop in Sumatra.
Currently, double-decker bus operators are not available for journeys to Central Aceh. Usually, double-decker buses serve main routes like Medan–Jakarta or Medan–Padang. For travelers interested in trying double-decker buses, it's advisable to regularly check the latest route availability on Traveloka. Bus service innovations are constantly being made by various bus companies.
While double-decker routes to Takengon are not yet available, the best alternative is using regular executive buses that offer adequate comfort for long trips.
The category of executive bus is a favorite for long-distance trips to Central Aceh. Almost all available operators, such as Putra Pelangi and Harapan Indah, use executive AC fleets with quality facilities. Standard features include comfortable reclining seats, AC, spacious luggage compartments, and flexible schedules.
Passengers can enjoy a more relaxed journey, minimizing fatigue, and can rest optimally on night trips. Booking an executive class on Traveloka ensures you get the best facilities for the ticket prices offered.
For group travel, business, or large family tours to Central Aceh, chartering a tourist bus is an excellent alternative. Some experienced operators serving tourism lanes to Central Aceh include:
Users can directly contact these operators to negotiate rates, capacity, and tourist bus facilities according to their needs. With a tourist bus, intercity trips, touring to Lake Lut Tawar or Gayo coffee agrotourism become more exciting and practical in one large vehicle.
There are still several smaller terminals in other districts serving as intercity and local bus stops, ensuring comfortable passenger distribution throughout Central Aceh.
Now, buying bus tickets to Central Aceh is much easier, faster, and safer via Traveloka. Just open the Traveloka app or website, enter your departure city, choose the Takengon/Central Aceh destination, and browse all departure options, operators, facilities, and prices that best suit your needs and budget. Various attractive promos are also available for bus ticket purchases, ensuring your journey is always economical.
Traveloka offers easy transactions, always up-to-date schedules, detailed displays of operators and facilities, and secure payment guarantees. Ensure your travel plans to Central Aceh become more efficient and hassle-free by always purchasing tickets only at Traveloka. Don't miss the experience of exploring Gayo comfortably, practically, and without obstacles!