Complete Guide to Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru Flights in 2025
Traveling from Johor Bahru, Malaysia to Pekanbaru, Indonesia offers travelers the opportunity to experience two distinct Southeast Asian cultures. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need for planning your journey from Johor Bahru's Senai International Airport to Pekanbaru's Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport. From flight routes and airport facilities to transportation options and local attractions, we've covered everything to ensure your travel experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Direct Flights
No direct flight available.
Layover Flights
Route: Johor Bahru (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Pekanbaru (Indonesia)
Airlines: Malaysia Airlines
Total Flight Duration: 13h 20m
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Layovers:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 11h 15m (overnight)
Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.
About Senai International Airport - Johor Bahru
Location
Senai International Airport is strategically located in the Kulai District of Johor, approximately 22 km northwest of Johor Bahru city center. The airport is situated in the town of Senai and is adjacent to Sedenak Tech, making it easily accessible for travelers from various parts of the Johor region. The journey from downtown Johor Bahru to the airport typically takes around 40 minutes by car, covering a distance of about 20 miles.
Airport Terminal
Senai International Airport features one main passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. The well-designed terminal includes dedicated areas for arrivals and departures, along with various airport services. As one of Malaysia's busiest airports, it welcomes approximately 4 million passengers annually and offers flights to nearly 15 destinations throughout Asia. The terminal is designed for efficiency, ensuring smooth passenger flow from check-in to boarding.
Transport to Airport
Getting to Senai International Airport is convenient with several transportation options available:
Private Car and Parking: The airport offers a multi-story car park located a short walk from the terminal, with reasonable rates for both short-term and long-term parking. There are 7 VIP car parking lots available for easy vehicle access in front of the terminal for hassle-free transfers.
Public Transportation: Regular shuttle buses operate between Johor Bahru city center and Senai Airport, providing a cost-effective transportation option for travelers.
Ride-hailing Services: Services like Grab are readily available throughout Johor Bahru and provide direct transport to the airport, offering convenience for those who prefer door-to-door service.
Taxi Services: Conventional taxis are available throughout the city and can take you directly to the airport.
Facilities
Senai International Airport offers a comprehensive range of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers:
Passenger Services:
- Airport Information counters
- Tourism Information desks
- Fast Track service for expedited processing
- VIP Lounges with comfortable seating and amenities
- Executive lounge for premium passengers
- Open lounge for meeters and greeters
- Crew rest rooms
- Private rooms with private washrooms
- Disabled-friendly facilities
- Family facilities
- First Aid services
- Prayer rooms
- Security services
Business Services:
- Business center
- Meeting rooms (including two board rooms with 20-seater capacity)
- One meeting room with 6-seater capacity
- Conference hall
- Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal
- Corporate facilities
Shopping and Dining:
- Various retail outlets and duty-free shops
- Dining options offering local and international cuisine
- Meal serving and dining areas
- Bookshop
- World Duty Free
Other Amenities:
- Currency exchange services
- ATMs/Cash machines
- Baggage services including luggage wrapping
- Lost luggage assistance
- Free flow of light refreshments in lounges
- Complimentary magazines and newspapers
- Special arrangements for customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities
- Medical evacuation services with direct access to facilities and ground ambulance arrangements
About Sultan Syarif Kasim II - Pekanbaru
Location
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport serves the city of Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau Province in Indonesia. The airport is conveniently located approximately 7.8 kilometers from Pekanbaru city center, making it readily accessible for travelers. The strategic location of the airport makes it a vital transportation hub for the region, connecting Pekanbaru with other major cities in Indonesia and international destinations.
Airport Terminal
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport features a modern terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal is designed to provide efficient passenger processing with dedicated areas for arrivals and departures. The airport serves as an important gateway to Riau Province and continues to expand its services to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Transport From Airport
There are multiple transportation options available to reach Pekanbaru city center from Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport:
Bus: Trans Metro Pekanbaru operates buses from the airport to Pelita Pantai every 10 minutes. The journey takes approximately 18 minutes and is an economical option for travelers.
Shuttle: Shuttle services are available from the airport to Pekanbaru city, taking around 10 minutes and costing approximately Rp 11,872, making it the cheapest option for airport transfers.
Taxi: Taxi services such as Riau Taxi, Grab Taxi, and Blue Bird Group provide direct transportation from the airport to the city. The journey takes approximately 7 minutes and costs between Rp 50,000 and Rp 65,000.
Towncar: Private towncars offer a more premium transportation option, taking about 9 minutes to reach the city center with fares ranging from Rp 210,000 to Rp 310,000.
Walking: For the adventurous and those traveling light, walking from the airport to Pekanbaru city is possible, covering a distance of 7.8 kilometers in approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Facilities
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport provides a range of facilities to ensure passenger comfort and convenience:
Passenger Services:
- Information counters
- Check-in facilities
- Immigration and customs services
- Baggage handling
- Lost and found services
Amenities:
- Dining options offering local and international cuisine
- Retail outlets
- Prayer rooms
- Waiting areas
- Restroom facilities
- Accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
Transportation Services:
- Car rental counters
- Taxi services
- Bus and shuttle services
Other Services:
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- ATMs and currency exchange
- First aid and medical assistance
FAQ Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru Flight
- Question: What is the best time to book flights from Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru?
Answer: It's advisable to book your flights at least 2-3 months in advance to secure the best fares. Prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. Using Traveloka's price alert feature can help you track fare changes and book when prices are at their lowest. - Question: Are there any direct flights from Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru?
Answer: Currently, there are no direct flights operating between Johor Bahru and Pekanbaru. Most routes require a layover in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysia Airlines being the primary carrier for this route. - Question: What is the baggage allowance for flights from Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru?
Answer: Baggage allowance varies by airline and ticket class. Typically, Malaysia Airlines offers 30kg for checked baggage in economy class and 40kg for business class on international routes. Always verify the specific allowance when booking your ticket through Traveloka. - Question: Do I need a visa to travel from Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru?
Answer: Malaysian citizens need a visa to enter Indonesia. However, Indonesia offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days for Malaysian passport holders for tourism purposes. Always check the latest visa requirements before your trip, as regulations may change. - Question: What is the time difference between Johor Bahru and Pekanbaru?
Answer: Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Pekanbaru, Indonesia are in the same time zone (UTC+7), so there is no time difference between the two cities. - Question: What currency is used in Pekanbaru, and can I exchange Malaysian Ringgit there?
Answer: The currency used in Pekanbaru is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can exchange Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) at currency exchange counters at Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, banks, and authorized money changers in Pekanbaru. It's advisable to have some Indonesian Rupiah with you upon arrival. - Question: How long is the total journey from Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru, including layovers?
Answer: The total journey time is approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes, including an overnight layover of 11 hours and 15 minutes in Kuala Lumpur. The actual flight time is only about 2 hours, but the layover extends the total journey time. - Question: What is the best way to spend time during the long layover in Kuala Lumpur?
Answer: For the 11+ hour overnight layover in Kuala Lumpur, you have several options: book a hotel room near the airport for a proper rest, explore the city if time permits, or use the airport lounges and facilities. KLIA offers rest areas, shopping, dining, and premium lounges that can be accessed with certain credit cards or for a fee.
Other Ways to Travel From Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru
While flying is the most practical option for traveling between Johor Bahru and Pekanbaru due to the geographic barriers, here are alternative routes for adventurous travelers:
Air-Sea-Land Combination:
- Flight from Johor Bahru to either Singapore or Batam, Indonesia (approximately 1 hour)
- Ferry from Singapore/Batam to Dumai, Riau Province (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
- Bus or car from Dumai to Pekanbaru (approximately 3-4 hours)
- Total journey time: 6-8 hours plus waiting times between connections
Extended Land-Sea Route:
- Bus from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur (approximately 4 hours)
- Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang (approximately 5 hours)
- Ferry from Penang to Dumai, Indonesia (approximately 3-4 hours)
- Bus from Dumai to Pekanbaru (approximately 3-4 hours)
- Total journey time: 15-17 hours plus waiting times
These alternative routes are considerably longer and more complex than flying but may appeal to travelers interested in experiencing more of the region during their journey.
Explore Pekanbaru
Popular Destinations in Pekanbaru
- An-Nur Great Mosque (Masjid Agung An-Nur) - An iconic landmark in Pekanbaru, this grand mosque features stunning Islamic architecture with its prominent blue dome and tall minarets. The mosque can accommodate up to 4,500 worshippers and is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
- Soeman HS Library - A unique architectural marvel shaped like an open book, this modern library is not only a center for knowledge but also a popular tourist attraction. The building houses extensive collections of literature and regularly hosts cultural events.
- Riau Cultural Park (Taman Budaya Riau) - A cultural center showcasing the rich heritage of Riau Province through exhibitions, performances, and artifacts. Visitors can learn about traditional Malay culture, including architecture, music, and customs.
- Siak Palace (Istana Siak Sri Indrapura) - Located about 120 km from Pekanbaru, this well-preserved royal palace was once the seat of the Siak Sultanate. The palace showcases a blend of Malay, Arab, and European architectural styles and houses a collection of royal regalia and artifacts.
- Bandar Serai Market - The largest traditional market in Pekanbaru, offering an authentic shopping experience with a wide variety of local products, including textiles, handicrafts, spices, and fresh produce. It's an excellent place to immerse yourself in local culture and find unique souvenirs.
Popular Cuisine in Pekanbaru
- Bolu Kemojo - A traditional sponge cake infused with pandan flavors and sometimes durian or corn. This green-colored dessert is a specialty of Riau Province and makes for a perfect souvenir or gift.
- Asam Pedas - A spicy and sour fish stew cooked with various herbs and spices, including tamarind, chili, and lemongrass. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and represents the vibrant flavors of Malay cuisine.
- Gulai Ikan Patin - A rich and flavorful fish curry made with silver catfish (patin), coconut milk, and a blend of traditional spices. Often served with tempoyak (fermented durian), this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Soto Pekanbaru - A local variation of the popular Indonesian soup, featuring chicken, bean sprouts, rice noodles, and herbs in a flavorful broth. It's typically served with lime, chili paste, and crispy fried shallots.
- Mie Lendir - A unique noodle dish served with a thick, slightly slimy sauce made from potato starch, spices, and meat or seafood. Despite its unusual texture, the dish is beloved for its complex flavors and is often enjoyed as a street food or comfort meal.
Traveling from Johor Bahru to Pekanbaru offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse cultures, cuisines, and attractions of both Malaysia and Indonesia. While the journey requires a layover in Kuala Lumpur, the wealth of experiences awaiting you in Pekanbaru makes the trip well worth it. From exploring historical sites and cultural landmarks to savoring delicious local cuisine, Pekanbaru provides a rich and authentic Indonesian experience that will leave you with lasting memories.