Flight Ticket and Schedule From Kuching (KCH) to Medan (KNO)

Complete Guide to Flying from Kuching to Medan

Planning a journey from the charming city of Kuching in Malaysia to the bustling metropolis of Medan in Indonesia? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about flights between these two vibrant Southeast Asian destinations. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, understanding your flight options, airport details, and travel alternatives will help ensure a smooth journey across the Strait of Malacca.

Direct Flights

No direct flight available.

Currently, there are no direct flights operating between Kuching International Airport (KCH) and Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan. All travel between these cities requires at least one connection, typically through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia.

Layover Flights

When traveling from Kuching to Medan, you'll need to take a connecting flight. Here are the most common and efficient routes available:

• Route: Kuching (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Medan (Indonesia)

  • Airlines: Batik Air
  • Total Flight Duration: 6h 10m
  • Aircraft: Boeing 737
  • Layovers: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 3h 10m

• Route: Kuching (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Medan (Indonesia)

  • Airlines: AirAsia
  • Total Flight Duration: 4h 50m
  • Aircraft: Airbus A320
  • Layovers: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 2h 5m

• Route: Kuching (Malaysia) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Medan (Indonesia)

  • Airlines: AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia
  • Total Flight Duration: 4h 55m
  • Aircraft: Airbus A320
  • Layovers: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia layover for 2h 25m

Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.

About Kuching International Airport - Kuching

Location

Kuching International Airport is located approximately 11 kilometers south of Kuching city center in Sarawak, Malaysia. As the main gateway to Sarawak on the island of Borneo, this airport serves both domestic and international destinations. The airport is easily accessible via a 20-minute drive from downtown Kuching, making it a convenient starting point for your journey to Medan.

Airport Terminal

The airport features a modern two-story terminal building with separate areas for domestic and international flights. The international departure area is located on the first floor, while arrivals are processed on the ground floor. The terminal was extensively renovated and expanded in 2009, featuring a contemporary design that incorporates elements of Sarawak's cultural heritage.

The check-in counters open approximately 2-3 hours before scheduled departures, and it's recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your international flight to allow sufficient time for check-in, immigration, and security procedures.

Transport to Airport

Several transportation options are available for reaching Kuching International Airport:

• Taxi: The most convenient option, taxis are readily available throughout Kuching. The fare from the city center to the airport typically ranges from RM25-30, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
• Ride-hailing Services: Apps like Grab are popular in Kuching and offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis, often at competitive rates.
• Airport Bus: Kuching City Public Link operates buses (K1 route) between the city center and the airport. The fare is approximately RM4 per person, making it an economical option for budget travelers.
• Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in Kuching offer airport shuttle services for their guests, either complimentary or for a nominal fee.
• Car Rental: For those who prefer self-driving, several car rental companies operate at the airport, allowing you to drop off your vehicle before departure.

Facilities

Kuching International Airport offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable pre-flight experience:

• Dining Options: Several cafés, restaurants, and food kiosks serving local and international cuisine
• Shopping: Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and convenience outlets
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, charging stations for electronic devices
• Banking: ATMs, currency exchange services, and bank branches
• Lounges: A premium lounge available for business class passengers and eligible frequent flyers
• Special Assistance: Services for passengers with reduced mobility
• Prayer Rooms: Dedicated spaces for Muslim travelers
• Information Counters: Helpful staff available to assist with inquiries
• Medical Services: First aid facilities and pharmacy

About Kualanamu International Airport - Medan

Location

Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) is located approximately 39 kilometers east of Medan city center in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Having replaced the older Polonia Airport in 2013, Kualanamu is a modern international gateway serving the entire North Sumatra region. The airport's location, while further from the city than the old Polonia Airport, allows for better expansion opportunities and improved safety.

Airport Terminal

Kualanamu International Airport features a spacious, modern terminal building designed to handle up to 8 million passengers annually. The three-story terminal integrates domestic and international operations under one roof, with clear signage in multiple languages to guide travelers. The terminal is divided into separate areas for departures (upper level) and arrivals (ground level).

The airport's design incorporates elements of Batak architecture, reflecting the cultural heritage of North Sumatra. With its spacious layout, the terminal offers a comfortable environment even during peak travel periods.

Transport From Airport

Travelers arriving at Kualanamu International Airport have several transportation options to reach Medan city center:

• Airport Train: The most efficient option is the airport rail link, which connects the airport directly to Medan's main railway station (Medan Station) in approximately 30-40 minutes. Trains operate hourly from early morning until evening, with a fare of around IDR 100,000.
• Airport Bus: DAMRI operates shuttle buses between the airport and several destinations in Medan, including Amplas Bus Terminal and major hotels. The journey takes approximately 60-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions, with fares starting from IDR 40,000.
• Taxi: Official airport taxis are available at the designated taxi counter in the arrivals area. The journey to Medan city center takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, with fares starting from IDR 150,000-200,000.
• Ride-hailing Services: Apps like Gojek and Grab operate at the airport, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis, often at competitive rates.
• Car Rental: Several car rental companies have counters at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves during their stay in Medan.

Facilities

Kualanamu International Airport offers numerous amenities to enhance the passenger experience:

• Dining Options: Various restaurants, cafés, and food courts serving local Indonesian specialties and international cuisine
• Shopping: Duty-free shops, souvenir stores, fashion boutiques, and convenience stores
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, charging stations for electronic devices
• Banking: ATMs, currency exchange services, and bank branches
• Lounges: Premium lounges available for business class passengers and eligible frequent flyers
• Special Assistance: Services for passengers with reduced mobility
• Prayer Rooms: Multiple prayer rooms (musholla) throughout the terminal for Muslim travelers
• Information Counters: Multilingual staff available to assist with inquiries
• Medical Services: First aid facilities and pharmacy
• Transit Hotel: Accommodations for passengers with long layovers
• Baggage Services: Left luggage facilities and baggage wrapping services

FAQ Kuching to Medan Flight

• Question: What is the average flight time from Kuching to Medan?
  Answer: Since there are no direct flights, the total journey time including layovers typically ranges from 4 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes, depending on the connection time in Kuala Lumpur.
• Question: Which airlines operate flights between Kuching and Medan?
  Answer: The most common carriers for this route are AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and Indonesia AirAsia, usually with connections through Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
• Question: What is the cheapest time of year to fly from Kuching to Medan?
  Answer: The low season for travel between these cities generally falls between February and April (excluding local holidays). During these months, you can often find more affordable fares. Booking 2-3 months in advance typically secures the best prices.
• Question: How much does a typical round-trip ticket cost from Kuching to Medan?
  Answer: Round-trip fares typically start from approximately RM717 to RM750, depending on the season, how far in advance you book, and current promotions. One-way flights generally start from around RM352.
• Question: Do I need a visa to travel from Kuching to Medan?
  Answer: Malaysian citizens can visit Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. However, requirements may vary for other nationalities. It's always advisable to check the latest visa requirements through official immigration websites or the Indonesian embassy before your trip.
• Question: What is the baggage allowance for flights from Kuching to Medan?
  Answer: Baggage allowances vary by airline and fare class. Generally, economy passengers are allowed 20kg of checked baggage and 7kg of hand luggage on full-service carriers. Low-cost carriers like AirAsia may require purchasing baggage allowance separately. Always verify the specific allowance with your airline at the time of booking.
• Question: Is there a time difference between Kuching and Medan?
  Answer: Yes, there is a time difference. Medan (Indonesia) is 1 hour behind Kuching (Malaysia). When it's 12:00 PM in Kuching, it's 11:00 AM in Medan.
• Question: What documents do I need for traveling from Kuching to Medan?
  Answer: You'll need a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned departure date from Indonesia, return or onward tickets, and sufficient funds for your stay. For Malaysian citizens, no visa is required for stays up to 30 days for tourism purposes.

Other Ways to Travel From Kuching to Medan

While flying is the most practical way to travel between Kuching and Medan, there are alternative routes for adventurous travelers:

Sea and Land Route:

• Kuching to Pontianak (West Kalimantan, Indonesia): Take a bus from Kuching to Tebedu/Entikong border crossing (approximately 3-4 hours), cross the border, and then take another bus to Pontianak (approximately 6-7 hours).
• Pontianak to Medan: From Pontianak, you would need to take a combination of buses and/or ferries traveling through Sumatra, potentially stopping in cities like Palembang before reaching Medan. This journey could take several days and involves multiple transfers.

Combined Air and Sea Route:

• Kuching to Singapore: Fly from Kuching to Singapore (approximately 1.5 hours).
• Singapore to Batam (Indonesia): Take a ferry from Singapore to Batam (approximately 1 hour).
• Batam to Medan: From Batam, take a domestic flight to Medan (approximately 1.5-2 hours).

These alternative routes are significantly longer, more complex, and generally not recommended unless you're planning an extended journey to explore multiple locations along the way. For most travelers, the connecting flight through Kuala Lumpur remains the most efficient option.

Explore Medan

Popular Destinations in Medan

• Tjong A Fie Mansion
  This historic Chinese mansion belonged to a wealthy Chinese merchant and offers visitors a glimpse into Medan's multicultural past. The beautifully preserved building features a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural elements, with original furnishings and family photographs that tell the story of Medan's development.
• Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun)
  Built in 1888, this grand yellow and green palace was the residence of the Sultan of Deli. The palace combines elements of Malay, Islamic, Spanish, Indian, and Italian architectural styles. Visitors can explore several rooms featuring royal regalia and take photos wearing traditional royal costumes.
• Great Mosque of Medan (Masjid Raya Al Mashun)
  This magnificent mosque, completed in 1906, features a stunning octagonal design with black domes and cream-colored walls. The architectural style blends Middle Eastern, Indian, and Spanish influences. Even non-Muslims can appreciate the beautiful exterior and courtyard areas.
• Lake Toba
  While technically outside the city (about 4-5 hours' drive), this massive volcanic lake is a must-visit destination when in the Medan area. As the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba offers breathtaking scenery, cool climate, and the fascinating Batak culture on Samosir Island in the middle of the lake.
• Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery
  This unique natural history museum houses an impressive collection of taxidermied animals from around the world. While the concept might not appeal to everyone, it's an educational experience offering close-up views of rare species in detailed natural habitat recreations.

Popular Cuisine in Medan

• Bika Ambon
  Despite its name suggesting origins from Ambon, this sweet, honeycomb-textured cake is a Medan specialty. Made from ingredients including tapioca flour, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk, it's often flavored with pandanus leaves or durian. The best places to try authentic Bika Ambon are at Bika Ambon Zulaikha or Bika Ambon Ati.
• Soto Medan
  This distinctive soup features a coconut milk-based broth with shredded chicken, bean sprouts, potato fritters, and perkedel (potato patties). What makes it unique is the addition of coconut milk and the serving style with distinctive side dishes. Try it at Soto Medan Pak Agus or Soto Kesawan.
• Mie Aceh Medan
  This spicy noodle dish originated in neighboring Aceh province but has a special Medan variation. Thick yellow noodles are stir-fried or served in a rich, spicy curry-like broth with seafood or beef, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts. Popular venues include Mie Aceh Titi Bobrok and Mie Aceh Seulawah.
• Durian Medan
  Medan is famous for its exceptionally creamy and flavorful durian varieties. While the fruit's strong odor might be challenging for first-timers, durian enthusiasts consider Medan's offerings among the best in Southeast Asia. Visit the Ucok Durian stall, a Medan institution where you can sample different varieties.
• Bihun Bebek (Duck Rice Vermicelli)
  This savory dish features thin rice noodles in a rich duck broth, topped with tender duck meat, fried shallots, and fresh herbs. Often served with a side of sambal (chili paste) for added heat. Bihun Bebek Asie on Jalan Selat Panjang is renowned for this specialty.

Medan's culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural heritage, with Chinese, Malay, Batak, Minangkabau, and Indian influences creating a unique and flavorful food landscape that's worth exploring during your visit. Don't miss the opportunity to visit traditional markets like Pasar Rame and Pasar Petisah to experience the vibrant local food culture firsthand.

Whether you're visiting Medan for business or pleasure, understanding your flight options from Kuching will help ensure a smooth journey to this vibrant Indonesian city. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary scene, and historical attractions, Medan offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Sumatra's unique character and Indonesia's multicultural tapestry.