Getting From the Airport to Nusantara
Nusantara sits about 60 km from Balikpapan's airport. The dedicated toll road isn't fully operational yet (targeted for January 2027), but a public DAMRI bus, a premium Cititrans shuttle, and normal roads already connect the two.
From Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport (BPN) in Balikpapan, Nusantara's Government Core Area (KIPP) is about 60 kilometers away. On ordinary, non-toll roads, that trip takes around 2 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The Balikpapan-IKN toll road
A dedicated toll road (built in sections, including 5B, 6A, and 6B) is meant to cut that travel time to around 45 to 60 minutes. As of September 2026, it isn't in full daily operation yet. It's targeted to be fully completed by the end of 2026, with full operation starting in January 2027. In the meantime, it has been opened on a temporary, often free, "functional" basis during specific holiday periods, such as the Christmas and New Year 2025/2026 season and around Idul Fitri 2026. Outside of an announced functional-opening window, expect the older, non-toll route and its roughly 2-hour travel time.
Public bus option
DAMRI runs a scheduled bus route from Sepinggan Airport through Pelabuhan Semayang and Terminal Batu Ampar to IKN, roughly every 1 to 2 hours between 7 AM and 5 PM WITA, for around Rp 43,000 to Rp 45,000 one way. It drops off at the KIPP area and integrated parking, with air conditioning and reclining seats on board.
Premium shuttle option
Cititrans also runs an airport shuttle from a dedicated shelter at Sepinggan Airport to IKN (it serves Samarinda's APT Pranoto too), using executive minivans with 8 leather seats, footrests, and USB-A/C charging at every seat, for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Fares start from around Rp 150,000 one way. Book through the Cititrans app, its website, or directly at the airport shelter; rescheduling is free of administrative charges.
Other options
Renting a car or hiring a private driver from Balikpapan is common for more flexibility. We didn't find confirmed ride-hailing app (Grab/Gojek-style) coverage reaching all the way into the IKN core area, so don't assume it's available and check locally on the day.
Coming from Samarinda
If you're flying into Samarinda's APT Pranoto Airport instead, you'll need to arrange your own overland transport toward IKN; the DAMRI route above only runs from Balikpapan.
Check whether the toll road has a temporary functional opening for your travel dates. It can cut the trip roughly in half, but don't count on it outside of an announced holiday window.