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 October 2026, it isn't in full daily operation yet. The stated target has been completion by the end of 2026 and full operation in January 2027, but the latest reports give no firm date. A limited opening of Section 3A-2 and Ramp 2 is being prepared for Christmas and New Year 2026/2027, and the date depends on the regulator. 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

Sinar Jaya (PT Sinar Jaya Megahlanggeng) runs a bus between Pelabuhan Semayang, Sepinggan Airport, Terminal Batu Ampar and IKN, in both directions, for Rp 43,000 per trip. The service is part of a government-subsidised transport programme. At Sepinggan Airport the bus stops at the pick-up zone by the old terminal, and the ride to IKN takes about 2 hours. On the March 2026 timetable it leaves the airport at 06:30, 07:30, 08:30, 09:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30 WITA, and IKN at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 17:30, 18:30 and 19:30 WITA. The August 2026 list does not show the last departures (16.30 from the airport and 19.30 from IKN), so don't rely on them without confirming. Times can change, so check with the operator before you travel.

Premium shuttle option

Cititrans runs from Balikpapan and Sepinggan (via Grand City) to Rest Area Nusantara IKN. As of 1 November 2026, the fare is Rp150,000 per seat and the trip takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. Refund and rescheduling rules vary by departure, so check when you book. The service stops at the rest area, not in the core area. Check times and pick-up points in the Cititrans app or website.

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 Sinar Jaya route above only runs from Balikpapan.