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Medan Kualanamu Layover Guide (KNO)

What are you looking for in KNO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Medan Airport (KNO) is an international airport located in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It’s situated about 26 km (16 miles) from downtown Medan. The airport officially began operations in 2013, replacing the former Polonia Airport. Medan is the fourth-largest city in Indonesia and serves as a key economic hub for Sumatra. The city is known for its cultural diversity, rich culinary scene, and proximity to natural wonders like Lake Toba.

Can you leave Medan Airport (KNO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers at Medan Kualanamu (KNO) may exit the airport during a layover if they meet Indonesian immigration requirements. Most nationalities can enter visa-free for 30 days or obtain a Visa on Arrival (30-day, extendable) or apply for an e-Visa in advance. Check flight itineraries and immigration processing times. Local regulations. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Maimun Palace Discover Sultanate grandeur at Maimun Palace showcasing traditional Malay architecture, royal artifacts, opulent chambers, and intricate ornamentation. This iconic yellow landmark invites cultural immersion and captivating photographic opportunities. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: by taxi ~45 min or DAMRI bus + angkot ~1 h)
• Great Mosque of Medan Admire Neo-Moorish architecture at Masjid Raya Al-Mashun’s majestic domes, stained glass, and ornate columns. Experience serene prayers, interfaith harmony, and panoramic city views from its central courtyard. daily guided tours. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: by taxi ~45 min or DAMRI bus + walk ~1 h)
• Tjong A Fie Mansion Explore Tjong A Fie Mansion’s grand colonial-Chinese fusion interior, vintage furniture, and photographic murals. Learn about the philanthropic tycoon’s legacy, urban development, multicultural heritage, and architectural details rich local architectural influences. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: by taxi ~45 min or DAMRI bus + taxi ~1.5 h)
• Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery Wander Rahmat Museum’s impressive taxidermy displays featuring over 1000 specimens of exotic wildlife. Educational panels, dioramas, and immersive exhibits offer insight into conservation and biodiversity. interactive zones and habitat recreations. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: by taxi ~50 min or DAMRI bus + angkot ~1.5 h)
• Merdeka Walk Stroll Merdeka Walk’s vibrant open-air culinary boulevard lined with food stalls, cafes, and live music. Sample authentic local dishes, refreshing beverages, and soak in the lively night atmosphere. cultural performances. (Time required: 1.5 h / Airport to here: by taxi ~45 min or DAMRI bus + walk ~1.25 h)
• Centre Point Mall Shop Centre Point Mall’s modern retail complex offering international brands, local boutiques, and entertainment outlets. Enjoy cinema screenings, gaming zones, and diverse dining options under one air-conditioned roof. free wifi. (Time required: 2 h / Airport to here: by taxi ~50 min or DAMRI bus + angkot ~1.5 h)
• Kesawan Heritage Walk Trace Medan’s colonial past along Kesawan District’s preserved streets, featuring historic shophouses, art deco facades, and photo-worthy murals. Guided tours reveal tales of commerce and culture. rich local architectural influences. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: by taxi ~50 min or DAMRI bus + walk ~1.25 h)
• Tip Top Café Relax at Tip Top Café, Medan’s historic colonial-era restaurant famed for vintage décor, classic pastries, and ice cream sundaes. A nostalgic culinary experience bridging past and present. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: by taxi ~45 min or DAMRI bus + walk ~1 h)

Things to Do in Medan Airport (KNO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Plaza Premium Lounge and Saphire Lounge offer comfortable seating, workstations, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging bays, food and beverage options, shower facilities (charges may apply), prayer rooms, vegetarian selections and flight information screens. Open daily, maximum stay is three hours, with access via membership, pay-per-use pass or Priority Pass. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Three on-site airport hotels—Anara Sky (formerly Horison Sky), Wing Hotel and The Crew Hotel—provide soundproofed rooms, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desks and airport shuttle service. Amenities include on-site dining, fitness and spa facilities at The Crew, plus meeting rooms. Perfect for layovers, all are a short walk or shuttle from terminals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Designated quiet zones with reclining benches and charging stations are available airside near departure gates. Prayer rooms and pay-per-use rest pods can be found on mezzanine levels. The terminal hotel lobby lounges also serve as informal rest areas for travelers seeking a brief nap.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to “freewifi.kno”, “”, “” or “” networks; the first options typically offer higher speeds. Internet stations and kiosks also allow complimentary web access for passengers without personal devices.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards from Telkomsel, Indosat and XL Axiata are sold at kiosks in the arrivals hall, offering prepaid data plans. eSIM profiles can be purchased online before arrival for instant 4G/5G access across Indonesia, supporting multiple devices without a physical SIM swap. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis operate from official counters in arrivals. Main providers include Blue Bird, KARSA, MATRA and Nice Trans. Ride-hailing services Grab and Go-Jek are authorized to pick up at designated points. Fares to central Medan are roughly double the train price, depending on traffic.

Train: The PT Railink Airport Rail Link connects Medan Station to Kualanamu in about 30 minutes, with services every 30–60 minutes. Tickets can be bought online or at station kiosks; classes include economy and executive. (more info)

Bus: Perum DAMRI operates air-conditioned coaches to Amplas Bus Terminal and Plaza Medan Fair; ALS and Almasar run routes to Binjai, Kabanjahe and Parapat. Fares are cheaper than a taxi and journeys take 60–90 minutes depending on departure point. (more info)

Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle vans circulate between terminals and the on-site hotels; schedules are coordinated at hotel receptions. A free inter-terminal bus service is available for transfer passengers to move between international and domestic departure areas without exiting security.

Car rentals: Counters for Avis, TRAC Astra and local firms like Ican Rent a Car are located in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from economy hatchbacks to passenger vans; pick-up and drop-off must be arranged at the counter. The adjacent toll road provides quick access to the city. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking rates start at Rp 5,000 for the first two hours, then Rp 1,000 per additional hour. Long-term reservations cost Rp 20,000 for up to six hours, plus Rp 2,000 per extra hour. Spaces for cars and motorbikes are clearly marked near each terminal entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no automated lockers. Baggage storage services are offered at the airport information desk for a nominal fee. Airlines and third-party porters also provide secure hold-onto-your-bags facilities near the check-in area for short-term storage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Medan Airport (KNO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks