Makassar → Bira → Selayar: Ferry & Bus Basics (2026)

Makassar, Tanjung Bira, and Selayar Island are among South Sulawesi’s most connected coastal points — a natural route line running southward from the region’s main city to the southeastern end of Sulawesi Island and the pieces of land that lie beyond it. This short guide explains how to travel between them by bus, car, and ferry — with updated routes, prices, and timing tips.

Makassar to Bira by road

The distance between Makassar and Bira is around 190 km. The road is paved and generally in good condition, following the coastal plains through Jeneponto and Bulukumba. The total journey usually takes 5–6 hours, depending on stops and traffic.

This makes it easy to travel from Makassar to Bira in half a day, whether you use a bus, shared minivan, or private car.

You have three options:

By public bus 

🚌 1. Makassar → Bulukumba / Bira

These are the most common buses, running several times a day.

For many travelers, the Makassar to Bira bus route is the most straightforward option, since buses run frequently and follow the main coastal highway.
They travel only on land and usually end in Bulukumba, or occasionally continue another 30–40 minutes to Bira town or the ferry terminal.
They do not board the ferry to Selayar Island.

• ⏱️ Duration: 6 hours to Bira

• 💰 Fare: IDR 120,000–150,000 (≈ €7–9)

• 🏁 Endpoints: Bulukumba Bus Terminal or Bira beach area

• 🚍 Companies: Bintang Prima, Cahaya Bone, Bunda Group, Manggala Trans, Bintang Timur

🧭 Tip:
If you only need to reach Bira, you can take either a Bira or Benteng (Selayar) bus — just tell the driver you’ll get off before the ferry terminal.

🚌 2. Makassar → Benteng (Selayar Island)

These are long-distance “through buses”, which continue beyond Bira, board the ferry at Tanjung Bira, cross the Flores Sea, and drive all the way to Benteng town on Selayar Island.

• ⏰ Departures: typically 05:00–07:30 (1–2 daily)

• ⏱️ Total travel time: 10–11 hours (including ferry crossing)

• 💰 Combined ticket (bus + ferry): IDR 250,000–300,000

• 🚢 Ferry segment: Tanjung Bira → Pamatata Port (2h 15m)

🧭 Tip:
If you’re only going as far as Bira, you can still ride these Benteng buses — they pass directly through the town and stop before the ferry.

🕓 Typical departure times

🎫 Where to buy tickets

• Terminal Malengkeri – main southern terminal of Makassar, with kiosks for each company.

• Private depots – many operators depart directly from their own parking bases along
  Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, Jl. Urip Sumoharjo, or Jl. Hertasning Baru.

• Online – available via Traveloka or RedBus Indonesia, though most locals still buy tickets in person.

🧭 Useful phrase:

“Sampai Bira saja, tidak Selayar.” (Only until Bira, not Selayar.)
“Termasuk kapal ferry?” (Does it include the ferry?)

⚙️ Summary

If you’re heading only to Bira, take either a Bulukumba/Bira bus or a Benteng-bound one and exit before the ferry.
If your goal is Selayar Island, choose a Benteng bus — it saves time and includes the ferry ticket.

If you’re wondering how to get from Makassar to Selayar Island, the most reliable method is to take a Benteng-bound bus, which includes the ferry crossing and reaches the island in one continuous trip.

By shared minivan (travel car) 

If you prefer a faster and more flexible option than the public buses, the “travel cars” — locally called mobil travel — are the most popular choice for both locals and travelers heading to Bira or even Bulukumba.

These shared minivans (usually Toyota Avanza or Kijang models) offer door-to-door service from Makassar hotels or guesthouses, and are both quicker and more comfortable than regular buses.

• ⏱️ Duration: 5–5.5 hours

• 💰 Fare: IDR 180,000–220,000 per person

• 🚗 Capacity: 5–7 passengers

• 📍 Departure points:

  • From central Makassar (Jl. Pengayoman, Panakkukang area)

  • Sometimes directly from the airport if booked in advance

• 🕐 Departures: morning (06:00–08:00) and early afternoon (12:00–14:00)

🧭 Tips:

• • These services can be arranged via local travel offices, hotel receptions, or WhatsApp booking (search “Travel Makassar Bira” in Google Maps).

  • Drivers are usually flexible — they can drop you at Bulukumba, Bira beach, or even Tanjung Bira ferry terminal.

  • Some operators can also arrange private charters for small groups or add airport pickup at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.

🚗 Private charter (best for groups)

If you’re traveling with 3–5 people or carrying diving gear, consider renting a private car with driver for the day.
The advantage is complete control over stops (for meals or viewpoints) and guaranteed arrival in time for the afternoon ferry.

• 💰 Cost: around IDR 900,000–1,100,000 total (one way, including driver and fuel)

• ⏱️ Duration: 5–6 hours, depending on stops

• 📱 Booking: via your hotel, Klook, or local agencies like Raja Trans, Duta Travel, Bira Trip, and Citra Utama.

🧭 Summary:
Shared minivans are the sweet spot between comfort and cost — faster than buses, cheaper than a private car, and far more flexible than fixed schedules.
If you want to reach Bira in half a day without worrying about timetables, this is the best option.

By self-drive or rented car 

For travelers who want full freedom, self-driving or hiring a car with driver is the most convenient way to reach Bira or continue to Selayar Island.
The whole route is paved, generally safe, and offers plenty of scenery — from Makassar’s urban coastlines to the dry coastal hills of Bulukumba Regency.

• 🛣️ Distance: 200 km (Makassar → Bira)

• ⏱️ Driving time: 5–6 hours (without long stops)

• ⛽ Fuel stations: frequent along the main road through Jeneponto and Bulukumba

🗺️ Route overview

The most direct route follows:
Makassar – Jeneponto – Bantaeng – Bulukumba – Tanjung Bira.

The road is part of the Trans-Sulawesi Highway (Jalan Poros Selatan), well-signed and asphalted the whole way.
Traffic is moderate, except around Jeneponto and Bulukumba town centers.

🧭 Driving tip:
Leave Makassar early (around 6 AM) to avoid traffic near Gowa and reach Bira by early afternoon — perfect for catching the 3 PM ferry to Selayar.

🚗 Rental and private driver options

• Makassar Airport (Sultan Hasanuddin): has multiple rental desks and local agencies (Astra, TRAC, or smaller companies).

• Daily rental (self-drive): IDR 400,000–550,000/day for compact cars; driver’s license (SIM A) required.

• Car + driver: IDR 900,000–1,100,000/day (fuel included).

• Deposit or ID copy may be required for rentals.

🧭 Local agencies to check:
TRAC Indonesia, Raja Trans Makassar, Duta Travel, Bira Trip, Citra Utama.
Most can be contacted via WhatsApp or booked through Traveloka or Klook.

🏞️ Stops along the way

The drive offers chances for short breaks and photos:

• Jeneponto coast: long stretches of black sand beaches and salt farms

• Bantaeng town: roadside food stalls and coconut vendors

• Bulukumba: viewpoint over the bay before descending to Bira

⚙️ Summary

Driving gives you total flexibility — you can leave when you want, stop for photos or food, and ensure you arrive in time for the ferry.
Road conditions are good, navigation is simple (Google Maps accurate), and parking is available near Bira ferry terminal.
For those planning to continue to Selayar, note that cars can board the ferry directly, but you’ll need to buy the ticket separately at the ASDP counter before loading.

🛳️ Bira to Selayar Island ferry

From Tanjung Bira, ferries cross the Flores Sea to Pamatata Port on Selayar Island. The crossing is the only regular public transport link between the South Sulawesi mainland and the island. Travelers searching for Makassar to Selayar ferry information should note that the crossing is handled by ASDP and includes two daily sailings, depending on season and weather.

1. 🚢 Operator: ASDP Ferry Indonesia

2. 📍 Departure port: Tanjung Bira Ferry Terminal

3. 📍 Arrival port: Pamatata, Selayar Island

4. ⏱ Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (average)

The Bira to Selayar ferry schedule usually includes two daily crossings, though departures may shift slightly depending on weather and maintenance.

1. 💰 Fare:

   • Passenger: IDR 25,000–30,000

   • Motorbike: IDR 55,000–60,000

   • Car: IDR 350,000–450,000

2. ⏰ Schedule: typically 2 sailings per day — morning (around 09:00) and afternoon (around 15:00). Always confirm a day before at the ASDP office in Bira, as weather or maintenance may change the times. For official updates, see the ASDP Ferry Indonesia website.

🧭 Practical notes:

• Arrive at least 1 hour before departure; ticket counters close 30 min prior.

• Bring snacks and water — onboard services are minimal.

• If you have a motorbike, buy your vehicle ticket first, then proceed to the weighing and loading zone.

• Sea conditions are generally calm, but crossings may be suspended during rough monsoon weather (Jan–Feb).

🚐 Pamatata Port → Benteng (Selayar town)

After arrival at Pamatata, the main town Benteng (also called Selayar Town) is about 25 km south.

• 🚖 By public transport: shared minivans and motorbike taxis wait at the port.

  • ⏱ Duration: 30–40 minutes

  • 💰 Fare: around IDR 25,000–35,000 per person

• 🚗 By rental car or private transfer: about IDR 150,000–200,000

• 🧭 Tip: The road is good and partly coastal, with scenic views and coconut groves.

🏝️ Returning north or continuing further

To return from Selayar to the mainland, just reverse the route:

• Pamatata → Bira ferry

• Bira → Makassar road transfer

However, travelers continuing east or south (toward Takabonerate National Park or Pasitallu Islands) can organize local boats in Benteng — often part of diving or island-hopping packages.

🕓 Sample timing plan (north → south)

Total time: ≈ 9–10 hours, including stops and transfers.

If you leave Makassar early in the morning, you can reach Selayar before sunset on the same day.

🌤️ Best time for the trip

• Dry season (May–October): calm seas, reliable ferry service — best for day crossings.

• Rainy season (November–April): occasional ferry delays or cancellations, but roads remain open.

• Shoulder months (April/October): balanced weather and fewer crowds.

💡 Tips for independent travelers

• Check ASDP Selayar Ferry Facebook page or ask locally for schedule updates.

• ATMs are available in Bulukumba and Benteng, but not in Bira port area.

• Accommodation near Bira ferry terminal fills up fast on weekends — book ahead.

• Motorbike travelers: refuel before boarding — no gas stations near Pamatata Port.

• Don’t rely on constant mobile signal at sea; download offline maps before departure.

Going further:
Makassar city & port ·
Tanjung Bira beaches ·
Selayar Island: travel & season

If you’re planning a trip to Selayar or the beaches around Bira, check out the upcoming detailed guides — including best beaches, transport tips, and where to stay on the island.

Take a look at the video about traveling to Selayar Island below: 

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Krasen and Ying Ying

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

Enjoy!