Traveling to Samarinda is easy, with numerous full-service airlines providing a range of flight options. Explore journey times and select the best flights to Samarinda that align with your schedule, ensuring you have time to discover the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.
Major airport near Samarinda: Sepinggan International Airport (BPN)
Flights per week: 7 flights arriving at Samarinda airport
Number of airlines that fly to Samarinda: around 2 carriers
Popular airport near Samarinda
Samarinda is a lively city that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, urban experiences, and beach getaways, attracting travelers with its rich culture. The city is conveniently accessible via a major airport, making it easy to arrange flights to Samarinda Airport and explore the surrounding area.
Sepinggan International Airport (BPN): Situated in East Kalimantan, approximately 55 miles from Samarinda, this airport primarily offers domestic flights. Travelers can opt for an upgrade to business class for enhanced service, depending on the airline and route. Key carriers operating here include Garuda Indonesia and APG Airlines.
Top routes to Samarinda
Jakarta (CGK) to Samarinda (BPN), with one-way flight options from around $120
Cheapest routes to Samarinda
Jakarta (CGK) to Samarinda (BPN), with cheap one-way fares from around $120
*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes
Top airlines with flights to Samarinda
APG Airlines: Services Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) and is responsible for about 62% of arrivals in Samarinda. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of roughly $150, with premium cabins potentially offering business class on select routes.
Garuda Indonesia: Also operating flights to Sepinggan International Airport (BPN), Garuda Indonesia accounts for approximately 38% of incoming flights to Samarinda. The typical one-way fare is around $130.
How to save money on a flight to Samarinda
Getting some of the best deals on flights to Samarinda is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Samarinda flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.
*For members. Select hotels.
Arriving in Samarinda
Samarinda welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Samarinda efficiently:
Public transportation: From Sepinggan International Airport, Balikpapan Seaport, a seaport, is located about 7.7 miles from the airport, offering convenient access to maritime travel.
Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Samarinda, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
Car rental: Renting a car in Samarinda is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Samarinda on Expedia.
Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
Where to stay around Samarinda
Tenggarong: Tenggarong is located 19 miles drive away from Samarinda and is a vibrant city steeped in culture. It's famous for the Kutai Palace, a historic landmark that reflects the region's rich heritage. Visitors can also explore Mulawarman University, which showcases modern educational architecture. For those interested in spirituality, the Mesjid Raya Darussalam mosque offers a serene atmosphere and beautiful design, making it a perfect spot for cultural immersion and reflection.
Teluk Dalam: Teluk Dalam is located 12 miles drive away from Samarinda and offers an intriguing cultural experience. The city is home to the Kutai Palace, where travelers can delve into the area's historical narratives. Additionally, Mulawarman University adds a contemporary touch to the landscape, appealing to those curious about education in the region. The Samarinda Islamic Centre is another notable site, providing a glimpse into local spiritual life and architecture, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
Perjiwa: Perjiwa is located 15 miles drive away from Samarinda and is an engaging destination for culture seekers. The Kutai Palace stands out as a key attraction, showcasing the historical essence of the area. Visitors can also appreciate the modernity of Mulawarman University, which adds a dynamic element to the city. The Samarinda Islamic Centre further enriches the cultural landscape, inviting travelers to experience the local traditions and community spirit in a beautiful setting.
Tips for short-haul flights to Samarinda
For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:
Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits effectively. This also allows you to bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed and save money at the airport.
Tips for long-haul flights to Samarinda
Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:
Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight departs to accommodate check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures.
Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival to help minimize jet lag.
Tips to find the cheapest flights to Samarinda
The cheapest day to fly
Get started finding a cheap flight to Samarinda on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.
The cheapest month to fly
September is the cheapest month to fly to Samarinda. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Samarinda. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.
The most affordable time to book a flight
Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Samarinda, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.
The cheapest round-trip tickets to Samarinda
The lowest price for round-trip flights to Samarinda in 2026 starts from $845, while one-way tickets start from from $464. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Samarinda. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.
The cheapest airlines flying to Samarinda
Korean Air are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Samarinda. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Samarinda and countless more destinations worldwide.
The most affordable airports to fly into
To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Samarinda, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Samarinda. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.
Save with a package
With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Samarinda plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.
Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Samarinda
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Samarinda.
Stopover savings
The cheapest tickets to Samarinda are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Samarinda. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.
Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection
Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Samarinda for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
*Terms apply.
Use our Price Tracking feature
Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Samarinda. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Samarinda flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.
Book with Expedia
As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Samarinda. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is the cheapest to fly to Samarinda?
The cheapest month to fly to Samarinda is September when there's less demand. Off-peak months are typically when you'll find cheap flights. To save money, steer clear of flying during school breaks and major holidays.
Which US cities fly direct to Samarinda?
Direct journeys make travel a little easier. When you search on Expedia, check "Direct flights only" and we'll show you the direct options to fly to Samarinda.
How to find a cheap flight to Samarinda?
To find cheap flights to Samarinda, book ahead of time and consider traveling during the low season. Want an insider tip? Fly on a Thursday and you'll save 16% on average compared to those who jet off on a Sunday.* Sign up for price tracking on the Expedia app and we'll notify you as soon as your fares drop.
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
How to get a cheap last-minute flight to Samarinda?
You can find great deals on last-minute departures to Samarinda, especially if your travel arrangements aren't set in stone. Consider departing from a different airport, tweaking your trip dates or selecting another carrier to get a cheap flight to Samarinda.
How far in advance should I book a flight to Samarinda?
To snap up some of the best deals on domestic journeys, book your flight to Samarinda 28 days ahead of your travel dates. For international flights, search for your ticket between two and four months in advance. This increases your chances of locking in your preferred departure dates, times and seats.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which day of the week is the cheapest day to buy a plane ticket to Samarinda?
Sundays are generally the best day to book a cheap flight to Samarinda, where you can save 8% on average compared to Fridays. If you choose to purchase tickets on a Friday, expect to pay more as this is typically the most expensive day.*
*Best day of the week to book, depart and ideal booking window recommendations based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August 2023, sourced from Airline Reporting Corporation's (ARC) global airline sales database. Percentages noted are averages.
Which airlines fly to Samarinda?
There are 10 airlines that connect Samarinda with 18 airports around the globe. The chief entry point to this city is Sepinggan Intl. Airport (BPN). Travel with any of these well-known airlines to Samarinda:
Lion Air
Wings Air (Indonesia)
Super Air Jet
Batik Air
Where do you fly into Samarinda?
Sepinggan Intl. Airport (BPN) is the main airport for travelers flying to Samarinda. Or you could land at Samarinda (AAP-AP Tumenggung Pranoto). Compare fares between these airports to find the easiest or cheapest way to fly to Samarinda.
How far is the airport from central Samarinda?
If you're jetting into Sepinggan Intl. Airport (BPN), you'll be roughly 55 mi south of the center of Samarinda.
Can I save money by booking a Samarinda trip package?
It's possible to save hundreds of dollars if you choose a Samarinda flight and hotel package deal on Expedia. And you'll save time and hassle by having all your travel plans in one place. Try bundling your hotel and flight with add-ons like tours and activities for your own personalized Samarinda getaway.
Can I change or cancel my flight to Samarinda?
If you booked your flight to Samarinda within the last 24 hours, you can typically cancel or change it without fees. After that, additional costs may apply depending on the airline's terms and conditions. To learn more, visit our Customer Service Portal. Keep in mind that some flights are non-refundable, so you may be issued a credit for future travel in place of a direct refund. When searching on Expedia, select the "Changes included" or "No cancel fee" boxes to see fares with flexible change policies.
Travel information
Destination city name
Balikpapan
Destination airport
Balikpapan
Destination airport IATA code
BPN
Airlines serving
Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, KLM, Garuda Indonesia, Scoot, AirAsia, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Oman Air, Korean Air
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $464 for one-way flights and $845 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.