Medan to Binjai

The Sri Lelawangsa is Medan's local commuter train, run by KAI Bandara (the KAI subsidiary that also operates the Kualanamu airport line). Its main job is linking Medan with the neighbouring city of Binjai, about 21km to the west, and some trains continue a few kilometres further to Kuala Bingai, the end of the line since 2022.

The service: trains run from early morning (around 4am) until late evening, roughly every one to two hours, and the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It is a basic ekonomi commuter service with a very low flat fare, used mainly by locals travelling to work, school and the markets. Outside the morning and evening peaks you will rarely struggle for a seat.

Why take it: the road between Medan and Binjai is one of the most congested in North Sumatra, and the train skips the traffic entirely. Binjai is the gateway to the Langkat region, so the train is a handy first leg if you are heading on by road towards Bukit Lawang and the orangutans of Gunung Leuser, though you will still need onward road transport from Binjai.

Good to know: the line was briefly closed in late 2025 after floods shifted the track near Binjai, and reopened in December 2025 after repairs. Check Access by KAI or ask at Medan station for the day's departures before you travel.

For the return journey see Binjai to Medan. From Medan station you can also take the airport train to Kualanamu.