Book Cheap Flights to Balikpapan from UK

Cheap Flights to Balikpapan from the UK

Balikpapan flights from London take 16-22 hours depending on your routing. The city is served by Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN), located around 7km east of the city centre.

No direct flights from UK. Routes connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, or Middle East hubs. The most popular connections route via Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines), Jakarta (Garuda), Dubai (Emirates).

Return fares range from £650-800 in low season to £1,000-1,400 during peak periods. July-August / December-January / Eid typically sees the highest demand. February-April / September-November offers the best deals.

Balikpapan operates on GMT+8 (8 hours ahead of London in winter, 7 hours ahead in summer). Budget time from the airport, as traffic can add to your journey.

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) – Facilities & Travel Guide

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) is the main gateway to Balikpapan, Indonesia. Located around 7km east of the city centre, it handles both domestic and international flights. The airport connects Balikpapan to various global destinations and serves as a hub for regional carriers. Facilities are adequate for most travellers with restaurants, shops, and lounges available.

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport provides facilities to meet traveller needs:

Terminals: Single modern terminal.
Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes with local and international options.
Currency Exchange: Available throughout the airport.
Wi-Fi and Charging: Free Wi-Fi and charging stations available.
Lounges: Business and VIP lounges for added comfort.

Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport is connected to the city by various transport options:

Taxis: IDR 80,000-120,000 to central areas. Travel time: 15-25 minutes.
Ride-hailing: Apps available in most destinations.
Public Transport: No metro. Blue Bird taxis and Gojek/Grab available.
Private Transfers: Bookable for direct and comfortable journey.

For a smooth journey through Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport:

Arrive Early: Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight.
Cash: Carry Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for minor purchases.
Security: Expect standard security checks.
Flight Information: Keep an eye on display boards for updates.

Flight Times to Balikpapan

There are no direct flights from the UK to Balikpapan. All routes require at least one connection, typically via Singapore (Singapore Airlines).

With a layover, typical flight durations are:

Via Dubai (Emirates): Around 14-18 hours total.
Via Doha (Qatar Airways): Around 14-17 hours total.
Other routes via Singapore, Istanbul or European hubs may vary.

For the best layover experience:

Minimum layover time of 2-3 hours is recommended.
Overnight layovers can sometimes be cheaper.
Major hubs like Dubai and Singapore offer airport hotels for comfortable rest.

Balikpapan operates on GMT+8 (which is 8 hours ahead of London in winter and 7 hours ahead in summer).

Airlines Flying to Balikpapan

Singapore Airlines

Emirates Airways

Qatar Airways

Cathay Pacific

Garuda Indonesia

Malaysia Airlines

Balikpapan Flight Prices

Category	Period	Average Return Fares
Economy - Low Season	February-April / September-November	£650-800
Economy - Mid Season	May-June	£800-1,000
Economy - High Season	July-August / December-January / Eid	£1,000-1,400
Business - Low Season	February-April / September-November	£2,800-4,000
Business - High Season	July-August / December-January / Eid	£4,500-6,500

Booking Tips:

Book 8-12 weeks before travel to save up to 15-25%.
Avoid peak periods: Prices surge by 30-50% during high season.
Fly midweek (Tue-Thu): Fares are often cheaper.
Consider one-stop flights: They can offer better value than direct options.

Best Time to Book Balikpapan Flights

Price Patterns

Prices typically drop Tuesday/Wednesday for bookings

Last-minute deals are rare for popular routes

Peak seasons push prices up 30-50%

Sweet Spot

8-12 weeks before travel for best combination of availability and price.

Avoid Booking

Less than 2 weeks out (premium pricing)

During July-August / December-January / Eid without advance planning

School holiday periods if travelling with families

Things to Do in Balikpapan

Kemala Beach

Urban beach with restaurants and sunset views. Popular weekend spot for locals and visitors.

Beruang Island

Small island 30 minutes by boat. Snorkelling, beaches, and seafood restaurants.

Manggar Beach

Quieter beach 20km from city. Good swimming and local seafood stalls.

Bukit Bangkirai

Rainforest reserve with canopy bridges and orangutan spotting. 60km from city.

Derawan Islands Trip

Remote archipelago accessible via Balikpapan. World-class diving with manta rays and turtles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from London to Balikpapan?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Balikpapan?

How much does a flight to Balikpapan cost?

Which airlines fly from UK to Balikpapan?

Which London airport has flights to Balikpapan?

Why visit Balikpapan?

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. If you have booked a flight only where the ticket is not issued immediately, your flight will be protected under our ATOL. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to ATOL Certificate