By Chartered Minivan
Known by the locals as "Travel" is cheapest way to get there. The approximate price is about Rp. 30.000/person for one way. The vehicle is a Honda Odyssey 2.4 minivan with a capacity of 7 seats. Keep in mind that the bus driver usually waits until the chair occupation is about 75%. Once the car is "full", the minivan will depart and take the passengers to their destination.
By bus
DAMRI is the bus operator that goes to Padang price Rp. 17.500, from there you can continue to Bukittinggi by minivan "travel" for the price of Rp. 15.000. Not recommended for those who don't want to stop at Padang.Several bus companies such as ALS run buses from Parapat near Danau Toba. The trip is very winding and rough, and takes approximately 15 hours. Be prepared for bus sickness, and to pay around Rp. 185.000 as of 2010. As the trip is uphill from Danau Toba, the one-way fare is more expensive this way than coming from the south.
Numerous buses go from Medan to Jakarta and stop on the way at Bukittinggi.
By taxi
At BIMBandara International Minangkabau-International Airport of Padang, there's an official desk where you can order a taxi. The trip price is fixed and you can't bargain. This is the better and faster way of getting a taxi. A taxi trip to Bukittinggi is Rp. 225.000. You pay 50% of the cost to the driver when getting in and the other 50% at arrival Dec 2011. Recommended for small groups up to 4 people.