Jakarta to Bali by Land (Bus and Train)

The journey from Jakarta to Bali is one that many travellers rush through by taking a quick flight. With numerous direct flights available daily, it’s one of the busiest domestic flight routes in Indonesia. Both Jakarta and Bali serve as major gateways to the country… Jakarta as the bustling capital on the island of Java, and Bali as the internationally loved island of culture and tranquillity.

However, those seeking a more immersive Indonesian experience should consider the scenic overland route connecting these two iconic destinations. This extraordinary land journey showcases Java’s cultural and natural diversity before reaching the paradise island of Bali, offering adventures and memories that simply can’t be gained from 30,000 feet in the air.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling from Jakarta to Bali by land, including transportation options, must-visit destinations along the route, and practical tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Hi, I am Tinton Arya, the founder and also the content writer of BorobudurSunrise.com. Before we continue to the main topics, please contact us if you need a tour in Yogyakarta City. We have an excellent review by Trip Advisor or Viator. You may check our tour package in this link : Yogyakarta Tour. You can also contact us by sending us an email via hello@borobudursunrise.com or just simply contact us via whatsapp by pressing the whatsapp button in the right corner.

Getting from Jakarta to Bali: Transportation Options

Jakarta to Bali by Bus

For travellers seeking direct and economical transportation, taking a bus from Jakarta to Bali is a popular option. Several reputable bus companies operate this long-distance route, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities.

Bus Operators and Services:

• Pahala Kencana: Known for their reliable service and comfortable buses with reclining seats (link)
• Gunung Harta: Offers executive and super executive class buses with spacious seating (link)
• MTrans: Features modern fleet with entertainment systems and clean facilities (link)
• Lorena: One of Indonesia’s oldest and most established bus companies with good safety records (link)

Departure Location: All major bus services to Bali depart from Pulo Gebang Terminal in East Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest integrated bus terminal. This modern facility offers amenities such as food stalls, prayer rooms, and waiting areas.

Journey Details:

• Duration: The direct journey takes approximately 24-30 hours, depending on traffic conditions
• Route: Buses travel across Java, take a ferry crossing from Ketapang (Banyuwangi) to Gilimanuk in Bali, then continue to destinations within Bali
• Stops: Most services include regular rest stops for meals and bathroom breaks
• Price Range: Ticket prices typically range from IDR 350,000 to IDR 750,000 (approximately $22-47 USD), depending on the class of service

Booking Tips:

• Tickets can be conveniently booked through the Traveloka app or website
• Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons
• Check for promotions or discounts that are regularly offered by different operators
• Consider night buses to maximize your travel time and save on accommodation costs

The bus journey from Jakarta to Bali offers stunning views of Java’s landscapes, from lush rice fields to volcanic mountains. Many travellers find the slow pace of the journey gives them time to appreciate Indonesia’s natural beauty while meeting fellow travellers and locals.

Jakarta to Bali by Train

The train journey from Jakarta to Bali involves multiple segments but offers greater comfort and flexibility to explore destinations along the way. Indonesia’s improved rail network makes this an increasingly attractive option for travellers who wish to break up their journey.

Step-by-Step Train Journey:

1. Jakarta to Yogyakarta
   
   • Train options: Taksaka, Gajayana, or Bima executive trains
   • Journey time: 7-8 hours
   • Price range: IDR 290,000-500,000 ($18-32 USD) for executive class
   • Departure stations: Gambir or Pasar Senen stations in Jakarta
   • Frequency: Multiple daily departures

1. Yogyakarta to Banyuwangi Train Option
   

1. • Train options: Sri Tanjung and Logawa (Economy Class), Wijaya Kusuma (Executive Class)
   • Journey time: 10-12 hours
   • Price range: IDR 195,000-400,000 ($12-25 USD)
   • Departure: Yogyakarta Station (Executive Class) or Lempuyangan Station (Economy Class)
   • Arrival : Choose to Arrive at Ketapang Train Station. You will just need to walk to the ferry port.
   • Note: This segment passes through Surabaya, another potential stopover point

NOTE: Prices vary depending on class (economy, business, executive) and how far in advance you book.

1. Banyuwangi to Bali (Ferry Crossing)
   

1. • Location: Ketapang Port (Banyuwangi) to Gilimanuk Port (Bali)
   • Journey time: 30-45 minutes
   • Price: Approximately IDR 8,000 ($0.50 USD) for foot passengers
   • Frequency: Ferries operate 24 hours, departing approximately every 30 minutes

1. Gilimanuk Port to Bali Destinations
   

1. • From Gilimanuk Port, shared taxis or public buses will be available to connect to major destinations in Bali
   • Journey time: 3-4 hours to Denpasar or Ubud
   • Price range: IDR 100,000-200,000 ($6-13 USD) for shared transportation

Benefits of Train Travel from Jakarta to Bali:

• More comfortable seating with space to move around
• Cleaner facilities and onboard dining options
• Better views through large windows
• Opportunity to meet locals and experience authentic Indonesian rail travel
• Flexibility to stop and explore cities along the way

The train journey from Jakarta to Bali is ideal for those who prefer to break up their journey with stops along the way, turning transportation into part of the adventure rather than just a means to reach their destination.

Must-Visit Destinations Between Jakarta and Bali

The true magic of travelling from Jakarta to Bali by land lies in the extraordinary places you can visit along the way. These destinations transform your journey into a rich exploration of Java’s cultural and natural wonders.

Yogyakarta City: Cultural Treasure of Java

Yogyakarta City stands as the undisputed cultural heart of Java, where traditional Javanese arts, historical monuments, and royal heritage blend seamlessly with modern city life. This special region is still governed by a Sultan and maintains strong connections to Javanese traditions.

Cultural Highlights between Jakarta and Bali:

• Borobudur Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, dating back to the 9th century. The massive structure contains over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues arranged across nine stacked platforms. For the most magical experience, visit at sunrise when the morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere and the first light illuminates the ancient stones.
• Prambanan Temple: Another UNESCO site, this magnificent 9th-century Hindu temple compound features tall, pointed structures dedicated to the Trimurti. The detailed relief carvings tell stories from the Ramayana epic, and the evening Ramayana Ballet performances in front of the temple backdrop are not to be missed.
• Kraton (Sultan’s Palace): The official residence of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, this complex offers visitors a glimpse into royal Javanese life with its traditional pavilions, courtyards, and museum collections of royal artifacts.
• Malioboro Street: The bustling main street of Yogyakarta is perfect for sampling local cuisine, shopping for batik textiles, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of this university town. Visit in the evening when food stalls set up and the street comes alive with performers.
• Taman Sari Water Castle: Once a royal garden and bathing complex for the Sultan and his harem, this partially ruined site offers fascinating architecture and a glimpse into the past.

Experiencing Yogyakarta:

For travellers looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Yogyakarta City, YogyakartaTour.com offers expertly curated experiences led by local guides who provide deeper insights into Javanese culture and heritage. Their packages include specialized tours of the major temples, traditional arts workshops, and authentic cultural performances.

Recommended Time: Allow at least 2-3 days to properly experience Yogyakarta’s cultural treasures.

Bromo Volcano: Java’s Iconic Landscape

Bromo Volcano stands as one of Indonesia’s most recognizable natural landmarks, rising dramatically from the vast Sea of Sand in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. This active volcano creates one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Southeast Asia and offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience.

What Makes Bromo Special:

• Magnificent Sunrise Views: Most visitors journey to viewpoints like Mount Penanjakan in the early hours to witness what many consider one of the world’s most spectacular sunrises. As dawn breaks, the sun illuminates the volcanic landscape, revealing Mount Bromo alongside the perfect cone of Mount Semeru (Java’s highest peak) in the distance.
• The Sea of Sand: This vast, lunar-like plain surrounding the volcano can be crossed on horseback or on foot, creating an experience of walking through an alien landscape. The fine volcanic ash shifts with the wind, creating an ever-changing terrain.
• The Crater Rim: A steep staircase of 253 steps leads visitors up to the edge of Bromo’s crater, where you can peer into the active volcanic pot and hear the creaks from within the earth. Sulphurous smoke often billows from the crater, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.
• Tenggerese Culture: The area is home to the Hindu Tenggerese people, who believe they are descendants of the Majapahit Empire. Their unique cultural traditions include the annual Kasada ceremony, where offerings are thrown into the volcano’s crater.

Visiting Bromo Volcano:

To experience Bromo Volcano with expert guides who know the best viewpoints and optimal timing to avoid crowds, Borobudur Sunrise Tours offers well-organized tour packages. Their guides provide valuable insights into both the natural phenomena and the cultural significance of the area.

Practical Information:

• Best visited during the dry season (April to October)
• Temperatures at sunrise can be quite cold (10-15°C/50-59°F), so warm clothing is essential
• The area sits at 2,000+ meters elevation, so those sensitive to altitude should take precautions

Recommended Time: A minimum of 1-2 days is needed to experience Bromo properly, including the pre-dawn departure for sunrise viewing.

Ijen Volcano: Blue Fire and Turquoise Waters

Ijen Volcano offers one of Indonesia’s most unique natural phenomena – electric-blue flames that can only be seen in the darkness before dawn. This extraordinary crater is also home to the world’s largest highly acidic lake, whose striking turquoise waters create a dramatic contrast with the barren volcanic landscape.

Extraordinary Features:

• Blue Fire Phenomenon: In the darkness, combusting sulfuric gases emerge from cracks at temperatures up to 600°C (1,112°F), creating the illusion of blue lava flowing down the volcano. This rare spectacle is one of only two places in the world where this blue fire can be observed (the other being in Iceland).
• Turquoise Crater Lake: The stunning 1-kilometer-wide acidic crater lake has a pH of less than 0.3 (more acidic than battery acid). Its beautiful turquoise color results from dissolved metals and high concentration of sulfuric acid.
• Traditional Sulfur Mining: Local miners extract bright yellow sulfur blocks from the crater, carrying loads of up to 90kg on bamboo baskets up the steep crater wall. This challenging and hazardous traditional practice offers visitors a humbling glimpse into one of the world’s most difficult occupations.
• Spectacular Hiking Experience: The trek to and from Ijen Volcano’s crater involves a challenging but rewarding 3km hike up steep terrain, followed by a descent into the crater itself. The otherworldly landscapes and sense of adventure make this one of Java’s premier hiking experiences.

Visiting Ijen Volcano:

For a safe and educational experience at Ijen Volcano, consider booking through Borobudur Sunrise Tours, which offers comprehensive tours that include transportation, experienced guides, necessary safety equipment (including gas masks for the crater descent), and coordination of timing to witness the blue flames.

Practical Information:

• To see the blue fire, hiking begins around 1:00-2:00 AM
• Gas masks are essential for the crater descent due to sulfuric fumes
• Proper hiking shoes and warm clothing are necessary
• The hike is strenuous and not recommended for those with respiratory issues

Recommended Time: A full day and night is needed for the Ijen Volcano experience, including rest time before the early morning hike.

Planning Your Jakarta to Bali Land Journey

Recommended Itinerary

To make the most of the journey from Jakarta to Bali by land, consider this sample itinerary that incorporates the key highlights:

Day 1-2: Jakarta

• Explore Jakarta’s highlights like the National Monument and Old Town
• Prepare for your journey and purchase train tickets if not done in advance

Day 3-5: Yogyakarta

• Take morning train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta
• Spend 3 days exploring Borobudur, Prambanan, and the city’s cultural attractions
• Book cultural experiences through YogyakartaTour.com

Day 6-7: Mount Bromo

• Travel from Yogyakarta to Malang or Probolinggo (gateway towns to Bromo)
• Enjoy a full day Bromo experience including the sunrise viewpoint and crater visit
• Book through Borobudur Sunrise Tours for a comprehensive experience

Day 8-9: Ijen Volcano

• Transfer from Bromo area to Bondowoso (base for Ijen trips)
• Take the pre-dawn hike to witness the blue fire phenomenon
• Recover and enjoy the surrounding landscapes of East Java

Day 10: Transit to Bali

• Travel to Banyuwangi and take the ferry crossing to Gilimanuk
• Continue to your chosen destination in Bali (Ubud, Denpasar, or beach areas)

Practical Tips for Your Journey from Jakarta to Bali by Train or Bus

Best Time to Travel:

• Dry season (April to October) offers the best conditions for this journey
• Avoid weekends and Indonesian national holidays when transportation is crowded
• Consider shoulder seasons (May or September) for fewer tourists at major attractions

Packing Essentials:

• Layered clothing for varying climates (from hot Jakarta to cool mountain areas)
• Good hiking shoes for volcano treks
• Motion sickness medication for winding mountain roads
• Portable power bank for long transits
• Small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah for local purchases

Transportation Booking:

• The Traveloka app is the most convenient platform for booking trains, buses, and accommodations
• Book long-distance transportation at least a few days in advance, especially during peak season
• For the train journey, consider breaking up segments with overnight stays

Safety and Comfort:

• Keep valuables secure, particularly on public transportation
• Stay hydrated throughout the journey, especially in warmer areas
• Inform accommodation of late arrivals if taking night transportation
• Purchase a local SIM card for reliable internet access throughout the journey

Beyond the Main Attractions

While Yogyakarta City, Bromo Volcano, and Ijen Volcano are the standout destinations between Jakarta and Bali, several other worthy stops can enhance your journey:

Solo (Surakarta): Just east of Yogyakarta, this historic city offers additional Javanese cultural experiences including the Mangkunegaran Palace and traditional batik markets.

Malang: A colonial-era hill town with pleasant climate, beautiful gardens, and access to lesser-known but impressive temples like Candi Singosari.

Surabaya: Indonesia’s second-largest city offers urban attractions including historic sites related to Indonesia’s independence struggle and excellent local cuisine.

Menjangan Island: After crossing to Bali, this small island off the northwest coast offers spectacular snorkeling and diving away from the more touristy southern beaches.

Wrapping Up

The journey from Jakarta to Bali by land represents travel at its most rewarding, where the journey itself becomes as memorable as the destination. While flying might save time, the overland route offers incomparable experiences: witnessing ancient temples at sunrise, standing at the rim of active volcanoes, and encountering the diverse cultures that make Indonesia so fascinating.

Whether you choose the direct approach of travelling from  Jakarta to Bali by bus or the more flexible option of going from Jakarta to Bali by train, the memories created along this route will far outlast any time saved by flying. The landscapes, experiences, and connections made during this cross-Java adventure transform a simple journey into an extraordinary exploration of Indonesia’s natural and cultural treasures.

For the brave traveller willing to take the road less travelled, the overland journey from Jakarta to Bali stands as one of Southeast Asia’s great adventures—a perfect blend of iconic destinations and unexpected discoveries that reveal the true heart of Indonesia.

For better experience exploring Java Island from Jakarta to Bali, you should check our package option here : Java Bali Overland Tour 

FAQs about Jakarta to Bali by Land

1. How long does it take to travel from Jakarta to Bali by land (Bus or Train)?

The complete journey from Jakarta to Bali by land typically takes 24-30 hours if travelling directly by bus. If taking the train route with stops at key destinations like Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo, and Ijen Volcano, most travelers spend 7-10 days to fully experience the journey.

1. What is the cheapest way to travel from Jakarta to Bali?

The most economical option for traveling from Jakarta to Bali is by direct bus, with fares ranging from IDR 350,000 to 750,000 (approximately $22-47 USD) depending on the class of service. Budget operators like Pahala Kencana often offer the most competitive rates, especially when booked in advance through apps like Traveloka.

1. Is it safe to travel from Jakarta to Bali by bus or train?

Yes, traveling from Jakarta to Bali by land is generally safe. Major bus operators like Gunung Harta, MTrans, and Lorena maintain good safety records, while Indonesia’s rail network is well-maintained for the Jakarta to Banyuwangi route. As with any travel, keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially at transit points.

1. What are the must-see places between Jakarta and Bali?

The three essential destinations to visit between Jakarta and Bali are Yogyakarta City with its ancient temples (Borobudur and Prambanan), Mount Bromo for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and sunrise views, and Ijen Volcano known for its unique blue fire phenomenon and turquoise crater lake.

1. Can I take my car from Jakarta to Bali via ferry?

Yes, you can drive your own vehicle from Jakarta to Bali. The route follows Java’s main highways to Banyuwangi, where you’ll take the vehicle ferry from Ketapang Port to Gilimanuk Port in Bali. The ferry operates 24 hours daily with departures approximately every 30 minutes, and vehicle tickets cost between IDR 150,000-300,000 depending on vehicle size.