City-to-City Travel Guide for Tourists in Indonesia

Indonesia offers a range of travel options to explore its islands, cities, and cultural landmarks. With a vast network of buses, trains, flights, and taxis, navigating through cities is easy for tourists. Here’s a guide on the main transport options to travel between popular destinations in Indonesia.

1. Flights: Quick and Convenient for Long Distances

Indonesia’s archipelago structure makes flights the fastest way to travel between cities spread across different islands.

• Popular Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air operate domestic routes, connecting major hubs like Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, and Yogyakarta.
• Airport Locations: Major airports include Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali, and Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya.
• Booking Tips: Book flights early to secure better prices, especially during peak seasons. Budget airlines like AirAsia also offer competitive rates for domestic flights.

Travel Tip: Check for baggage allowance and airport transfer options, as some airports are far from city centers.

2. Trains: Scenic Routes on Java Island

The Indonesian rail network is well-developed on Java Island, making it an ideal choice for scenic and comfortable travel between cities.

• Routes: Trains connect major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Malang. The route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is particularly popular, offering views of rice fields and volcanoes.
• Classes of Service: Options include Executive, Business, and Economy classes, with Executive offering air-conditioned comfort and reclining seats.
• Booking and Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at train stations or online through apps like KAI Access, and booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular routes.

Travel Tip: Be prepared for varying temperatures on trains, as air-conditioning can be quite strong.

3. Buses: Budget-Friendly and Widely Available

Buses are an affordable way to explore Indonesia, especially for shorter intercity travel on islands like Java and Sumatra.

• Bus Companies: Damri, Pahala Kencana, and Lorena offer long-distance bus services. There are also more localized options for shorter city-to-city routes.
• Comfort and Class Options: Buses range from basic economy to VIP and executive classes, with VIP buses offering reclining seats and air conditioning.
• Booking: You can buy tickets at terminals or book online via platforms like RedBus.

Travel Tip: For long trips, consider VIP or Executive buses for added comfort, as journeys can sometimes be long and tiring.

4. Ferries: Essential for Island Hopping

Ferries connect Indonesia’s islands, offering scenic routes for travelers exploring Bali, Lombok, and beyond.

• Popular Routes: Frequent ferries operate between Bali and Lombok, as well as Java and Sumatra. The route from Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar (Lombok) is commonly used by tourists.
• Ticketing and Schedules: Ferries operate on set schedules, with tickets available at ports or online. Popular operators include ASDP Indonesia Ferry and fast boat services like BlueWater Express.
• Ferry Classes: Options vary from standard deck to private cabins on larger ferries.

Travel Tip: Pack essentials like snacks and entertainment, as some ferry journeys can last several hours.

5. Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Flexible and Convenient

Taxis and ride-hailing apps provide a convenient way to travel short distances within cities or between nearby cities.

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Gojek and Grab are widely used in cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya, offering affordable and flexible travel.
• Blue Bird Taxis: Blue Bird taxis are reliable and available in most cities, with metered fares to ensure fair pricing.
• Airport Transfers: Taxi services and private transfers are available from airports to city centers.

Travel Tip: Always confirm the fare if using a non-metered taxi, and opt for official taxis or ride-hailing services for safety.

6. Motorbike Rentals: Great for Local Exploration

Renting a motorbike is a popular choice for tourists in cities like Bali and Yogyakarta, allowing flexibility and ease of navigation.

• Requirements: A valid international driving license is required, and wearing a helmet is mandatory.
• Rental Services: Local rental shops are available in most tourist areas, and prices are usually negotiable.

Travel Tip: Use Google Maps for navigation and drive cautiously, as traffic can be busy in tourist hotspots.