Indonesia

How to get from Bali to Yogyakarta

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h
💶
From
18€
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Distance
542 km
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There are 2 way(s) to get from Bali to Yogyakarta

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Bali
📍If flying, your departure will be from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. For bus journeys, buses typically depart from central bus stations in Denpasar or Ubud, or from dedicated tourist shuttle offices around popular areas like Kuta and Canggu.
🚇To reach Denpasar Airport (DPS), you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab/Gojek, a taxi, or pre-arranged private transfers. From central areas like Kuta or Seminyak, it usually takes 30-60 minutes, costing around 100,000-200,000 IDR depending on traffic. Tourist shuttle buses are available for ferry terminals.
Flights from DPS to Yogyakarta operate multiple times daily from early morning until late evening, offered by various domestic airlines. For bus and ferry, services typically depart throughout the day, with overnight options available for the longer journey to Java.
💸 Transport from 18€ per person
Fastest: 1h
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Book Flights Ahead

For Bali to Yogyakarta flights, booking a few days or weeks in advance can often secure better prices and ensure availability, especially during peak season. Domestic flights in Indonesia are popular.

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Check Ferry Conditions

If taking the bus+ferry, always be aware that sea conditions can affect ferry schedules between Bali and Java. Check local weather reports, especially during the rainy season, to anticipate potential delays.

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Allow for Bali Traffic

When planning your departure from Bali, particularly if heading to Denpasar airport (DPS) or the Gilimanuk ferry terminal, always add extra buffer time for unpredictable Bali traffic. It can easily double your travel time.

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Pre-Book Bus Tickets

For the bus and ferry option, it’s advisable to book your bus tickets from Bali to Yogyakarta online. This secures your seat and avoids any last-minute stress or being overcharged by touts at local bus stations.

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Know Your Arrival Point

Yogyakarta has two airports (YIA for international/some domestic, JOG for domestic) and several bus terminals. Confirm which one your transport arrives at to plan your onward journey into the city center efficiently.

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from Bali to Yogyakarta means crossing from one of Indonesia's most popular islands to the cultural heart of Java. This route presents a classic independent traveler's dilemma: do you save money and see more by taking a bus and ferry, or do you prioritize speed and comfort with a flight? Knowing the real durations, factoring in notorious Bali traffic and the ferry crossing, is key to making the right choice for your trip.

For this specific route, you have two primary options. The bus and ferry combination is the most budget-friendly, typically costing around €18 and taking a full 8 hours or more. This journey involves a bus from your departure point in Bali to the Gilimanuk ferry terminal, a ferry crossing to Ketapang (Java), and then another bus onwards to Yogyakarta. Alternatively, flying is significantly faster and more comfortable, with flights costing about €35 and taking just 1 hour from Bali's Denpasar airport (DPS) to Yogyakarta (YIA or JOG).

Indonesia is vast, and knowing which legs are best flown versus bus-and-ferry is crucial to avoid losing valuable travel days. For Bali to Yogyakarta, while the bus is cheaper, the travel time is substantial. If you're looking to maximize your time exploring Yogyakarta and minimize transit, flying is by far the superior option, offering a quick and efficient connection that spares you the potential delays of road traffic and ferry schedules. Always compare the options carefully to align with your budget and time constraints.

Frequently asked questions — Bali → Yogyakarta

✨ Why visit Yogyakarta?

  • Explore the majestic Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture.
  • Discover the Kraton (Sultan's Palace), the active royal residence and a center of Javanese culture.
  • Wander through the Water Castle (Taman Sari), a fascinating complex of pools, gardens, and underground passages.
  • Experience local batik workshops and Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) performances.
  • Hike up Merapi Volcano for a sunrise view or explore the surrounding lava fields by jeep.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — perfect for visiting main temples, cultural sites, and a volcano excursion.

☀️ When to visit Yogyakarta?

TROPICAL MONSOON CLIMATE

May to September — dry season with sunny days, ideal for outdoor exploration and temple visits.

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In Yogyakarta — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Yogyakarta
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Yogyakarta?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🛕
Borobudur Temple Sunrise Tour
Witnessing the sunrise over Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, is a magical experience. Arrive before dawn to climb to the top and see the stupas emerge from the mist. A memorable moment, but expect crowds. Consider pre-booking your tour package for an early start, often around 30€-50€.
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Explore Prambanan Temples
Discover Prambanan, a stunning complex of Hindu temples dedicated to the Trimurti. Marvel at the intricate carvings and towering structures. Best visited in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour light. Entry fees are typically around 20€ for foreigners.
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Wander Malioboro Street
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta's main commercial artery. Browse street vendors selling batik, souvenirs, and local snacks. Try a 'becak' (cycle rickshaw) ride for a classic experience. It's lively day and night, perfect for an evening stroll and street food hunt.
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Visit Kraton Royal Palace
Explore the Kraton, the active royal palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It offers a glimpse into Javanese royal culture and history. Don't miss the daily cultural performances (gamelan, dance) held in the inner pavilion. Entry is inexpensive, usually under 2€, but check performance schedules upon arrival.
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Witness Wayang Kulit Show
Experience a traditional Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) performance, a UNESCO-recognized art form. These elaborate shows tell epic Javanese tales with intricate puppets and live gamelan music. Several venues offer performances, often lasting hours. Look for shorter, tourist-friendly versions, some starting around 5€-10€.
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Merapi Volcano Jeep Tour
Embark on an adventurous jeep tour around the base of Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. Explore areas impacted by past eruptions and visit the 'Museum Sisa Hartaku' (Museum of My Remaining Treasures). Tours typically last 2-3 hours and cost around 15€-25€ per jeep, excluding park fees.
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Explore Taman Sari Water Castle
Wander through Taman Sari, the former royal garden and bathing complex of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. Discover its hidden passages, bathing pools, and the unique underground mosque. It's a fascinating spot for photography and history buffs. Best visited in the morning to avoid the heat, entry is usually under 1€.
Coffee and Local Warungs
Indulge in Yogyakarta's thriving coffee scene, from trendy cafes to traditional Kopi Joss (coffee with a hot charcoal ember). Seek out local 'warungs' (small family-run eateries) for authentic Javanese cuisine at incredibly low prices. A meal at a warung can be as little as 2€-5€, offering a true taste of local life.

⏱️ How long to visit Yogyakarta?

3 to 5 days

For an independent francophone traveler, 3 to 5 days is ideal to explore Yogyakarta. This allows you to visit Borobudur and Prambanan without rush, experience the Kraton, and explore local markets and art scenes. If you only have 2 days, focus on the main temples; with more time, venture into batik workshops and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

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