How to get from Jakarta to Yogyakarta
Jakarta to Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia’s classic overland routes. Your main choices are the comfortable intercity train, a quick flight to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), reliable overnight/sleeper buses, or a private car/driver if you want door-to-door flexibility. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect smoothly.
At A Glance (Jakarta to Yogyakarta)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Intercity Train (Eksekutif/Argo) | ~6.5–8h (direct) | Comfort, scenery, city-center to city-center |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 350k–800k one-way (class/date) » compare trains | ||
| ✈️ Flight (CGK/HLP → YIA) | ~1h10 flight + 60–90m YIA→city | Fastest overall when times align |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 600k–1.8m one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Executive/Sleeper Bus (Night) | ~9–12h overnight | Budget + sleeping en route |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 250k–550k one-way » compare buses | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door) | ~7–9h (stops traffic-dependent) | Families, lots of luggage, flexible stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 2.5m–5m per vehicle » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Most comfortable, no airports: Intercity train (Eksekutif/Argo) direct to Yogyakarta Tugu (YK) Station.
- Fastest: Fly Jakarta→YIA, then take airport train/bus or car into the city.
- Budget + save daylight: Overnight executive/sleeper bus to Giwangan/Terminal Jombor or near the city.
- Door-to-door & sightseeing en route: Private car/driver (add Prambanan/Dieng stops if you like).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early for weekends/holidays: Trains and flights sell out fast; compare on 12Go, Trip.com, or Booking.com Flights.
- Ride-hailing in Indonesia: Grab & Gojek are ubiquitous for station/airport transfers. For fixed-price long rides, check GetTransfer.
- Luggage & dayrooms: If you’re sightseeing pre-departure, stash bags via Radical Storage Jakarta or Radical Storage Yogyakarta.
- Stay near the station: For late arrival, pick hotels around Malioboro/Tugu—browse Yogyakarta stays.
- Onward mobility: Yogya is scooter-friendly; compare rentals on BikesBooking.
🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (Eksekutif & Argo)
Comfort City-center to city-center Fixed schedule
- Overview: Multiple daily trains connect Jakarta Gambir (GMR) or Pasar Senen (PSE) to Yogyakarta Tugu (YK). Eksekutif seats are wide and air-conditioned; Argo/Taksaka are premium flagships. Official info: KAI.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 350k–800k one-way depending on train/class/date. Compare and pay online on 12Go (trains).
- Pros: Space to work/nap, scenery, power sockets on many coaches. Cons: Peak dates sell out; fixed departure times.
Step-by-step: Intercity Train
- Choose departure station: Gambir (mostly Eksekutif/Argo) or Pasar Senen (more economy fares).
- Buy an e-ticket on 12Go; arrive 30–45 minutes early for QR scan and boarding.
- Ride ~6.5–8 hours to Yogyakarta Tugu; Grab/Gojek work well for the last mile to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Gambir / Pasar Senen)
- From central Jakarta: Grab/Gojek or TransJakarta buses reach both Gambir and Pasar Senen easily.
- In Yogyakarta: From Tugu, walk or ride-hail to Malioboro/Prawirotaman hotels.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight (CGK/HLP → YIA)
Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfers
- Overview: Fly from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) or Halim (HLP) to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). YIA is ~40–60 km from the city; continue by airport train/bus or car. Airport train/bus details posted in-terminal.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 600k–1.8m each way. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: Short airtime, many departures. Cons: Transfer time from YIA to downtown adds 60–90 minutes.
Step-by-step: Flight
- Pick your departure airport (CGK for most routes; HLP can be closer to the inner city). Book via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Arrive 2–3 hours before departure; check in online to save time.
- Land at YIA; take the airport train (if timing fits), shuttle/bus, or Grab/Gojek/private car to the city (60–90 minutes).
Getting to the main embarking points (CGK/HLP & YIA)
- Jakarta airports: Use Grab/Gojek or DAMRI buses to CGK; HLP is nearer some inner suburbs.
- YIA transfers: Follow signs for the airport train/shuttle; taxis and ride-hailing also available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Executive/Sleeper Bus (Overnight, Good Value)
Budget Sleeper options Longer ride
- Overview: Well-known operators run nightly from Jakarta terminals (e.g., Pulo Gebang, Lebak Bulus) to Yogyakarta (e.g., Giwangan, Jombor). Luxury “sleeper” or 2+1 executive seats available.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 250k–550k one-way. Compare departures/seating classes and book on 12Go (buses) or browse curated options on Trip.com activities.
- Pros: Overnight saves a hotel night; many boarding points. Cons: Traffic delays possible; rest-stop lighting can interrupt sleep.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Select terminal & operator (e.g., board at Pulo Gebang if staying in East Jakarta).
- Buy an e-ticket on 12Go and choose seat type (executive/sleeper).
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early; show e-ticket and stow luggage.
- Alight at Giwangan (south) or Jombor (north); Grab/Gojek to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Pulo Gebang / Giwangan)
- Jakarta boarding: Pulo Gebang and other PO agents across the city—use Grab/Gojek for last mile.
- Yogya arrival: Terminal Giwangan or Jombor; taxis/ride-hailing on site.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door, Most Flexible)
Door-to-door Custom stops Costly vs. bus/train
- Overview: Charter a sedan/MPV/van for a direct ride or a relaxed daytime journey with stops (e.g., Solo/Prambanan en route).
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 2.5m–5m per vehicle depending on size, route, and waiting time. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For short hops in each city, Grab/Gojek are economical.
- Pros: Zero transfers; perfect with kids/elderly or lots of luggage. Cons: More expensive and still traffic-dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and preferred departure time on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, fuel, waiting time) and vehicle size for luggage/passengers.
- Share map pins with your driver; plan optional photo or meal stops along the toll corridor.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Jakarta pickup: Any hotel/airport/home address.
- Yogya drop: Hotel near Malioboro/Prambanan/airport—your choice.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Jakarta to Yogyakarta)
Train or flight—which is better?
Train is stress-free city-center to city-center with scenery and room to relax; flight is fastest in air but add 60–90 minutes from YIA to downtown.
Which Jakarta station should I choose?
Gambir (GMR) handles many Eksekutif/Argo trains; Pasar Senen (PSE) has more economy fares. Pick what’s closer and fits your schedule.
How far is YIA from Yogyakarta city?
Roughly 40–60 km; allow 60–90 minutes by train/shuttle/taxi depending on schedule and traffic.
Are sleeper buses comfortable?
Many operators offer “sleeper” or 2+1 executive layouts with blankets and AC. Bring earplugs and a light layer for AC.
Can I bring big luggage on trains?
Yes—there are practical limits, but suitcases commonly fit above/at the end of the coach. Keep valuables with you.
Where to stay in Yogyakarta?
Malioboro/Tugu for convenience; Prawirotaman for cafés; near Prambanan for quiet. Compare on Booking.com.
What about onward tours?
Book Borobudur/Prambanan or Mount Merapi activities on GetYourGuide or Klook (hotel pickup often included).