How to get from Yogyakarta Airport to Borobudur
Cultural & Heritage · Urban & Cultural · Borobudur · Magelang · Yogyakarta · Yogyakarta International Airport
Getting from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple is straightforward once you choose between a direct taxi or rideshare, a budget DAMRI shuttle, the airport train plus bus combo via Yogyakarta city, or an all-in private transfer or tour with hotel pickup and temple tickets included.
At A Glance (Yogyakarta Airport to Borobudur)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi / Grab / Online Car (YIA→Borobudur) | ~1–1.5h by road | Fastest, door-to-door |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 250k–400k per car (1–4 pax) » compare private cars | Welcome Pickups Yogyakarta | ||
| 🚌 DAMRI Shuttle Bus (YIA→Magelang/Borobudur) | ~2–2.5h (including stops) | Cheapest, solo travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 20k–60k per person, pay on board/ticket counter » check DAMRI info (ID) | ||
| 🚆 Airport Train to Yogyakarta + Bus/Car to Borobudur | ~2–3h total | Staying in Yogyakarta city |
| 🏷️ Cost: Train ~IDR 20k–40k + onward bus/tour from ~IDR 50k–250k » Railink schedules | city→Borobudur transport | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer or Tour (Hotel/YIA→Borobudur) | ~1.5–2h from airport or city | Hassle-free, small groups, sunrise trips |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 500k–1.2m per car or ~IDR 400k–900k pp with guide & tickets » Borobudur day trips | Yogyakarta tours on Klook | Trip.com options | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi / Grab / online car straight from YIA to Borobudur. Ideal if you have luggage, kids, or are short on time.
- Cheapest: DAMRI shuttle bus to Magelang or Borobudur, then walk or take a short local ride.
- Best If You’re Staying in the City: Airport train + city bus/tour lets you drop bags at a Yogyakarta hotel first, then visit Borobudur later or next morning.
- Most Comfortable / All-In: Private transfer or guided tour with hotel pickup, English-speaking driver/guide, and optional Borobudur + Prambanan combo.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book transfers and tours in advance in high season: For weekends and school holidays, prebook YIA→Borobudur rides or day trips on GetYourGuide, Klook or Trip.com.
- Compare private car prices: Check fixed-price airport transfers on GetTransfer or Welcome Pickups, then compare with Grab/Gojek taxi quotes on arrival.
- Stay near Borobudur or in Yogyakarta: If you want a quiet village vibe and early start, search stays near the temple on Booking.com (Borobudur). For more nightlife and food, stay in the city around Malioboro or Prawirotaman via Booking.com Yogyakarta.
- Plan onward Java travel: For trains and buses onward to Solo, Jakarta, or Surabaya, compare options from Yogyakarta on 12Go Asia or use Booking.com Flights for domestic hops.
- Rent wheels if you’re experienced: Confident on Indonesian roads? Compare scooter rentals in town on BikesBooking Yogyakarta or book scooter tours via GetYourGuide and Klook.
- Stash luggage if you’re in transit: If you have a long layover before or after visiting Borobudur, look for city luggage storage options on Radical Storage or ask your hotel to hold bags.
🚕 Option #1 — Taxi / Grab / Online Car (Fastest, Door-to-Door)
Fastest Door-to-door Most expensive
- Overview: From YIA arrivals, you can take an official airport taxi, book a rideshare (Grab or Gojek), or arrange a prebooked car to drive directly to Borobudur. The route is mostly highway and country roads, usually 60–75 minutes in light traffic.
- How to book (with price): Expect around IDR 250k–400k per car (up to 4 passengers) depending on time of day and negotiation. Prebook a fixed-price ride on Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, or order a Grab/Gojek car from the app once you have Wi‑Fi/SIM.
- Pros: Fastest and simplest, no need to change vehicles; great if you arrive late or with luggage.
- Cons: Higher cost than bus; fares may surge on holidays; a bit of haggling may be needed with street taxis.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Grab / Online Car
- After landing at YIA, clear immigration (if needed) and collect your luggage.
- Follow the signs to the official taxi counter or rideshare pickup area in the arrivals hall.
- For prebooked cars, show your voucher from Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer and meet your driver at the designated meeting point.
- For Grab/Gojek, connect to airport Wi‑Fi or your SIM, set destination as “Borobudur Temple” or your hotel, and confirm the price before requesting.
- Check that the driver knows whether you are going to the temple entrance or a Borobudur-area hotel.
- Pay in cash (IDR) or via app at the end of the ride and keep small notes for tolls/parking if requested.
Getting to the main embarking points (YIA Arrivals)
- From domestic arrivals: Walk straight out of baggage claim; you will see taxi counters and pickup signage. Staff can help match you with your driver.
- From international arrivals: The layout is similar; look for “Airport Taxi” desks or check your transfer voucher for meeting-point instructions.
- From Yogyakarta city: If you spend a night in town first, you can book a hotel pickup to Borobudur on GetYourGuide or Klook, or order Grab/Gojek directly from your accommodation.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — DAMRI Shuttle Bus (Cheapest, Local Experience)
Lowest cost Official service Fixed schedule
- Overview: State-owned operator DAMRI runs shuttle buses from YIA towards Magelang (and sometimes directly to Borobudur), where you can connect to local transport or walk to nearby guesthouses. Buses are air-conditioned but may wait to fill seats before departure.
- How to book (with price): Tickets are usually bought on the spot at the DAMRI counter or from the driver, around IDR 20k–60k per person depending on route. For general route and app info, see the official DAMRI website or DAMRI app.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly, reliable official service, luggage is usually accepted without issue.
- Cons: Fewer departures than taxis; may require a final short taxi/ojek ride; signage can be limited in English.
Step-by-step: DAMRI Shuttle Bus
- From arrivals, follow signs for “Bus” or ask staff for the DAMRI stop and ticket counter.
- Confirm that the bus is going to Magelang or Borobudur and ask where you should get off for your hotel.
- Buy a ticket at the counter or from the driver; keep the ticket until you leave the bus.
- Store larger bags in the luggage compartment and keep valuables with you.
- At Magelang or Borobudur, continue on foot, by local minibus (angkot) or short ojek/Grab ride to your accommodation or the temple entrance.
Getting to the main embarking points (YIA Bus Area)
- From arrivals hall: The bus bays are just outside the terminal. Look for buses marked DAMRI and destination boards (often in Indonesian).
- Language tip: Show “Borobudur” written on your phone to staff or driver so they can confirm the right bus and stop.
- Backup plan: If you miss the last bus, you can still continue with a taxi or Grab/Gojek from the same area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #3 — Airport Train to Yogyakarta + Bus/Car to Borobudur
Comfortable Great if staying in city One change needed
- Overview: Take the airport rail link from YIA to Yogyakarta Tugu Station, then continue to Borobudur by bus, tour or taxi. This is ideal if you want to spend at least one night in Yogyakarta city before or after visiting the temple.
- How to book (with price): Airport train tickets are around IDR 20k–40k and can be bought via ticket machines, counters, the official Access by KAI app or partners like Trip.com Trains. From the city, join a Borobudur tour from ~IDR 150k–400k per person on GetYourGuide or Klook sunrise tours, or book a seat in a minivan/transfer on 12Go Asia.
- Pros: Comfortable rail journey, easy if your hotel is near Malioboro/Tugu station; lots of tour choices.
- Cons: Longer than a direct taxi; requires handling luggage on/off train and bus.
Step-by-step: Airport Train + Onward Transport
- From arrivals, follow signs for the airport train station connected to the terminal.
- Buy a ticket for Yogyakarta (Tugu) via machine, counter, or the official KAI channels, then board the next train.
- Enjoy the 35–45 minute ride to Tugu station; keep your ticket handy for inspection.
- At Tugu, walk or take a short ride to your hotel if staying in the city, or head directly to your meeting point for a Borobudur tour or bus.
- For DIY buses, head to Jombor Bus Terminal and board a northbound bus toward Magelang/Borobudur, then continue by local transport to the temple.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Rail Link & City Terminals)
- Airport station: Clearly signed inside YIA; trains usually run every 30–60 minutes but check schedules in advance.
- Yogyakarta Tugu Station: Located near Malioboro; many hotels are within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
- Jombor Bus Terminal: Reachable by city bus, taxi, or Grab/Gojek; look for buses heading towards Magelang/Borobudur.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer or Guided Tour (Most Comfortable)
Door-to-door Great for groups Highest overall cost
- Overview: Book a private driver or full-day tour that collects you at YIA or your Yogyakarta hotel, drives to Borobudur (often combined with Prambanan or Merapi), and returns in the afternoon or evening. Some tours include temple tickets and local guide.
- How to book (with price): Expect around IDR 500k–1.2m per car for a simple private transfer or IDR 400k–900k per person for group tours with guide and entrance. Compare itineraries on GetYourGuide, Klook, and Trip.com, or arrange a custom ride via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Easiest option with hotel pickup, flexible stops, and help with tickets; ideal for sunrise or multi-temple days.
- Cons: More expensive than DIY buses; you follow a planned schedule, with less spontaneity.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer / Tour
- Decide whether you want a simple transfer, a Borobudur-only tour, or a combo (Borobudur + Prambanan + city highlights).
- Compare options and reviews on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com, or request a door-to-door ride on GetTransfer.
- Set your pickup point as either YIA (for same-day arrival) or your hotel in Yogyakarta/Borobudur.
- Confirm what is included: entrance tickets to Borobudur, sunrise access if available, parking, tolls, guide, and meals.
- Meet your driver/guide at the agreed time and place; keep your booking confirmation handy on your phone.
- After the visit, you can usually request a drop-off either back in Yogyakarta, at YIA, or at a Borobudur-area hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotels / Pickup Spots)
- From YIA: Many private transfers will meet you at the arrivals area; check for your name sign or app message.
- From Yogyakarta hotels: Popular pickup areas include Malioboro, Prawirotaman and around Tugu; make sure your hotel name and address are accurate in the booking.
- From Borobudur hotels: If staying nearby, some tours start and end in the village, letting you visit Prambanan or Merapi on another day.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Yogyakarta Airport to Borobudur)
How long does it take to get from Yogyakarta International Airport to Borobudur?
Most direct taxis or private cars take about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and route. Using the airport train plus bus or tour via Yogyakarta city usually takes 2–3 hours door-to-door.
Is there a direct bus from YIA to Borobudur?
DAMRI operates shuttle buses from YIA towards Magelang and sometimes Borobudur, but schedules can change and services may not run late at night. Always confirm times at the airport DAMRI counter or via their official channels before relying on this option.
Can I use Grab or Gojek from Yogyakarta Airport?
Yes, online taxis such as Grab and Gojek generally operate around YIA and Borobudur. You may be asked to meet your driver at a designated pickup point outside the terminal. Always check the app for updated pickup instructions and estimated fares.
Should I stay in Yogyakarta or Borobudur?
Stay in Yogyakarta if you prefer a wider choice of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, and visit Borobudur on a day trip. Stay near Borobudur if you want a quieter village atmosphere and easier access to early-morning temple visits.
Where can I check official information about the airport, buses and trains?
For the most current details on flights, ground transport and airport facilities, see the official Yogyakarta International Airport and Indonesian transport websites below.