While most travelers flock to Bali, there’s a neighboring island that offers just as much charm—Java. With breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a generally more laid-back atmosphere, Java is a wonderful alternative for those looking to experience Indonesia beyond the usual tourist trail.
This guide will walk you through the many ways to travel from Bali to Java and the best transport options based on your travel style.
And that’s just a glimpse—there’s so much more to discover across Java. For a deeper dive, check out our complete guide Java: The Ultimate Travel Guide with Insider Tips.
All the Ways to Get to Java from Bali
There’s no single “best” way to travel from Bali to Java—it depends on what matters most to you: speed, cost, or the joy of the journey itself. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
Bus + Ferry Combo
Bali is located very close to Java, which makes traveling between the two islands by bus and ferry a favorite option among travelers.
The only ferry crossing between Bali and Java operates from Gilimanuk Port in Bali to Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java.
Getting to Gilimanuk from Different Parts of Bali
If you’re starting your route in Denpasar, you can find buses at either Mengwi or Ubung bus terminals. Most long-distance buses depart from Mengwi, while Ubung is used by some smaller or local companies. You can check current schedules and ticket availability via Traveloka.
Buses usually take around 4–5 hours to reach Gilimanuk, followed by a 1–2 hour ferry crossing, depending on weather conditions. There’s no need to book ferry tickets online, as ferries run almost every hour. Bus tickets from Denpasar to Ketapang usually include the ferry fare.
If you’re not based in Denpasar, don’t worry—many travelers start their journey from places like Ubud or Amed. However, there are no direct buses to Java from these areas. You’ll first need to make your way to Denpasar, either by shuttle, private transfer, or local transport, before continuing your journey by bus.
From Lovina, you can get to Gilimanuk using local angkot (minivans). These run on the route between Singaraja’s Banyuasri Terminal and Gilimanuk, with Lovina located along the way. While the angkot operate in irregular intervals, they tend to run frequently throughout the day. Once in Gilimanuk, simply walk to the ferry terminal and buy your ticket on the spot—no advance booking needed.
Backindo Tip: Angkots are very affordable, but not always the most comfortable if you're carrying a lot of luggage. For a smoother ride, especially with backpacks or children, consider booking a private transfer to Gilimanuk.
Once in Gilimanuk, simply walk to the ferry terminal and buy your ticket at the official counter—no advance booking needed.
Also read: How to Get from Java to Bali.
Fast Boat Update (Coming Soon)
The Indonesian government is currently developing a fast boat route between Lovina Beach (Bali) and Boom Beach (Banyuwangi, Java). Trial runs have been conducted since September 2024, and the route is planned to officially open in June 2025. This new connection could become the fastest and most direct way to travel between North Bali and East Java.
Tickets and Travel Times
Ticket prices for a regular bus from Bali to Java range from IDR 200,000 to 300,000 (USD 12.2–18.2). For a more comfortable or luxurious experience, expect to pay around IDR 500,000 (USD 30). The total travel time from Bali to central Java can range between 12–15 hours, depending on your final destination.
If you’re traveling on your own and not taking a through-bus, you can purchase a ferry ticket at the official counters around Gilimanuk Port.
Backindo Tip: Be cautious of touts offering tickets—always buy directly at the official booth to avoid scams.
How to Continue from Ketapang
Once you arrive at Ketapang Port, you can continue your journey toward Banyuwangi or other parts of Java. For nearby destinations like Banyuwangi city, you’ll find ojek (motorcycle taxis) and sometimes local taxis near the port.
However, be aware that there’s a strong local taxi presence (often referred to as a “taxi mafia”), and online ride-hailing services like Gojek or Grab are not allowed to pick up passengers directly at the port. If you prefer to use an online service, you’ll likely need to walk outside the port area—sometimes up to a few hundred meters—where it’s safer and easier to order a ride without interference.
We’ve explained this in more detail in the section on Kawah Ijen: An Ultimate Guide to Exploring Blue Fire
If you’re planning to visit Ijen Crater, traveling by bus and ferry from Bali is actually one of the most practical and budget-friendly ways to get there. The ferry drops you off in Banyuwangi, just a short drive from the trailhead to Ijen.
Even better, Banyuwangi is connected to Java’s train network. So after your Ijen adventure, you can hop on a train and continue your journey west toward destinations like Mount Bromo, Yogyakarta, or even all the way to Jakarta.
By Plane
The fastest way to cross from Bali to Java is, without a doubt, by plane. If you’re short on time or just want a smooth, direct journey, flying is the most efficient option. Flights from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) connect you to several key cities across Java, including Surabaya, Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta.
Direct flights usually take between one to one and a half hours, and if you book in advance, prices often start at around IDR 600,000 (roughly USD 36). For the smoothest experience, go for a morning departure—early flights are less likely to face delays and give you more of the day to work with once you land.
- Surabaya (Juanda International Airport)
- Best for starting your East Java adventure. From here, it’s an easy trip to Mount Bromo or Ijen Crater—two of Java’s most iconic natural wonders.
- Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta International Airport)
- Java’s cultural heart. Perfect if you want to visit Borobudur and Prambanan, or soak up the city’s creative energy and traditional charm.
- Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport)
- If your international flight leaves from Jakarta, make sure to arrive a day early. Domestic flights can be delayed, and it’s safer not to cut it too close.
Before you go traveling on a domestic flight in Indonesia, make sure to check out our tips and tricks in the Guide to Domestic Flights in Indonesia.
Private Car + Driver
If you’re looking for flexibility and comfort, hiring a private car with a driver is one of the best ways to travel from Bali to Java—especially if you’re planning to explore East Java in more depth. It’s a great option for visiting places like Ijen Crater, Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Malang, or Surabaya at your own pace.
The full journey, including the ferry crossing from Gilimanuk to Ketapang, usually takes about 10 to 12 hours. It’s a long ride, but having the freedom to stop whenever you want—for meals, breaks, or photo ops—makes a big difference. Prices typically start around IDR 900,000 per day (around USD 55), depending on the car and fuel.
Planning to explore Java with a driver? Read How to Hire a Reliable Guide or Driver in Java, Indonesia or send us an email to hello@backindo.com.
For families or groups, this option is very economical and convenient—you can share the cost and travel comfortably with all your luggage. Another plus is route flexibility: you can have the driver drop you at the port, arrange a round trip back to Bali, or get dropped off somewhere along the way in Java—like Banyuwangi, Malang, or Surabaya.
This setup is also a great choice if you’re starting from areas outside of Denpasar. While transportation from Denpasar is fairly reliable, if you’re coming from Ubud, Amed, or Lovina, a private car saves you time and extra transfers.
Looking for more waterfalls to explore? Read also about 12 Best Waterfalls to Visit in Java.
Renting Car without a Driver
For more adventurous travelers, there’s also the option to rent a car and drive yourself. But this is generally recommended only for those who are already familiar with driving in Bali or Java—traffic can be hectic, roads aren’t always clearly marked, and local driving habits can be unpredictable.
One thing to keep in mind: in Indonesia, it’s not common to rent a car in one city and return it in another. Most rental companies expect you to return the car to the same location. That means if you’re planning to cross from Bali to Java, you’ll likely need to drive the car back to Bali as well—which can be time-consuming and may not be worth it for everyone.
Joining Tours
If you don’t feel like organizing all the details yourself, joining a tour can be the easiest way to go. There are plenty of multi-day tours available, often covering highlights like Ijen and Bromo, and they typically include transport, accommodation, and a set itinerary.
Just keep in mind that you won’t have much flexibility, since everything is scheduled in advance. Some tours loop back to Bali, while others continue deeper into Java, so it’s worth checking the route to see which one fits your travel plans best.
Final Thoughts
Whichever way you choose to cross from Bali to Java—by plane, ferry, private car, or tour—you’ll find that the journey is surprisingly easy and full of possibilities. You don’t need a new visa, your Indonesian SIM card will still work, and there’s no currency to exchange. Yet, the moment you arrive in Java, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world. The landscapes shift, the pace changes, and the culture reveals a different side of Indonesia that’s rich, authentic, and deeply welcoming. So if you’ve already fallen in love with Bali, don’t stop there—Java is just next door, and it’s waiting to be explored.
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