Bus Travel: Jakarta To Bali, An Epic Journey

If you're looking to travel from Jakarta to Bali, there are a few different options to consider. The quickest way to get there is to fly – this takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes and costs around $90. However, if you're looking for a slower and more affordable option, you can take a bus. The bus journey takes between 22 and 36 hours and costs between $34 and $41.

The cheapest way to travel from Jakarta to Bali is by bus

If you're looking to travel on a budget, then taking the bus is the best option for a cheap trip from Jakarta to Bali. It takes a while to get there—around 26 to 36 hours—but it will only cost you between $29 to $55 one way. That's a lot cheaper than flying, which will set you back at least $50.

How to book your bus ticket

You can book your bus ticket online through sites like Rome2rio or 12Go, or you can book directly with bus companies like Kramat Djati, Pahala Kencana, and Debe Trans.

What to expect on the journey

The journey from Jakarta to Bali by bus is a long one, so be prepared for an adventure! You'll be travelling a distance of around 871 miles (1400 km). There will be stops along the way for bathroom breaks and to pick up other passengers, but it's always a good idea to bring some snacks and entertainment to keep yourself amused during the journey.

Other ways to travel from Jakarta to Bali

If you're not keen on taking the bus, there are other ways to get from Jakarta to Bali, although they will cost you more. You can fly between the two destinations, which takes around 2 hours and costs from $50. Or, if you want to take a more scenic route, you can take a combination of trains and ferries, which takes around 21 hours and costs between $35 to $80.

The fastest way to travel from Jakarta to Bali is by plane

If you're looking to travel from Jakarta to Bali, there are a few options to consider. The best way to travel between these destinations is by plane. Traveling by plane is the fastest way to get from Jakarta to Bali. While it’s often the most expensive option, you can occasionally grab promotional tickets for more or less the price of a train or ferry ticket. Normally, the minimum you need to pay for a plane ticket is $69.28.

The quickest flight from Soekarno–Hatta Airport to Ngurah Rai Airport is the direct flight which takes 1 hour. The fastest way to get from Jakarta to Bali is to fly, which takes 2 hours and 42 minutes and costs $50 - $110. The distance between Jakarta and Bali is approximately 601 miles.

There are also buses available from Jakarta to Bali. The bus ride takes 26 hours and 2 minutes and costs $29 - $55. This is a much slower option than flying, but it is also cheaper. The cost of a bus ticket is as low as $35.00.

There are no trains or ferries available for this route.

There are 196 bus trips from Jakarta to Bali every day

There are a variety of ways to travel from Jakarta to Bali, including by plane, train, bus, car, or car ferry. The best option for those travelling without a car is to take a combination of the train and the bus, which takes 21 hours and 45 minutes and costs $35-$80. The cheapest option is to take the bus, which costs $34-$36 and takes 36 hours and 45 minutes.

The bus journey from Jakarta to Bali covers a distance of 601 miles (966.69 km) and can take anywhere from 23 hours and 58 minutes to 36 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the route and the number of stops along the way. The bus is a great option for those who want to save money and enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace.

When taking the bus from Jakarta to Bali, it is recommended to book tickets in advance to secure a good seat. It is also a good idea to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as delays are possible. Higher-class buses may offer additional amenities such as air conditioning, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms, making the journey more comfortable.

In addition to the bus, there are other travel options available from Jakarta to Bali, such as flying or taking a combination of train and bus. Flying is the fastest way to get to Bali, taking around 2 hours and 42 minutes, but it is also the most expensive option, with ticket prices starting at $50.

Overall, the bus is a great choice for those looking for a cost-effective and leisurely way to travel from Jakarta to Bali, with 196 daily trips providing ample opportunities to explore this beautiful region.

The journey from Jakarta to Bali can take up to 28 hours

The journey from Jakarta to Bali can be a long and arduous one, taking up to 28 hours in total. While there are quicker ways to travel, such as by plane, the bus offers a more affordable and scenic route. The distance between the two Indonesian cities is approximately 600 miles by road, and the journey is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Travellers opting for the bus can expect a journey time of around 22 to 28 hours, with multiple changes along the way. The route typically involves taking a bus from Jakarta to Gilimanuk, a ferry to Ketapang/Banyuwangi, and then another bus or train to Bali. The bus journey is not a direct one, and there will be several stops to pick up and drop off passengers, with potential delays along the way.

The first leg of the journey, from Jakarta to Gilimanuk, can be chaotic and confusing. At the Ubung Bus Station in Denpasar, travellers are often approached by a group of men offering "help" and selling expensive bus tickets. It is recommended to ask at the small ticket offices for more affordable options, and to be wary of people offering seemingly convenient alternatives. The bus journey itself can be an adventure, with overtaking in unsafe places and a lack of functional toilets.

Upon arrival in Gilimanuk, travellers take a ferry to Ketapang/Banyuwangi. The ferry ride offers a break from the long journey, with beautiful views of the water and the Ijen volcano. There are food and beverage options available on board, and sometimes even live music.

From Ketapang/Banyuwangi, travellers can opt for a bus or a train to complete the final leg of the journey to Bali. The train journey is a more comfortable option, with helpful staff, food and drinks, and even porters to assist with luggage. However, it is important to note that the purchase of train tickets may require a passport, and the process can be inconsistent across different stations.

The bus journey from Jakarta to Bali is not for those in a hurry, but it offers a unique and affordable travel experience. With its lengthy travel time of up to 28 hours, multiple connections, and potential challenges along the way, this journey is an adventure in itself.

The distance between Jakarta and Bali is around 600 miles

If you're looking for a quick trip, flying is the best option. The flight itself takes around 2 hours, but when you factor in the time it takes to get to and from the airport, as well as checking in and so on, you're looking at a total journey time of around 2 hours and 40 minutes. The cost of a flight is around $90.

Alternatively, you can take a bus. This is a much cheaper option, with tickets costing as little as $34, but it is a much slower way to travel. The bus journey takes around 26 hours.

There is no direct bus service from Jakarta to Bali, so you will have to take several connecting buses with changeovers in Banyuwangi and Denpasar. Buses depart twice daily from Pulo Gebang Terminal in Jakarta and arrive at Terminal Mengwi in Bali.

Another option is to take a combination of trains and buses. This takes around 21 hours and 45 minutes and costs between $35 and $80.

Finally, it is technically possible to drive from Jakarta to Bali, but it is not recommended. The distance by road is much longer than 600 miles, and you will also have to take a car ferry part of the way.

Frequently asked questions