How do you get around in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, fly between remote islands, take ferries for short inter-island journeys, use trains on Java and Sumatra, take buses for budget-friendly overland connections, and use taxis or motorbikes for urban and rural travel.
Air and maritime transport
The plane remains the most practical way to connect distant islands. Several low-cost airlines serve the main cities of the archipelago.
The ferry is an economical and ecological alternative for short journeys between islands, but some crossings can take several days depending on distances.
Land transport
The train runs mainly on Java and Sumatra. Very popular on Java, it makes it easy to travel from Jakarta to Yogyakarta.
The bus is the most economical way to travel from one city to another on the same island, with day and night services. Urban buses serve major cities, but traffic congestion during peak hours lengthens journey times.
Bemos (mini-buses with around 10 seats) offer an authentic and inexpensive experience for local travel.
Urban and local transport
Taxis remain very affordable in the city. The GRAB application makes bookings easier in major cities. Daily rental is available to visit tourist sites.
Motorcycles are perfect for exploring the countryside, but not recommended in the city for safety reasons. International driving permit required.
Other options: becak (cycle rickshaw), bajaj and vespa-taxis, mainly allowed on the outskirts of urban areas.