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How to Get to Borobudur

How to Get to Borobudur

Borobudur Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Flights

Air travel is the most common way for international visitors to reach Central Java.

Information

  • Major Airport: Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), approx. 50-60 km to the southeast of Borobudur.
  • Airlines: Domestic carriers (Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air) connect YIA to major Indonesian cities. Direct international flights from YIA are limited (Kuala Lumpur, Singapore).
  • Global Hubs: No direct flights from North America, Europe, or Australia to YIA. Connect through Jakarta (CGK), Singapore (SIN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

YIA offers modern facilities for travelers.

At YIA and Beyond

  • Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, car rental desks.
  • Transfers (YIA to Yogyakarta/Borobudur): Airport Rail Link to Tugu Station (Yogyakarta city center, 40 mins). DAMRI Bus for budget travel. Airport taxis or ride-sharing (Gojek/Grab) for direct routes.
  • Private Transfer: Hotels and tour operators offer pre-booked private cars for convenience, especially if arriving late or with much luggage.

Price Fluctuations

Higher prices occur during peak dry season (July-August) and major holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year).

Booking Advice

Book flights well in advance, especially for peak periods, to secure better prices and availability. Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Shoulder Season Benefits

Shoulder season (May-June, Sep-Oct) often yields a good balance of weather and more affordable fares.

Yogyakarta International Airport YIA

Location and Function

  • Located in Kulon Progo, 45 km southwest of Yogyakarta city.
  • Handles most international and domestic flights for Central Java.
  • Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) is older, smaller, and mainly domestic.
  • Most international travelers fly to Jakarta or Denpasar, then connect to YIA.

Transfer Options from YIA

  • Airport Rail Link: Efficiently reaches Tugu Station in Yogyakarta city (40 mins).
  • DAMRI Bus: Public, budget-friendly connections to various points in Yogyakarta.
  • Airport Taxis/Ride-sharing: Direct to Borobudur or your hotel. Confirm price or use meter.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked cars via lodgings/tour operators for comfort and ease.

Yogyakarta International Airport YIA Terminal

Terminal Overview

Yogyakarta International Airport features a modern terminal building designed to serve arriving and departing travelers with current amenities.

Currency & Dining

Currency exchange and ATMs can be found in both arrival and departure halls. A choice of restaurants and cafes offer both local and international fare.

Connectivity & Other Services

Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Additional services include duty-free shops, car rental desks, and prayer rooms for Muslim travelers.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Yogyakarta functions as a major railway hub in Java. Trains offer a comfortable and often scenic way to travel between cities.

Rail Services

  • Inter-city Trains: Tugu Station and Lempuyangan Station connect Yogyakarta to Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, etc. Various classes are available.
  • Booking: Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes and during holidays.
  • Local Trains: KAI Commuter Line connects Yogyakarta with nearby cities like Solo and Kutoarjo, offering affordable regional travel.

Long-Distance Buses

Yogyakarta has several bus stations with extensive connections throughout Java and to Sumatra and Bali.

Bus Travel Options

  • Terminals: Jombor (north) and Giwangan (south) serve as major long-distance bus hubs.
  • Travel Time: Bus travel can be slower due to traffic conditions but typically offers a cheaper alternative to trains.
  • Classes: Various bus classes, from economy (non-AC) to executive (AC, reclining seats).

Self-Driving Considerations

For independent exploration, renting a vehicle offers flexibility.

Requirements & Advice

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license required. Minimum age 21 for most rentals.
  • Considerations: Driving in Indonesia can be challenging. Traffic is dense and often chaotic. Drivers may be aggressive.
  • Recommendation: Hiring a car with a driver or using ride-sharing services is more practical and less stressful for most tourists. See DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Network

  • Major Roads: Generally paved and in reasonable condition between cities.
  • Smaller Roads: Rural roads might be tight, unpaved, or poorly maintained.
  • Traffic Safety: Reckless driving, high motorbike volume, and disregard for rules mean caution is always wise for pedestrians and drivers.

Not Applicable: Border Crossing / Sea/River Arrivals

  • Border crossing information does not apply to Borobudur, as it is an inland destination within Java.
  • Ferry services are not directly applicable for reaching Borobudur. Cruise ships sometimes dock in Semarang, with Borobudur as a shore excursion.
  • River transportation is not a common mode of tourist transport in the Borobudur/Yogyakarta region.
  • If arriving by international cruise, standard immigration procedures apply upon disembarkation.
  • From seaports, taxis, local buses, or pre-arranged transfers are available to take you inland.
  • No direct sea or river routes for typical tourist access to Borobudur.

Departure Information

Exit Formalities

Departure Process

  • Exit Fees: As of early 2024, Indonesia's departure tax is generally included in airfare.
  • Timing: For international flights from YIA, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. Domestic flights: 1.5-2 hours.
  • Procedures: Check-in, baggage drop, security screening, immigration (for international flights).

Airport & Station Facilities

YIA and major train stations offer amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities for Your Departure

  • YIA: Lounges, shops (duty-free for international), restaurants, prayer rooms.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi available at YIA.
  • Train Stations: Yogyakarta's Tugu and Lempuyangan stations feature waiting areas, eateries, restrooms.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport holds sufficient validity for your subsequent destination.

Baggage Guidelines

Drop off checked luggage according to airline guidelines to avoid delays.

Security Screening

Go through airport security, adhering to regulations for liquids and restricted items.

Photo Gallery: Getting There

Yogyakarta International Airport YIA

YIA is the main gateway for visitors to Borobudur, a modern facility for international and domestic arrivals.

Modern Hub

  • New and efficient airport for Central Java.
  • Located in Kulon Progo, serving Yogyakarta and Borobudur.
  • Offers a range of amenities and services for travelers.

Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), the main gateway to Borobudur.

Indonesian Executive Class Train

Train travel across Java is a comfortable and scenic alternative to road travel, connecting major cities efficiently.

Comfort on Rails

  • Modern and comfortable inter-city train services.
  • Executive class offers reclining seats and air conditioning.
  • Connects Yogyakarta to cities like Jakarta and Surabaya.

Indonesian Executive Class Train.

Getting Around Yogyakarta

Trans Jogja Bus

Yogyakarta's Bus Rapid Transit system offers an affordable way to navigate the city. Fares are low.

Gojek/Grab Services

Fares are transparent and fixed.

Private Car Hire

For greater comfort and flexibility, private car hire with a driver is widely available for day trips.

Travel Reminder

Plan transfers in advance, especially if arriving late or with extensive luggage.
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