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How to Get to Yogyakarta

How to Get to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Most international visitors reach Yogyakarta by air, requiring a transit flight.

Air Hubs

  • Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA): IATA code YIA. The main airport, located in Kulon Progo, approximately 45 km (28 miles) southwest of the city center.
  • Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG): IATA code JOG. This older airport mainly serves limited domestic flights and military operations. Most commercial flights have shifted to YIA.
  • Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Batik Air, Lion Air, Super Air Jet connect Yogyakarta with Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar (DPS), Surabaya (SUB), and other major Indonesian cities.

International Flights & Transfers

International routes from YIA are limited, mainly connecting to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Singapore (SIN). Airlines include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Scoot.

Connecting Flights

  • No direct flights link Yogyakarta to North America, Europe, or Australia. All international travelers require at least one transit.
  • Common transit points include Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar (DPS), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), or Singapore (SIN).
  • Flight prices generally rise during the peak dry season (June-August) and major Indonesian holidays. Book well in advance.

Airport Facilities

YIA offers modern facilities: currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, car rental counters, and free Wi-Fi.

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club and compare options on Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers

From YIA: Train (KA Bandara) to Tugu Station (40 min). DAMRI Airport Bus. Taxi/Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek).

Ground Transportation

Train Connections

  • Yogyakarta Tugu Station is the main train hub.
  • Excellent connections to Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Solo, Malang.
  • Executive (Eksekutif) class is highly advisable for comfort.
  • Book tickets online via KAI Access app or website; book in advance for popular routes.

Long-Distance Buses

  • Giwangan Bus Terminal is the main hub for long-distance buses.
  • Buses link Yogyakarta to destinations across Java, even Bali (with ferry crossing).
  • Buses are generally slower and less comfortable than trains for long distances, but offer a cheaper option.
  • Book tickets at the terminal or through online travel agencies.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally mandated. You must carry it with your valid home country driver's license.

Driving Considerations

Driving in Indonesia can be challenging. Expect chaotic traffic, aggressive driving habits, a high volume of motorcycles, and varying road conditions. Navigation can be difficult, and parking may be limited.

Road Safety

Main roads are generally paved. Rural roads can be poorly maintained. Adherence to traffic laws varies. Drivers can be unpredictable. Accidents are common. Hiring a car with a driver or using ride-hailing apps is significantly easier and safer than self-driving. Check DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Yogyakarta's inland location means direct sea or river arrivals are not applicable for getting into the city.

Sea Travel to Java

  • Direct arrival into Yogyakarta by ferry or cruise ship is not relevant.
  • Nearest major ferry ports connect to other islands, like Ketapang in East Java for Bali, or various ports for Sumatra.
  • These ports are significant distances from Yogyakarta. Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for direct arrival into Yogyakarta.

River Transportation

No regular public river transportation services exist in Yogyakarta for commuting.

Recreational River Use

  • Some recreational activities, like cave tubing (Pindul Cave) or rafting, might utilize rivers.
  • These activities focus on leisure, not transportation.
  • Connections to land transportation from sea or river arrivals are not directly relevant for reaching Yogyakarta city itself.

Border Crossing

Border crossing information is not applicable for Yogyakarta. It is an inland city on Java island. All entry into Indonesia typically occurs via air or sea ports located on other islands or coastal areas.

No Direct Sea/River Arrivals

Direct arrival to Yogyakarta city by sea or river transport is not an option. These methods are for other islands or recreational purposes only.

Recreational River Use

While rivers are present for activities like caving, they do not constitute public transport routes for city access.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No separate exit fees are typically required for international departures from Indonesian airports. These fees are usually included in the airfare price.

Timing Guidelines

  • International Flights: Arrive at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic Flights: For domestic flights from YIA, arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive at the train station or bus terminal at least 30-60 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Modern amenities await departing travelers at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), while Tugu Station offers basic services.

Departure Comforts

  • YIA: Offers check-in counters, baggage drop, security screening, and immigration facilities for international departures.
  • YIA: Waiting areas, restrooms, various food and beverage outlets, and shops.
  • Tugu Station: Provides waiting areas, food and beverage outlets, and some shops for departing train travelers.

Traffic & Delays

Traffic Congestion

Yogyakarta traffic can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour.

Public Holidays

Anticipate extended travel times during major Indonesian public holidays.

Allow Extra Time

Always factor in additional time for potential delays when heading to the airport or station.

Travel Insight

For most tourists, hiring a car with a driver or using ride-hailing apps is significantly easier and safer than self-driving in Yogyakarta.