Inter-Island Travel in Indonesia: Flights, Ferries & Beyond

Indonesia has thousands of islands, and no single ticket gets you across them. In 2026 the problem is rarely a lack of options. It is choosing between Flights, ferries, trains and apps without overpaying, missing a connection or ending up on a rough crossing with the wrong operator. This guide covers each mode in the order you will likely use it, with estimated 2026 prices in IDR and the booking steps that save time.

Flying Between the Big Islands

Flying is the fastest way to link Indonesia’s main islands, and four airlines carry most of the traffic.

• Garuda Indonesia: the full-service carrier. You get better comfort, a bigger baggage allowance and in-flight meals.
• Citilink: Garuda’s low-cost subsidiary. It focuses on efficiency and competitive pricing, with a tighter baggage allowance than Garuda.
• Lion Air: the largest low-cost carrier by fleet size, with an extensive network but a reputation for frequent delays.
• Batik Air: Lion Air Group’s full-service airline. It offers more amenities than Lion Air at a slightly higher price.

Estimated 2026 one-way economy fares on the two busiest routes:

• Jakarta (CGK) to Denpasar (DPS), Bali: Citilink/Lion Air IDR 900,000–1,500,000; Batik Air IDR 1,200,000–1,800,000; Garuda IDR 1,500,000–2,500,000.
• Jakarta (CGK) to Surabaya (SUB): Citilink/Lion Air IDR 700,000–1,200,000; Batik Air IDR 900,000–1,500,000; Garuda IDR 1,200,000–2,000,000.

These are estimates based on 2024 trends and 3–5% annual inflation. Real fares swing with booking time, demand and season.

Baggage rules affect the final price. Lion Air and Citilink typically include 10–15 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of cabin baggage, and extra kilos cost more. Garuda and Batik Air typically include 20–30 kg checked and 7 kg cabin. If you travel with a full backpack or surf gear, the “cheap” ticket can end up costing as much as a full-service one.

Since 2024 the government has kept pushing connectivity to newer tourist areas. Expect more frequent direct routes to Labuan Bajo (Flores), Likupang (North Sulawesi) and Mandalika (Lombok). Enforcement of flight slot allocations and on-time performance has also become stricter. No major domestic airline is expected to be discontinued by 2026.

How to Book a Domestic Flight, Step by Step

You can book on the airline’s own site or through an online travel agency (OTA). Official sites are www.garuda-indonesia.com, www.citilink.co.id, www.lionair.co.id and www.batikair.com. Traveloka, Tiket.com, Agoda and Skyscanner often have competitive prices and package deals. Booking is increasingly integrated into super-apps like Traveloka and Tiket.com, so managing a flight is easier than it was in 2024.

1. Open the airline website or your chosen OTA.
2. Select “Domestic Flight” and enter origin, destination, dates and number of passengers.
3. Compare flights and pick your timing and class.
4. Enter passenger details. The full name must match your ID, so use your passport name.
5. Add extras such as baggage, seat selection or meals where offered.
6. Pay by credit or debit card, bank transfer or e-wallets like GoPay and OVO.
7. Check your email for the e-ticket.

Compare the total price after baggage and seat fees, not the headline fare. A Lion Air ticket with added baggage can land close to a Batik Air fare that already includes it.

PELNI Ferries: The Slow, Cheap Way Across the Archipelago

PT PELNI runs passenger and cargo ships to hundreds of ports, from Sumatra to Papua. Major routes include Java–Sumatra, Java–Kalimantan, Java–Sulawesi and links into eastern Indonesia. It is slow, but far cheaper than flying over long distances.

Life on board is part of the trip. You smell diesel and clove cigarettes on the open deck, and you hear instant noodle bowls being filled at the hot-water tap. At night the horizon is pitch black and the ship hums beneath you. Economy class is dormitory-style, with bunk beds in large shared cabins, and meals are usually included in the ticket price.

Class IA and IB (first and second class) have private cabins with 2–4 beds, air conditioning and sometimes a private bathroom, at a much higher price. They are limited on some ships, so check whether your route offers them.

Estimated 2026 economy fares:

• Jakarta (Tanjung Priok) to Surabaya (Tanjung Perak): IDR 300,000–450,000, about 24–30 hours.
• Makassar to Ambon: IDR 450,000–600,000, about 40–50 hours.
• Surabaya to Balikpapan: IDR 350,000–500,000, about 30–36 hours.

Fares are generally fixed per route and class. Book at www.pelni.co.id, at PELNI offices in major port cities, or through some local travel agents.

1. Go to www.pelni.co.id and choose “Reservasi Tiket.”
2. Enter origin port, destination port, departure date and passenger count.
3. Choose your class. Economy is the most common.
4. Enter passenger details. Foreigners use a passport number; Indonesians use a KTP.
5. Pay by bank transfer, virtual account or e-wallet.
6. Save or print the e-ticket. You may need to exchange it for a physical ticket at the port.

PELNI has been gradually modernising its fleet, so newer, more comfortable vessels should appear on key routes.

Fast Boats from Bali to Lombok and the Gilis

Between Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno and Air), private fast boats are the main way to travel. Operators include Eka Jaya Fast Boat, Gili Getaway, Scoot Fast Cruises, BlueWater Express and Marlin Fast Boat.

Boats leave Bali from Padang Bai, Serangan and Sanur. Destinations include the three Gilis, Bangsal and Senggigi on Lombok. The most popular crossing is Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan, about 1.5–2 hours. An early departure is a good idea. You wait on the Padang Bai beach as the sun comes up over the water, with warung stalls frying banana fritters for the queue.

Estimated 2026 one-way fares:

• Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan: IDR 350,000–600,000, sometimes including a hotel transfer from certain areas in Bali.
• Sanur to Nusa Penida/Lembongan: IDR 150,000–250,000.

Book online through operator websites or aggregators like GiliTickets.com and 12Go.asia. Travel agents in Bali and Lombok also sell tickets. You can buy at the port, but it often costs more and seats may run out in peak season.

Seas can be rough in certain seasons, particularly July–August and December–January. Choose reputable operators. Safety enforcement has tightened since 2024, with life jacket requirements and passenger manifests checked more closely, and operators with poor records face stricter scrutiny. Prices keep trending up because of fuel costs and demand, and new routes to other small islands near Bali and Lombok are possible.

Crossing Java by Rail: KAI Trains and Whoosh

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) runs comfortable, scenic intercity trains across Java. Watch paddies and volcanoes slide past the window while vendors walk the aisle with sweet tea and snacks. The main routes are Jakarta–Bandung, Jakarta–Surabaya, Jakarta–Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta–Solo and Bandung–Surabaya.

• Ekonomi: basic air-conditioned seating, often in a 3-2 layout, with little or no recline.
• Bisnis: reclining seats in a 2-2 layout with more legroom. KAI has been phasing this class out in favour of Premium Economy, so check the app for your train.
• Eksekutif: wide reclining seats, 2-2 layout, ample legroom and power outlets.
• Luxury: private cabins with beds or reclining seats and meals, on select routes only.

Estimated 2026 one-way fares:

• Jakarta (Gambir) to Bandung, about 3 hours: Ekonomi IDR 120,000–180,000; Eksekutif IDR 200,000–350,000.
• Jakarta (Gambir) to Yogyakarta, about 6.5–7 hours: Ekonomi IDR 200,000–350,000; Eksekutif IDR 400,000–700,000.
• Whoosh High-Speed Rail, Halim to Padalarang/Tegalluar, about 40–50 minutes: Premium Economy IDR 200,000–350,000 with dynamic pricing; Business/First IDR 400,000–600,000.

Whoosh is now fully operational and integrated into the KAI network, with feeder trains connecting to Bandung city centre. That feeder leg adds time, so compare the full door-to-door journey against the 3-hour conventional train. The KAI Access app has also added better seat selection and payment options.

1. Download KAI Access and register an account.
2. Select “Intercity Train” and enter origin, destination, dates and passengers.
3. Pick your train, class and seat.
4. Enter passenger details. Foreigners use a passport number.
5. Pay by bank transfer, virtual account or e-wallets such as GoPay, OVO and LinkAja.
6. Show the e-ticket, digital or printed, plus your ID at boarding.

You can also buy at KAI counters in stations, at www.kai.id, or through Traveloka and Tiket.com.

Last-Mile Transport: Gojek, Grab, Ojek, Becak and Bajaj

Once you land or dock, ride-hailing solves most local trips. Gojek and Grab cover all major cities and many smaller towns, though less so in very remote areas. Both offer GoRide/GrabBike (motorbike taxis, best for solo riders in traffic) and GoCar/GrabCar (better for groups or luggage), plus food and grocery delivery and package sending.

1. Open the app and choose “Motor” or “Mobil.”
2. Enter your destination. The app detects your location automatically.
3. Confirm or adjust the pick-up point on the map.
4. Check the estimated fare, then confirm.
5. Track your driver and use in-app chat if needed.
6. Pay by cash, in-app wallet (GoPay on Gojek, OVO on Grab) or a linked card.

Estimated 2026 fares are dynamic. A 3–5 km GoRide/GrabBike trip runs IDR 12,000–25,000. A 3–5 km GoCar/GrabCar trip is IDR 25,000–45,000, and a 10–15 km one is IDR 50,000–90,000. Peak hours, bad weather and high demand push prices up. Both apps now offer multi-stop rides, scheduled bookings and extra safety features, while the government keeps working on driver welfare and pricing transparency.

Traditional transport survives where apps are thin:

• Ojek (non-app): motorbike taxis waiting near markets and stations. Negotiate the price before you get on.
• Becak: pedal-powered three-wheelers, now rare in big cities but still a cultural icon in Yogyakarta and Solo. Agree the fare first.



• Bajaj: buzzing three-wheeled motor vehicles found mostly in parts of Jakarta such as Kota Tua, Glodok and Central Jakarta. Numbers have dropped, and newer gas-powered models have replaced some older ones.

Jakarta’s Rail and Bus Network: MRT, LRT, KRL and Trans-Jakarta

Most people arrive in Jakarta before heading onward, and its public transport has become more integrated. The key is having the right card. A JakLingko card or an e-money card (Flazz from BCA, TapCash from BNI, Brizzi from BRI, or Mandiri e-money) works across most modes.

• MRT Jakarta: the North-South Line (Lebak Bulus to Bundaran HI) is operating. Phase 2 (Bundaran HI to Kota Tua) is under construction, with partial operation expected by 2026, though you should confirm exact opening dates at www.jakartamrt.co.id. Fares are distance-based, from IDR 4,000 to IDR 16,000 for the full line. Tap your card or scan a QR code from the MRT Jakarta app at the gate, ride, then tap or scan again when you exit.
• LRT Jakarta: runs Velodrome to Pegangsaan Dua at a flat IDR 5,000 (www.lrtjakarta.co.id).
• Jabodebek LRT: opened in late 2023, linking Dukuh Atas and Cawang with Bogor, Depok and Bekasi. Fares start at IDR 5,000 for the first km, then IDR 700 per extra km, capped at IDR 25,000–30,000 on longer trips. It also accepts QRIS (www.lrtjabodebek.co.id).
• Trans-Jakarta BRT: flat IDR 3,500 on all routes. Cash is not accepted. Tap in at the turnstile, board your corridor bus, and you do not need to tap out (www.transjakarta.co.id). More electric buses are joining the fleet.
• KRL Commuter Line: connects Jakarta with Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi. The fare is IDR 3,000 for the first 25 km, then IDR 1,000 per additional 10 km, with a maximum typically around IDR 6,000–8,000. Pay with a KMT card, an e-money card, or QRIS through apps like Gojek, Grab and LinkAja (www.krl.co.id).

2026 Budget Reality

These are estimated 2026 figures from the sections above. Costs rise with demand, so treat them as planning ranges.

Budget

• PELNI economy, Jakarta to Surabaya: IDR 300,000–450,000, meals usually included
• KAI Ekonomi, Jakarta to Yogyakarta: IDR 200,000–350,000
• Citilink/Lion Air, Jakarta to Bali: IDR 900,000–1,500,000
• Trans-Jakarta: IDR 3,500 per ride
• Sanur to Nusa Penida/Lembongan boat: IDR 150,000–250,000

Mid-range

• Batik Air, Jakarta to Bali: IDR 1,200,000–1,800,000
• KAI Eksekutif, Jakarta to Bandung: IDR 200,000–350,000
• Whoosh Premium Economy: IDR 200,000–350,000
• Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan fast boat: IDR 350,000–600,000
• GoCar/GrabCar, 3–5 km: IDR 25,000–45,000

Comfortable

• Garuda Indonesia, Jakarta to Bali: IDR 1,500,000–2,500,000



• KAI Eksekutif, Jakarta to Yogyakarta: IDR 400,000–700,000
• Whoosh Business/First: IDR 400,000–600,000
• GoCar/GrabCar, 10–15 km: IDR 50,000–90,000
• PELNI Class IA/IB cabins, where available: priced well above economy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying fast boat tickets at the port in peak season. Prices are higher and seats can run out, especially in July–August and December–January.
• Ignoring baggage rules on low-cost airlines. The included 10–15 kg disappears quickly, and extra baggage adds up.
• Entering a name that does not match your passport. Airlines, PELNI and KAI all check ID at boarding.
• Assuming Lion Air will run on time. Delays are frequent, so leave buffer time for connections.
• Arriving in Jakarta with only cash. Trans-Jakarta does not take cash, so buy a card early.
• Skipping the price talk with ojek, becak or bajaj. Negotiate before you ride, because haggling afterwards rarely works.
• Booking only on price, not on operator reputation. Choose reputable fast boat companies, especially in rough-sea months.
• Treating schedules as fixed. PELNI timetables and KAI train options change, so check before you commit to a connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to travel between islands in Indonesia?

PELNI economy ferries are the cheapest long-distance option. Jakarta to Surabaya costs an estimated IDR 300,000–450,000 and takes around 24–30 hours, with meals usually included. For shorter hops, Citilink and Lion Air can be competitive when booked early, though fares vary by season and demand.

How do I get from Bali to the Gili Islands?

Take a fast boat from Padang Bai, the most popular route, to Gili Trawangan in about 1.5–2 hours. One-way fares run an estimated IDR 350,000–600,000, sometimes with a hotel transfer included. Book online through operators or aggregators like GiliTickets.com or 12Go.asia, especially in peak season.

Can foreigners book PELNI tickets online?

Yes. Use www.pelni.co.id, choose “Reservasi Tiket,” and enter your passport number as ID. Pay by bank transfer, virtual account or e-wallet. You may need to exchange the e-ticket for a physical ticket at the port, so arrive early with your passport.

Is the Whoosh high-speed train worth it?

Whoosh covers the Jakarta–Bandung route in about 40–50 minutes, versus roughly three hours on a conventional KAI train. Premium Economy costs an estimated IDR 200,000–350,000 with dynamic pricing. Stations are Halim and Padalarang/Tegalluar, so feeder trains to Bandung centre add time. It is worth it if you value speed.

Do I need cash for public transport in Jakarta?

Not for most of it, but you need a card. Trans-Jakarta does not accept cash, so carry a JakLingko card or an e-money card such as Flazz, TapCash, Brizzi or Mandiri e-money. The MRT also accepts QR tickets from the MRT Jakarta app, and Jabodebek LRT accepts QRIS.

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📷 Featured image by Reyhan Aviseno on Unsplash.