How to Get From Bromo to Bali
Train · Bus · Flight via Surabaya · Flight via Malang
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Mount Bromo is East Java's smoking volcano, a sunrise pilgrimage for anyone crossing the island. Bali lies to the east, over the strait. Flying via Surabaya is the quickest way to get from Bromo to Bali at 2h 5m - 3h 25m. By land, the train is the cheapest option at $5.00 (90,000 IDR), but it will take a long time, around 8h 15m - 10h. The bus costs more and takes longer.
Distance from Bromo to Bali
Bromo and Bali are about 252 km (157 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 341 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bromo to Bali is by taking the flight via surabaya, which takes around 2h 5m - 3h 25m.
4 ways to travel from Bromo to Bali
There are four ways to travel from Bromo to Bali. You can choose between the train, bus, flight, and flight via Malang. The journey takes 2h 5m–12h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $5.00 (90,000 IDR).
4 legs — see itinerary
- Probolinggo→Banyuwangi3h 50m
- Ketapang Station→Ketapang Harbour10m
- Ketapang Harbour→Gilimanuk Harbour45m
- Bus or taxi from Gilimanuk Harbour4h 30m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Surabaya City Centre→Surabaya Airport1h
- Surabaya→Bali55m
- Bali Airport→City Centre1h 30m
2 legs — see itinerary
- Malang City Centre→Malang Airport30m
- Malang→Bali4h 30m
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Bromo to Bali by Train
Travelling by train from Bromo to Bali is also possible from these three basecamps: Probolinggo, Malang, and Surabaya. The end destination of the train will be Ketapang (Banyuwangi). From here, you can take the ferry to Bali.
Unlike the bus option that already includes the ferry ride and drops you off at Denpasar in Bali, you will need to buy your own ferry ticket at Ketapang Harbour if you go by train. Then at Gilimanuk Port, you can take a taxi or bus to your destination in Bali.
From where to take the train?
Of all the basecamps, Probolinggo station is the closest to Bali and the train journey will take 4-5 hours. If you stay in Malang, only one train heads to Ketapang daily, which arrives at midnight and takes 2-3 hours more. From Surabaya, travel time to Ketapang is 1-2 hours longer than when coming from Probolinggo.
Staying in Cemoro Lawang? Then you’ll first need to take a taxi to Probolinggo, as this is the only Bromo base camp without a train station. In our opinion, Cemoro Lawang is still the best Bromo basecamp to stay at, so don’t let that put you off! The taxi ride from Cemoro Lawang to Probolino train station only takes about 1.5 hours.
Step 1: Probolinggo to Banyuwangi by Train
The first step is to take a train to Ketapang Station in Banyuwangi. From this train station, the port is just a 10-minute walk.
There are five trains from Probolinggo Train Station to Ketapang Station daily. Travel time is about 3h 50m - 4h 40m and you can choose between economy and executive seats with fares starting from $1.70 (30,000 IDR).
It’s best to book your ticket online beforehand via tiket.com. You can also buy them at the train station, but if you buy them on the same day of your journey, chances are the cheaper seats are already sold out.
All services arrive at Banyuwangi
*Indicated ticket price is for economy class seats.
Train tickets are available on Ticket.com.
Keep in mind that in major train stations, you’ll have to exchange your online voucher with an orange boarding pass at least 10 minutes before departure time. You can get this at the self-service check-in counters inside the station.
If you buy your ticket at the station on the same day though, you will already be given an orange pass.
Which train class should you pick?
When travelling by train in Indonesia, you can choose from three classes: economy, business, and executive. The economy is the cheapest and the executive class is the most expensive. On some train routes between the major destinations in Java – Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Solo – executive luxury class is also available.
All classes are air-conditioned, but the seating arrangement and level of comfort vary depending on the class.
For long-distance journeys, the executive class will be the most comfortable with its reclining seats. The business class is a good alternative, but its padded seats do not recline. The economy class offers less legroom, but besides that, it’s still pretty comfortable.
For more details, check out our page about train travel in Indonesia.
Step 2: Ketapang Station to Ketapang Harbour by Foot
From Ketapang Station, you can reach Ketapang Harbour on foot in just 10 minutes.
If you are weighed down with heavy luggage, you can also take a taxi. Bear in mind the short distance and negotiate a price beforehand to avoid any expensive surprises.
Step 3: Ketapang Harbour to Gilimanuk Harbour by Ferry
The next step is a ferry ride from Ketapang Harbour to Gilimanuk Harbour on the northwestern tip of Bali.
As long as weather permits, the ASDP Ferry from Ketapang to Gilimanuk operates every hour, 24 hours a day. This is a car ferry, so you can also bring your motorcycle or car across to Bali.
The journey takes around 45 minutes and a ticket costs $0.60 (10,000 IDR).
You can book your ferry tickets via Ferizy or just simply buy them at the port. If you’re unable to book them ahead, you need to buy tickets from stalls outside the port for a slightly higher price. You will not be allowed entry at the port without the ticket.
Step 4: Bus or taxi from Gilimanuk Harbour
Gilimanuk Port is located all the way in northwest of Bali. From here, it’s still a 3-hour drive to Canggu, 3.5-hour to Ubud and more than 4.5-hour drive to Uluwatu.
If you are heading to any of these destinations, you can choose between taking a taxi directly to your destination or taking the bus to Denpasar or Mengiwi.
By Taxi
If you have the budget for it, it’s possible to take a taxi from Gilimanuk Terminal all the way to your Bali destination. Expect to pay close to $56 (1,000,000 IDR) for popular destinations like Canggu, Seminyak or Ubud.
By Bus to Denpasar
From the port, Gilimanuk Bus Terminal is a just 10-minute walk. Here, you can take a bus going to Terminal Ubung in Denpasar. Tickets cost $2.80 (50,000 IDR) for the bus ride that takes around 3.5-4.5 hours.
You can then take a taxi from Terminal Ubung to your hotel in Bali. Expect to pay around $3.90 (70,000 IDR) – $5.60 (100,000 IDR) to Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu.
Bus schedule from Gilimanuk to Denpasar
By Bus to Mengwi
There are also buses from Gilimanuk to Mengwi Bus Terminal, which is more or less between Ubud and Canggu. A ticket costs around $3.60 (65,000 IDR) for the 3-hour bus ride. However, the last time we checked (March 2023), we couldn’t confirm the bus schedule for this route.
From Mengwi, you can book a Grab taxi to Ubud for around $2.80 (50,000 IDR), Canggu $4.50 (80,000 IDR) or Kuta for around $8.10 (145,000 IDR). The drive to Canggu and Ubud will take about 30-45 minutes and about 1 hour to Kuta.
Alternatively, you can pre-book the Perama Tour bus from Mengwi to Kuta with rates from $6.70 (120,000 IDR) on 12Go.Asia.
Heading to northern Bali? From Gilimanuk, there is a direct bus service to Singaraja in North Bali. This passes through the main beach resort area of Lovina. Fares are from $2.50 (45,000 IDR) and it takes about 1.5 hours.
TIP: Relax and unwind at Sumberkima Hill Retreat
If you’ve just completed your overland journey through East Java, you’re likely in need of some relaxation time. Rather than hurrying off to one of Bali’s popular tourist spots, why not spend a few nights in the north of Bali and truly feel like you’re on vacation after a week of intense travel through Java?
Sumberkima Hill Retreat is the perfect place to experience real peace and enjoy stunning views of Ijen (and perhaps Bromo Volcano) simultaneously. In our Java to Bali itinerary, I’ve provided additional tips on how to kick off your adventure upon arrival in the north of Bali via ferry from Java.
If you already know where to go, don’t miss the chance to at least check out the Sumberkima Hill retreat on booking.com.
Bromo to Bali by Bus
We only recommend taking the bus from Bromo to Bali if your base camp is in Probolinggo. From here, a combined bus and ferry ride to Bali takes around 12h - 14h 30m.
Note that the bus option includes a 45-minute ferry crossing from Ketapang Harbour in Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Port in Bali.
Several bus companies operate from Probolinggo to Bali. Titian Mas is a 35-seater bus, and the rest are 6, 11, and 14-seater minibuses.
Departure and arrival station
The buses have several departure and arrival points in Probolinggo and Bali. If you’re departing from the city centre in Probolinggo, you can use the filter option and select “Kota Probolinggo” on EasyBook.
We’ve shared below the buses going to Denpasar Kota, which is just a short taxi ride away from famous spots like Kuta and Seminyak. There are also buses heading to several other areas in Bali, such as Benoa, Nusa Dua, Padang Bai, Semarapura, and Singaraja.
Bus schedule from Bromo to Bali via Probolinggo
Bus tickets are available on Easybook.
Booking Tip
Bus Option 2
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Bromo to Bali by Flight via Surabaya
If you are short on time, the quickest way to get from Bromo to Bali is clearly by plane. Pick either Surabaya or Malang as your basecamp so that you’ll be close to an airport after your climb to Bromo.
In Bali, the airport is close to many major tourist destinations, just 30 minutes to 1 hour away by car.
That means that including transfers to and from the airports, the flight journey will take only around 2 hours.
The downside of taking the plane is that you’ll have to skip other nearby attractions in the east of Java. We think a trip to East Java is not complete without seeing the blue fire of Mt. Ijen and the multi-tiered Sewu Waterfalls. You can easily make a side trip to these areas if you take the train or the bus.
If you prefer to travel from Bromo to Bali in one go, see here the steps to take from Surabaya. If you’re not in Surabaya yet, it will take around 1.5 hours to reach the airport from Malang or Probolingo.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Surabaya City Centre to Surabaya Airport by Taxi
The distance from Surabaya city centre to Juanda International Airport (Surabaya Airport) is about 20 km. To get there, you have two options: a 40-minute taxi or a 1-hour bus.
We recommend taking a taxi for a fast and direct journey. Rates are around $5.60 (100,000 IDR) if you take a Grab, Gojek or Bluebird taxi.
The bus is cheaper, but you’ll have to take two buses and they’re almost always full. From the city centre, the P1 bus will take you up to Purabaya Bus Terminal on the outskirts of Surabaya. From here, you can then take a Damri bus to Surabaya Airport. Total travel time is around 1 hour and combined fares start from $2.00 (35,000 IDR).
Step 2: Surabaya to Bali by Flight
A flight from Surabaya to Bali takes only 55 minutes. Several carriers offer over a dozen flights for this route daily. Most of the time, you can get the cheapest airfares from Air Asia and Lion Air.
Airfares from Surabaya Airport to Bali Airport start from $28 (500,000 IDR).
Step 3: Bali Airport to City Centre by Private Transfer
From Bali Airport, you have 3 ways to get to any of the tourist destinations: a private transfer, a taxi, or a motorbike. Travel time is around 30-60 minutes to nearby destinations on the west coast (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu), or around one hour south to Uluwatu or 1 hour to Ubud in the centre of Bali.
Booking a private transfer with Klook from Bali Airport is our preferred option. With this private transfer, you don’t have to deal with the endless number of drivers offering inflated taxi rates and instead will have drivers waiting for you at the arrival hall with your name on a sign.
Through Klook, you can get a secure and comfortable ride to the city with rates from $5.60 (100,000 IDR).
Alternatively, you can take an airport taxi, but expect to pay more. For an overview of the best ways to travel from the airport to the most popular destinations in Bali, check out our detailed guide for Bali Airport.
Flight Via Surabaya tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Bromo to Bali by Flight via Malang
If you are already staying in Malang, taking a flight from this city is a convenient way to travel from Bromo to Bali.
However, all flights from Malang to Bali make a stop in Jakarta, making for a longer and more expensive flight.
Below, you find the steps of how to travel from Malang Airport. However, as there are currently no direct flights anymore to Bali, we recommend taking a 1-1.5 hour taxi to Surabaya Airport and taking a direct flight from Surabaya to Bali.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Malang City Centre to Malang Airport by Taxi
Step 2: Malang to Bali by Flight
There used to be direct flights from Malang to Bali operating several days a week.
Unfortunately, all flights now make a stop at either Soekarno–Hatta or Halim Perdanakusuma airports in Jakarta. There are also flights with two stops with a layover in either Malaysia or Singapore.
The layover varies per flight, but the shortest flight from Malang to Bali takes about 4.5 hours. Airfares start from $110 (2,000,000 IDR).
Flight Via Malang tickets are available on Skyscanner.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bali?
Bali is Indonesia’s tropical paradise known for its blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Fondly called the "Land of the Gods," the island boasts postcard-perfect attractions — white-sand beaches, rice terraces, age-old temples and picturesque cliffs.
The mere thought of Bali evokes feelings of freedom and adventure. Its sheer beauty attracts travellers to visit, but it's the warm people and laidback vibe that make many want to stay longer — some for months, and others for years. No wonder Bali is a favourite among surfers and digital nomads!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bromo to Bali, roughly 252 kilometres (157 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $5.00 (90,000 IDR). The quickest trip takes 2h 5m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Bromo to Bali?
The distance from Bromo to Bali is 252 kilometres (157 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bromo to Bali?
The fastest way to get from Bromo to Bali is by flight and takes 2h 5m - 3h 25m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bromo to Bali?
The cheapest way to get from Bromo to Bali is by train with ticket costs starting from 90,000 IDR.
About the Author
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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