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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 140 kilometre distance from Bromo to Ijen. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 3 ways to get from Bromo to Ijen. You can choose between the train to banyuwangi, bus to banyuwangi, organised tour. The most affordable option is by train to banyuwangi, starting from $30. The fastest route is by train to banyuwangi (3h 35m).
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3h 35m
$30
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4h 25m
$180
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72h
$950
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Direct trains are available from Bromo to Ijen if you’re staying in one of these three base camps:
The trains also head to Ketapang Station beside Ketapang Ferry Port, where ferries to Bali depart from. This train station is located about 10 km away from the town centre, and there are fewer hotels around. This station is recommended if you don’t want to visit Ijen but want to go straight to Bali.
You can buy your tickets at the train station, but we think you’ll save a lot of time if you book them online via Tiket.com. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of scoring cheaper tickets.
From ~$30 · 3h 35m - 7h 5m
Direct operator sites
One option is to take a bus from Bromo to Ijen. Buses are also available from the same base camps: Probolinggo (4.5-6 hours), Malang (9 hours), and Surabaya (7.5-10 hours).
For us, the train is the better option in terms of travel time and costs. However, if you’re not really keen on taking long train rides, you can read on for a detailed guide!
Mt. Ijen, located 35 km northwest of Banyuwangi, is a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Banyuwangi city centre.
There are 3 ways you can travel from Banyuwangi to Mt. Ijen: by renting a private 4x4 jeep and driver, by joining an organised tour, or by renting a scooter and driving on your own.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Mt. Bromo and Mt. Ijen are two popular volcanoes in East Java. Both have their own charm - Bromo with its stunning views and Ijen with its blue fire. If you get the chance, we definitely recommend visiting both of these highlights in Java.
With a distance of 140 km between Bromo and Ijen, you can fit climbing both peaks in just 2 days. That's if you're in a hurry and don't get tired easily. If you have more time, you may want to include a visit to the nearby Sewu Waterfalls as well.
Note that to climb Mt. Ijen, you first have to get to Banyuwangi. Located 35 km away, it is the usual base camp for the so-called "mountain of fire" of Mount Ijen.
If you don’t want the hassle of planning your trip from Bromo to Ijen, you can join organised group tours instead.
This option is usually more expensive than when taking public transportation, but everything will be planned for you. From roundtrip transfers, tour guides, entrance fees, and masks, you won’t have to worry about anything during your trip. Most tours also include 1 or 2 nights of accommodation.
Midnight tours are available if you want just a quick trip to Ijen and plan on going back to the base camp. There are also a number of tour companies offering multi-day tours going to Bromo, Ijen, and even Bali.
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Carbon Footprint
This 140 km journey produces approximately 12 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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