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Ijen is a volcano in East Java famous for its blue fire and turquoise crater lake. The train to Banyuwangi is the cheapest way to get from Bromo to Ijen at $2.00 (36,000 IDR). It takes 3h 15m - 6h 50m. The bus costs more at $4.70 (83,000 IDR). There are also organised tours that bundle both volcanoes into one trip, if you'd rather leave the planning to someone else.
In this guide, we'll cover the different ways to travel from the base camps of Mt. Bromo — Probolinggo, Surabaya, and Malang — to the base camp of Mt. Ijen in Banyuwangi.
Distance from Bromo to Ijen
Bromo and Ijen are about 143 km (89 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 205 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 3h 15m and 3d.
4 ways to travel from Bromo to Ijen
There are four ways to travel from Bromo to Ijen. You can choose between the train, bus, private transport, and minivan. The journey takes 3h 15m–1d and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $2.00 (36,000 IDR).
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2Bromo to Ijen by Train to Banyuwangi
You can take a direct train from Bromo to Ijen if you're staying in one of these base camps
Train from Probolinggo: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Train from Surabaya: 5 to 6.5 hours
Train from Malang: 7 hours
Staying in Cemoro Lawang? The nearest train station is in Probolinggo, which you can reach by taxi or minibus in 1.5-2 hours.
Train from Bromo base camp to Ijen base camp
The most popular base camp for Mt. Ijen is Banyuwangi. You'll want to get off at the main train station, which is Banyuwangi Kota, previously named Karengasem Station. It's just 4 km away from the town centre, so you'll have plenty of options for accommodation in the area.
The trains also head to Ketapang Station beside Ketapang Ferry Port, where you can find the ferries bound for Bali. This train station is about 10 km away from the town centre, and there are fewer hotels around.
You can buy your tickets at the train stations in Probolinggo, Surabaya, and Malang. But we think you’ll save a lot of time if you book them online a few days in advance via 12go.Asia. Tickets often sell out fast, especially the cheaper ones.
Option 1: Train from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi
You can get to Banyuwangi faster if you're staying in Probolinggo. The train journey takes only 3h 15m - 4h 10m.
There are 10 train departures daily from early morning to late evening. Ticket prices start from $2.00 (36,000 IDR) for economy seats and $15 (273,000 IDR) for executive.
Trains depart from Probolinggo Train Station in the town centre. It’s right in front of Central Park and about 1 km from the Port of Probolinggo.
From your hotel, you can take a minibus or taxi to the train station. You can also try hailing a Grab, although their transportation is limited, especially in main transport hubs like Probolinggo Train Station.
Train tickets are available on 12go.Asia.
Option 2: Train from Surabaya to Banyuwangi
Surabaya is the capital city of East Java, so you can expect more train departures from here to Banyuwangi.
The train ride takes around 4h 55m - 6h 35m. Ticket prices range between $3.80 (67,000 IDR) and $30 (535,000 IDR).
In Surabaya, you can catch the train to Banyuwangi from three train stations. Most of the trains depart from Surabaya Gubeng in the city centre.
Surabaya Kota Station is near Chinatown and the ferry terminal. Meanwhile, Wonokromo Station is the closest station to Juanda International Airport. Both stations are about 4 to 5 km away from Surabaya Gubeng.
Train tickets are available on 12go.Asia.
Option 3: Train from Malang to Banyuwangi
From Malang, you have two train options to Banyuwangi. One departs in the morning, the other one departs in the afternoon.
You can choose between economy and executive seats for the morning train. Only economy seats are available on the afternoon train.
Ticket prices start from $4.20 (74,000 IDR). The train journey from Malang to Banyuwanggi takes around 6h 20m - 6h 50m.
Trains depart from Malang Station, 1 km away from Malang city centre. Fares for the short taxi ride from your hotel to the train station start at $1.20 (21,000 IDR).
Train tickets are available on 12go.Asia.
Bromo to Ijen by Bus to Banyuwangi
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 (6-9 hours), and Surabaya (6-9 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!
Option 1: Bus from Probolinggo to Banyuangi
Same as when taking the train, you’ll get to Banyuwangi the quickest when coming from Probolinggo. You can take the cheaper local bus at the public bus terminal or book super executive shuttle buses online.
The last time we checked (February 2023), though, we couldn’t confirm the schedule and fare for the local buses. Tickets used to cost $4.20 (75,000 IDR) for the 6-hour journey from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi. Keep in mind that the public bus terminal in Probolinggo is infamous for scamming, which we explain below.
If you don’t want to risk getting scammed, book super executive buses online instead. Fares are more expensive starting from $4.70 (83,000 IDR), but you’ll get a lot more comfort in return when booking this option.
The main bus station in Probolinggo is Terminal Bayuangga. From the city centre, you can take the yellow minibus to this terminal for $0.30 (5,000 IDR).
Beware that the minibus driver will likely bring you to a tour company to offer you overpriced bus tickets for which they receive a kickback. Simply stay on the bus and politely state that you wish to go to the public bus terminal.
Public bus terminal scam
Many “drivers” and “bus attendants” will try to lure you into buses that supposedly go straight to Banyuwangi. These scammers are usually not actual drivers and attendants. The buses are known to make a final stop elsewhere, from where you’ll have to take another bus to Banyuwangi and pay for that ride again.
Scammers will also overcharge you for bus tickets in an aggressive manner. If you don’t pay, they’ll force you to get off the bus. Thieves are also rampant at this terminal, so keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
Travellers who have been in Probolinggo say that it’s better to wait for the bus from the street, maybe 1 km away from the bus station (in the direction that you are heading). Here, you can pay the correct fare directly to the driver.
Option 2: Bus from Malang to Banyuwangi
Several buses operate from Malang to Banyuwangi. You can choose between 4 departure times, but we suggest taking the bus that departs at 17:00 or 18:00 if you want to make it in time for a sunrise hike in Ijen.
Tickets start from $15 (268,000 IDR) for the bus ride from Malang to Banyuwangi which takes around 8-11h.
Departure and arrival station
All buses offer hotel pick-up and drop-off in Malang and Banyuwangi city centre.
The only exception is the Dewata Indah bus that drops passengers off at Karangente Bus Terminal, which is the same arrival point for the local buses from Probolinggo.
Booking Tip
Option 3: Bus from Surabaya to Banyuwangi
Of all three base camps, you have the most bus options when coming from Surabaya. We recommend taking an executive shuttle when travelling by bus from Surabaya to Banyuwangi. These shuttles are comfortable and direct rides, albeit more expensive than the local bus.
You can book a ticket online via 12GoAsia or EasyBook. Executive bus fares start from $11 (202,000 IDR) and it takes about 8h - 1d 1h to Banyuwangi.
Departure and arrival station
All executive shuttles offer hotel pick-up and drop-off in Surabaya and Banyuwangi city centres. On the other hand, DAMRI buses depart from Terminal Bangurasih and arrive at their own station in Banyuwangi city centre.
Note that there are several other bus companies departing from different districts in Surabaya city. You can check which bus departs closest to your hotel by using the filter option on EasyBook. Most of them have the same departure time of 19:00 with fares from $11 (200,000 IDR).
Booking Tip
There are also several local buses that operate from Surabaya to Banyuwangi. However, most of them don’t make a stop in Banyuwangi city centre. They either go straight to Ketapang Harbour (30 minutes from town) or end their journey in Jember, from where you’ll have to take another bus to Banyuwangi.
The last time we checked (February 2023), we couldn’t confirm the schedule of the local buses. These buses from Surabaya to Banyuwangi used to cost $6.20 (110,000 IDR).
Bromo to Ijen by Organised Tour
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.
Tours to Bromo and Ijen
Bromo to Ijen by Minivan
The journey from Bromo to Ijen by minivan takes 3h 40m - 6h and costs start from $110 (1,946,000 IDR).
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Ijen?
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.
Starting point
First things first. There are four common base camps for hiking Mt Bromo: Cemoro Lawang (next to the Bromo), Probolinggo (50 km northeast), Malang (55 km west), and Surabaya (125 km northwest). In short, if you're thinking of exploring Bromo and Ijen along with Sewu Waterfalls, Malang is your best bet. If you're only planning on visiting the volcanoes, we recommend that you stay in Cemoro Lawang.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bromo to Ijen, roughly 143 kilometres (89 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $2.00 (36,000 IDR). The quickest trip takes 3h 15m.
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 Ijen?
The distance from Bromo to Ijen is 143 kilometres (89 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bromo to Ijen?
Journey times from Bromo to Ijen overlap: train to banyuwangi 3h 15m - 6h 50m, bus to banyuwangi 4h - 1d 1h, organised tour 24-72h, minivan 3h 40m - 6h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bromo to Ijen?
The cheapest way to get from Bromo to Ijen is by train with ticket costs starting from 36,000 IDR.
How to get from Banyuwangi to Ijen
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.
Can I hire private transport to reach Ijen?
Can I drive to Ijen by motorbike?
Renting a scooter is the cheapest way to get from Banyuwangi to the foot of Mt. Ijen. It should cost less than 100,000 IDR to rent one for 24 hours. However, we only recommend this for veteran drivers who have a lot of experience riding in Southeast Asia.The roads from Banyuwangi to Ijen are especially difficult since you'll be travelling at night and probably passing those roads for the first time. Also, keep in mind that you're about to hike after, and it will be better to save your energy for that.
If you want to see what Ijen is famous for, which is its blue fire, then you should definitely get to the crater before sunrise. Most travellers depart from Banyuwangi at midnight so they can start their climb as soon as it opens at 02:00 in the morning. The hike to the Ijen crater takes 2 to 3 hours.
Route Update History
- Bus operator no longer listed: Gunung Harta.
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus departure times.
- New bus operators: Gunung Harta, Beautiful Malang.
- New bus operator: Bintang Wangi Indotrans.
- Bus operators no longer listed: Putri Travel Banyuwangi, Crot Travel, Arjuna Travel.
- New bus operator: PT Bintang Wangi Indotrans.
- Bus operators no longer listed: Dewata Indah, Bintang Wangi Indotrans.
- New bus operator: Gunung Harta.
- Bus operators no longer listed: Sinar Bali 99, Lorena.
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus departure times.
Updated train prices.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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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