How to Get to Karimun Jawa

How to Get to Karimun Jawa

3Options
40mFastest
$7.20From
ElaMaartenWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten ·

Ferry via Jepara · Ferry via Semarang · Flight

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel to Karimun Jawa. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Karimun Jawa as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Map of Karimun Jawa – Karimun Jawa

3 ways to travel to Karimun Jawa

There are three ways to travel to Karimun Jawa. You can choose between the ferry via Jepara, ferry via Semarang, and flight. The journey takes 40m – 10h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry via Jepara with tickets starting at $7.20 (130,000 IDR).

Ferry via Jeparafrom$7.20130,000 IDR2h 15m – 5hTimes and ticketsFerry via Jepara2h 15m–5h$7.20Cheapest

To Karimun Jawa by Ferry via Jepara

Jepara is the main gateway for people travelling to Karimun Jawa. From Jepara, you can reach Karimun Jawa by either fast or slow ferry. Both ferries on this route are available multiple days a week.

Bahari Express operates the fast boat, which takes 2 hours from Jepara to Karimun Jawa. Tickets cost $19 (345,000 IDR) for the executive class.

The KMP Siginjai slow ferry costs only $7.20 (130,000 IDR) per person. It’s a bigger ferry that takes 3 hours longer than the fast boat.

While it is slower, it's your best bet if you get seasick easily, as it’s more stable. You can also bring your motorcycle or car from Jepara to Karimun Jawa with this ferry.

Departure and arrival port

Both the fast boat and slow ferry depart from Jepara Kartini Ferry Terminal, 10 minutes away from Jepara City Square.

Karimun Jawa Ferry Terminal is on the island's south coast. Outside the port, you’ll find several motorcycle rental shops. You can rent a motorcycle as soon as you arrive to get to your accommodation.

Ferry via Jepara schedule to Karimun Jawa

KMP Siginjai · Slow Ferry$7.20
5h
06:30Fri07:00Sat, Mon, Wed
No online tickets

*Slow ferries leave at departure time or when it is full, whichever comes first.

Bahari Express · Fast Ferry$19
2h 15m
08:0009:0013:00
Tickets

Tickets sold on Direct Ferries

Booking tip

You can buy Bahari Express tickets both online on Direct Ferries and at the port. They're usually cheaper at the pier, but you'll have to come early and be ready for a queue.

During holidays and high season (April to June), fast ferry tickets sell out fast. It's best to book them in advance or ask your accommodation on the island to buy your ferry tickets for you.

Tickets for KMP Siginjai are only available at the port. This slow ferry sometimes leaves before the departure time if it's already full, so it's best to arrive at least an hour in advance.

Getting to Jepara

From Semarang to Jepara

If you arrive in Semarang on a day with no ferry sailing to Karimun Jawa, you can go to Jepara, where fast ferries run daily.

Putra Remaja and DayTrans operate frequent minivan services from Semarang to Jepara. Travel time is 1.5 to 3 hours, and a seat costs around $4.70 (85,000 IDR).

There are several departure points in Semarang, including Tawang Train Station. Pick a minivan that makes a stop at Jepara Kartini Port.

Check Minivan Tickets

From Yogyakarta to Jepara

There are local buses operating from Yogyakarta to Jepara daily. You can find them at Terminal Jombor, some 6 km north of the tourist centre in Yogyakarta.

A bus ticket costs around $5 (90,000 IDR). Note that departure time is infrequent, and you might wait a while at the bus station (or until the next day, if you missed the last bus).

Alternatively, you can book a minivan in advance through 12go.Asia. Citilines and Putra Remaja run minivans from Yogyakarta to Jepara daily. Ticket prices start from $9.60 (175,000 IDR) for the journey that takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours.

Also here, book a minivan that drops you off at Jepara Kartini Ferry Terminal.

Check Minivan Tickets

From Jakarta to Jepara

You can take a direct bus from Jakarta to Jepara. It takes a while, though, with travel time from 7 to 11 hours. This depends on which bus you take and what time it departs from Jakarta.

Bus fares from Jakarta to Jepara start from $20 (360,000 IDR).

Check Bus Tickets
Ferry via Semarangfrom$7.40134,000 IDR7h – 9hHow to get a ticketFerry via Semarang7h–9h$7.40

To Karimun Jawa by Ferry via Semarang

You can also take a ferry from Semarang to Karimun Jawa. Although Semarang is a bigger city than Jepara and has a bigger port, ferries on this route run only once every 2 weeks.

Travel time is 7-9 hours. That's about twice as long as the slow ferry from Jepara. Pelni operates these ferries, which depart Semarang every other Friday at 22:00. They arrive in Karimun Jawa the next morning.

Ticket prices start from $7.40 (134,000 IDR).

To confirm ferry schedules, you can contact Pelni through WhatsApp on 0811-162-1-162, or call their hotline at (021) 162. It's also possible to book tickets via their website, although it's not always reliable.

Check Ferry Tickets

Departure and arrival port

Ferries depart from Terminal Penumpang, about 4 km from Tawang Train Station and 6 km from Poncol Train Station in Semarang city centre. From Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride to the port.

Unlike ferries from Jepara, ferries from Semarang arrive at the Port of Legon Bajak on the island's northeast coast. From here, it takes approximately 45 minutes to the town centre.

If you're carrying bulky luggage, it's best to arrange a ride via your hotel beforehand because there are not a lot of choices at this port. Alternatively, you can take a motorbike taxi with rates from $8.30 (150,000 IDR).

Getting to Semarang

Getting to Semarang is easy from some of the most popular destinations on Java Island: Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. If you're coming from any of these three, read on to find out how you can get to Karimun Jawa via Semarang.

From Jakarta to Semarang

There are 2 ways you can reach Semarang from Jakarta: by train and by flight. In Semarang, both the airport and train station are a short taxi ride away from the ferry terminal

By Train

The train journey takes between 5 and 7 hours from Gambir Station in Jakarta to Semarang Tawang Station. Train tickets on this route range from $15 (280,000 IDR) to $66 (1,200,000 IDR), depending on the train class you pick.

Trains are available from 06:00 to 22:40. If you take one of the morning trains, you'll have a few hours to explore the Dutch colonial city of Semarang before taking the ferry to Karimun Jawa.

That is, if you're taking this trip on a Friday when there's a ferry available from Semarang to Karimun Jawa.

Check Train Tickets

From Surabaya to Semarang

Your best option when travelling from Surabaya to Karimun Jawa is by train via Semarang. You can then take the ferry from Semarang or head to Jepara, where ferries have more departures in a week.

By Train

In Surabaya, you can take the train from Pasar Turi Station to Semarang’s Tawang Station or Poncol Station. Trains to both stations are available almost every hour from 05:50 to 23:00.

Travel time is 3-4.5 hours, with train tickets starting from $6.60 (120,000 IDR).

Check Train Tickets

From Yogyakarta to Semarang

You can get to Semarang from Yogyakarta by either train or minivan. The minivan is faster and a bit cheaper, but you'll most likely be more comfortable on a train.

By Minivan

There are plenty of minivans operating from Yogyakarta to Semarang every day. Ticket prices start from $4.10 (75,000 IDR) for the journey that takes 2-3 hours.

Different minivan companies have varying departure and arrival points. Check these in advance so you can pick a minivan that is convenient for you.

Check Minivan Tickets

By Train

You can find a number of trains running from Yogyakarta to Semarang. But we recommend taking only KAI Train #187-A.

This departs from both Tugu Yogyakarta and Lempuyangan stations. You will arrive at Semarang Tawang Station after about 3.5 hours. A ticket costs around $11 (190,000 IDR).

There are other trains available, but they take a longer route, making the travel time around 7 hours. Tickets are also more expensive, starting at $17 (300,000 IDR).

Check Train Tickets
No online tickets.
Flightfrom$48870,000 IDR40m – 10hTimes and ticketsFlight40m–10h$48

To Karimun Jawa by Flight

The plane is a quick way to get to Karimun Jawa. Two cities have a direct flight to this island: Semarang and Yogyakarta. Susi Air operates flights from both cities.

If you're in the capital, you can take an indirect flight from Jakarta to Karimun Jawa via Semarang.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Option 1: Direct flight from Semarang or Yogyakarta

40m – 50m · $75 (1,360,000 IDR)

Susi Air operates direct flights several times a week from Semarang to Karimun Jawa and from Yogyakarta to Karimun Jawa.

These flights are available on Sunday, Monday, and Friday. Susi Air uses a small Cessna Grand Caravan, which can seat 9 to 12 passengers.

From

Flight Time

Cost

Semarang

07:25 - 08:05

$75 (1,360,000 IDR)

Yogyakarta

10:00 - 10:50

$94 (1,720,000 IDR)

Flight time is 30 minutes from Semarang Ahmad Yani Airport, and 50 minutes from Yogyakarta Adisutjipto Airport.

Flights arrive at Dewadaru Airport in Karimun Jawa.

Check Direct Flights

Option 2: Indirect Flight from Jakarta

8h – 10h · $48 (870,000 IDR)

From Jakarta, you can only fly to Semarang.

These flights depart from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and arrive at Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang.

Flight time is a little over an hour, and airfares start from $42 (760,000 IDR).

Getting to Jakarta Airport

Due to Jakarta’s heavy road congestion, taking the train is by far the fastest and easiest way to get from the city centre to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The train journey to the airport takes about 50 minutes and a ticket costs $4.70 (85,000 IDR).

You can board the train at Sudirman Baru Station in the city centre and alight at Soekarno-Hatta Airport Train Station. From here, there is a free skytrain that connects to all airport terminals.

Getting to Karimun Jawa from Semarang Airport

From Semarang Airport, you can get to Terminal Penumpang in 20 minutes. A taxi ride costs around $5.50 (100,000 IDR).

Note that the ferry from Semarang to Karimun Jawa operates only every other Friday. The ferry ride takes 7-9 hours, and a ticket costs $7.40 (134,000 IDR).

If you're arriving on a day when the ferry from Semarang to Karimun Jawa is not available, you can take a ferry via Jepara instead.

From Semarang Airport, take a taxi to Jepara Kartini Ferry Terminal. Travel time is about 2.5 hours, and the ride costs around $33 (600,000 IDR) to $39 (700,000 IDR).

From Jepara, fast ferries to Karimun Jawa are available daily, although most of them depart in the morning. A ticket costs $19 (345,000 IDR) and the ferry ride takes 2h 15m. Check the fast ferry schedule beforehand to avoid surprises.

Check Indirect Flights

Reach out to our Community

5

Hello!!!! I want to go to karimunjawa in September, we will be coming from labuan bajo, we will have to go to jakarta and from jakarta to semarang and from there to jepara. What I didn't know is that there was an overnight ferry from semarang… perhaps that works out better for me, no?
Thank you!!!!

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Judith, there are indeed ferries from Semarang to Karimun Jawa. However, the ferry on this route departs only every two weeks (every other Friday). The schedule for September isn't out yet on the Pelni website (pelni.co.id), but their departures for August are set for the 4th and 18th.

You can keep checking the website and wait for the September schedule to check if it matches your travel date. Online booking is also available on the website. Keep in mind that this ferry from Semarang to Karimun Jawa takes 7-9 hours, much longer than the 2 to 5-hour ferry ride from Jepara.

PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.

0
1

Hello, what is the best/fastest way for me to get from Jakarta to Jepara?
Unfortunately I have not found a flight from Semarang to Karimun Jawa (has it been discontinued?)
Thanks in advance for a reply
Best regards
Walter

A
AbegailGeckoRoutes team

Hey Walter, unfortunately, flights from Semarang to Karimun Jawa are unavailable and right now we can't confirm when they will resume.

There are also no direct transfers from Jakarta to Jepara, so you'll need to travel via Semarang first. The fastest and most convenient option is a one-hour flight from Jakarta to Semarang (skyscanner.com).

From the airport, you can take a taxi to Jepara Kartini Ferry Terminal. Or, a cheaper alternative is to take the Kencana Luxury Shuttle (kencanaindonesia.com) from its terminal in Semarang city centre to Jepara. I hope you have a safe trip!

PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.

0
1

Hello, I saw the section "By ferry via Semarang" in your article. Unfortunately I have not found any further information about it online. How recent is your information? Can the ticket already be bought online? Kind regards

A
AbegailGeckoRoutes team

Hi Michelle, for the Semarang to Karimun Jawa route, you can check Pelni website (pelni.co.id) for the ferry schedule. You'll also be able to buy your ferry tickets here.

We also suggest checking the ferry options from Jepera to Karimun Jawa. These ferries depart multiple times a week and have shorter travel time compared to the ferries from Semarang. You can book your ferry tickets from Jepera to Karimun Jawa on the Bahari Express website (expressbahari.com).

We've also made sure that we have the most up-to-date information on our Karimun Jawa page to help you the best we can. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Karimun Jawa!

PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.

0
1

Hi!
First of all, thanks for all the information.
Do you have any tips for the return journey from Karimun Jawa to Jepara?
Can you book a return at the port of Jepara, or can you do that on Karimun Jawa?

Thanks in advance :)

0
A
AbegailGeckoRoutes team

Hi Maria, thanks for leaving a comment! We looked into the most recent entrance fees to Karimun Jawa National Park and they match the info you shared with us. We've updated this part on the page, thanks to your comment. PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.

0
1

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get to Karimun Jawa. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get to Karimun Jawa?

Journey times to Karimun Jawa overlap: ferry via jepara 2h 15m - 5h, ferry via semarang 7-9h, flight 40m - 10h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get to Karimun Jawa?

The cheapest way to get to Karimun Jawa is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 130,000 IDR.

CHANGELOG

Route Update History

  • Updated ferry prices.
  • Updated ferry departure times.
  • Flight operator no longer listed: Day Trans.
  • Updated flight prices.
  • Updated flight departure times.
  • Added a new train option for this route.
  • Added a new bus option for this route.
  • Updated ferry prices.
  • Updated ferry departure times.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

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.

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

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