Since January 2020, all domestic flights to Jogja land at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). Unlike Adisutjipto Airport (JOG), this new airport is pretty far—around 42 km—away from the city center. Just for comparison, the distance from Monas to Soekarno Hatta Airport is only about 25 km.
The distance makes transportation costs to and from YIA a bit pricier. But don’t worry! There are plenty of transportation options, like shuttle buses and the Prameks train, which costs just Rp 8,000. You can also save on transport by booking a tour package, so you won’t have to pay extra for the trip from the airport to your hotel.
Here’s a quick overview of transportation options from Yogyakarta International Airport and their prices.
Location Yogyakarta International Airport
Unlike Adi Sutjipto Airport, which is only about 10 km from the city center and takes around 30 minutes to reach, Yogyakarta International Airport is about 45 km away and takes roughly 1.5 hours by car. This airport is located in Temon District, Kulon Progo Regency, in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The airport is designed to serve not just domestic flights within Indonesia but also international ones, like from Singapore and Malaysia. In the future, the government plans to increase direct flights to more countries.
The runway is large enough to accommodate big planes like the Airbus A380 or Boeing 777/747. With the new Yogyakarta International Airport, it’s hoped that the city will attract even more visitors in the future.
Read more: Viewing Yogyakarta’s Sky through Pintoe Langit Dahromo in Yogyakarta
3 Ways to Get from Yogyakarta Airport
The 3 ways to travel the distance of 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Yogyakarta Airport are by: bus (1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours), taxi (1 hour 30 minutes) and train (1 hour 10 minutes).
The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours and the quickest way is by train. The lowest priced tickets start from 20,000 IDR ($1.30) for the train.
1. Train
Since the completion of the new railway station at Yogyakarta Airport in 2021, it’s now possible for travellers to take the train from the airport directly to the city centre.
In the past, Wojo Station was the closest railway station to Yogyakarta International Airport, located 6.5 km away. It used to be a popular option when travelling from the airport to the city centre.
The new train station at the airport offers more departures with cheaper tickets than Wojo Station. From the airport, the train ride to Yogyakarta city centre takes only 40 minutes. Tickets are as cheap as 20,000IDR.
Departure and arrival station
The airport train station is located outside the terminal building. Outside the arrivals hall, take the escalator one level up and walk for 5 minutes towards the train station.
Once in the city centre, Yogyakarta Train Station, also known as Tugu Station, is near the famous Malioboro street.
2. Bus
Another direct option between Yogyakarta Airport and the city centre is to take the bus. Conveniently, buses have several drop-off points in the city, which makes it a good alternative to the train if your accommodation is not close to the train station.
Damri and Satelqu offer several trips from Yogyakarta Airport to Jogja city centre daily. The first trip is at 04:00 and there are bus departures almost every hour until 15:00. Bus ticket prices start from 70,000 IDR
Note that travel time between the airport and the city centre is about 1.5 hours, but with the traffic, it may take up to 2 hours.
3. Taxi
If you prefer a private transfer, taxis, including Grab and Gojek, are also available at the airport.
There are at least two different kinds of taxis that you can take from Yogyakarta Airport to the city centre. Whichever one you pick, travel time is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Grab taxi fares from Yogyakarta Airport
Grab and Gojek have several stands at the arrival hall of Yogyakarta Airport. The staff can assist you with booking a taxi, or you can just check the rates yourself on the app.
During peak hours, the rates are normally higher than the airport taxis or Klook. Note that you also need an internet connection to book a Grab taxi, but there are staff to assist you with the booking.
A Grab taxi from Yogyakarta Airport to Malioboro Street starts from 200,000 IDR.
Klook taxi fares from Yogyakarta Airport
We recommend booking online beforehand with Klook if you plan to take a taxi for this route. They offer spacious cars with reliable drivers starting from 255,000 IDR
Departure and arrival station
Both Damri and Satelqu buses are parked outside the arrivals hall at the airport. You’ll be able to easily spot them by their company names boldly printed on the side of the vehicles.
These buses have several destinations within and outside the city centre, so ask the driver beforehand where they are heading. If you’re not sure which bus to take, tell the driver where your hotel is located so that he can direct you to the bus that passes by the nearest bus stop.
When travelling from the city centre to the airport, you can take the Damri bus from Perum Damri station along Jl. Majapahit. Here, buses are available from 07:00 to 21:00.
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Transportation Options to the Citycenter of Yogyakarta
There are several transportation options to get from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to the city center. The government has provided various public transport services to support the airport’s operations.
Additionally, there are private transport options for those who prefer a more personal way to reach Yogyakarta. Each transportation option has its pros and cons, so I’ll explain the different choices to help you decide.
1. The Airport Train
The airport train in Yogyakarta could be the best option to get from the airport to the city center. There are two types of trains: one costs IDR 20,000 and the other IDR 50,000.
Both are under $5, and honestly, there’s not much difference between them except for the price, and there’s no significant difference in travel time.
The airport train is also the fastest option compared to other transportation methods, taking about 40 minutes. It stops at one station called Wates Station before reaching Yogyakarta’s main train station (YK).
How to get Airport Train
It’s really easy to find the airport train station. Once you exit the airport, just follow the signs to the train station—there are plenty of directions.
You can buy tickets directly at the airport train station, but sometimes tickets might sell out, so it’s better to make a reservation through this website: reservation.railink.co.id. This link is for short-distance train reservations in Indonesia. For long-distance trains in Indonesia, you can download the KAI Access app.
Personally, the airport train would be my top choice for getting from the airport to the city center. It’s fast, cheap, clean, and it stops right in the city center at Yogyakarta’s main train station (YK), which is close to Malioboro Street.
Malioboro is the most famous street in Yogyakarta, where you can stroll, shop at local markets, or enjoy street food. The station is also about 2 km from the Kraton Yogyakarta, the Sultan’s palace.
What to consider to take airport train?
However, when you choose the airport train, you need to think about your hotel location. Once you arrive at Yogyakarta’s main train station (YK), you’ll need to switch to another form of transport to get to your final destination.
But it’s easy to find taxis at the station—you’ll see plenty of taxi counters right after you get off the train. I think the airport train is perfect for solo travelers with just a backpack. For families with a lot of luggage, it’s still fine, but I’d recommend other transport options.
So, the downside is that if you’re traveling with a family and lots of luggage, you’ll need to switch transport twice. I think the airport train is great for solo travelers with just a backpack, but for families, it’s still a good option, though I’d suggest considering other transportation.
2. DAMRI Airport Shuttle from Yogyakarta Airport (YIA)
Another option for public transportation is the DAMRI airport shuttle bus. It’s affordable, just like the airport train, with tickets priced around IDR 50,000 depending on your final stop.
There are several drop-off points, such as Grand Inna Hotel Malioboro, Sleman City Hall, and Adisutjipto International Airport. If you’re headed to the city center, you’ll want to choose Grand Inna Hotel Malioboro as your final stop.
This hotel is located right on Malioboro Street and is just a 2-minute walk from Yogyakarta’s main train station. As of writing this blog, the shuttle schedule has changed a few times, but from the latest info, the buses follow flight arrival times.
How to get DAMRI ?
The DAMRI Shuttle is easy to find. After you exit the airport, just walk straight for about 50 meters, and you’ll see the DAMRI Shuttle parking area right in front of the exit.
You can buy tickets on the spot, no need to reserve in advance. The ticket counter is near the shuttle area, and you can ask the staff at the counter which stop is closest to your accommodation.
What to consider to take DAMRI ?
If you choose the DAMRI Shuttle, the trip will take about 1.5 hours. It’s slower than the airport train because of traffic on the roads. The main advantage of taking the shuttle is the variety of drop-off points available.
Just like the airport train, once you reach your final stop, you’ll need to switch to another form of transportation to reach your destination. Keep in mind that this might not be as easy if you have a lot of luggage or if you’re traveling in a group.
3. Book a Yogyakarta Airport Pickup in Advance
As mentioned earlier, if you’re traveling solo with not much luggage, the airport train or shuttle is a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable option, you can book a private airport transfer in advance.
The great thing about this is that you’ll get direct transportation to your hotel without needing to change vehicles. The cost for a private pickup usually ranges from IDR 350,000 to IDR 500,000 per car for up to 5 people from the airport to the city center.
The trip takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. So, if you’re in a group with a lot of luggage, this might be worth the price.
4. Airport Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
The last option is taking an airport taxi. There are plenty of taxi agencies at the airport, and you’ll find the taxi counters inside, just before the exit. Fares usually range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 400,000, depending on your destination. In some cases, you might be able to negotiate the price.
If you’re not into negotiating with the airport taxis, you can also book an online taxi through an app. Just download the GOJEK app, which is like the local version of Uber, and you can book your ride there.
The prices on the app are usually more affordable, but keep in mind that fares can change depending on traffic and peak hours.
Best Places to Stay di Yogyakarta
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Yogyakarta!
1. Jogja Village
If you crave a tropical haven in the heart of the city with a stunning outdoor pool, Jogja Village is an ideal option.
It’s a 10-minute drive from Kraton Palace and is surrounded by a host of cool coffee shops and boutiques.
Choose from a range of colourfully decorated rooms, some with romantic four-poster beds and Bali-style open-air bathrooms. There is an excellent restaurant with seating by the pool as well as a fully equipped spa.
It’s one of Yogyakarta’s best family-friendly hotels in its price range and features an indoor play area.
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Family-friendly
- Delicious on-site restaurant
2. Rumah Mertua Heritage – Budget Friendly
Situated on the northern outskirts of Yogyakarta, you’ll enjoy a quiet Bali-style tropical haven with an inviting outdoor pool. Each room is tastefully decorated and includes TV, air-conditioning and modern ensuite bathrooms. The standout feature has to be the evocative garden restaurant with traditional Javanese décor.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Stunning garden
- Spa
- On-site restaurant
3. Snooze
This adult-only cosy guest house is situated in the heart of the Kraton palace district, and is like nowhere else in town.
Rooms are set around a central courtyard filled with tropical plants. In fact, even in the rooms it feels like you have stepped into the rainforest. There are plants, natural bamboo fixtures and colourful jungle murals painted on the walls.
Dotted throughout the guesthouse are several areas to socialise. It features a shared kitchen and coffee shop and airport pickup is available for an additional charge.
- Social and fun atmosphere
- Convenient location
- Garden and terrace
- On-site cafe
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Java, Indonesia, where a world of wonders awaits! Java, the heart and soul of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking experiences.
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