Are you planning an overland trip from Yogyakarta to Lampung? You’re in the right place! If you have enough time and want to reach Lampung comfortably, this guide will walk you through a smooth journey using various transportation options from Yogyakarta to Bandar Lampung.
Indonesian Railways (KAI)
The journey begins by booking a train ticket from Yogyakarta Station (Tugu) to Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta. You might be wondering, why not get off at Gambir Station instead? The answer is simple: it’s more expensive.
If your goal is to save on travel costs, Pasar Senen Station is the most reasonable choice. By taking the Fajar Utama Yogyakarta train, you can get an economy-class ticket for around IDR 340,000 per person, which is quite affordable for a long-distance trip.
Seat Comfort on Fajar Utama Economy Class
No worries—you won’t be sitting on those old-style 90-degree seats that can make your back sore 😄. The seats on the Fajar Utama Yogyakarta economy train are comfortable enough for long journeys, making the trip much more pleasant.
The total travel time is 7 hours and 20 minutes, departing at 07:00 AM and arriving in Jakarta at around 2:00 PM Jakarta Time. This schedule is perfect if you prefer to leave early in the morning and still have time for activities after arrival.
Budget Meal Tips During the Train Ride
If you want to save more money, it’s recommended to bring your own meals or snacks from outside the station. Food prices outside are generally much cheaper than those inside the station area.
However, if you prefer convenience and don’t want to bother preparing food, you can easily buy meals onboard. For a full meal, prepare a budget of around IDR 40,000 per portion, which is quite reasonable for train food.
DAMRI Bus
After arriving at Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta, you can continue your journey to Gambir Station. From there, DAMRI bus tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket counter or, for more convenience, through the RedBus app.
The DAMRI bus ticket price from Jakarta varies depending on the departure schedule and the bus class you choose, ranging from IDR 255,000 to IDR 425,000 per passenger. To avoid long waiting times, it’s best to select a bus departure that is closest to your train arrival time.
Waiting for Your Bus? Use KAI’s Shower and Locker Facilities
If there is a time gap between your train arrival at Pasar Senen and your bus departure from Gambir, there’s no need to worry. KAI provides shower and locker facilities, allowing you to store your luggage safely or freshen up after a long journey.
While waiting, you can also take a short walk to Monas (National Monument), which is located quite close to Gambir Station. Shower and locker services are available for a rental fee based on usage duration, so you can simply ask the staff or on-site admin for details.
My Experience Taking the DAMRI Bus from Gambir Station
I personally chose a DAMRI bus departing at 10:00 PM (22:00 JAKARTA TIME) from the DAMRI pool at Gambir Station. In terms of facilities, the bus I took was quite comfortable for an overnight journey.
The air conditioning was cool and evenly distributed, the lighting was bright enough yet easy on the eyes, the seats still looked new, and most importantly, the toilet was clean. Keep in mind that the toilet on DAMRI buses is intended only for urination during the trip.
As for the downside, in my opinion, there’s only one: the legroom is a bit tight. With my height of around 170 cm, there was still enough space to rest my legs, but it wasn’t exactly spacious.
Ferry Crossing
It’s important to note that the ferry crossing is already included in the DAMRI bus ticket price, so you don’t need to pay any additional fees. Even so, there are a few essential things you should prepare before boarding the ferry to ensure a comfortable journey.
Food Preparation Before Boarding the Ferry
While waiting for the DAMRI bus to depart, you can buy food at several minimarkets around the station or the DAMRI pool. This is important because food options on the ferry are usually very limited, typically only cup instant noodles.
If you have stomach issues such as GERD (like I do), it’s safer to bring light meals or snacks that won’t trigger acid reflux. Personally, I chose instant onigiri from a well-known minimarket, as it’s practical, filling, and relatively gentle on the stomach.
Merak–Bakauheni Ferry Crossing Duration
The ferry journey from Merak Port to Bakauheni Port, Lampung, takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Honestly, I’m not sure what factors affect the exact crossing time, as it was completely dark outside during the trip.
If you step out onto the deck, you’ll only feel the cool sea breeze and hear the sound of the waves—a surprisingly calming experience, especially if you just want to relax and enjoy some fresh air.
After arriving at Bakauheni Port, the journey continues by DAMRI bus to the DAMRI Pool in Tanjung Karang, Bandar Lampung. The bus arrived at around 4:30 AM (JAKARTA TIME), approximately 1.5 hours earlier than the scheduled time.
Total Travel Time: Overland Route from Yogyakarta to Lampung
Overall, the total travel time for the overland journey from Yogyakarta Station to DAMRI Pool Tanjung Karang is approximately 14 hours, excluding any leisure time, sightseeing, or rest breaks taken in Jakarta.
Is It Worth It?
An overland trip from Yogyakarta to Lampung is indeed quite long, but it can be a fun and memorable experience if well prepared. From food supplies and travel schedules to your physical condition—everything plays an important role in ensuring a comfortable journey.
So, are you interested in trying this overland route to Lampung? Or do you have other recommendations for more comfortable and exciting overland routes? Feel free to share your thoughts!
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