How to get fromJakarta to Pangandaran

What to expect when visiting Pangandaran

Pangandaran is a laidback town in West Java that has only recently gained popularity among foreign tourists. If you’re looking for a serene vibe and an intimate look into local Javanese life, you can definitely find those here.

Pangandaran offers unspoiled and calm beaches – from white to black sand – that transformed this quiet fisherman town into a booming hotspot. It also doesn’t hurt that just 40 km west of Pangandaran is Batu Karas, which offers the same laidback mood but with the addition of good swells!

3 ways to get from Jakarta to Pangandaran

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 360 kilometers (224 miles) from Jakarta to Pangandaran are by: bus (7 to 8 hours), train (9 hours 35 minutes to 10 hours) and flight (2 hours). The journey duration ranges between 2 to 10 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 105,000 IDR (€6.30) for the train.

A cheap way to travel from Jakarta to Pangandaran is by train. There are no direct trains on this route though. You can take the train only up to Banjar, about 65 km away from Pangandaran.

From Banjar, it’s a 2-hour bus ride to Pangandaran. Total fares start from 105,000 IDR (€6.30) for the journey that takes around 9 hours 35 minutes to 10 hours.

From Banjar, you can take a bus to Pangandaran. Two bus companies on this route are Budiman and Sonny Prima. These buses both originate from Tasikmalaya, pick up passengers in Banjar, and then head to Pangandaran (and Cijulang for those going to Batu Karas).

The first bus departure from Tasikmalaya is at 06:00 and there are buses available every one to two hours until 19:00.

You can board the bus at Banjar Bus Terminal, located 3 km from the train station. It’s also possible to hail the bus on the street near the train station.

Fares for a non-airconditioned bus from Banjar to Pangandaran start from 40,000 IDR (€2.40). Travel time is about 2 hours.

The bus makes a stop at Pangandaran Bus Terminal before continuing its journey to Cijulang. At the terminal, you can take the traditional becak to your accommodation with fares from 20,000 IDR (€1.20). If you already know where your hotel is located, you can also just get off the bus near your hotel.

The only direct way to travel from Jakarta to Pangandaran is by bus. You don’t have to worry about transfers, but it’s a long journey that isn’t the most comfortable.

One of the bus companies on this route is PO Gapuraning Rahayu. Ticket prices start from 150,000 IDR (€9) and you can expect a departure every hour from 06:30 to 18:30.

Departure and arrival station

Buses depart from Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal in Jakarta city centre. You can get off the bus early if your hotel is along the highway.

Otherwise, the last stop is Pangandaran Bus Terminal. From here, you can take the traditional becak to your destination. A ride costs 20,000 IDR (€1.20).

There are two nearby airports from Pangandaran: Cijulang Airport and Cilacap Airport.

Susi Air used to offer flights from Jakarta to both airports. However, the last time we checked (April 2023), only flights to Cijulang Airport are available.

The flight from Jakarta to Cijulang takes only an hour. Then, it’s an hour’s ride to Pangandaran by taxi or motorcycle taxi (ojek).

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

The nearest airport to Pangandaran is Cijulang Nusawiru Airport (CJN), located 25 km away. While this airport is closer to Batu Karas than Pangandaran, it is still a short trip from the airport to Pangandaran.

Susi Air is the sole airline on the Jakarta to Cijulang route, with the flights departing from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Central Jakarta. Note that these flights are only on select days, usually Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The flight from Jakarta to Cijulang takes 1 hour and a ticket costs 1,600,000 IDR (€96).

Note that Susi Air uses a small 12-seater aircraft, so seats can sell out fast. Also, allowed free luggage is only up to 10kg. If you’re bringing a surfboard, you have to pay extra.

Pangandaran is about an hour away from Cijulang Airport. You can check your accommodation if they offer private pick-up from the airport. Otherwise, taxis are also available outside, and rates start from 250,000 IDR (€14.90).

A cheaper option is a motorcycle taxi (ojek) for about 100,000 IDR (€6), but we only suggest this if you don’t have heavy luggage or a surfboard with you.

Another airport near Pangandaran is Cilacap Airport, about 80 km away.

The last time we checked (April 2023), Susi Air stopped operating flights to this airport.

There used to be flights from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta to Cilacap Airport, departing at 08:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The journey was about a little over an hour, and fares were around 1,540,000 IDR (€92).

Also here, you can ask your accommodation to arrange a private pick-up beforehand. By taxi, travel time to Pangandaran takes about 2 hours and fares start from 445,000 IDR (€27).