Can you recommend a 2–3-day circuit covering Ijen and Bromo from Ketapang?

Hi Celine, Sounds like an amazing adventure ahead! Travelling independently is possible, but requires quite some planning and research. Luckily we've done most of the work, but to cater it to your exact travel plans might still be a challenge. Also keep in mind that the hike down to Sewu Waterfall can be slippery and is not exactly an easy trek. For all information about travelling around this area, I recommend first reading: this itinerary from Java to Bali (geckoroutes.com). Once you decided which places you want to visit, you can check out the more detailed guides about Bromo (geckoroutes.com) and Sewu Waterfalls (geckoroutes.com). In these articles we explain how to visit these incredible sights yourself (DYI), or with a tour. We don't offer tours ourselves, but we hope this additional info will help to plan your trip! Happy Christmas and travel planning!

How to Get From Bromo to Ijen

Q: Can I hire private transport to reach Ijen?

Yes, rates for private transfers start from on Viator. You'll be picked up just after midnight to admire the dazzling blue flame by night. The package includes a private tour guide, gas mask and a flashlight.

3Options

3h 15mFastest

$2From

Written by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela·

Train to Banyuwangi · Bus to Banyuwangi · Organised Tour

View Map

Map showing route from Bromo to Ijen - 143 km

Bromo → Ijen143 km

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 (36,500 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

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.

~143 km

Straight-line distance

~205 km

Route distance

COMPARE

3 ways to travel from Bromo to Ijen

There are three ways to travel from Bromo to Ijen. You can choose between the train, bus, and private transport. 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 (36,500 IDR).

TransportDurationPrice

Best Value

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.

Bromo

Option 1: Train from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi

3h 15m - 4h 10m$2 (36,500 IDR)

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 (36,500 IDR) for economy seats and $15 (275,000 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 service is limited, especially to main transport hubs like Probolinggo Train Station.

3h17mFrom ProbolinggoProbolinggoBanyuwangi00:4101:5503:1708:1810:4011:34+4$236,500 IDRTickets

Train tickets are available on 12go.Asia.

Option 2: Train from Surabaya to Banyuwangi

4h 55m - 6h 35m$3.80 (67,000 IDR)

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 start from $3.80 (67,000 IDR) for economy seats and $30 (540,000 IDR) for executive seats.

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.

4h57mFrom Surabaya GubengEconomySurabayaBanyuwangi01:3705:5509:2413:3414:4521:50+2$467,000 IDRTickets

5h49mFrom WonokromoSurabayaBanyuwangi06:0713:45$467,000 IDRTickets

6h14mFrom Surabaya KotaSurabayaBanyuwangi13:20$6110,000 IDRTickets

Train tickets are available on 12go.Asia.

Option 3: Train from Malang to Banyuwangi

6h 20m - 6h 50m$4.20 (74,000 IDR)

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).

6h20mFrom MalangMalangBanyuwangi07:5017:18$474,000 IDRTickets

Train tickets are available on 12go.Asia.

Ijen

If you failed to secure train tickets, a budget-friendly alternative to get from Bromo to Ijen is to take the bus.

Buses are available from the same base camps: Probolinggo (4-6 hours), Malang (8-11 hours), and Surabaya (8-9 hours).

It's worth noting that bus travel will take much longer than travelling this route by train. And in terms of comfort, we'll pick the train hands down.

Important: Be mindful of the schedule when taking the bus. If you intend to hike Mt. Ijen as soon as you arrive, you'll want to arrive in Banyuwangi around midnight. If you arrive later than that, you'll have to spend a day in Banyuwangi and start the hike early morning of the next day.

Bromo

Option 1: Bus from Probolinggo to Banyuangi

4h - 5h 45m$4.70 (83,000 IDR)

Same as when taking the train, you’ll get to Banyuwangi the quickest when coming from Probolinggo. Travel time is around 4h - 5h 45m. Bus fares start from $4.70 (83,000 IDR).

You can choose from 2 kinds of buses:

Public buses run by companies like Akas AAA — cheap because it is subsidized by the government, but often full and not the best in terms of comfort.
Private buses from companies like Gunung Harta and Beautiful Malang — more expensive, but also more comfortable.

The main bus station in Probolinggo is Terminal Bayuangga, about 7 km from the city centre. You can take a 20-minute yellow minibus to this terminal for $0.30 (5,000 IDR).

Beware: The minibus driver will likely take you to a tour company to sell you overpriced bus tickets, for which they receive a kickback. Stay on the bus and politely state that you wish to go to the public bus terminal.

Unfortunately, scamming remains rampant at Terminal Bayuangga. We'll tell you more about it in the next section.

In Banyuwangi, buses arrive at either Terminal Brawijaya (3 km from the city centre) or Ketapang Port (10 km from the city).

5h45mAkas AAAEconomyTerminal BayuanggaTerminal Brawijaya00:0001:00$583,000 IDRTickets

4hBeautiful MalangEconomyTerminal BayuanggaKetapang Port20:0021:00$11200,000 IDRTickets

5hGunung HartaExecutiveTerminal BayuanggaKetapang Port18:00$16280,000 IDRTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and Redbus.

Public bus terminal scam in Probolinggo

From the moment you arrive at Terminal Bayuangga, you will most likely be welcomed by touts and so-called "conductors" selling bus tickets. Don't mind them. They sell tickets that are way overpriced, and sometimes even invalid.

If you did not buy your ticket online beforehand, your best bet is to find your way to the buses going to Banyuwangi, get inside, wait until the bus is about to leave, then pay directly to the driver.

Many “drivers” and “bus attendants” will also 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.

Thieves are rampant at this terminal too, so keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Travellers who have been in Probolinggo say it’s better to wait for the bus along 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

8-11h$15 (270,000 IDR)

From Malang to Banyuwangi, the bus journey takes 8-11h. It's quite a long journey, so we recommend taking an executive bus for more comfort. Ticket prices start from 8-11h.

Most buses depart from Terminal Arjosari, 6 km from the city centre.

The arrival point in Banyuwangi is at Ketapang Harbour, 10 km away from the city. Depending on your bus route, the bus may or may not pass by Banyuwangi city centre. If it doesn't, you can take a taxi into the city for around $5.60 (100,000 IDR).

8h50mPT Bintang Wangi IndotransMalangBanyuwangi19:00$12220,000 IDRTickets

8hRestu MulyaExecutiveKantor PO Restu Mulya MalangPelabuhan Ketapang13:0015:0016:00$15270,000 IDRTickets

8hMalang IndahExecutiveTerminal ArjosariPelabuhan Ketapang17:00On requestTickets

8hMalang IndahEconomyTerminal ArjosariPelabuhan Ketapang17:30On requestTickets

10hLadju TransportExecutiveMalang Ladju TransportPelabuhan Ketapang16:00On requestTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and Easybook.

Option 3: Bus from Surabaya to Banyuwangi

8-9h$12 (210,000 IDR)

The bus journey from Surabaya to Banyuwangi takes 8-9h. Also for this route, it's best to take an executive bus if you want to get some rest for the long bus journey.

Ticket prices start from $12 (210,000 IDR).

The main bus departure points in Surabaya are Terminal Bungurasih (15 km south of the city centre) and Terminal Peneleh (3.5 km from central Surabaya).

In Banyuwangi, buses park at Ketapang Harbour, 10 km away from the city.

9hBanyuwangi TravelExecutiveSurabayaBanyuwangi19:00$12210,000 IDRTickets

8h30mGunung HartaExecutivePenelehPelabuhan Ketapang15:00$16280,000 IDRTickets

8h30mGunung HartaExecutiveTerminal Purabaya/BungurasihPelabuhan Ketapang16:30$16280,000 IDRTickets

8hLadju TransportExecutiveKantor Ladju Transport SurabayaPelabuhan Ketapang15:00On requestTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and Easybook.

Booking Tip

Local buses also 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.

Ijen

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 taking public transportation, but everything will be planned for you. From round-trip 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 a quick trip to Ijen and plan on going back to the base camp. There are also several tour companies offering multi-day tours going to Bromo, Ijen, and even Bali.

Tours to Bromo and Ijen

Basecamp	Tour		Cost
Probolinggo	3D2N Bromo and Ijen Tour	$105 (1,860,000 IDR)	Check Tours
Malang	2D1N Bromo and Ijen Tour	$110 (1,980,000 IDR)	Check Tours
Malang	3D2N Bromo and Ijen Tour	$105 (1,860,000 IDR)	Check Tours
Surabaya/Malang	Overnight Ijen Tour	$56 (1,000,000 IDR)	Check Tours
Probolinggo/Malang/Surabaya	2D1N Bromo Ijen w/ Bali Drop-Off	$135 (2,460,000 IDR)	Check Tours

Indicated prices may increase depending on the number of participants on the tour.

Bromo

Ijen

Reach out to our Community

Hi! We are looking to go to indonesia and we would like to organize a trip with you to Bromo and Ijen from Surabaya and finish or surabaya or bali depending.
The dates will be 16-18 of october more or less.
Could be possible to organize with you?
Kind regards!

MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Marta, that sounds like a great plan. We don't organize any trips, but I recommend checking out our post about travelling from Java to Bali (geckoroutes.com). This itinerary also includes a visit to the Sewu waterfall and several more tips. If you want to visit Bromo and Ijen in one tour, you can also book this Bromo + Ijen tour with Klook (klook.com), leaving from Malang. Malang is easy to reach from Surabaya.

Have an amazing trip! Maarten

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 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $2 (36,500 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 4-11h, organised tour 24-72h. 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 36,500 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?

Yes, rates for private transfers start from $54 (960,000 IDR) on Viator. You'll be picked up just after midnight to admire the dazzling blue flame by night. The package includes a private tour guide, gas mask and a flashlight.

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 $5.60 (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.

CHANGELOG

Route Update History

2026-08-01

Bus operators no longer listed: PT Bintang Wangi Indorans, MTrans.
Updated bus prices.
Updated bus departure times.
Bus operator no longer listed: Bali Prima Holidays.

2026-07-26

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.

2026-07-24

New bus operator: Gunung Harta.
Bus operators no longer listed: Sinar Bali 99, Lorena.
Updated bus prices.
Updated bus departure times.

About the Authors

Maarten

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.

ElaReviewer

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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How to Get From Bromo to Ijen

Distance from Bromo to Ijen

3 ways to travel from Bromo to Ijen

Train from Bromo base camp to Ijen base camp

Option 1: Train from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi

Option 2: Train from Surabaya to Banyuwangi

Option 3: Train from Malang to Banyuwangi

Option 1: Bus from Probolinggo to Banyuangi