Semarang – Getting There: Central Java

Getting to Semarang is relatively easy from most of the major cities in Indonesia. Although on my first time to Semarang I flew there with Garuda, I have travelled to the city by train which I found to be preferable. Prices by bus, train and plane are reasonable.

By Plane

Semarang’s Airport is Ahmad Yani International Airport. Daily flights by most of the domesic airlines are available – Garuda Indonesia, Merpati Nusantara, Mandala Air, Adam Air, Batavia Air and Sriwijaya Air. Merpati also has daily flight to Surabaya. The airport’s only international flight is to Singapore four times a week by Garuda Indonesia.

By Train

Semarang is connected to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya by trains. There is no railway service to Yogyakarta but a railway line exists, believe it or not!. The Argo Muria express connects Semarang to Jakarta and is very comfortable way to travel. It has a very early departure (5.00am) to Jakarta. Overnight trains are also available. The fastest train between Semarang and Jakarta takes around 6 hours.

Bandung and Surabaya are also connected to Semarang with air-conditioned eksekutif class trains.

By Car

Semarang can be reached by car from Jakarta. It takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on the road traffic. You can choose to leave early in the morning from Jakarta and can expect to arrive in Semarang the next 12 hours. Petrol stations are quite abundant and you see them almost every 5 or 10 kilometers along the road. They have toilet facilities.

By Bus

There are any bus services from Jakarta to Semarang. You can choose to go in the day time with air conditioned (A/C) from Pasar Rebo Bus Terminal in East Jakarta, Kalideres Bus Terminal in West Jakarta or from Lebak Bulus Bus Terminal in South Jakarta.

The overnight bus with A/C is also available. There is also the executive tourist bus Joglosemar, that connects Jogjakarta, Solo and Semarang but beware of thieves on the trip from Yogyakarta to Semarang.