How to Get to Mount Bromo from Bali – Mount Bromo: Best Complete Travel Guide
From Bali To Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most iconic travel destinations, famous for its otherworldly volcanic landscape, breathtaking sunrises, and the vast Tengger caldera. Many international travelers start their journey in Bali, making the common question: How do you get from Bali to Bromo?
This guide will walk you through all available options, including overland routes, flights, ferries, and practical Bali to Bromo tour packages that combine Mount Bromo with Ijen or Surabaya. Whether you’re a backpacker, luxury traveler, or someone seeking a curated journey, this guide will help you plan the most efficient and memorable route.
Why Start Your Bromo Tour from Bali?
Bali serves as a convenient gateway to East Java for several reasons:
- International connectivity: Most travelers land first in Bali before exploring other Indonesian islands.
- Proximity to East Java: Bali is just across the Bali Strait from Banyuwangi (East Java), which connects directly to Mount Ijen and later to Bromo.
- Seamless tour combinations: The Bali → Ijen → Bromo tour package is one of the most popular itineraries, giving travelers the chance to experience two volcano icons in one trip.
Option 1: Bali to Bromo Overland Route
The most popular way to reach Bromo from Bali is via an overland journey that combines bus, ferry, and private transport.
Step 1: Bali to Gilimanuk Port
- Start by traveling from Denpasar or Ubud to Gilimanuk Port in West Bali.
- Travel time: 4–5 hours by bus or private car.
Step 2: Ferry from Bali to Java
- Take the ferry from Gilimanuk (Bali) to Ketapang (Java, Banyuwangi).
- Ferry runs 24 hours, with departures every 30 minutes.
- Duration: 1 hour crossing.
Step 3: Banyuwangi to Mount Bromo
From Banyuwangi, you have two choices:
- Stop at Mount Ijen first for the famous blue fire hike, then continue to Bromo.
- Travel directly to Bromo by private car or bus (8–9 hours).
This option is ideal if you’re on a budget or want to experience both volcanoes in a single trip.
Option 2: Bali to Surabaya by Flight + Drive to Bromo
If you prefer a faster and more comfortable option, flying from Bali to Surabaya is the way to go.
Flight Details:
- Departure: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali
- Arrival: Juanda International Airport (SUB), Surabaya
- Flight time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
- Airlines: Lion Air, Citilink, AirAsia, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia.
Surabaya to Mount Bromo:
- Private car/jeep transfer: 3–4 hours.
- Many operators offer Bromo tour packages from Surabaya with pickup from the airport or hotel.
This option is best if you’re short on time but still want the classic Mount Bromo sunrise tour.
Option 3: Bali to Malang (via Surabaya or Banyuwangi)
Malang is another gateway to Bromo, known for its cooler climate and cultural heritage.
- From Bali, you can take a flight to Surabaya and then travel by train or car to Malang.
- Malang to Bromo takes about 2–3 hours.
- Great if you want to explore Batu (paragliding, waterfalls, apple orchards along the way.
Bali to Bromo Tour Packages
Instead of planning transport separately, many travelers book a Bali to Bromo tour package. Here are the most popular combinations:
1. Bali → Ijen → Bromo → Surabaya (3D2N or 4D3N)
- Day 1: Transfer from Bali to Banyuwangi.
- Day 2: Midnight hike at Mount Ijen (blue fire + sunrise). Continue drive to Bromo.
- Day 3: Mount Bromo sunrise tour → transfer to Surabaya.
- Optional Day 4: City tour in Surabaya or Madakaripura waterfall.
2. Bali → Bromo Only (2D1N)
- Day 1: Ferry from Bali to Banyuwangi, then direct drive to Bromo.
- Day 2: Sunrise tour at Bromo, return to Surabaya or Malang.
3. Luxury & Curated Tours
- Stay at boutique accommodations near Ijen and Bromo.
- Private guides, flexible schedule, curated meals.
- Suitable for bespoke or honeymoon travelers.
Booking a Bali to Bromo package tour ensures you save time on logistics and enjoy a smooth journey with all transport included.
Travel Time Comparison
| Route | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Overland via Banyuwangi | 10–12 hrs | Backpackers, Ijen combo seekers |
| Flight Bali → Surabaya + Car | 5–6 hrs | Short trips, comfort seekers |
| Bali → Malang (via SUB) | 7–8 hrs | Culture & Batu activities |
Extra Travel Tips
- Best time to visit Bromo: April–October (dry season).
- Clothing: Bring warm jackets—temperatures at sunrise can drop to 5–8°C.
- Tour style: If you want to see both Ijen and Bromo, allow at least 3–4 days.
- Alternative routes: Yogyakarta and Jakarta also connect to Bromo, but Bali remains the most practical starting point.