Transport Guide to Reach Mount Bromo – Cemoro Lawang
Mount Bromo is a volcano located in East Java, Indonesia, that attracts adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. To access Mount Bromo, you will have to traverse through the diverse landscapes of Indonesia. In this comprehensive guide, I will help you explore various transportation options that will make your visit to Mount Bromo a memorable experience, just like the majestic sunrise over its crater.
Starting Your Journey: Getting to Probolinggo
Probolinggo, a town located on the north coast of East Java, is the main gateway for those planning to visit Mount Bromo. Whether you’re traveling from Jakarta, Surabaya, or even as far as Bali, connecting to Probolinggo is your first step toward reaching the mountain. There are other possibilities, but Cemoro Lawang is the most used one. It’s also very convenient if you want to travel to see Ijen.
How to get to Probolinggo
If you are far away, like Bali the best option would normally be to fly. But it’s also possible to take the ferry and train, like I did. If you’re in Jakarta, you can also fly. But if you want the full experience I highly recommend taking the train and travel Java!
Juanda international airport located 12km from Surabaya is great for those who are flying in.
You should still take the train to reach Probolinggo. The earlier the train, the better. Many budget travelers have ended up spending a night in Probolinggo because they have arrived after the latest “cheap” buses. There is not very much to do or see in Probolinggo.
Train to Pobolinggo
The train to Probolinggo is on the line that goes from Surabaya – Banyuwangi. Therefore Mount Bromo is not much of a detour for most travelers. Try to buy train tickets in advance, because they do get sold out often! If you going to Bali or to visit Ijen then take the train from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi after you have visited Mount Bromo.
Bus to Probolinggo
Many buses go to Probolinggo, with good comfort and AC also. Depending on which city you are in. With the bus, you will get more traffic, and the chances of arriving at Probolinggo late in the evening are bigger, depending on where you are coming from. Often the train will also be cheaper.
Other transport methods to Probolinggo
Taking the train is not possible from anywhere, and you will have to make a change to a bus in Probolinggo. If you seek comfort consider paying to get a car or tour operator that will drive you to Cemoro Lawang.
We recommend using apps like Grab/Gojek. At least to get an estimate of what the price should be. If you book a car all the way be aware that the price will be high, depending on where your going from.
Bus from Probolinggo to Cemoro Lawang (Mount Bromo)
After arriving in Probolinggo, you can find local buses to take you to Cemoro Lawang, the nearest village to Mount Bromo. The road leading to the mountain is winding but offers breathtaking views.
Independent travelers can combine public and private transport. Adventurous types can rent motorbikes or cars, but they should be familiar with local driving conditions.
Probolinggo to Cemoro Lawang by bus
You have two options: sharing a minibus with other travelers or taking the local bus.
Arriving in Cemoro Lawang there is an entrance fee of 30,000. This is just to enter the village and not the same fee as for seeing the volcano.
Local bus – The great thing about taking the local bus is that it’s very cheap, only 15,000 RP. The bad is that you should be in Probolinggo as early as possible. The bus only leaves when it’s full, which is 15 people. It is also possible to pay for the seats that are not full, and the bus will leave.
Bayuangga bus terminal is where the bus leaves from. Make sure you don’t pay anybody else than the driver!
Shared Minibus – If you book a bus from a hotel this is usually the bus you will be taking. If you’re walking out of the train station you will often be able to take the bus if you haven’t booked it in advance also. I arrived late to Probolinggo so I decided to go for this option, the bus cost me 75,000.
On the way back from Cemoro Lawang I just jumped on a random minibus driving some guests from a hotel. I had to pay 65,000. I forgot to say that I wanted to go to the train station, so it ended up with them dropping me off at a tour operator. The Grab from there to the train station cost med 20,000 RP.
Tour Options: A Hassle-Free Journey to Mount Bromo
Several tour options are available from Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Bali to take you to Mount Bromo with transportation, accommodation, and sometimes a guide included.
Jeep Excursions to Mount Bromo – An Alternative to Staying in Cemoro Lawang
Visitors who are short on time or those who prefer not to stay overnight in Cemoro Lawang, have the option to take a Jeep tour. These tours can be arranged from Probolinggo or even further away and typically end with a breathtaking sunrise view from Mount Bromo’s viewpoint.
The accommodation is pricey in Cemoro Lawang, so if you are going for a Jeep tour you can stay somewhere further away and still make it for the sunrise. But if you go for the Jeep tour you will have to pay the entrance fee for Mount Bromo! Read more about that in our guide for Visiting Mount Bromo!
Practical Tips for the Journey to Mount Bromo
It’s important to take into account the time of day and local climate when planning your journey. If you want to avoid the midday heat, early morning departures are often the best option. When packing, make sure to include warm clothing, as the temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes. Pack some snacks for the journey as well, they’ll come in handy.
Embarking on a journey to Mount Bromo is an expedition that will take you deep into the volcanic heart of Indonesia. By making the right transportation choices, you can ensure that your trip to this magnificent mountain will be an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe.
For the budget traveler, we highly recommend taking the bus. Try arranging it in advance if you’re not in Probollingo in the morning. But always avoid paying in advance if possible, because delays happen and you might lose the money if you pay in advance for a service you won’t get if you experience delays.
