Is there a train to Lampung?

No, there is currently no direct rail connection from Karawang to Lampung.

How long is the ferry crossing?

The ferry crossing from Merak to Bakauheni takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

There are no direct flights from Karawang; you must travel to Soekarno-Hatta Airport first.

Is the toll road safe?

Yes, the Trans-Sumatra toll road is well-maintained and patrolled regularly.

What is the best time to cross?

Early morning or late night to avoid peak traffic at the port.

Karawang

Lampung

Bus Driving

Karawang to Lampung

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Karawang to Lampung covers approximately 350 kilometers via the Trans-Java and Trans-Sumatra toll roads. You will drive or take a bus to Merak Port, then cross the Sunda Strait to Bakauheni Port. The total travel time averages 8 hours depending on ferry queues. This route is the primary gateway for land transport between Java and Sumatra. You will experience the modern infrastructure of the Bakauheni-Terbanggi Besar toll road upon arrival.

Total Distance: 350 km driving distance, 220 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving your own car is the fastest at 8 hours, avoiding bus terminal wait times.

Cheapest Way

Bus travel is the cheapest at 250,000 IDR, offering a direct connection to the city center.

Compare Karawang to Lampung Routes

	Bus Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	10 hours	8 hours
Avg Price	250,000 - 400,000 IDR	500,000 - 800,000 IDR
Operator	Damri or Pahala Kencana	Personal Vehicle
Route	Karawang Bus Terminal to Rajabasa Terminal, Lampung.	Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road to Merak, Ferry to Bakauheni, Trans-Sumatra Toll Road.
Tip	Book your ticket at least one day in advance at the Karawang terminal.	Use the e-toll card with sufficient balance for the entire Trans-Sumatra stretch.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Always book your ferry ticket online via the Ferizy app to avoid long queues at Merak Port.
Toll Balance
Ensure your e-toll card has at least 500,000 IDR to cover the long-distance toll fees.
Departure Time
Travel at night to avoid the heavy industrial traffic around the Cikampek area.
Rest Stops
Utilize the rest areas on the Trans-Sumatra toll road for clean toilets and food.
Local Transport
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for reliable transport within Bandar Lampung.

Safety Tips

Road Conditions
Be cautious of heavy trucks on the Trans-Sumatra highway, especially during rainy weather.
Ferry Safety
Keep your life jacket location in mind once you board the ferry.
Personal Belongings
Keep your valuables in your sight while traveling on public buses.
Emergency Contacts
Save the local police and ambulance numbers for the Lampung region on your phone.