Comparison · Jakarta vs Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Jakarta vs Yogyakarta
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Jakarta for National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and free sights; choose Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan and lower day-to-day costs. Yogyakarta is generally less expensive, and the two are about 427 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 427 km
- Less expensive
- Yogyakarta
- Best time for Jakarta
- May–September
- Best time for Yogyakarta
- May–September
Side by side
| Jakarta | Yogyakarta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Indonesia |
| Known for | National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and Istiqlal Mosque | Borobudur, Prambanan and Kraton |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$160 | $50–$110 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Very affordable |
| Warmest month | August, 33°C (91°F) | September, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | CGK, HLP | YIA, JOG |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Jakarta for…
National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and free sights. Indonesia's capital is a sprawling metropolis of more than ten million people on the north coast of Java. Most visitors focus on three zones: Kota Tua, the old Dutch Batavia with its cobbled square and museums; Merdeka Square around the National Monument…
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Choose Yogyakarta for…
Borobudur, Prambanan and lower day-to-day costs. Yogyakarta, known as Jogja, is the cultural capital of Java and still has a reigning sultan, whose 18th-century palace sits at the centre of the old city. It is the base for two UNESCO World Heritage temple compounds: Buddhist Borobudur about 40 km northwest…
Top sights compared
| # | Jakarta | Yogyakarta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Monument (Monas) | Borobudur |
| 2 | Istiqlal Mosque | Prambanan |
| 3 | Jakarta Cathedral | Kraton (Sultan's Palace) |
| 4 | Fatahillah Square and Jakarta History Museum | Taman Sari Water Castle |
| 5 | Wayang Museum | Malioboro Street |
Food compared
| Jakarta | Yogyakarta |
|---|---|
| Soto Betawi | Gudeg |
| Kerak telor | Bakpia |
| Nasi uduk | Kopi joss |
| Gado-gado | Nasi kucing |
Which is cheaper?
Yogyakarta is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $50–$110 per person there, against $80–$160 in Jakarta (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Yogyakarta on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Jakarta and Yogyakarta are about 427 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Jakarta and 4 in Yogyakarta.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jakarta or Yogyakarta cheaper?
Yogyakarta is usually less expensive: about $50–$110 a day mid-range against $80–$160 (estimates).
+Is Jakarta or Yogyakarta better for a first trip?
Pick Jakarta for National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and free sights, or Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Jakarta from Yogyakarta?
About 427 km in a straight line.