Indonesia
Surabaya → Makassar
Indonesia’s state shipping line Pelni links Surabaya with Makassar several times a week, its big passenger liners crossing the Java Sea overnight in about 26 to 29 hours — the classic sea route from Java to Sulawesi, with economy berths from Rp 357,500.
Surabaya to Makassar ferry at a glance
The ferry from Surabaya to Makassar takes About 26h – 29h across the Java Sea / Makassar Strait, operated by Pelni. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: pelni: several sailings a week on different ships (about 10 from Surabaya between 12 October and mid-November 2026).
Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-09.
Sources: pelni.co.id · pelni.co.id · How we verify
Return crossing: Makassar to Surabaya
Pelni also sails Makassar to Surabaya, taking About 26h – 29h. From Makassar, direct Pelni sailings to Surabaya take about 25 to 29 hours: e.g. KM Gunung Dempo 19 Oct 06:00 → 20 Oct 08:00, KM Dobonsolo 22 Oct 22:00 → 23 Oct 23:00, KM Sinabung 23 Oct 08:00 → 24 Oct 11:00 (economy Rp 362,500).
Surabaya to Makassar ferry timetable & sailing pattern
Several direct sailings a week on rotating Pelni ships (dates vary by ship)
Published departure times
- KM Dobonsolo: Wed 14 Oct 15:00 → Thu 15 Oct 20:00
- KM Nggapulu: Mon 19 Oct 08:00 → Tue 20 Oct 11:00
- KM Gunung Dempo: Fri 23 Oct 03:00 → Sat 24 Oct 06:00
- KM Sinabung: Sat 24 Oct 19:00 → Sun 25 Oct 21:00
Return: From Makassar, direct Pelni sailings to Surabaya take about 25 to 29 hours: e.g. KM Gunung Dempo 19 Oct 06:00 → 20 Oct 08:00, KM Dobonsolo 22 Oct 22:00 → 23 Oct 23:00, KM Sinabung 23 Oct 08:00 → 24 Oct 11:00 (economy Rp 362,500).
Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.
Official Pelni timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →Source: Pelni ticket search. Verified 2026-10-09.
Maritime Crossing Route Map
Interactive sea passage between Surabaya and Makassar
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Operators on This Route
| Operator | Crossing Time | Vessels |
|---|---|---|
| Pelni | 26h – 29h | KM Sinabung, KM Gunung Dempo, KM Nggapulu, KM Ciremai, KM Dobonsolo, KM Dorolonda, KM Labobar |
Route Features
Vehicles
Foot passengers only
Foot Passengers
Walk-on passengers welcome
Pets
No pet facilities
Distance
417 nautical miles
Getting There & Onward Transport
- Most of these Pelni ships continue from Makassar to eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua)
- Surabaya’s Gapura Surya Nusantara terminal is at Tanjung Perak in the north of the city
Tips for the Surabaya to Makassar Crossing
- Pelni sells tickets up to two months ahead on its website and app; the ticket search shows each ship’s calls and cabin classes.
- KM Leuser also sails Surabaya → Makassar but goes the long way via Bali (Benoa), Bima and Labuan Bajo, taking about 3½ days.