FerryConnect

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

📐 417 Nautical Miles
Surabaya⇄Makassar
⏱ About 26h – 29h · 📐 417 nm
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

Ready to cross from Surabaya to Makassar?

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Pelni26h – 29hKM Sinabung, KM Gunung Dempo, KM Nggapulu, KM Ciremai, KM Dobonsolo, KM Dorolonda, KM Labobar

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

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Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Surabaya to Makassar?
About 26 to 29 hours on Pelni’s direct sailings: for example KM Sinabung leaves Surabaya on 24 October 2026 at 19:00 and arrives in Makassar on 25 October at 21:00 (26 hours); KM Nggapulu leaves on 19 October at 08:00 and arrives the next day at 11:00 (27 hours).
How much is the Pelni ferry from Surabaya to Makassar?
Pelni’s ticket search showed Rp 357,500 in economy for October–November 2026 sailings; on KM Sinabung, cabins were Rp 592,500 (2B) to Rp 1,118,500 (1A).
How often does Pelni sail from Surabaya to Makassar?
Several times a week on different ships: Pelni listed about 10 direct sailings from Surabaya between 12 October and mid-November 2026 (KM Dobonsolo, Dorolonda, Labobar, Nggapulu, Ciremai, Gunung Dempo and Sinabung).
Which ferry companies sail from Surabaya to Makassar?
Pelni operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Surabaya to Makassar ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Surabaya to Makassar ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Surabaya to Makassar ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Surabaya from Makassar by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 417 nautical miles (roughly 772 km).