Major city · Indonesia
SoloSurakarta
Give Solo 2 nights: one full day for the kraton, Mangkunegaran and batik museums, one for a Sangiran or Prambanan run. Skip it if you only have 3 nights in Java.
Solo (Surakarta) is Central Java's court city, 60 km east of Yogyakarta and quieter than its twin. Two royal palaces, a batik museum with the largest collection in Indonesia and the Sangiran early-man site sit within a day of each other. Most travellers pass through on the Yogyakarta–Surabaya rail line; two nights is the working minimum, three if you add a temple day trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- May–Sep (drier)
- avoid Nov–Mar (wettest), and the tail of Ramadan into Idul Fitri
- Airport
- SOC
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Solo112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Solo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- SafetySolo is a low-crime city by Indonesian standards; the real risks are traffic, uneven pavements after rain, and pickpockets in crowded markets.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency · 110 police · 113 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSOC Adisumarmo International Airport (14 km (8.7 mi) north of the centre; direct flights from Jakarta, Bali and Kuala Lumpur.SOC Adisumarmo International Airport (8.7 mi (14 km) north of the centre; direct flights from Jakarta, Bali and Kuala Lumpur.
- Getting aroundThe centre is small but traffic makes it slow.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea at a caféRp 15,000–35,000
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice plate at a warungRp 15,000–40,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi flagfall and per kmPhone booking minimum Rp 25,000.Rp 5,500 first km, then Rp 3,750/km
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekRp 100,000–200,000
- Museum or sight ticketBatik museum entry (Danar Hadi)Includes a guided tour; students Rp 15,000.Rp 35,000
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personRp100,000
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp450,000
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp900,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp350,000 · Mid Rp700,000 · High Rp1,500,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SOC Adisumarmo International Airport (14 km (8.7 mi) north of the centre; direct flights from Jakarta, Bali and Kuala Lumpur. Batik Solo Trans bus, fixed-fare taxi counter, or the airport train to Solo Balapan (about 20 min).)SOC Adisumarmo International Airport (8.7 mi (14 km) north of the centre; direct flights from Jakarta, Bali and Kuala Lumpur. Batik Solo Trans bus, fixed-fare taxi counter, or the airport train to Solo Balapan (about 20 min).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Oct (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jan (19 rain days), driest Aug (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Solo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
19 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small but traffic makes it slow. Ride-hailing (Gojek, Grab) is the default for short hops; taxis are metered with a phone-booking minimum. Batik Solo Trans buses are the cheapest option at Rp 4,500. Becak, ojek and andong cover short leisure rides. Jalan Slamet Riyadi closes to traffic Sunday 06:00–09:00.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Sangiran Early Man Site
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Car or ride-hailing north to Kalijambe, Sragen (about 16 km (9.9 mi))Car or ride-hailing north to Kalijambe, Sragen (about 9.9 mi (16 km))
UNESCO-listed fossil site with a modern museum; open 07:30–16:00. Pair with the Colomadu sugar factory on the way back.UNESCO-listed fossil site with a modern museum; open 7:30 AM–4:00 PM. Pair with the Colomadu sugar factory on the way back.
Prambanan and Yogyakarta
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
KRL commuter train from Balapan or Purwosari to Yogyakarta, about 1.5 h, then local transport
Doable as a long day but better as a Yogyakarta base; the commuter fare is about Rp 8,000.
Colomadu Sugar Factory (De Tjolomadoe)
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Car west toward the airport, about 20 min
Restored 1861 mill turned museum and events space; entry about Rp 35,000. Closed Mondays.
Sukoharjo and Wonogiri
cautionDoor to door: 30–60 min
Commuter line south from Solo Kota station
Small stations, limited services — check the timetable before committing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Jalan Slamet Riyadi / Laweyan
The main avenue: pavements, hotels, malls, cafés, and the Radya Pustaka museum. Walkable to the kraton at the west end. Best first-timer base.
Around Solo Balapan station
Rail and bus arrival point, pedestrian bridge to Tirtonadi terminal. Practical for one night or an early departure.
Near the kraton / alun-alun
Old-city lanes, batik workshops and warung food; quieter at night, fewer mid-range hotels.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp 350,000–600,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Rp 600,000–1,200,000 excl. bed
- High
- Rp 1,200,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × Rp450,000 | Rp900,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × Rp700,000 | Rp2,800,000 |
| Airport train, SOC to Solo Balapan, one way2 × Rp7,000 · check | Rp14,000 |
| Batik Solo Trans bus, one trip2 × Rp5,000 · check | Rp9,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Rp150,000 | Rp300,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp402,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp1,106,000 per person per day, bed included | Rp4,425,000≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in rupiah; flights and long-distance rail excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea at a café | Rp 15,000–35,000 |
| Noodle or rice plate at a warung | Rp 15,000–40,000 |
| Bottled water (600 ml) | Rp 4,000–8,000 |
| Batik museum entry (Danar Hadi)Includes a guided tour; students Rp 15,000. | Rp 35,000 |
| Keraton Kasunanan entryGuide included; professional camera fee extra. | Rp 35,000 domestic / Rp 60,000 international |
| Puro Mangkunegaran entryPhoto fee about Rp 3,500; guide tip expected. | Rp 20,000 domestic / Rp 50,000 international |
| Taxi flagfall and per kmPhone booking minimum Rp 25,000. | Rp 5,500 first km, then Rp 3,750/km |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | Rp 100,000–200,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Some sights are closed for renovation: South Alun-alun, Fort Vastenburg and Taman Balekambang were all shut as of May 2024 — check before you walk.
- Confirm palace opening days: Puro Mangkunegaran runs Wed–Mon 08:00–14:30 (Thu to 14:00) and Keraton Kasunanan hours vary.Confirm palace opening days: Puro Mangkunegaran runs Wed–Mon 8:00 AM–2:30 PM (Thu to 2:00 PM) and Keraton Kasunanan hours vary.
- Batik museum photography is not allowed; leave the camera in the bag.
- Solo is conservative: dress modestly at palaces and mosques, and expect calls to prayer from early morning.
- Cross-city traffic at rush hour can double a 15-minute ride — add buffer before train departures.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 113
Pocket card
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SoloSurakarta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tolong ke alamat iniTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency112
- Police110
- Fire113
Embassy
No embassies in Solo; most are in Jakarta, with consulates in Surabaya and Bali. The US, UK, Australia and Canada all maintain missions in Jakarta — check the current address before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport train SOC → Solo Balapan: about Rp 7,000, 20 min (check)
- Batik Solo Trans bus: Rp 4,500 per trip, daily 06:00–18:00, about every 20 min (check)Rp 4,500 per trip, daily 6:00 AM–6:00 PM, about every 20 min (check)
- KRL commuter Solo → Yogyakarta: about Rp 8,000, 1.5 h (check)
- Taxi Solo Balapan → kraton: Rp 25,000–40,000
Say or show
- Permisi / Maaf — Excuse me / Sorry (per-mee-see / ma-af)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (te-ree-ma ka-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (be-ra-pa har-ga-nya)
- Bisa bayar pakai kartu? — Can I pay by card? (bee-sa ba-yar pa-kai kar-too)
- Di mana toiletnya? — Where is the toilet? (dee ma-na toy-let-nya)
- Tolong antar ke alamat ini — Please take me to this address (to-long an-tar ke a-la-mat ee-nee)
Save the emergency numbers and your accommodation address offline before you arrive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Solo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (drier) · avoid Nov–Mar (wettest), and the tail of Ramadan into Idul Fitri · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SOC: last Batik Solo Trans departures, fixed-fare taxi counter, airport train to Balapan, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Slamet Riyadi, the kraton and alun-alun, Mangkunegaran, and Balapan/Tirtonadi.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Keraton Kasunanan, Puro Mangkunegaran, Danar Hadi, Radya Pustaka, Sangiran) and eat pages with last orders.
- Renovation-status fixtures for South Alun-alun, Fort Vastenburg and Taman Balekambang so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialSurakarta city government
- officialSurakarta tourism portal
- officialAdisumarmo International Airport
- officialSangiran Early Man Site (UNESCO)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Solo, revision 5332079 (CC BY-SA 4.0)