27.02.2026

Rent a Car in Jogja | Self-Drive or Private Driver Option & Things To Do

Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia's most rewarding destinations. From the sandy beaches of Gunung Kidul to the cool hills of Kaliurang, there is so much to see.

But here is the challenge. Public transport is limited. Tours follow rigid schedules. Taxis add up fast.

The solution? Rent a car in Jogja with WAHDAH and discover this amazing region at your own pace.

This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car in Yogyakarta. If you want the freedom of self-drive or the convenience of a local driver, we have you covered.

Quick Guide: Rent a Car in Jogja Options

Option	Best For	What's Included	Perfect For
Self-Drive (Lepas Kunci)	Independent travelers	Just the car, full control	Couples, small groups, adventurous types
With Driver	Relaxed explorers	Car + professional driver	Families, first-time visitors, larger groups

Why Rent a Car in Jogja?

Question: Is renting a car in Yogyakarta worth it?
Answer: Absolutely. Here is why.

Freedom to Explore
Jogja's best spots are spread out. Borobudur is about an hour from the city center. Prambanan is about 30 minutes east. The beautiful beaches of Gunung Kidul are 1-2 hours south. With your own car, you can visit multiple places in one day without worrying about bus schedules or tour itineraries.

Your Schedule, Not Someone Else's
Want to spend an extra hour watching sunrise at Borobudur? Great. Feel like lingering at a local market? No problem. With a rental car, you call the shots.

Save Money with Groups
Splitting the cost of a rental car between friends or family often works out cheaper than buying multiple tour packages. Plus, you travel together in comfort.

Reach Hidden Gems
The best Jogja experiences aren't always on the main tourist trail. That remote waterfall, that quiet beach, that village known for its handicrafts, you can only reach them with your own wheels.

Beat the Heat
Jogja can get hot. Having a car with air conditioning means you can cool off between destinations and arrive at each spot feeling fresh.

Your Biggest Decision: Self-Drive or With Driver?

Question: Should I choose self-drive (lepas kunci) or a car with driver?
Answer: Both are excellent options. It depends on your travel style.

Choose Self-Drive (Lepas Kunci) If:

You Are...	Why It Works
A confident driver	Jogja roads are manageable with some experience
On a tighter budget	Self-drive is significantly cheaper
Spontaneous	You love making last-minute detours
Staying for several days	Daily savings add up quickly

What you need:

Valid driver's license from your home country
International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-ASEAN countries
Confidence driving in Indonesian traffic

Choose With Driver If:

You Are...	Why It Works
Unfamiliar with local roads	Let a professional navigate
Traveling with family	You can focus on each other, not traffic
Planning a full itinerary	Drivers know shortcuts and timing
Celebrating something special	Pure relaxation from pickup to drop-off

What's included:

Car and professional local driver
Driver's meal and fuel
Parking fees
Local knowledge and recommendations

WAHDAH gives you both options. The choice is yours.

Why WAHDAH is Your Best Partner to Rent a Car in Jogja

Question: What makes WAHDAH different for car rental in Yogyakarta?
Answer: We focus on what actually matters to travelers: freedom, transparency, and reliability.

1. Unlimited Mileage

Most rental companies charge extra if you drive too far. We do not. With unlimited mileage, you can explore from Borobudur to Gunung Kidul to Kaliurang without watching the odometer.

2. Flexible Pickup and Drop Off

Arriving at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA)? Need a car at your hotel in Malioboro? Staying in a homestay near Prambanan? We meet you anywhere. Need to return the car at a different location? No problem. We make it easy.

3. Well Maintained, Clean Vehicles

Nothing ruins a trip like a breakdown. Every WAHDAH car is regularly serviced, thoroughly cleaned, and checked before you get it. Cold AC, comfortable seats, and no unpleasant surprises.

4. Local Customer Support

Lost? Need help? Our local team answers the phone. We actually care about your trip.

5. Transparent Pricing

What you see is what you pay. No hidden "administration fees" when you return the car. No surprise charges. Just honest, upfront rates.

6. Self-Drive or With Driver Options

Total freedom or complete relaxation, you choose. Both options come with the same commitment to quality and service.

Top Destinations You Can Reach with Your Rental Car

With your WAHDAH rental car, all of Yogyakarta opens up. Here is what is waiting for you:

Destination	Drive Time from City Center	Why Go
Borobudur Temple	1 - 1.5 hours	World's largest Buddhist temple
Prambanan Temple	30 minutes	Unique Hindu temple complex
Malioboro Street	10-15 minutes	Shopping, street food, vibrant atmosphere
Kraton (Sultan's Palace)	15 minutes	Javanese culture and history
Taman Sari Water Castle	15-20 minutes	Historic garden and bathing complex
Gunung Kidul Beaches	1.5 - 2 hours	Stunning coastal scenery, hidden coves
Kaliurang	1 hour	Cool mountain air, views of Mount Merapi
Jomblang Cave	1.5 hours	Epic cave adventure
Pinusan Kragilan	1.5 hours	Famous hills with great views
Kota Gede	20 minutes	Silver craftsmanship, historic area

Pro tip: With unlimited mileage, you can combine multiple destinations in one day. Visit Borobudur at sunrise, explore Prambanan in the afternoon, and enjoy Malioboro in the evening. No extra fees.

Sample Jogja Itineraries with a Rental Car

3-Day Jogja Highlights

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1	Arrival, pick up car	Explore Malioboro, Kraton	Dinner at local restaurant
Day 2	Sunrise at Borobudur	Prambanan Temple	Ramayana Ballet (optional)
Day 3	Gunung Kidul beaches	Return to city	Departure

Adventure Seeker's 4-Day Trip

Day	Activities
Day 1	Arrival, city tour (Kraton, Taman Sari, Kota Gede)
Day 2	Sunrise Borobudur + Jomblang Cave + Kaliurang
Day 3	Full day exploring Gunung Kidul beaches
Day 4	Shopping at Malioboro, departure

Rent a Car in Jogja: FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Jogja?
If you are from an ASEAN country, your home country license is generally accepted. For travelers from outside ASEAN, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and often required by rental companies.

Is it safe to self-drive in Yogyakarta?
Yes, but be confident. Jogja roads can be busy, especially around Malioboro and the city center. Motorbikes move differently than cars. If you are an experienced driver from a busy city, you will adapt quickly. If you are unsure, choose our driver option and relax.

What is the difference between self-drive (lepas kunci) and with driver?
Self-drive means you get the car and drive yourself. You have total freedom but need to handle navigation and parking. With driver includes a professional local driver who knows the roads, handles traffic, and can offer recommendations. The driver option costs more but is completely stress-free.

Can I pick up the car at Yogyakarta Airport and drop it off elsewhere?
Absolutely. With flexible pickup and drop off, you can take delivery at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), your hotel, or any location in Jogja. You can return the car at a different location. Just tell us your plan.

What is included when I book a car with driver?
Our with-driver package includes the car, a professional local driver, fuel, driver's meal, parking fees, and follow your itinerary.

What if my plans change during the trip?
Jogja has a way of surprising you. Need to extend your rental? Keep the car longer? Change your itinerary? Just call our support team. We are here to help.

Can I rent a car for just one day?
Yes. Daily rentals are available for both self-drive and with-driver options. We also offer weekly and monthly rates for longer stays.

Is there an age limit for renting?
Typically, renters must be at least 17 years old with a valid driver's license. Some car categories may have higher age requirements. Contact us for specific details.

What happens if I return the car late?
Inform us as early as possible. Our customer support team is available to assist.

Your Jogja Adventure Starts with the Right Car

Here is the honest truth. Yogyakarta is impossible to fully experience without your own transport. Borobudur is over an hour away. The best beaches are 2 hours south. The cool mountain air of Kaliurang is an hour north. Trying to piece together taxis and tours for all these places is expensive, exhausting, and limiting.

Don't let transportation stress hold you back.

Rent a Car in Jogja with WAHDAH

Your perfect Jogja journey starts with the right car.

Final thought. Yogyakarta isn't just a destination, it is an experience. The history, the beaches, the culture, the food. They are all waiting for you. All you need is the freedom to find them.

WAHDAH,

Your Ride, Everywhere.

Facebook Twitter