There's no reason to fly around Java unless you want an aerial view of the island's spectacular volcanoes. There are a number of domestic airlines , including Garuda, the national carrier, Merpati, Sempati and Bouraq. It's essential to reconfirm your ticket since overbooking of flights is common. Buses are the main form of inter-city transportation. They range from slow, crowded, ordinary public buses to convenient, quick and comfortable luxury services.
Small minibuses cover shorter routes, backroads and inner-city destinations.
Java has a pretty good rail service running from one end of the island to the other. Choose your train carefully for comfort and speed. They range from cheap, squalid cattle trains to reasonably comfortable expresses. Cars can be hired in Jakarta, but rates are triple those in the West and you'll need the patience of a saint and the concentration powers of a grand chess master to drive on Java's busy main roads. It's best to hire a car or minibus with a driver, and private operators can arrange this for a fraction of self-drive rates.