Balikpapan to Tarakan by ferry
Tarakan lies 516 km (321 mi) north of Balikpapan, in the same time zone. What the numbers say about getting there.
The sea distance is about 516 km (321 mi); at typical ferry speeds a direct crossing would take around 15 h 39 min. Whether one runs, and how often, is in the operator’s timetable.
| Balikpapan | Tarakan | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Indonesia |
| Population | 695,287 | 255,310 |
| Elevation | 67 m (220 ft) | 29 m (95 ft) |
| Time now | UTC+8 (Asia/Makassar) | UTC+8 (Asia/Makassar) |
| Port | Port of Kariangau | port of Malundung Tarakan |
Where to book ferries from Balikpapan to Tarakan
We take no bookings for these providers and hold no reservation with them. The provider you choose handles payment, confirmation, changes and refunds. How that works.
Staying in Tarakan
Live rooms and prices for Tarakan are in the search below.
Book a hotel in Tarakan
Live rooms and prices from our booking partner, booked and paid for here. Free cancellation is marked where it applies.
Common questions
How far is Tarakan from Balikpapan?
516 km (321 mi) in a straight line, north of Balikpapan; by road roughly 630 km (391 mi).
How long does it take to get from Balikpapan to Tarakan by ferry?
About 15 h 39 min, estimated from distance and typical speeds. Timetables and traffic decide the real figure.
Is there a time difference between Balikpapan and Tarakan?
No, both are on Asia/Makassar at the moment.
Where these facts come from
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0): population, elevation, time zone, postal codes
- Wikidata (CC0): area, sister cities, visitor numbers, heritage listings, stations and ports
- OurAirports (public domain): airports, runways
- Natural Earth (public domain): map outlines
Data compiled 14 September 2026. Hotel and hostel figures are from our booking partner’s catalogue on that date. Journey times on this page are estimates from distance, not timetables; check the operator before you rely on one.