As Ramadan season approaches, mudik, the annual journey home ahead of Eid al-Fitr, is once again set to shape one of Indonesia’s largest travel periods. Each year, the lead-up to Eid brings intense pressure on transport networks, booking platforms, and travel infrastructure across the country.

Using research data from YouGov Surveys: Serviced, this article explores how Indonesians are planning their mudik journeys in 2026, including when they expect to travel, how they plan to get there, and where they are booking their tickets.

Idul Fitri 2026: how many Indonesians plan to [JW1] mudik this year?

Mudik intentions are strong ahead of Idul Fitri 2026. Data shows that younger Indonesians continue to be the most likely to travel, with 61% of those under 35 planning to mudik in 2026, returning to 2024 levels after a slight dip in 2025 (59%). Among adults aged 35 - 54, intent has remained flat at around one-third (34 - 35%) over the past three years. In contrast, mudik plans among Indonesians aged 55 and above remain consistently low, at 5% each year.

Indonesia’s Eid 2026 travel window: departure and return timing

Mudik travel is mainly concentrated in a narrow window around Eid. The most popular time to depart is two to six days before Eid, chosen by 43% of travelers. This narrow window dominates outbound travel plans, with smaller shares planning to leave at the time of Eid (13%) or two to six days after (16%).

Return plans are even more concentrated. Just over half plan to return two to six days after Eid (51%), while around one-third expect to return more than a week after Eid (35%). Only 8% plan to return at the time of Eid.

How are Indonesians travelling for mudik in 2026?

Private cars lead the way as the main mode of transport for mudik (37%). Motorcycles also play a major role, with 24% using them for the outbound journey and 22% for the return.

Public transport options sit in a clear second tier. Buses are used by 11% of Indonesians, while one in 10 opt for trains. Air travel accounts for a smaller but notable percentage of travelers, with 8% flying to get to their destination, and 7% flying to return home.

Mudik booking trends: When are Indonesians booking travel tickets?

Booking for Eid 2026 mudik happens close to departure. The largest share of adults say they plan to start booking tickets or arranging accommodation more than one week before homecoming (38%), closely followed by those who plan to book less than one week before homecoming (36%).

Another 27% expect to start booking exactly one week before departure. Longer lead times are less common. Some 21% plan to book two to three weeks before, and 4% say they will start booking one to three months in advance.

Mudik booking trends: Which platforms are Indonesians using to book their mudik travel?

Nearly half of Indonesians (46%) plan to book their mudik travel through Online Travel Agencies, making them the most popular option this Eid.

Offline purchasing remains significant, with 23% buying tickets directly at terminals. Transport provider apps are used by 15% of travellers, while smaller shares plan to use travel agents (8%) or provider websites (6%).

What will Indonesians be doing during mudik 2026?

Mudik remains strongly centered on family and tradition. The most common activity is gathering or visiting relatives’ and friends’ homes, mentioned by 79% of travelers. Beyond social visits, 63% plan to go to the cemetery.

Many also treat mudik as an opportunity for leisure: 58% say they will visit domestic tourist attractions, and nearly half (49%) plan to go back home to experience regional food. Other activities are mentioned less often, including staying at home (24%) and going to malls or shopping centers (23%).

Download our consumer insights snapshot to understand more about Indonesians' Ramadan habits.

Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online in November 2025, with a sample of 2,012 adults in Indonesia (aged 18+ years), using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by gender, age, socioeconomic class, city tier to be representative of the adult Indonesian online population (18 years or older) and reflect the latest Indonesian Bureau of Statistics (BPS) population estimates. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Serviced.

image credit: gettyimages

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