Train Travel in Indonesia

Experience the wonders of train travel in Indonesia! From vibrant cities to picturesque landscapes, Indonesia’s extensive railway network offers a convenient and memorable way to explore the country. Discover rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality as you embark on an unforgettable journey through this captivating nation.

Though it does not cover everywhere, nor is it the fastest, the train network can be quite a good alternative to taking the bus in Indonesia.

Double-tracking has been done on most major congested lines, and the effort is still ongoing.

Types of Trains in Indonesia

The types of trains are Air-conditioned Eksekutif Class (Eksekutif Class), Business (Bisnis), and Economy Class (Ekonomi Class). Economy classes are for the budget traveler willing to sacrifice comfort and safety due to congestion and longer travel time. There are no sleeper trains in Indonesia. Generally, tickets can be bought immediately; if not during the peak holiday season, they can always be reserved up to a month in advance.

Train Travel Safety

As usual, take note of your belongings as the train can be crowded, and theft can be pretty common, especially on overnight journeys, so please lock your doors/bags whenever possible.

Train Travel in Java

Java has the best train railway network, connecting Jakarta in West Java to various other main cities like Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Solo, covering Central and East Java. If you want to get to Bali, take the train to Banyuwangi and then connect with ferries to the island. Traveling by train in Java can be one of the best choices if you are not in a hurry, as the route is scenic; for example, the train that climbs into the hills before Bandung is beautiful.

Train Departing from Jakarta

Gambir Train Station
The most convenient train station in Jakarta, on the eastern side of Merdeka Square, or 15 minutes walk from Jalan Jaksa. This train goes to Bogor, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang and Surabaya. Express train tickets can be bought in advance at booking offices here at the northern end of the station.

Pasar Senen Train Station – goes to the east of Jakarta and has the most economy-class trains.

Tanah Abang Train Station – goes to the west of Jakarta and has economy trains.

Train from Jakarta goes to Bogor, Bandung, Cirebon, Yogyakrta and Solo.

How or Where to Buy Train Tickets in Indonesia

First of all, you may purchase the train tickets at the respective train stations themselves. Still, you may buy train tickets at any Indomaret outlet in Indonesia if you want an alternative. Here, you may need to pay a small fee for the transaction, but it is worth it for saving time and transport money. Before departure at the train station, bring the receipt to the special counter that shows Indomaret on the sign and exchange it for a train ticket.

Alternatively, we recommend buying your train tickets ahead and online at tiket.com. They are a trustworthy ticketing agency directly connecting to the Indonesian Railways (KAI) ticketing system. It’s the simplest way for travelers from overseas to purchase tickets online. Tiket.com does charge a small booking fee.

Also, check out Train Rail Map, Timetable and Fare Price.

Photo credits from top: Burmesedays, Aan Kasma and oktaviono