Indonesia Train: A Travel Guide for Exploring by Train
Train travel in Indonesia is increasingly attracting international visitors as a reliable, comfortable, and scenic way to explore the country. From Jakarta to Bandung, Yogyakarta, Malang, and Surabaya, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is seeing rising interest in its Indonesian railway network, from foreign tourists.
In the first half of 2025, 278,072 foreign tourists travelled by train, marking a 10.5% increase from the same period last year, according to KAI Vice President of Public Relations, Anne Purba.
“This growth shows that train services are not only the backbone of domestic transportation, but are also increasingly in demand by foreign tourists thanks to comfort, affordability, and connectivity between tourist areas,” said Anne in a statement to national media.
Indonesia Train Routes Most Popular with Foreign Tourists
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According to KAI’s 2025 first semester report, certain Indonesian train routes are far more popular with tourists than others, with Yogyakarta emerging as the premier hub. These routes link popular destinations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Malang, and offer various class train options, including economy, executive, and luxury class.
Top 10 Favourite Indonesia Train Routes for Foreign Tourists
- Gambir (Jakarta) – Yogyakarta: 14,977 passengers
- Bandung – Gambir (Jakarta): 14,504 passengers
- Gambir – Bandung: 13,589 passengers
- Bandung – Yogyakarta: 11,325 passengers
- Yogyakarta – Malang: 10,438 passengers
- Yogyakarta – Surabaya Gubeng: 9,562 passengers
- Yogyakarta – Gambir: 8,174 passengers
- Surabaya Gubeng – Yogyakarta: 5,785 passengers
- Gambir – Semarang Tawang: 4,827 passengers
- Semarang Tawang – Gambir: 4,237 passengers
Yogyakarta dominates the list, appearing in six of the ten most-used routes by international travellers. This reflects its role as a cultural and tourism centre easily accessible by train.
Anne Purba noted that KAI intends to “strengthen collaboration with tourism players, local governments, and relevant ministries to make train services part of a world-class national tourism ecosystem.”
How to Book a Train Ticket in Indonesia as a Foreign Tourist
Whether travelling on the scenic route between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, or exploring Bandung via the Whoosh high-speed train, a ticket is required for all train travel. As the main train operator in Indonesia, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI has hundreds of heavy locomotives spread across Java and Sumatra.
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KAI provides options to book tickets online via the Access by KAI application or at train stations.
Booking Train Ticket Online via Access by KAI
Foreign travellers can book their train ticket in Indonesia using a passport instead of a national ID. Here’s how:
- Download the Access by KAI app
- Go to ‘Add Passenger’, select ‘Passport’ as ID type
- Enter name, ID number, birth date, gender, and passenger type
- Choose origin, destination, departure date, and class
- Select class train type (e.g., executive class, economy, or luxury class)
- Enter contact details and preferred seat
- Select extras (e.g. food or transport), and proceed to payment
- A booking code will appear in the ‘My Ticket’ menu
Bookings can now be made up to 30 minutes before departure for intercity trains, or 10 minutes before for urban trains.
Booking at the Station Counter
Alternatively, tickets may be purchased at any Indonesian train station:
- Bring your passport to the ticket counter
- Inform staff of the route, departure date, and passenger count
- Choose a train and provide your identity for registration
- Pay by card or cash
- Receive a printed ticket
This method is suitable for those unable to access digital platforms.
Types of Train Classes in Indonesia
Understanding the differences in train classes helps in choosing the right level of comfort for your journey. The Indonesian railway system offers four main classes:
1. Economy Class
- Most affordable ticket price
- Up to 106 seats per carriage
- Air conditioning, power outlets, and bathrooms included
- Variants include Premium Economy and New Generation Economy
- Ideal for budget-conscious travellers
2. Business Class
- Mid-range comfort with adjustable seating
- Facilities similar to economy, but more spacious
- Seats can be rotated to face the direction of travel or the opposite direction
3. Executive Class
- 50-seat carriages with a 2-2 soft seating layout
- Includes blankets for overnight journeys
- Stops only at major train stations, making travel faster
- Best choice for those seeking extra comfort for long-distance train
4. Luxury Class
- Reclining seats (up to 170 degrees)
- Includes personal space dividers, reading lights, headphones, and drawer storage
- The highest tier in Indonesian train travel
- Perfect for long journeys such as Jakarta to Surabaya
Whoosh High-Speed Train: The Future of Train Journey in Indonesia
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Indonesia recently launched the Whoosh high-speed rail connecting Jakarta and Bandung. A new high-speed line opened on 17 October 2023 marking a major milestone in Southeast Asia’s railway development.
The fast train dramatically reduces travel time and offers a modern, premium experience. This ticket includes access to the feeder train service, which will take passengers to Cimahi or Bandung stations, depending on their final destination. Passengers can book tickets online via the KAI Access app, just like for conventional trains.
Special Fare and Go-Show Tickets
KAI now supports Go Show tickets, allowing last-minute travel at discounted prices. These can be purchased from two hours before departure (subject to seat availability). Note: all passengers must register with valid identity information or NIK for Indonesians, passport number for foreign nationals, including infants.
Train Travel as a Reliable Option in Indonesia
For foreign tourists, travelling by train in Indonesia offers a combination of cultural immersion, convenience, and affordability. Whether you’re planning to travel from a station in Jakarta into a scenic journey through Central Java. Or a comfortable ride from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, or testing the speed of the new high-speed rail in Indonesia, Kereta Api Indonesia has created a transport system accessible to both domestic and international passengers.
As KAI continues to modernise and partner with tourism stakeholders, the future of train travel in Indonesia looks increasingly promising.
