Many major airports in Indonesia now offer integrated transportation services, including airport trains. Previously, we discussed about How to Get From Jakarta Airport (CGK) to City Center.
And now I’d like to share a guide on how to reach the heart of Yogyakarta from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).
Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia’s most beloved travel destinations, located on the island of Java. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city offers a variety of attractions, from pristine beaches and mountains to ancient temples. It’s no wonder people who visit Yogyakarta often find themselves eager to return. In fact, the city is often referred to as the “Heart of Java.”
So, how do you get to Yogyakarta using the airport train? Where is the nearest station? This guide will walk you through how to purchase tickets, navigate the train schedules.
How to Purchase Airport Train Tickets
There are two ways to buy your airport train tickets: online or in person. If you already have the KAI Access app, you can simply choose the “Airport Train” option. If not, you can visit the website railink.co.id, where no account registration is needed.
At the airport station, self-service kiosks are also available for purchasing tickets. Before booking, make sure to have your passport, a working Indonesian phone number, and an active email address for notifications.
To book your tickets online, select “Yogyakarta Airport Station (YIA)” as your departure point and “Yogyakarta Station (YK)” as your destination. Then, choose your travel date. The system will show you the available trains and schedules.
You’ll have two options: the Express Train or the Regular Train. Select your preferred departure time, fill in your personal details (name, phone number, and email), and for passenger identification, choose “passport” and fill in your passport number. You can also select your seat if you are using the Express train on the app. Finally, choose your payment method.
If the seat quota is full on your desired departure, then select the departure schedule that is still available. All airport train passengers are assured of a seat, so that the journey remains comfortable.
The fare for the Economy Train is IDR 20,000 (approximately USD 1.30), and for the Express/Executive Train, it’s IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3.25). These are fixed one-way prices to Yogyakarta Station. It’s recommended to book your train ticket a few days in advance, as the airport can be busy, and tickets may sell out if purchased on the spot.
Train Schedule
The airport train offers a flexible schedule, operating from 5:12 AM until 9:24 PM daily. Below are the departure times from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to Yogyakarta (YK), and vice versa.
The following is the train schedule from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) to Yogyakarta Station (YK)
Below is the departure schedule from Yogyakarta Station (YK) to Yogyakarta International Airport Station (YIA).
Payment Methods
All payments for airport train tickets are cashless. You can pay using ATM transfers, mobile banking, credit cards, or by scanning a QR code through the Qris payment system. While these options are convenient, the variety of payment methods may be more limited compared to other train services in Indonesia.
Express vs. Regular Trains
Express Train
The Express (Executive) Train offers more amenities than the Regular (Economy) Train. The ticket price is higher at IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3.25), but it comes with added perks like the ability to refund your ticket and select your seat when booking.
The Express Train is easily recognizable by its green exterior, and inside, you’ll find four seats facing each other with generous legroom. The journey to Yogyakarta takes just 35 minutes—four minutes faster than the Economy Train, as the Express Train skips the Wates Station stop.
Regular Train (Economy)
The Regular Train, on the other hand, is cheaper, costing just IDR 20,000 (approximately USD 1.30). While you can book online or at the station, you won’t be able to choose your seat. It’s first-come, first-served, so I’d recommend heading to the further carriages for better seating options.
The Economy Train’s red exterior is distinctive, and the ride takes about 40 minutes, with a stop at Wates Station. Both the Express and Economy trains are comfortable, air-conditioned, and equipped with toilets and luggage storage.
It’s best to adjust your ticket booking to your arrival time, or one hour ahead of arrival to anticipate delays in aircraft departure.
Explore Yogyakarta like a local by using public transportation. For more information, check out our guide on Public Transportation in Yogyakarta.
Station Facilities
The Yogyakarta Airport Station is located on the second floor of Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). The spacious area is also home to shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and a food court with reasonably priced meals. There’s even a playground for children, making the wait more pleasant if you have some time before departure.
The waiting area is comfortable, and if you’ve booked your ticket online, you can check in by scanning your barcode on your phone. If you purchased your ticket at the station, scan your printed ticket instead.
After Getting Off the Plane, What Next?
Once you’ve landed, head to baggage claim, then exit through the main doors. Clear signs in both Indonesian and English will guide you. Turn left and take the escalator up to the second floor. Alternatively, there’s an elevator across from the exit, though it may have a queue.
When you reach the second floor, you’ll pass through the retail area. Turn left again and follow the signs to the station entrance. Check-in at the station, then enter the passenger waiting area.
How to get from the city to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) by train?
The only station that serves departures from the city to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is Yogyakarta Station (YK), better known as Tugu Station.
Firstly you enter the station through the south entrance. If you don’t have a ticket you can go to the ticket office on the right side of the entrance and select the Airport Train counter, then book.
If you already have a ticket you can go to the departure entrance outside the ticket counter, located to the right of the building entrance.
You can also see the directions that show the location of the Airport Train entrance.
Don’t make the mistake of heading to the wrong entrance, when you arrive at the south gate the first train entrance is for Long Distance train departures, then a little forward there are Commuterline and Prameks train entrances serving trips to Solo, Kutoarjo or Klaten. The airport train entrance is in the opposite building on the east side.
Is the Airport Train the Best Option?
In my opinion, the airport train is the best option to get from Yogyakarta International Airport to the city center, given the distance (around 40 km). The train is both time-saving and cost-effective. While a taxi may cost you between IDR 200,000 to IDR 300,000 (approximately USD 13 to USD 20), the train is much cheaper, and you’ll still enjoy a scenic ride through the Javanese countryside.
That said, if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or small children, a taxi might be a better choice for comfort and convenience.
