Imagine gliding along the tracks with the comfort of first-class air travel—exclusive private spaces, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of Indonesia’s natural beauty right before your eyes. Luxury trains in Indonesia aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they’re a special experience that combines privacy, comfort, and style all in one perfect package!
Designed to offer an unforgettable journey, Indonesia’s luxury trains provide much more than a standard trip. With adjustable ergonomic seats that turn into beds, spacious areas to relax, and gourmet meals served directly to your seat, every detail is crafted to meet the needs of premium travelers. No wonder this service is the top choice for those seeking extra comfort and privacy on land travel. Curious about the facilities and routes available? Dive into the full review in this article!
Knowing Indonesia’s Luxury Trains
Luxury Trains are the highest class of rail service in Indonesia, offering a luxurious and exclusive travel experience for passengers. This premium service goes beyond the Executive Class.
In recent years, Indonesia’s railway system has improved a lot, especially in interior design and better services. Starting in 2017, Luxury Trains were introduced to meet customer demands. These trains first featured sleeper seats that reclined up to 170 degrees, footrests for added comfort, and private partitions for more privacy.
As interest and demand grew, the trains were upgraded even more. They now offer private rooms, top-notch comfort, and first-class services, making train travel a truly luxurious experience.
Today, there are more than 10 train sets offering luxury services. So, if you’re looking for top-tier comfort, Luxury Trains are the ideal choice!
Want to know more about traveling by train in Indonesia? We also discussed How to Travel By Train in Indonesia and Jakarta’s Train Station: Gambir vs Pasar Senen.
Routes and Names of Luxury Trains in Java
- Argo Bromo Anggrek (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Surabaya Pasar Turi)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Semarang Tawang, Surabaya (Pasar Turi)
- Argo Parahyangan Luxury (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Bandung)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Purwakarta, Cimahi, Bandung
- Gajayana Luxury (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Malang)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Solo (Balapan), Surabaya (Gubeng), Malang
- Sembrani Luxury (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Surabaya Pasar Turi)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Semarang Tawang, Surabaya (Pasar Turi)
- Argo Lawu Luxury (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Solo Balapan)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Solo (Balapan)
- Argo Dwipangga Luxury (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Solo Balapan)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Purwokerto, Yogyakarta, Solo (Balapan)
- Taksaka Luxury (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Yogyakarta)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Purwokerto, Kutoarjo, Yogyakarta
Panoramic Trains
- Argo Parahyangan Panoramic (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Bandung)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Purwakarta, Cimahi, Bandung
- Argo Wilis Panoramic (Bandung ↔ Surabaya Gubeng)
- Stops: Bandung, Tasikmalaya, Yogyakarta, Solo (Balapan), Madiun, Jombang, Surabaya (Gubeng)
- Taksaka Panoramic (Jakarta Gambir ↔ Yogyakarta)
- Stops: Jakarta (Gambir), Cirebon, Purwokerto, Kutoarjo, Yogyakarta
- Sancaka Panoramic (Yogyakarta ↔ Surabaya Gubeng)
- Stops: Yogyakarta, Solo (Balapan), Madiun, Nganjuk, Kertosono, Surabaya (Gubeng)
Want to explore and get around Java? follow our guide for best experience Java: The Ultimate Travel Guide with Insider Tips.
Services on Luxury Trains
What makes Luxury Train services stand out from other train classes? Here are some of the premium features you can enjoy when traveling on a Luxury Train:
Premium Facilities
Luxury Trains offer more premium and private facilities compared to other train classes. Passengers enjoy extra-comfortable seats equipped with advanced features. The footrest and backrest can be automatically adjusted to recline up to 180 degrees. Some trains even provide private spaces with personal doors or partitions, similar to first class flights.
You’ll also receive complimentary amenities, such as a personal monitor with audio and video options, free headset rentals, charging ports, free Wi-Fi, blankets, and warm towels to refresh your face. With all these, you’ll never feel bored during the journey.
Luxurious Toilet
Supporting facilities are also a highlight, including spacious, high-tech toilets equipped with various function buttons, sinks, and even a dedicated area for changing children’s diapers.
Friendly and Satisfying Service
In addition to premium facilities, Luxury Trains provide attentive staff ready to assist you throughout your journey—similar to flight attendants on an airplane. They will cater to your needs, from serving welcome drinks and snacks to delivering meals directly to your seat.
If you require additional assistance, you can easily call for help by pressing the call button located on your seat.
Welcome Drinks and Complimentary Meals
One of the best things about traveling on a Luxury Train is the free dining experience. Passengers are greeted with a refreshing drink, snacks, and a high-quality meal. You can choose from options like chicken or beef dishes, served with tea, coffee, or juice.
If you’re still hungry, there’s a mini bar where you can buy more snacks or meals. For a change of pace, you can visit the restaurant car, where you can enjoy your food while taking in the beautiful views outside.
Executive Lounge at the Station
Luxury Train passengers don’t just get special treatment onboard—they also enjoy access to the exclusive executive lounge at the station. Here, you’ll find a selection of complimentary snacks and drinks to enjoy while waiting, as long as supplies last.
Need to pass the time? The lounge provides free Wi-Fi and a comfortable seating area, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience before you even step onto the train.
Indonesia is now home to its first high-speed train. Want to learn more? Check out Whoosh: Complete Guide to Indonesia’s High-Speed Train
Types of Luxury Trains
Indonesia offers at least five types of luxury trains, each with unique facilities and services to enhance your travel experience. Here are some of the Luxury Train options you can choose to make your journey unforgettable:
Suite Class Compartment Train
This train is known as the highest class of service in Indonesia’s railway system. First introduced in 2023, the Suite Class Compartment offers full-service amenities. Each train car features only 16 compartments, providing an exclusive and private experience. The advanced seats can recline up to 180 degrees, offering maximum comfort. It’s also an excellent choice for those who need to work during the trip. Families with young children will appreciate the spacious compartments, which allow kids to play freely without disturbing other passengers.
You can enjoy the Suite Class Compartment service on the Argo Semeru Compartment train traveling between Gambir Station (Jakarta) and Surabaya Pasar Turi Station (Surabaya), or on the Bima Compartment train on the same route.
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Luxury Train Generation 1
The first generation of Luxury Trains was designed with a “sleeper” concept and can carry 18 passengers. This train provides a private and exclusive experience, with seats separated by high dividers, similar to business-class airplane cabins. The seating layout is 1-1, so every passenger gets a direct view of the window. In this class you also get full of amenities, snack and food.
This train is available on the Argo Bromo Anggrek route, which travels between Gambir Station in Jakarta and Pasar Turi Station in Surabaya.
Luxury Train Generations 2 & 3
The second generation of Luxury Trains builds upon the first, continuing to prioritize comfort and full-service amenities. The main difference is the seat configuration, which is now 2-1, accommodating up to 26 passengers. In 2023, the third generation of Luxury Trains was introduced, offering the same facilities but with a more futuristic design.
To experience the second generation of Luxury Trains, you can choose from:
- Argo Parahyangan Luxury (Gambir, Jakarta – Bandung)
- Gajayana Luxury (Gambir, Jakarta – Surabaya Pasarturi)
- Sembrani Luxury (Gambir, Jakarta – Surabaya Pasarturi)
For the third generation of Luxury Trains, you can travel on:
- Argo Lawu Luxury (Gambir, Jakarta – Solo Balapan, Solo)
- Argo Dwipangga Luxury (Gambir, Jakarta – Solo Balapan, Solo)
- Taksaka Luxury (Gambir, Jakarta – Yogyakarta)
Planning a trip to Yogyakarta? Check out this guide: Yogyakarta Itinerary: 3 Days and 2 Nights, Including Historical Places and Attractions
Panoramic Train
Introduced in 2022, the Panoramic Train offers a unique travel experience with wide glass windows and an automatic sunroof. This design allows passengers to enjoy breathtaking views of the natural scenery along the railway tracks, making it ideal for morning or daytime trips.
The Panoramic Train operates on southern routes, such as those heading to Bandung and Surabaya, which are known for their stunning landscapes surrounding the train tracks.
This train is available on the following routes:
- Papandayan Panoramic (Gambir, Jakarta – Garut, West Java)
- Argo Parahyangan Panoramic (Gambir, Jakarta – Bandung)
- Argo Wilis Panoramic (Bandung – Surabaya Gubeng)
- Turangga Panoramic (Bandung – Surabaya Gubeng)
These are just some of the types of Luxury Trains and their destinations. For more information on departure schedules, visit the official account of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).
Thinking about exploring West Java? Check out Bandung: Ultimate Travel Guide to the Capital of West Java
How Much Does a Luxury Train Ticket Cost?
As the name suggests, Luxury Trains come with a higher price tag compared to other train classes. For a single trip, ticket prices start from around IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 74.24) and can go up to IDR 2,200,000 (USD 136.11).
When compared to Executive Class, Luxury Train tickets can be twice as expensive. However, considering the exceptional service and comfort, which is comparable to first-class flights, the price is well worth the experience!
How to Book Luxury Train Tickets
Booking a Luxury Train ticket is simple and can be done online through Traveloka and tiket.com. You can also book an offline ticket at station ticket counters, please prepare your passport when you book the ticket.
Important notes:
- Tickets can be booked up to 30 days before departure.
- Last-minute bookings are available up to 1 hour before departure, depending on availability.
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Is Taking a Luxury Train Worth It?
If you want a super comfortable journey, taking a Luxury Train is definitely worth it! It’s a great option, especially if you need to work during the trip. The private space and extra facilities make traveling much easier and more enjoyable.
Traveling by train across Java can take 6 to 10 hours or more, so a Luxury Train helps you avoid feeling tired. You’ll get full-service features, just like in business class on a plane, so you can sit back and relax.
What about Executive Class? It’s also comfortable, with wide seats, but it doesn’t have the same features as Luxury Trains—like reclining footrests or the exclusive services that make Luxury Trains special.
So, are you interested in trying the exclusive service of a Luxury Train? It’s the perfect way to enjoy a premium travel experience!
Other Train Services in Indonesia
In addition to Luxury and Executive trains, Indonesia’s railway services have started replacing business class with a new Premium Economy class.
Premium Economy trains offer a more comfortable travel experience with modified seats that provide extra legroom, clean and spacious footrests, and adjustable backrests for added comfort. Despite these upgrades, ticket prices remain more affordable, making this class a great option for budget-conscious travelers who still value comfort.
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