How to Travel by Train in Indonesia

Traveling by train to explore Indonesia, especially Java Island, is an excellent choice for foreign tourists. You can save travel time and enjoy comfortable facilities, also the ticket prices are quite affordable compared to flying. Additionally, train stations are typically located close to city centers or strategic areas for sightseeing.

As a first-timer, there are some essential things and easy tips you should know before boarding a train. I’ll share some valuable information based on my experience traveling by train, from how to get tickets, understanding different train classes, which stations serve departures, to knowing your destination station, the steps to board the train, and some other tips and recommendations.

Why Choose Train Travel?

The train is the most popular mode of transportation in Indonesia, especially on Java Island. With an integrated network across several regions, taking a train is more efficient than taking a bus.

Indonesian trains are highly reliable, following a set schedule with minimal delays. This makes train travel the only way to avoid traffic jams and plan your day more effectively, especially on the densely populated island of Java.

Types of Trains in Indonesia

In Indonesia, trains are categorized based on distance and routes, such as intercity trains, commuter lines (serving short distances like Bogor to Jakarta or Yogyakarta to Solo), urban trains (MRT/LRT available only in Jakarta), and the newly launched high-speed train (Woss) which currently connects Jakarta and Bandung.

For those arriving by plane, there are also Airport Trains that link airports with their respective city stations. Airports with train stations include Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).

Arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta? Read How to Get from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to City Center

Departure and Destination Stations

Not all train stations in Indonesia offer departure services and it’s common for a city to have multiple stations. Before you travel, make sure you’re aware of which station serves your desired route.

• In Jakarta: The city has several train stations, but only two cater to long-distance intercity trains: Gambir Station (which only serves Executive and Premium Economy classes) and Pasar Senen Station (which serves all classes with numerous route options).
• In Semarang, Central Java: You can board trains at Semarang Tawang Station and Semarang Poncol Station.
• In Yogyakarta: The main stations for intercity travel are Tugu Station and Lempuyangan Station.
• In Southern Central Java: Stations include Kebumen, Purwokerto, Kroya, Maos, Kutoarjo, and Gombong.
• In East Java: Main stations include Gubeng Station in Surabaya, Pasar Turi Station, and Ketapang Station in Banyuwangi.

Not all stations serve every train class, particularly Executive Class trains, which usually stop only at major stations such as Purwokerto, Gombong, Tugu Yogyakarta, and Solo Balapan. Economy Class trains, on the other hand, typically stop at most stations along their route.

Wondering which train station in Jakarta should you choose as a start point? Read Jakarta’s Train Stations: Gambir vs Pasar Senen.

How to Purchase Train Tickets

Buying train tickets in Indonesia is quite simple, and there are several methods to do so:

You can book train tickets online using the KAI Access app, which is available on the Play Store and App Store. This official app is managed by PT KAI Indonesia, which oversees all train services in the country. 

Steps to Book Tickets via KAI Access:

1. On the app’s homepage, you’ll find four booking options: Intercity Train, Local Train, Commuter Line, and Airport Train.
2. Choose your departure location (e.g., Gambir Station in Jakarta) and destination (e.g., Tugu Station in Yogyakarta).
3. Select your travel date. You can book tickets up to one month before departure and as late as two hours before the train leaves.
4. Choose the number of passengers (up to 4 per booking).
5. Click “Continue,” and you’ll see available trains with information about schedules, train names, departure times, and prices.
6. Select your preferred class (Economy or Executive).
7. Continue by selecting your seat number.
8. Review your booking details, agree to the terms, and proceed to payment.
9. Choose the payment method, and pay.

You can also buy tickets via KAI website or through Indonesia travel apps such as tiket.com or traveloka.com.

Buying Tickets at Minimarkets

If you prefer not to book through your phone, you can purchase tickets at minimarkets such as Indomaret or Alfamart, which are conveniently located even at airports. However, while airport staff generally speak English, most Indonesians outside the airport may not be fluent, so it’s a good idea to find someone who can assist you with the process.

Steps to Purchase Tickets at a Minimarket:

1. Prepare your identification (passport).
2. Visit the cashier or use the self-service machine available at the minimarket.
3. Provide the departure and destination stations, and specify your travel date.
4. Choose your preferred train class (Economy or Executive).
5. The cashier will request your identification details and contact information.
6. Confirm your booking details with the cashier.
7. After payment, you will receive a booking receipt with a code for printing your ticket.

Note: An additional administrative fee applies when purchasing tickets at minimarkets.

Purchasing Tickets at the Station

You can also buy tickets directly at the station’s ticket counter.

Steps to Purchase Tickets at the Station:

1. Visit the nearest station that sells offline tickets.
2. Locate the ticket counter for intercity trains.
3. Provide your departure and destination stations, travel date, and the number of passengers to the staff.
4. Confirm your ticket selection and provide your identification.
5. After payment, you’ll receive a temporary ticket with a booking code, which can be printed on the day of departure.

Payment Methods

Here are some specific payment methods available when purchasing train tickets in Indonesia:

Mobile Banking/ATM

You can pay for your tickets using mobile banking or ATMs from various Indonesian banks (BNI, BRI, Mandiri, BCA, etc.).

Steps:

1. Choose the Mobile Banking/ATM payment method on KAI Access.
2. Select the bank that will handle your payment.
3. Copy the booking code provided by the app.
4. Open your mobile banking app and select the virtual account payment option.
5. Paste the booking code and complete the payment process.
6. You will receive a payment confirmation via email.

Credit/Debit Card (Visa/Master/JCB)

Payment via credit or debit cards is also available.

Steps:

1. Choose the Credit Card/Debit Online payment method on KAI Access.
2. You will be redirected to a secure payment page.
3. Enter your card number, expiry date, and security code.
4. Click “Pay” to complete the transaction.

E-Wallets (Shopee Pay, OVO, Motion Pay)

Although this option is unlikely to be used by foreign travelers, electronic wallets are widely used in Indonesia for payments, which can be extremely handy if you plan to stay in the country long-term.

Steps:

1. Choose the E-Wallet payment method on KAI Access.
2. Ensure you have an active Indonesian e-wallet account.
3. Copy the payment code provided.
4. Open the e-wallet app, select the virtual account payment option, and paste the code.
5. Complete the payment process.

At Minimarkets

Even if you book your tickets online, you can still pay for them at minimarkets like Indomaret or Alfamart.

Steps:

1. Select the minimarket payment method on KAI Access.
2. Obtain the payment code, then visit the nearest minimarket.
3. Provide the code to the cashier, and make the payment.
4. Keep the payment receipt for ticket printing at the station.

Note: Payment must be made within one hour of booking to avoid ticket cancellation.

Postal Offices (POS Indonesia/Fast Point)

You can also make payments at postal offices or Fast Point outlets.

Steps:

1. Select the Postal Office payment method on KAI Access.
2. Obtain the payment code.
3. Visit the nearest postal office or Fast Point outlet and provide the code to the staff.
4. Complete the payment process and keep the receipt for ticket printing.

Tip: If you’re new to Indonesia, using minimarket or postal office payment methods might be easier, as international mobile banking services might not work seamlessly in Indonesia.

Train Classes and Their Differences

All train classes in Indonesia are equipped with air conditioning, smoke-free carriages, toilets, and a dining car. The main differences lie in the seat arrangements, the number of seats per row, and some additional amenities, especially in executive class.

Economy Class (EKO)

This is the most affordable option, with air-conditioned carriages and face-to-face seating arrangements (2 or 3 seats per row). You’ll share the space with 4 to 6 passengers, and the legroom might be a bit tight.

Facilities:

• A small table under the window for drinks
• Two power outlets under the seats
• Toilets at the front and rear of each carriage

There’s also a Premium Economy class, which offers more comfortable seats and is a replacement for the now-discontinued Business Class.

Tip: Economy class is popular among locals and tends to fill up much faster than executive carriages, which offer more comfort, especially if you’re over 180 cm tall or traveling with a large backpack or suitcase.

Executive Class

This is the most popular choice among foreign travelers. Executive class offers more comfortable seating and superior service.

Facilities:

• Comfortable armchairs with ample legroom
• Reclining seats with adjustable angles
• Complimentary pillows and blankets
• Larger luggage compartments
• Power outlets and drink holders

There’s also a Luxury Executive Class with even more privacy and comfort, including sleeper seats that can be adjusted into a flatbed.

Secret Seat Codes

When booking tickets online, you might notice codes like CA, CB, CC, H, etc., with different prices, even within the same carriage (whether in executive or economy class). These codes actually reflect the seat arrangement within the carriage rather than availability.

Seats in the middle of the carriage are generally more expensive because they offer a smoother ride with less shaking. In contrast, seats at the ends of the carriage are cheaper since they tend to experience more movement, are closer to the toilets, and can be much colder due to stronger air conditioning. 

The great news is that most booking apps allow you to choose your seat within the carriage, so you can book the cheapest fare and still pick a seat in the middle for a more comfortable journey. This is a smart way to get the best experience without paying extra.

Onboard Facilities and Services

Restaurant Car and In-Seat Food Service

One carriage is dedicated to serving food. If you’re hungry or thirsty, you can visit the dining car or order food directly from the staff who offer meals and snacks along the aisles. Menu items include Indonesian favorites like fried rice (nasi goreng), fried chicken, noodle soup (soto), and other local dishes. Prices are quite affordable, starting from around 20,000 IDR for a meal and 5,000 IDR for drinks.

You can also order food at the time of booking a train ticket, or through this website preoder.reska.co.id 

Tip: If you don’t enjoy spicy food, it’s a good idea to ask the staff for recommendations that aren’t spicy, as many Indonesian dishes can be quite hot.

Pillows and Blankets

Long journeys can be tiring, and you may want to nap. You can rent pillows and blankets for added comfort during your trip. The rental price starts from around 15,000 IDR. However, if you are traveling in Executive Class, you will likely receive these amenities for free.

Luggage Storage

Each carriage has overhead luggage storage for passengers to store their bags. The maximum baggage allowance is 20 kg per passenger (though you don’t need to worry too much about this, as they rarely weigh the luggage) but the space is best suited for cabin-sized luggage, yet the space rather fits cabin size luggages. Unlike what you might be used to at home, there isn’t a dedicated luggage storage area. For more space and comfort, it’s best to book an executive class ticket, where there’s plenty of legroom and your luggage can fit more easily. 

Boarding Procedures for First-Timer

You might be surprised by how complex the boarding process for trains in Indonesia can be. It’s much more makin to the airport experience than the typical train travel in Europe. You’ll need to go through several steps, including security checks and ticket validation, which can take more time than you might expect. 

To avoid any stress or risk of missing your train, it’s a good idea to arrive at the station well in advance and allow plenty of time for the boarding process. Here are the procedures: !

Print Your Ticket (Boarding Pass)

The boarding process begins with printing your boarding pass (an orange-colored paper card) which you need for check-in. You can print it yourself at self-service kiosks available at any train station by scanning the barcode on your booking confirmation or entering your booking code. 

You can print your boarding pass as early as 7 days before your departure date. The latest you can print your boarding pass is 10 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure time.

Face Recognition Check-In

This process verifies passenger details through face recognition technology. You can do this at the station’s check-in kiosk by scanning your face, tapping your ID or entering your details, followed by fingerprint scanning. Alternatively, you can use the KAI Access app for face recognition registration by filling in your identity information and taking a selfie as instructed. The process takes just a minute.

Proceed to Check-In

After face recognition, head to the check-in gate where you’ll need to look at the camera for scanning. Once your identity is verified, the gate to the platform will open.

Note: Listen carefully for announcements about your train’s platform and carriage order. Announcements are made in both Indonesian and English, so pay close attention, especially to the name of your train.

Additional Tips for Best Train Travel Experience

No Standing Tickets in Indonesia

Unlike some countries, Indonesia does not sell standing tickets for trains. If all seats are booked, the train is considered fully booked, and you will need to select another train or change your travel schedule. Standing tickets are only available on commuter lines and urban trains (MRT/LRT) serving short-distance routes.

Scoring Cheap Tickets

Here’s a secret for getting cheap train tickets in Indonesia: download the KAI Access app and keep an eye out for promotions. PT KAI often offers discounts on various trains, depending on the class. Special promotions are available during significant events, such as Indonesia’s Independence Day, when you can even find Executive Class tickets at heavily discounted prices.

Another tip: if you book a ticket within two hours of departure, some trains may offer up to a 50% discount. Consider traveling on weekdays instead of weekends for less crowded trains and better promotions. However, if your travel plans depend heavily on your train journey, it’s best to book your tickets well in advance to avoid any risks or disruptions.

Porters at Train Stations

If you’re traveling with children or a lot of luggage, porters at Indonesian train stations can be a great help. You can hire a porter as soon as you arrive at the station, and they’ll assist you with your bags, guide you to your seat, and keep you informed of any changes. 

When the train arrives at your destination, porters will be ready to assist you again, helping with your luggage all the way to your car or the station exit. The cost for a porter typically starts at around 20,000 IDR (around 1,3 USD).

Summary

Exploring Indonesia, especially Java Island, is more comfortable when traveling by train. As one of the most popular public transportation modes in Indonesia, trains are efficient, time-saving, and affordable.

Booking train tickets is easy, whether you use an online application, visit a minimarket, or buy directly at the station. The payment methods are flexible and can be tailored to your needs.

All trains in Indonesia are well-equipped with essential facilities such as air conditioning, luggage storage, power outlets, drink holders, and toilets. Additionally, Indonesian trains feature a dedicated dining car that serves a variety of local dishes, along with an in-seat meal service.

For a more comfortable journey, consider choosing Executive Class with flexible seats and more legroom. Unfortunately, Indonesian trains only sell tickets for available seats, meaning there are no standing tickets for intercity trains.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore Indonesia by train without any hesitation!