Many people exploring Indonesia as a potential travel destination ask, ‘Are there trains in Indonesia?’. The answer to this question is a qualified ‘yes’.
Remembering that Indonesia is an archipelago of 17000 islands, 6000 of which are inhabited, it’s not reasonable to expect a comprehensive train system. There is, however, a high-quality train service covering the main island of Java and, to a lesser extent, Sumatra.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know to answer the question, ‘Are there trains in Indonesia?’ It will tell you how to travel by train through this wonderful country.

Caveat: This blog post covers long-distance regional train travel. It doesn’t cover commuter trains around Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.

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Advantages of Travelling by Train in Indonesia

Indonesia is a large country, and its island makeup means it also has a popular network of plane travel. Whereas flying between towns can save time, it doesn’t offer the soft advantages of train travel.

Travelling by train in Indonesia takes away the stress of airport security, hand luggage limits and cramped seating. It allows you to see more of the country’s stunning scenery.

Whereas flying may look quicker on paper, it depends on the length of the journey. Airports are usually out of town and require check-in a couple of hours ahead of the flight. Getting on a train has a far lower time overhead, which eats into the advantage of flights.

What are Indonesian trains like?

Indonesian trains usually surprise tourists. They are comfortable, air-conditioned, reliable, and great value.

Booking them can be a bit of a challenge, however. The national train line KAI’s website only allows access from Indonesia (unless you use a VPN). It also requires Indonesian credit cards for purchase.

The best method of booking trains is Tiket. They are an agency that links to KAI’s website. As well as their website, they have a very user-friendly app for phone bookings. You can also purchase tickets at stations, although pre-booking on many trains is a good idea. You’ll also need to show a passport for each traveller.

Indonesian Train Travel Classes

The trains in Indonesia have two basic travel classes, although all three may not be available on specific trains. There is a third (Bisnis), but it’s being phased out, so ignored for the purposes of this post.

Ekonomi Class

KAI’s Ekonomi class is a more budget-friendly, but still perfectly acceptable option. The carriages are air-conditioned with padded seats. The seats don’t, however, have the reclining options of the premium-class carriages.

Most Ekonomi class carriages feature a 2+3 seating format. These are arranged in groups of 4 or 6, facing each other. This is like the seating arrangements on UK trains. The pods have two electric sockets (European two-pin) and a small tray table attached to the carriage wall.

Recently, KAI has rolled out more modern carriages in a front-facing 2+2 format. The seats in these carriages have better padding and recline. Along with power sockets, they additionally have USB charging.

When you book, check the seat map. If it shows the 2+2 format, the train is running new-generation carriages. If this is the case, the upgrade to Eksekutif class probably isn’t worth it unless you want the extra legroom.

Refreshments are available in the buffet car, which is usually a feature on all long-distance trains in Indonesia.

Eksekutif class (EKS)

The premier class, but with varying standards depending on the age of the train. EKS seats are laid out in a front-facing 2+2 format. An upgrade from Ekonomi seats, they recline. Some rotate 90 degrees to both the window and the aisle, and have power sockets (European 2-pin style).

The sockets are usually at floor level, and can be difficult to plug devices into without getting down on your knees.

Most now have an airline-style tray table embedded in the seat’s armrest. This is, however, quite flimsy and small for laptop use.

Some trains have an upgraded Eksekutiv Car. These offer more luxurious seats with almost 180-degree recline. They’re laid out in a 2+1 format, so if you’re travelling alone, you can choose the single seats when booking.

Some routes have even more luxurious offerings. The Eksekutiv Sleeper car offers lie-flat beds of the sort you’d find in the premium cabins on planes. The ultimate, however, is the Eksekutiv Luxury Suite, offering a totally isolated train experience via a closed-off seating area.

Most EKS tickets include food, which is delivered to your seat. A refreshment cart offering (paid) hot drinks and snacks will come through the carriages regularly. KAI trains usually have a buffet car if you can’t wait.

Panoramic Cars

One other form of Eksekutiv car worth mentioning is the panoramic car. These premium cars only run on certain routes.

There will only be one panoramic carriage on a train, so when you book, look specifically for the carriage designation.

This travel class is quite exclusive and only has 38 seats, so book early. The panoramic carriage features large side windows, a panoramic roof, complimentary food and drinks, and extra legroom. The seats have European pin electrical sockets, and turn 90 degrees to allow you to sit facing the window. Although a bit more expensive, the panoramic carriage is the absolute best way to see the Indonesian countryside by train.

The best routes to travel in a panoramic carriage are:

Bandung → Yogyakarta on the Argo Wilis or Turangga

• Rice terraces, volcanoes, and river valleys.
• The spectacular crossing of the Cikuray and Priangan highlands.
• Widely regarded as the most scenic train journey in Indonesia.

Jakarta → Bandung on the Parahyangan

• Mountain scenery begins shortly after Jakarta.
• Excellent views around Purwakarta and the Cisomang Valley.

Surabaya → Ketapang

• Views of East Java volcanoes and rural landscapes.
• Convenient if you’re continuing to Bali by ferry.

If forced to recommend just one journey in the panoramic carriage, it would be the Bandung to Yogyakarta (or vice versa) route. The scenery through the highlands is spectacular.

The Whoosh High Speed Train

The jewel in the crown of Indonesian train travel. The Whoosh ‘flies’ between Jakarta and Bandung, cutting the three-hour journey to a mere 45 minutes.

KAI introduced the high-speed bullet train in 2023. Although it currently only operates between the capital and Bandung, plans are being discussed to extend it to Surabaya. If that goes ahead, the 350km train, the fastest in SE Asia, will cut the 13-hour journey to 4 hours.

Be aware that if you select this train (and you should), it operates from dedicated stations which are outside of the cities.

Luggage on KAI Trains in Indonesia

The limit for luggage on KAI trains is 20kg. Store larger suitcases behind the last seats in the carriage. Backpacks and smaller bags will fit in an overhead compartment or at your feet.

In half a dozen trips around Java, no one weighed my luggage. If your bags are overweight, don’t worry, the excess baggage fees are tiny.

• Executive Class – Rp 10,000 (41 pence) per kg.
• Economy Class – Rp 2,000 (8 pence) per kg.

Do Indonesian Trains have Wi-Fi

Yes, Indonesian trains have Wi-Fi, but the nature of the geography means it’s slow and sporadic.

At best, you’ll be able to receive and send emails, or surf websites. It’s very unlikely to be strong enough for streaming outside of built-up areas. Most Indonesians rely on their phones when travelling by train.

The Whoosh train service advertises Wi-Fi, but when I travelled between Bandung and Jakarta, I couldn’t find it. When I asked the stewardess, she said there wasn’t Wi-Fi.

I don’t know if that meant it didn’t exist, or that it wasn’t working. I suspect the latter, given that the service is ultramodern. Either way, it’s a 45-minute journey, so it’s no real hardship.

Indonesian Train Stations

Facilities at Indonesian Train Stations

As with all countries, facilities at Indonesian train stations vary, but generally, they are good, with clean, western-style toilets, food outlets, and air-conditioning.

If you are travelling Eksekutiv class, the ticket price often includes access to a quiet lounge, and sometimes hot drinks and snacks.

Accessibility at Indonesian Train Stations

Accessibility at Indonesian train stations is variable. Modern stations and large hubs like Jakarta have excellent facilities for disabled or elderly travellers. These have high platforms, ramps, and textured flooring.

Station staff are usually helpful, but it’s a good idea to inform the station ahead of time if you have special needs.

Older stations are more of a challenge for less mobile travellers. Lower platforms make getting on and off trains with luggage more difficult. Access to other platforms and the station exit requires navigating flights of stairs.

At these stations, you may see people crossing the tracks rather than using the stairs. This becomes an extreme sport when other trains are at the station. Travellers will climb onto the stationary train, cross it, and exit at the platform side. If you’ve got luggage, I’d recommend the stairs!

Getting a Taxi at Indonesian Train Stations

The two dominant ride-sharing apps in Indonesia are Grab and Gojek. I particularly liked the fact that both have ‘lounges’ at the major stations and airport. Company staff at these defined pickup points will help you book an onward cab.

Final Verdict: Are There Trains in Indonesia?

So, are there trains in Indonesia?

Absolutely.

While railways do not connect every island, the networks on Java and parts of Sumatra provide a comfortable, affordable, and scenic way to travel. From modern Executive Class services to panoramic observation coaches and the cutting-edge Whoosh high-speed train, Indonesia offers a rail experience that surprises many first-time visitors.

For travellers exploring Java, trains are often the best form of transport. They combine convenience, comfort, and spectacular scenery while avoiding the stress of airports and long-distance road travel.

If you’re planning an Indonesian adventure, don’t assume you’ll need to fly everywhere. Some of the country’s most memorable experiences are found by simply sitting beside a train window and watching the landscapes of Java roll by.

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