Without a doubt, a train is still the most preferred transportation option for inter-city travel in Indonesia. Although it takes longer to reach a destination using a train, people still opt for it because the ticket is quite affordable, compared to buying a flight ticket.
Aside from not burning a hole in your pocket, a train journey is fun because you can see a scenic view along the way — things that you may not be able to see if you travel by plane.
When traveling in Indonesia by train, you should consider visiting some popular cities on Java Island. These cities have lots of tourist attractions that can make your vacay special.
Read more:
- Difference Between Rapid, Antigen, and PCR Test, Read This Before Going on a Trip!
- Hidden Gems in East Java Revealed! Read Now for Your Next Visit
- Bandung Culinary Tourism Experience: Mouthwatering Local Dishes
What to Prepare Before Boarding the Train
Just a quick update for you. Before you board the train, you must show a rapid antigen test or GeNose test with a negative result. Check more info about the other requirements here.

When you’re in the station and during the trip, be sure to wear a facemask all the time. During a short train trip, you’re not allowed to eat and drink, except if there’s a special condition. Make sure you’re healthy when traveling.

Where to Go on Java Island?
Now, if you’re looking for inspiration of where to go, you can continue reading…
1. Bandung

Thinking about discovering something new and creative? Perhaps a short-distance train trip can take you there! If you’re in Jakarta, you can go to Bandung by train. The distance from Jakarta to Bandung is 150 kilometers.
There are several types of trains that you can take from Jakarta to Bandung which are Serayu, Argo Parahyangan, and Argo Wilis. The fares vary according to the category.
During the 3-hour trip to Bandung from Jakarta, you will see beautiful scenery all around you. Take your time and have a chit-chat with your friends/ family along the way and have fun!
Once you arrive in Flower City, it’s time to explore famous tourist attractions there such as Gedung Sate, Braga Street, and Dusun Bambu. Don’t forget to try Bandung’s local culinary as well!

Train Ticket price to Bandung: starts from 63,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
2. Cirebon
Another city in Java Island you can explore is Cirebon. Cirebon is a fun city to explore for your next vacay because you can eat a lot of delicious foods there! Empal Gentong is one of the popular foods, which is a traditional beef soup. It’s spicy and yummy!
There are lots of tourist attractions you can visit in Cirebon which are Masjid Raya at Taqwa, Cirebon Keraton Kasepuhan, the Great Mosque of Cipta Rasa, Kejawanan Beach, and so on.

So, are you excited to visit Cirebon? From Jakarta, you can board various types of trains such as Tegal Ekspres, Dharmawangsa, or Matarmaja. You can reach your destination in about 3-4 hours.
Train ticket price: starts from 45,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
3. Semarang
Semarang is the go-to destination mainly for local travelers. Lots of people who work in the capital city went back to their hometown in Semarang frequently using a train. Furthermore, many people also travel to Semarang to explore its culture, food, and historical buildings.
Have you ever heard of Lawang Sewu? This landmark once was used as the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. When you come to Semarang, you can visit this place. Aside from that, you can stop by Semawis to hunt for delicious traditional foods, visit Bleduk church — the oldest church in the province — or go to the Bandungan area to enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking scenery.

Now, how to reach Semarang by train? If you’re going to Semarang from Jakarta, you can head to Semarang Poncol railway station or Semarang Tawang railway station. You will reach your destination in 7 hours 30 minutes.
Train ticket price: starts from 200,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
4. Yogyakarta
Imagine strolling around Malioboro Street in the evening with your loved ones. Or, staying in an Instagrammable hotel in the heart of Jogja. Make your imagination comes true by booking a train ticket to Yogyakarta at tiket.com.
The distance between Jakarta and Yogyakarta is 439.5 kilometers. If you go by train, it will take about 7 – 11 hours, depending on what the type of train you board into. Plan your vacay ahead of time, so you can get promos or other attractive deals online.
Once you arrive in Yogyakarta, you can head to Magelang as well to see the magnificent Borobudur Temple.

Train ticket price: starts from 74,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
5. Madiun
Discover new places in Madiun, East Java. It’s a place where you can get away from the hustle bustle of the city life. You can book a train ticket to Madiun Railway Station. It takes between 10 – 11 hours to reach Madiun. When you’re inside the train, you can see the scenic views of rice fields along the way.
Usually, the train stops at several different stations for a moment. You can grab some snacks in the train station and get back to the train to continue your journey. Once you arrive in Madiun, you can explore some points of interest such as Alun Alun Kota Madiun, water park, or waterfalls.

Train ticket price: starts from 210,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
6. Malang
Malang is a place you would never get bored of, no matter how many times you come there. The scenery, tourist spots, culinary, and chic accommodations are something you would always look for. Thinking about taking pictures at Coban Rondo Labyrinth? Or going to Batu Night Spectacular at Batu City, not far from Malang?


Luckily, you can go to Malang by using a train. It’s an affordable way to get there compared to booking a flight ticket, although the distance is far. Expect to be on the train for more than 15 hours if you depart from Jakarta.
Train ticket price: starts from 170,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
7. Surabaya

Surabaya in East Java is a big city in Indonesia. It’s a popular destination for business travelers and tourists as well. You can do a lot of activities in Surabaya such as tasting its mouthwatering culinary, shopping, or relaxing in a cozy accommodation.
Surabaya is also a beautiful city with plenty of Instagrammable spots. One of the landmarks that you must visit is Suramadu Bridge. The bridge looks pretty, especially at night.
Depart from Jakarta to Surabaya using a train. It takes about 11 hours to reach Surabaya. When you’re on the train, you can relax and enjoy your trip by spending quality time with your friends/ family.
Train ticket price: starts from 150,000 IDR* for a one-way trip
Experience a Train Journey to Your Favorite Destination in Java
If you want to experience something different, you can enjoy a long-distance train journey to East Java. For a more comfortable experience, book for the Executive class ticket. To get updated info about KAI train services, you can check here.
Before you head to those destinations we’ve explained above, you can also book the accommodation at tiket.com. Have a safe journey, t-mates!
going anywhere? tiket.com!
*All prices are valid at the time of writing




