Train Travel in Indonesia

I have mentioned many times that travelling by train in Indonesia [and particularly Java] is an experience in itself and a worthwhile one. You are able to converse with the locals and enjoy the numerous antics that generally occur with train travel.

I have travelled on most of the lines in Indonesia and will continue to do so in the future whenever I can. It is far more enjoyable than hopping on a bus and being bored shitless!. If you are looking for a timetable of schedules trains (jadwal) then check out Kereta Api, the train services in Indonesia. Seat61.com has an excellent but brief coverage of the train system and routes in Indonesia:

Sumatra

There are a few train services in Sumatra, but no system covering the whole island. From Medan to Panjang (for the twice-daily ferry to Merak on Java) you will need a bus to Padang (730km, 28 hours, twice daily), another from Padang to Palembang (900km, one bus daily), then a train from Palembang (Kertapati station) to Panjang (daily, 8 hours daytime train. Arrives at Tanjungkarang station, bus connection for final 2 hours to Palembang ferry). Alternatively, you can take a train from Medan to Kisaran, bus to Tanjungbalai, then ferry to Batam and again from Batam to Palembang (3 weekly).

Java

A train system links most main cities in Java, including Jakarta and Surabaya via several different routes. Bookings are computerised, and can be made up to 30 days in advance.

The main stations in Jakarta are Jakarta Kota, often written as ‘Jakaratakota‘, closer to the old colonial city centre, and Jakarta Gambir, often just written as ‘Gambir‘, closer to the centre of the modern city.

There are two main stations in Surabaya, Surabaya Gubeng and Surabaya Pasarturi. Gubeng is more central, Pasarturi is slightly to the north

Indonesian trains have three classes, Executive (Eksecutif), Business (Bisnis) and Economy (Ekonomi). Executive is spacious and air-conditioned, seat reservation is compulsory. Business class is not air-conditioned, seat reservation is compulsory. Economy is not air-conditioned, it can be crowded, and seat reservation is not possible, except on a handful of very long-distance trains

Trains are often identified by name rather than number. Trains with ‘Argo’ in the name are the best services, and are Executive class only.

Jakarta-Surabaya

The best Jakarta-Surabaya train is the ‘Argo Bromo Anggrek‘ service, which is Executive class only, modern and air-conditioned, snacks and mineral water included in the fare. It has comfortable reclining seats with footrests. There is both a daytime service and a time-effective overnight service. However, the night trains no longer have sleepers, just seats.

Jakarta-Bandung

There is a train every hour or two, with Executive & Business class, taking about 3 hours for the 173 km.

Things to consider

Between the cities

There are four unconnected rail systems in Indonesia. In Java and parts of Sumatra, it is possible to take the train between the cities, both large and small. The schedule is infrequent and trains are usually quite empty. But they represent a good alternative to the not so safe buses.

Train stations are conveniently located in the center of the town. Hence, you’ll avoid paying for the transfer to/from the airport or the bus terminals (which are also located away from the city centers).

Executive-class carriages are an excellent choice, with more legroom and meal service. There is also air conditioning available. In stations, there are special lounges for business and Executive-class passengers, with AC, TV and chairs.

When it comes to safety, it’s definitely better to travel by train than by bus. Traveling by plane is also dangerous as most airplanes date from the 1970s or 1980s (and only a handful of airlines purchased new aircrafts).

When it comes to schedule and prices, you can find them online (when/if the site works) but they only list superior class prices. It is possible to book the tickets 30 days in advance. Some operators allow online booking and all allow booking by phone.

Within a city

In Jakarta, commuter trains connect the city center with the outlying regions. They run from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are also special weekend routes. There are four types of train: express, semi-express, economy AC and economy. Travelers are advised to avoid the economy classes.