Jakarta to Yogyakarta by Train: An Easy Guide for This Scenic Train Journey in Indonesia

Travelling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by train is one of the most popular things to do for tourists in Indonesia. Taking you past lush rice paddies and rural Javanese villages, this scenic train ride allows you to combine two beautiful destinations in Java in one itinerary. 

If you’re thinking of embarking on this railway adventure in the future, there are a few logistical details you’ll need to iron out first. Here, we break down everything you need to know about this train route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta! 

Also read: Indonesia Overland Trip: The Journey from Bali to Jakarta in 17 Days

What you’re signing up for

Trains are an efficient and affordable mode of transit for exploring stunning destinations in Indonesia. Thanks to Indonesia’s railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), locals and tourists are able to travel smoothly around the country, while paying less than the cost of a plane ticket. Just a few things to know before you climb aboard this train: 

• The train journey from Jakarta to Yogyakarta covers a distance of 530 km. 
• It takes approximately eight to nine hours.
• Tickets can be bought at train stations, convenience stores like Indomaret or Alfamart, or online. 
• Luggage space on the train only allows 20kg per person with the overhead racks above the seat, so you’ll want to consider packing light. 
• Indonesian meals are sold on the train, but you can also buy cheaper food at the station or bring your own snacks to save money.
• You can book online tickets in advance at Tiket. 

Planning your Jakarta to Yogyakarta train trip

For this Jakarta to Yogyakarta train journey, you can choose between three main ticket classes: Executive Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. 

Differences between Executive, Business, and Economy

• Executive Class is the fastest and priciest option, prioritising the comfort of passengers with wider legroom, individual seats that recline, and air-conditioning inside the train. 
• Business Class is a cheaper alternative to Executive Class, having non-reclining padded seats that face one direction, and air-conditioning. 
• Economy Class is a safe and cost-effective option that comes with air-conditioning, albeit with less legroom, non-reclining seats that are face-to-face, and slightly longer travel time with more stops along the way, compared to Executive Class. 

Since your long-distance train journey will take at least eight hours, we suggest going with Executive Class or Business Class. This way, you can enjoy the passing scenery without discomfort or distractions. Also, you’re free to stretch your legs and move around a bit, without feeling any body aches from remaining in one position for too long. 

One-way train tickets start at Rp 300,000 (S$27.66) for Executive Class, Rp 170,000 (S$15.67) for Business Class, and Rp 150,000 (S$13.83) for Economy Class. 

Note: Prices for tickets will vary, depending on the dates of your trip. For the latest updates on prices and train schedules, you can check the official websites of PT Kereta Api Indonesia or Tiket. 

Where to buy tickets for Jakarta to Yogyakarta

For the purpose of this guide, we suggest booking your train tickets online at Tiket. Why? It’s incredibly easy to check train schedules on this ticket sales website. And this is the most convenient option for international tourists, by far! 

All you need to do is activate Google Translate on your browser, translating the page from Indonesian to English. Then input Jakarta or Yogyakarta as your destinations, the date of your travel, and the number of passengers you’re ordering tickets for. Just like that, you can see the tickets available. 

Alternatively, you can also buy tickets from Indonesian train stations and local convenience stores like Indomaret or Alfamart, which offer self-service ticketing machines. Be sure to bring your passport and pay for your ticket with Indonesian rupiah banknotes. 

Note: Tickets can sell out pretty quickly and get more expensive as the date of your departure approaches. Therefore, we recommend that you book your train tickets as early as possible. 

Choosing a seat on the train

Great news: You have the option of picking your own train seat! Whether you book your ticket online or through Indonesian convenience stores, it’s just like choosing from the passenger seats on a plane. Seats that are labelled A and D serve as the window seats, while seats B and C are separated by an aisle. 

For the best sightseeing experience, we recommend that you pick the window seats on any side of the train (A and D). Of course, these are normally the first seats to be fully booked, so it’s important to reserve your tickets early! 

Pro-tip: Avoid picking the first two rows of any train you take. If you’re seated at the front, you’ll be too close to the bulkhead. Here, you might not have enough room to stretch your legs or fully enjoy the scenery outside your window. 

Boarding your train in Jakarta

After paying for your train ticket online or at the convenience store, you’ll receive a confirmation sheet with a QR barcode and booking number. Print out this sheet, or keep it on your electronic device. Once you have your booking confirmation, you can head to the train station. 

Your train station in Jakarta will depend on which ticket class you’ve booked. The Executive Class trains depart from Gambir Station, while the Business and Economy Class trains depart from Pasar Senen Station. To help you find your station, we’ve included both of their addresses below: 

Address of Gambir Station: Jl. Medan Merdeka Tim. No.1, Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

Address of Pasar Senen Station: Jl. Pasar Senen No.14, Senen, Kec. Senen, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10410, Indonesia

Claiming your boarding pass

But wait, you don’t have a ticket just yet! Major train stations in Indonesia use a boarding pass system. Before you’re able to board your train, you’ll need to get an orange boarding pass at one of the self-service machines. Luckily, we’ve included a step-by-step guide on how to do that below: 

• Proceed to the check-in counters at the station. 
• Scan the QR barcode on your confirmation sheet or type in your booking reference number at one of the touch-screen computers. 
• Select “Print.” 
• Keep the orange boarding pass that you will use to board your train. 

What if you bought your ticket directly from the machines at the train station? If you did this less than three days before your departure, the machine will print an orange boarding pass, and you can enter your train as planned. But if your booking is three days ahead of your departure, then you’ll receive a blue ticket. To get on the train, you’ll have to exchange this blue ticket for an orange boarding pass at one of the check-in counters. 

Note: We strongly recommend arriving at your designated station at least an hour before your departure. This will give you enough time to print your boarding pass or prepare for any unforeseen obstacles along the way! 

With that, the train-planning section of your journey is over. Give yourself a pat on the back! Now, you’re ready to climb aboard and enjoy the scenery on the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. 

Arriving in Yogyakarta

During the journey from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the train will usually stop at the following stations: Wates Train Station, Lempuyangan Station, and Tugu Station. We suggest that you stay on the train until you arrive at Tugu Station, which is also called Yogyakarta Station, the central railway station in Yogyakarta.  

Exploring the city of Yogyakarta

After you get down from Tugu Station, you’ll be ready to head out and explore the beautiful city of Yogyakarta. If this is your first time to visit this world-famous destination, check out our list of things to do in Yogyakarta below! 

Also read: 10 Incredible Things to Do in Yogyakarta on Your Very First Trip

Some of the top activities for tourists in Yogyakarta include temple-hopping at Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple, exploring the geological formations of Pindul Cave and Jomblang Cave, witnessing the magical sunsets at Kalibiru National Park and Mount Merapi, shopping for batik at Beringharjo Market, and so much more. 

Summary of travel tips for the Jakarta to Yogyakarta train trip

• Secure your tickets reservations online at Tiket as early as possible. 
• Choose the window seats of the train: A or D. 
• Arrive at Gambir Station (Executive Class) or Pasar Senen Station (Business Class and Economy Class) at least one hour before your departure time. 
• Claim your orange boarding pass at the station. 
• After eight to nine hours of marvelling at the scenery outside your window, you can get down at Tugu Station or Yogyakarta Station. 
• Enjoy the scenic attractions in Yogyakarta! 

That wraps up our basic guide to travelling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by train. Finally, you have everything you need to start planning your own epic train journey! 

Also read: How to Travel Around Southeast Asia Without Taking A Single Flight

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