Indonesia Train Travel

There are a few train services in Sumatra, but no system covering the whole island. There are 4 unconnected networks of the railway system in Java and Sumatra. Two major rail lines running the entire length of Java constitute the most railways in the country.

The train services running across most parts of Java and some parts of Sumatra are provided by PT Kereta Api. The infrastructure for Indonesia train travel was originally built by the Dutch, but little has been added to it since. Among the things done, most congested lines have been double tracked; though with poor maintenance derailments are occasional.

Java has the best railway network with 2 lines running the whole island length. There are lines connecting major cities to the capital Jakarta. The lines connect Jakarta with Surabaya both via Semarang on the north coast and via Yogyakarta and Solo through the southern main line. Bandung is connected to the capital by around 30 trains per day, and is itself connected to Surabaya through Yogyakarta. Trains ply from Surabaya to Banyuwangi, which is connected by ferries to Bali. There are no rail roads to Bali.

Sumatra's networks are concentrated on the northern (Medan) and the southern (Lampung to Palembang) parts of the island. The regularity of trains in this island is much less than that of Java. There are 3 types of services available namely air-conditioned, business and economy class. There are no sleeping cars.

Theft in trains is common; lock the doors of the compartment if possible.

Tickets are available, often up to the last minute, except the Lebaran season. The high demand of tickets in this season makes traveling in trains a little problematic.

The best Jakarta-Surabaya train is the Argo Bromo Anggrek service. It is executive class only, modern and air-conditioned, snacks and mineral water included in the fare. It has comfortable reclining seats with footrests, however no sleeping berths. There is both a daytime service and a time-effective overnight service. From Jakarta to Bandung there is a train every hour or two, with executive & business class, taking about 3 hours for the 173 km.

Train journeys through Indonesia are a pleasant experience with passages through beautiful landscapes, giving you a view of the rural and scenic Indonesia.

Accommodation in Indonesia
Accommodation in Bali	Accommodation in Jakarta
Accommodation in Lombok	Accommodation in Sumba Island
Accommodation in Wamena	Accommodation in Yogyakarta