Travelling from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by train is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the island of Java. On our family holiday to Indonesia this was our first train trip in the country and we loved it. Having travelled on the trains in India and Vietnam this was a much nicer experience than both of those. This overland journey offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Indonesia while winding through rice paddies, small towns, and beautiful volcanic landscapes. It’s not just a way to get from A to B – it’s definitely part of the adventure itself. Find all the practical information and then find our own personal experience of travelling as a family on the Jakarta to Yogyakarta train.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Why take the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta?
The most obvious alternative to travelling by train is flying. However, the train offers a number of distinct advantages:
- Scenic views: The journey passes through some of Java’s most stunning countryside, including terraced rice fields, volcanoes, and traditional villages.
- Comfort: The trains are modern, clean, and air-conditioned, with comfortable reclining seats and ample legroom.
- Eco-friendliness: Compared to flying, taking the train is a more environmentally responsible way to travel.
- Cost-effective: Tickets are very affordable, especially compared to domestic flights.
- Cultural experience: Travelling by train puts you alongside locals going about their daily lives, offering a far more authentic experience of Indonesia.
Types of trains on the Jakarta to Yogyakarta route
Indonesia’s state railway operator, PT Kereta Api Indonesia, runs several trains daily between Jakarta and Yogyakarta. The three most popular services are:
- Taksaka (Pagi and Malam) – The most popular and comfortable option, offering an executive class with plush seats, air conditioning, and meals available onboard.
- Argo Dwipangga – Another executive class service known for its punctuality and comfort. This is the option we went for on our family trip.
- Lodaya or Bengawan – A mix of business or economy class options, ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
If you’re travelling with family or want a more relaxed experience, Executive Class on Taksaka or Argo Dwipangga is highly recommended. For backpackers or solo travellers, Economy Class is still decent, although more basic.
How long is the Jakarta to Yogyakarta train journey?
The journey typically takes between seven to eight hours, depending on the train service you choose. Most trains depart from Gambir Station in central Jakarta and arrive at Tugu Station in the heart of Yogyakarta.
There are both morning and evening departures, so you can choose a time that suits your itinerary. The morning trains offer the best views of the passing countryside, while the overnight options let you save on a night’s accommodation. Note there are no overnight carriages though, sleeping is in the chairs.
Our train departed at 8.50am which was a really nice time to see all the scenes we passed through.
How to book tickets
Tickets can be booked in several ways:
- Online via the official PT Kereta Api Indonesia or apps like Traveloka, Tiket.com, or 12Go Asia.
- At the station – although for peace of mind, especially during high season, booking in advance is advisable.
Prices vary depending on the class and train, but expect to pay:
- Executive Class: IDR 350,000 to 500,000 (approx. £18–£26)
- Business Class: IDR 200,000 to 300,000 (approx. £10–£15)
- Economy Class: IDR 100,000 to 150,000 (approx. £5–£8)
What is the experience like on board?
Executive Class is the most comfortable. Seats recline generously and have charging sockets (international plugs all accepted and there’s even a USB port between seats). The air conditioning is a welcome relief in Java’s tropical heat. A carriage attendant provides snacks, and you can order hot meals (think fried rice, noodles, or chicken curry) that are surprisingly good value.
There’s a toilet in each carriage—cleaner and more modern than many expect. We thought it was like an airplane loo and there was paper and soap provided. Trains are well-maintained, and staff are really friendly and helpful.
The children loved having the free WiFi on board so they could mix the experience up from watching the scnery to playing some games online.
Economy Class, while not luxurious, is clean and perfectly adequate for those on a budget. You’ll still get a reserved seat, but legroom and personal space are more limited. There’s no power outlet, and the carriages can be noisier.
Our top tip – don’t forget to bring layers, as the air con can be chilly regardless of class.
Highlights of the journey
- Central Java’s green patchwork: The route slices through lush, ever-changing landscapes, from misty volcanoes in the distance to bustling rural markets and endless rice paddies.
- Mount Merapi: You might catch a glimpse of this active volcano as you approach Yogyakarta.
- Local life: We saw farmers working the land, children waving from the tracksides, and glimpses of daily life in small villages that we’d have missed completely by plane.
Travelling by train gave us an amazing start to our time in Yogyakarta, and it’s a moving introduction to Java’s agricultural heart.
Leaving from Jakarta’s Gambir Station
Gambir Station is really well organised and with plenty of shops and places to pick up refreshments. There were various chains including Starbucks, McDonalds and Krispy Kreme. The children loved picking up fruity bubble teas and some chocolate filled waffles.
There were porters to help with the bags if you needed them.
Check out all our top things to do in Jakarta with kids here.
Arrival at Yogyakarta Tugu station
Tugu Station is located centrally, just a short walk or car ride from Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta’s bustling hub. It’s easy to grab a local taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Gojek or Grab.
The station itself is clean and well-organised, with porters available to help with bags.
Is it child friendly?
Absolutely. The train is a brilliant choice for families with children. Kids will love looking out of the windows at the scenery, and having the freedom to stretch legs or walk to the canteen carriage is a big plus compared to a cramped flight.
Bring some colouring books or games for the journey, and consider packing a few snacks and a reusable water bottle.
The WiFi helps for some time online and my daughter brought her crocheting to help pass the time.
What to pack for the journey
- A jumper or scarf – the air con is often colder than expected.
- Snacks and drinks, especially if you’re travelling in economy or with children.
- Entertainment – a book, tablet, headphones.
- Power bank, though executive class seats have charging sockets.
- Tissues and hand sanitiser – we thought it was very clean in executive class but it was still nice to have before we ate.
Our journey on the Jakarta to Yogyakarta train
We loved this trip across western Java. The train was modern and clean and everything ran to time.
The train was so comfortable (we went executive class and had reclining seats, WiFi, clean modern loos, sockets to plug in our electronics etc).
The views across the countryside were stunning – you miss so much by flying. I loved all the little glimpses into the worlds we passed – two young girls stood jumping and laughing and waving at the train from outside their home, the girl with her arms outstretched as we rushed past, the multiple rice pickers, kite flyers, fishermen, women sweeping, laundry flapping in the breeze, children running, adults resting. There was so much to see. The big windows looking out across the landscape provided the perfect entertainment.
As a family it gave us time to just all be together enjoying this shared experience.
Final thoughts – is the Jakarta to Yogyakarta train worth it?
Definitely. The Jakarta to Yogyakarta train isn’t just a mode of transport, it’s a travel experience in its own right. It’s comfortable, well priced and a fantastic way to see the sights of Java.
Whether you’re heading to Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur, Prambanan, or simply to enjoy this beautiful city, taking the train is a peaceful, memorable way to get there.
I was just wondering which platform you used to book tickets as I am struggling to find the best one. Thank you.
Hello, we booked most of our trains while we were in Indonesia by going to the train station. But I think you can try 12Go, Traveloka, or Tiket.com. Have a great trip!