How to take the train in Java

If you're spending time in Indonesia, taking the train in Java is a must-do experience you shouldn't miss under any circumstance. Far cheaper and much kinder to the environment than flying, this modest mode of transport is perfect for gently discovering the main island of the Indonesian archipelago. All the major cities are connected, and the scenery along the way is simply breathtaking. Here's a short guide that should convince you to choose this option for your next holiday.

A suggested itinerary

After landing at Jakarta's airport, book a hotel nearby to recover from the flight and relax by the pool. The next day, hop on the Whoosh high-speed train toward Bandung. In under an hour, you'll find yourself in a street-food paradise, a stone's throw from mountains, tea and coffee plantations, and hot springs. Later, board a train for Yogyakarta to catch traditional dance performances, explore the magnificent Borobudur Buddhist temple, and take a dip in a welcoming sea. From there, head east down to Surabaya. Once there, you'll be just a short hop from the idyllic islands of Madura and Bawean, perfect spots for diving. To wrap up the trip, climb aboard a train to Malang, where the famous Mount Bromo volcano won't be far off and will dazzle you with its beauty. All along your journey on Indonesia's railways, you'll pass rice paddies and lush forests, as well as small, thoroughly authentic local villages.

Where to buy tickets

Train tickets in Java are very easy to get hold of. First, you can pick them up directly at the station, the day before or the day of departure. Unless you happen to be traveling during a holiday period like Chinese New Year or the end of Ramadan, you'll always find a seat. If you'd rather play it safe, grab your laptop or phone and book online, up to a month in advance. KAI Access, Traveloka, and Tiket are the trusted platforms you can book through with confidence. Traveloka remains the best option for foreigners. When you book online, you'll get a booking confirmation with a reference number. On the day of travel, you'll need to enter that number into the digital kiosks at the station to print your boarding pass — usually an orange document. Careful: the confirmation you receive by email is not a valid ticket on its own. One last thing — local convenience stores in Indonesia also sell train tickets through self-service screens set up in store.

Which class should you choose?

When booking your train ticket for Java, you'll need to choose between three different classes: eksekutif, bisnis, and economy. The main difference between them comes down to seating. Eksekutif, the priciest option, gets you an individual reclining seat. Bisnis offers a bit less legroom. Economy is very wallet-friendly, but you'll be seated in rows of four or six, right next to other travelers. The whole train is air-conditioned, and European-style power outlets are usually available in every carriage.

A few more things worth knowing about the train in Java

First off, there's no need to pack food before boarding the train in Java. A dining car serving various hot dishes and snacks is available on board, and as everywhere in Indonesia, the prices are very affordable for Western budgets, so don't hold back. Another small detail worth knowing: it's not unusual for the train to stop in the middle of the tracks for several minutes to let an oncoming train pass — some sections are too narrow for two trains to run at once. Finally, keep an ear out: announcements in English and Indonesian often share historical tidbits about the places you're passing through. Have a good trip.